Head of Strategy & Learning

Organisation Description: Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe e.V. is a German Christian non-governmental organisation, dedicated to excellence in the field of first aid, ambulance service, social service programmes and other projects in the medical and social field. Johanniter International Assistance (JIA) is the operational unit for humanitarian aid. The Federal Headquarters (HQ) is based in Berlin, Germany. Our Global Strategy 2027 focuses on three programmatic working areas: disaster response and preparedness, health and livelihoods, with climate change and gender equality as crosscutting issues. www.thejohanniter.org. Our commitment to a partnership approach and localisation agenda is based on mutual learning, respect and trust. We prioritise accountability, inclusivity and safeguarding in our work.

Overall Job Purpose

In order to deliver the 2027 strategy, Johanniter International Assistance will focus on further improving programme quality, investing in learning and development and strengthening its partnership approach.

Within this framework, the Head of Strategy & Learning will:

• Lead the overall process to operationalize and monitor the Johanniter International Assistance Strategy 2027

• Lead introduction and coordination of an impact assessment- and organisational learning system across JIA

• Lead the S&L team in providing advisory services and ensuring technical support for all our country offices

• Lead the definition and implementation of the JIA partnership approach.

What you will do:

Strategy and Vision

• Actively support the values of Johanniter and shape the Strategy & Learning Desk accordingly
• Contribute to the management and leadership of Johanniter International Assistance, as member of the Senior Management Team and International Leadership Group
• Lead the operationalization, monitoring and review of the Global Strategy, including definition of strategic KPI at all levels and report directly to the Director to this end
• Provide support to ensure that the Global Strategy is understood throughout JIA and Head Office
• Provide support to ensure that Head Office and country strategies are developed, planned and monitored in line with the global framework

Strategic Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation

• Supervise PMEAL & Partnerships Advisor to develop and roll out JIA partnership approach
• Supervise the Health Advisor(s) and Livelihoods Advisor(s) and works closely with colleagues at the Emergency Desk to ensure technical guidance is developed and delivered for the achievement of JIA programme objectives

Learning and Development

• Lead the development and operationalisation of an organisational learning system
• Promote documentation and sharing of programme impact and learning
• Support teams across the organisation in regular strategic review and team learning processes

Finance & HR and Team Management

• Line manage staff with different areas of expertise; at the same office location and over a distance
• Responsible for budgeting and monitoring of the desk budget

Communication and Representation

• Cooperate closely with the communication department to support sharing of relevant information for external and internal publications and ensuring regular internal communication
• Represent Johanniter International Assistance (JIA) in relevant bodies and networks, externally and internally

Interface with other Desks

• Ensure effective regular exchange and collaboration with all other desks at Head Office, GSU and Country Office level
• Support the establishment and effective implementation of strong peer-to-peer support between all levels of the organisation and in particular across Country Offices
• Promote best practices in planning, monitoring, evaluation and learning

What you bring:

• Academic degree (MA / MSc) in a relevant field
• At least 10 years of experience in a humanitarian or development context, at HO and CO level, and minimum 5 years in a leadership position
• In-depth knowledge and 5 years work experience in strategy development and implementation
• Relevant experience in external representation and networking at senior level and in the field
• Relevant experience in working in network organisations and/or association structures
• Proven ability to drive continuous improvement and develop new ways of working
• Highly developed relationship building, influencing, negotiating and interpersonal skills
• Adaptable working style; effective in situations that may appear ambiguous, clear thinker, remains calm & focussed under pressure
• Excellent people management skills (remote, matrix)
• Proven skills in change management and leading processes of organisational development
• Assertiveness and persuasiveness, consulting skills and training experience
• Strategic and analytical thinking combined with a drive to shape the organisation
• Ability to deal with conflicts, manage resistance
• Excellent diplomatic communication skills
• Willingness to travel and work in high risk contexts
• Fluent in German and English. Good knowledge in French/Spanish is an advantage