Report is available for download).
Domestically, a significant part of our programmes are delivered by
our 3, *+ members and associated **Apply on the
website**+ branches around the country – all supported by a 2
dedicated staff team assigned to enabling, supporting and growing this
volunteer-led work.
Internationally, we create impact through our partnerships with our
fellow Red Cross Red Crescent National Societies which are to be found
in nearly every country in the world as well as with the global
humanitarian organisations that we affiliate to: the International
Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) and the International Committee of
the Red Cross (ICRC).
The last number of years have presented significant challenges in our
humanitarian work (the COVID pandemic, conflict in Ukraine), but also
opportunities to develop to meet the needs of our beneficiaries. The
organisation is committed to a modernisation, sustainability and
growth agenda, and the Senior Management Team, under the leadership of
a recently appointed Secretary General, , and working in an integrated
way with our volunteer National Service Directors are key to driving
this change over the coming years.
Due to the retirement of our successful and long-serving Head of
National Services at the end of *, we are now
seeking to find the right person with the drive, ambition and energy
to complete our Senior Management Team to enable and oversee the
varied domestic work programmes.
SUMMARY OF ROLE
The overall purpose of this position is to provide leadership and
direction for IRC’s programmes relating to: membership, first-aid,
community services, youth as well as community based healthcare (in
prisons), training and a range of specialised projects - whether they
be delivered by volunteers supported by staff or directly by staff.
The Head of National Services will oversee and guide all programmes,
projects and operations focusing on supporting, assisting and advising
the volunteer leaders, the programme and project managers and their
teams to increase the IRC’s impact. The post holder has significant
engagement with the senior volunteer leadership within the
organisation and will support and build effective relationships with
many internal and external partners and stakeholders.
ROLE RESPONSIBLILTIES
NATIONAL SERVICES
* Develop and implement the Irish Red Cross’s (IRC’s)
volunteer-led first-aid, community services and youth programmes as
well as other specialised programmes such as health and social care,
psychological first aid (PFA) and Pre Hospital Emergency Care Council
(PHECC) related training - to achieve strategic goals as well as
enable continuous improvement.
* Provide leadership and management support to the relevant
operations and represent the IRC with statutory authorities,
international/national organisations and key donors.
* Lead and manage a number of direct reports (and, by extension all
staff of the department).
* Support the work of the voluntary National Directors (non-board
senior volunteers) ensuring resources and accountability for work
relevant to their remits.
* Working with the volunteer leadership and the structures within
the organisation, develop and implement a plan to drive and support
the growth in our membership and volunteer numbers so as to increase
the impact of our collective work – ensuring a high quality and
meaningful volunteer experience for all volunteers.
* Working with the volunteer structures within the organisation,
ensure the effective operation of working groups so as to ensure
timely and effective planning, delivery and accountability for
volunteer-delivered operations.
* Ensure there is a full suite of operational protocols, manuals and
training available for staff and volunteers, to ensure the highest
quality and regulatory standards are met and that all staff and
volunteers are adequately trained and supported to operate as per the
latest guidance and requirements.
* Ensure that the highest standards in Safeguarding are reached and
maintained and proactively work to ensure the National Safeguarding
Manager is enabled to be effective across the volunteer and staff
network.
* Provide leadership for a programme of change and upgrading of the
information systems and other technology used within National Services
area (and across the organisation). Such a change also requires the
Head of National Services to provide leadership in promoting changes
in culture and the traditional operational ways of working that come
with a ‘digital transformation’.
* Proactively build and grow the IRC’s domestic network to
identify, build and negotiate relationships with key stakeholders to
raise the profile of the Irish Red Cross domestic work and to secure
funding for key programmes of work.
* Develop strong working relationships and partnerships of relevance
with peers in the International Red Cross Red Crescent Movement –
keeping abreast of the latest developments affecting the programmes
relevant for this role, including policy, regulatory and quality
matters.
* Work closely with the Head of Fundraising to secure required
resources, ensuring their effective use while promoting an accountable
team approach with a focus on creating quality impacts for our
beneficiaries and reporting on same in a comprehensive and timely
manner.
SENIOR MANAGEMENT
* Contribute as a senior leader on the senior management team,
providing strategic as well as operational guidance, direction and
support across the whole organisation as well as in own area of
responsibility.
