To oversee all programme and support activities in-country. Representing Medair in all issues relating to the country programme, the Country Director plays a key role in donor relations and manages the country strategy and the project implementation in conjunction with senior field managers.
Project Overview
Medair operates a multi-sectoral programme (Health, WASH and
Infrastructure) in Eastern Congo, in response to acute humanitarian needs. The
country context is changing rapidly and the key to our programme strategy is
responding with agility to these needs as they arise.
Medair
Medair brings life-saving relief and recovery in disasters,
conflict areas, and other crises by working alongside the most vulnerable. Its
Internationally Recruited (IRS) and HQ staff are inspired by their Christian
faith to care for people in need, providing practical and compassionate
support, regardless of race, religion, or politics. Medair has achieved the ISO
9001:2008 certification, worldwide. This certification signifies that Medair
effectively delivers goods and services with a focus on beneficiary needs.
Founded in 1989, Medair’s unwavering commitment continues to bring hope to the
world’s most vulnerable.
Workplace
Bunia, D.R.
Congo
Starting Date
April 2014
Initial Contract Details
Full time, 24 months
Key Activity Areas
Leadership and Management
- Design, update and evaluate the country strategy. Take into account community needs, donor criteria and strategies and an exit strategy in order to facilitate the long-term planning and development of the projects.
- Support and oversee the monitoring, evaluation and reporting on the implementation of the planned activities in accordance with project proposals and logical frameworks and institutional donor policies and guidelines.
- Ensure all programme activities and support functions comply with applicable national and international laws and regulations, including in-country registration.
Donor Relations Management
- Develop and maintain contact with the in-country representatives of relevant funding partners (e.g. institutional donors or private donor organisations) in order to secure funding for the country programme.
- Oversee the drafting and presentation of all proposals, operational and financial reports related to the country programme, in collaboration with the relevant senior field managers and HQ staff.
Communications
- Develop and maintain relationships with authorities, donors, media, other NGOs and embassies with the objective of raising public awareness and identifying funding opportunities and other potential partnerships.
Financial Management
- Support the planning and construction of project budgets.
- Manage the spending within the programme in-line with the approved budgets. Analyse projected cash flow, decide on the timing of major procurements, oversee audits and anticipate where over or under spending may occur and ensure necessary action is taken.
- Ensure sufficient and appropriate controls are in place to prevent fraud and that relevant staff receive the required information and training to minimise the risk of occurrence within the country programme.
Staff Management
- Oversee all HR related issues within the programme including job descriptions, recruitment, performance management, development and training, health and safety, team structures, capability disciplinary action, etc. in collaboration with the relevant staff and managers.
Security Management
- Oversee the updating and implementation of country security plans, guidelines and manuals.
- Ensure appropriate security procedures and awareness are maintained throughout the country programme.
- Take the lead on decision making and contingency planning during security incidents or threats.
Quality Management
- Ensure country programmes are implemented in line with donor proposals and requirements and in accordance with Medair, donor, country and international standards e.g. Sphere and HAP standards, WHO recommendations, etc.
Qualifications
- University degree in a relevant subject such as Management / Development Studies / Business Administration or in a relevant technical subject
Languages
- Working knowledge of French (spoken and written)
- Strong working knowledge of English, spoken and written
Experience / Competencies
- 3 years post-qualification experience in a management position
- 1 years post-qualification experience in a complex humanitarian emergency
- Experience designing, monitoring implementation and evaluating humanitarian / emergency programmes
- Experience dealing with donors / government officials; Experience of representation at national / local levels
- Conflict management skills desirable
- Advanced planning, assessment and analytical skills
- Good report and proposal writing skills; Excellent communication skills; Good negotiation skills
- Advanced leadership and project management skills
- Self-motivated, energetic, hard-working, servant-hearted
- Team-player with good inter-personal skills
- Committed to team-building and able to develop and support other team members
- Committed to consultative and servant leadership
Medair Standard Working Requirements for the Field
- Experienced professionals in a relevant field
- Committed Christians
- Commitment to Medair values(faith, hope, accountability, integrity, dignity, compassion)
- Overseas intercultural experience
- Strong working knowledge of English, spoken and written
- Working knowledge of French, spoken and written for French-speaking field programmes
- Single or married (with no children under 18). If married, your spouse must also apply.
- Competent with Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
- Successful completion of Medair Relief & Recovery Orientation Course (ROC)
- Reflect the vision and values of Medair when interacting with team members, local staff, beneficiaries and external contacts
- Able to live and work with a multicultural team under difficult conditions
- Strong character traits, including emotional stability, adaptability, ability to handle stress, cultural and gender sensitivity, honesty, and physically fit
Benefits
- A salary based upon the grade of the position and the experience of the position-holder
- Full briefing at our Swiss headquarters, as well as an in-country briefing
- Security training for those going to particularly insecure environments
- Accommodation, food, and transportation in-country
- Return flights to and from the country programme (one return flight for every year of service)
- Rest and recuperation (R&R) leave (including travel, accommodation, and food)
- Annual leave; Disability Allowance
- Re-entry allowance for those who commit to longer contracts
- Comprehensive medical and emergency rescue insurance, with up to 60 days post- assignment coverage, including debriefing
Working Condition
- This is a field-based position and working and living conditions may be very different to that previously experienced.
Application Process
Only English-language applications and CV’s will be
reviewed.
Medair does not set closing / deadline dates for
applications; recruitment is on-going until the position is filled.
