Country Office Background

Since 2005, War Child Canada has supported conflict-affected communities in Sudan, with a primary focus on the Darfur Region. Programming in Sudan has included child and youth development, with thematic areas covering Education, Food Security and Livelihoods (FSL), Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), and Protection. Activities were concentrated in West Darfur, with additional operational presence in Central Darfur, Al-Gedaref, and a national office based in Khartoum.

Operations in Sudan were suspended in 2023 due to the escalation of conflict. War Child Canada is now seeking to re-establish its legal registration with the Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC), re-engage with sectoral coordination clusters and donors, and reinitiate its operational presence in-country. The initial re-engagement will be based out of Port Sudan, with the strategic objective of leveraging its institutional knowledge and historical presence in Sudan to resume programming. Future programming aims to address the current humanitarian crisis through integrated interventions in Education in Emergencies, Protection, FSL, and WASH.

Position Summary

War Child Canada is seeking a qualified and experienced Sudanese national to serve as its focal point in Sudan. The successful candidate will play a critical role in re-establishing War Child Canada’s operational presence in the country by achieving the following strategic outcomes:

1. Renewal of organizational registration with the Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC).
2. Establishment of an office presence in Port Sudan.
3. Active membership and engagement in sectoral coordination mechanisms.
4. Assessment and strategy for program resumption.
5. Rebuilding and reactivating organizational infrastructure in Sudan

Responsibilities

Renewal of organizational registration with the Humanitarian Aid Commission

1. Serve as War Child Canada’s primary liaison with HAC and other relevant governmental entities.
2. Coordinate and attend meetings with authorities; document discussions and action points and submit to HQ.
3. Review, finalize, and submit all required registration documents to HAC at both State and Federal levels.
4. Ensure accurate and timely filing of registration materials with HAC.
5. Conduct ongoing follow-ups with HAC and other relevant bodies to monitor progress and address any further information requests.
6. Undertake any additional steps required by local authorities to secure approval.

Establishment of an office presence in Port Sudan

1. Lead the operational setup for War Child Canada in Port Sudan, including office identification, lease negotiation, and contracting.
2. Identify and establish relationships with key service providers, including car rentals, translation services, legal counsel, internet, and mobile network operators.
3. Provide logistical and administrative support for incoming HQ personnel and other visiting staff, including visa arrangements.
4. Submit regular monthly progress reports to HQ.
5. Support operational expansion into new locations based on strategic priorities.

Active membership and engagement in sectoral coordination mechanisms

1. Identify and engage with key stakeholders including NGOs, INGOs, UN agencies, and the Sudan Humanitarian Fund.
2. Represent War Child Canada in relevant cluster and coordination meetings (Education, Protection, Food Security & Livelihoods).
3. Build strategic relationships with sectoral actors and coordination bodies.

Assessment and Strategy for Program Resumption

1. Lead a comprehensive assessment of geographic and sectoral priorities for program re-engagement according to the needs of IDPs and host communities.
2. Identify key humanitarian and development needs and recommend targeted intervention areas.
3. Facilitate exploratory and assessment missions outside Port Sudan, contingent on the security environment and travel permits.
4. Contribute to program design, proposal development, and resource mobilization efforts.
5. Re-establish connections with former War Child Canada implementing partners including CBOs, NGOs, plus former staff.
6. Develop and maintain relationships with potential donors, including strategic engagement on consortia development and regional partnerships.
7. Work closely with War Child Canada’s HQ to inform the design and implementation of future projects.
8. Represent War Child Canada in strategic coordination platforms, humanitarian forums, and regional networks.

Rebuilding and Reactivating Organizational Structure in Sudan

1. Investigate the availability of initial registration documents held locally or the potential for re-issuance.
2. Lead efforts to restore or reconstruct registration records to support compliance and operational continuity.
3. Review and updated banking information, including identifying active or dormant accounts.
4. Reestablish financial operations by updating banking information and appointing new authorized signatories.
5. Determine, when safe to do so, whether existing organizational assets (vehicles, IT equipment, furniture, etc.) remain in-country and assess their condition and availability for use or if anything needs to be filed in regard to their loss.

Qualifications

Experience & Knowledge

1. Applicants must be a national of the country with the ability to live and work in Port Sudan.
2. Demonstrated experience in NGO liaison, government relations, or humanitarian coordination in Sudan.
3. Strong understanding of the regulatory environment for INGOs in Sudan.
4. Proven ability to set up field operations, including office establishment and logistics coordination.
5. Experience in humanitarian programming in sectoral areas aligned with War Child Canada, strategic planning, and donor engagement.
6. Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) in English and Arabic.
7. Strong organizational, reporting, and interpersonal skills.

What do we offer?

We offer a highly competitive salary and benefits package that is commensurate with your experience and qualifications.

How to Apply:

Interested applicants can apply through LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4235886487/?capColoOverride=true