* Proactively support ‘whole-of-organisation’ integration of
work across the organisation, with SMT colleagues and other managers.
* Prepare and manage budgets for all areas within responsibility.
* Work actively and collaboratively with colleagues towards the
achievement of the Irish Red Cross goals as set out in our strategy.
OTHER
* Undertake training and development as required ensuring
professional development opportunities are taken up by team members.
* Abide by and uphold the Principles of the International Red Cross
Red Crescent Movement. 3. Undertake any other reasonable work-related
duties and responsibilities assigned by the Secretary General that are
consistent with the nature of the job and level of responsibility.
ROLE REQUIREMENTS
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
* 7 years’+ experience at management level in the area of volunteer
management / community development / membership organisation
* Strong people skills especially managing the work of teams and
individuals to ensure quality and timeliness of outputs.
* Track record in working with volunteers and leading teams
comprising volunteers and staff.
* Track record of bringing a very diverse group of stakeholders
together to work to achieve a common purpose.
* Proven track record of leading in a complex environment with the
highest standards of governance and compliance
* Track record in growth: e.g. by numbers of members / by impact /
by growth in reach.
* Excellent written and communication skills
* Independent judgement, political acumen and discretion
* Experience of working in the voluntary sector
* Experience working with Government Departments.
* High levels of tolerance for organisational change and
uncertainty.
DESIRABLE CRITERIA
* Experience in business development
* Experience in organisational change, growth & transformation
* Experience in policy development and advocacy
* Familiarity with the Red Cross Red Crescent movement
* Experience with safeguarding responsibilities.
* Professional Qualifications in relevant areas to a minimum of
Degree level or equivalent
FURTHER INFORMATION
The Irish Red Cross offers the following benefits for this tole in
addition to salary:
* A 5% employers' contribution to a company contributory pension
scheme
* Annual Leave of * days.
* Closure of the office on Good Friday, plus two additional
‘privilege days’ to be used at Easter and Christmas respectively.
* Death in Service benefit of four times salary
* Flexible working hours, including opportunities for hybrid working
(Hybrid Working Policy is for three days a week in the office in
Merrion Square)
* Further education, training and learning supports
* Professional subscriptions (as applicable)
* Travel (bike-to-work schemes/tax saver commuter tickets)
The Irish Red Cross is an equal opportunities employer. We value
diversity and aspire to reflect this in our workforce. We welcome
applications for people from all sections of the community,
irrespective of gender, civil status, family status, sexual
orientation, religion, age, disability, race or membership of the
Traveller community. This role requires applicants to have the right
to work in Ireland.
Note that due to the nature of a volunteer-led organisation, many
meetings requiring the presence of the Head of National Services are
held evenings and weekends. The value and flexibility of the benefits
package for this role reflects appropriate compensation for the
flexibility and weekend / evening time that will be required.
APPLICATION PROCESS
TO APPLY FOR THIS ROLE, PLEASE FORWARD A COPY OF YOUR CV, TOGETHER
WITH A COVER LETTER THAT CLEARLY SETS OUT HOW YOU MEET THE ESSENTIAL
AND DESIRABLE CRITERIA FOR THIS ROLE TO: **APPLY ON THE WEBSITE**.
PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT A CV WITHOUT A COVER LETTER THAT CLEARLY SETS OUT
HOW YOU MEET THE ESSENTIAL CRITERIA FOR THE ROLE.
Your email should contain HEAD OF NATIONAL SERVICES in the subject
line. Applications should be in .pdf or MS Word format, and with file
names in the following format:
The closing date for applications is 5PM ON MONDAY 2ND OCTOBER **APPLY
ON THE WEBSITE** AT **APPLY ON THE WEBSITE**.**APPLY ON THE
WEBSITE**AM
Shortlisting for interviews will be based on the essential criteria
for this role.
It is intended to hold the first interviews for this role for
shortlisted candidates on THURSDAY **APPLY ON THE WEBSITE**TH OCTOBER.
Please note that there will be a second round of interviews on **APPLY
ON THE WEBSITE**TH OR **APPLY ON THE WEBSITE**TH OCTOBER for those
candidates who are successful at progressing to this stage.
We need : English (Good)
Type: Permanent
Payment:
Category: Others
