Mali: Country Director
Country: Mali
Closing date: 17 Mar 2014
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. The IRC leads the way from harm to home.
IRC began its programs in Mali in April 2012. First led by an emergency response team, the IRC conducted rapid evaluations of humanitarian needs with local partners, communities, and government partners in both northern and southern Mali. The IRC subsequently launched programs in education, nutrition, water and sanitation, and the child protection sectors in Koulikoro and Gao regions.
IRC currently has an operational presence in the Koulikoro, Mopti, Gao, and Kidal regions. IRC’s programs are integrated and multi-sectoral, primarily focused on nutrition, water and sanitation, youth and livelihood, child protection, women’s protection and empowerment and economic recovery and development. As of December 2013, IRC Mali employs 232 staff members, 221 national staff and 11 expatriates.
Job Overview/Summary:
The Country Director will provide the strategic vision and leadership for the country program. S/he is responsible for ensuring the design and delivery of quality programs, donor and government relations, fundraising and budget management, security and operations management, and developing a motivated and professional team. Reporting to the Regional Director, the Country Director will work closely with, and receive support from regional and headquarters program technical units, safety and security services, and regional finance and operations staff. This position is accompanied and based in Bam ako, Mali.
Major Responsibilities:
Strategic Planning and Management
* In partnership with the regional team, the Country Directors in Niger and Chad, and he technical units, incorporate elements of the regional Sahel Strategy into Mali programming and build IRC Mali’s capacity in resilience programming
* Work closely with the Regional Director and regional team members in New York and the UK, to develop strategic direction and plan for the country program, focusing on the post-crisis period. The country direct will be expected to help transform programming and operational systems to meet the long-term developmental needs of IRC”s beneficiaries, focusing on development programming rather than emergency humanitarian assistance.
* Ensure that structures and systems are in compliance with IRC standards, and that they support program delivery and promote management coordination and efficiency throughout the country prog ram
Program Quality & Development
* Develop program strategies in accordance with IRCs mission, program framework, and technical unit competencies
* Ensure that program designs are based on a detailed contextual understanding of the Mali environment and incorporate lessons learned.
* Ensure the consistent use of well managed assessment, design and proposal development processes
* Promote a team approach and positive learning environment utilizing headquarters, country program and operations staff and partners to consistently enhance the quality of design and implementation
* Ensure submission of appropriate, timely, and high quality proposals and lead required donor negotiations
Key Partner, Donor Relations and Advocacy
* Develop IRC as a partner of choice for major in country and international donors
* Develop and form consortia with key international NGOs and other aid providers to meet the complex needs of IRC’s beneficiaries.
* Evaluate local NGOs for potential partnership opportunities
* Develop and maintain a high level of understanding of donor priorities, country plans and planned funding initiatives
* Maintain and expand participation, communication, and advocacy with key donors, host government, local stakeholders and relevant policy and coordinating bodies, notably the UN structures in Mali and other Mali-based donor representatives
* Work with IRC offices in Washington, Geneva, New York and London on key advocacy messages related to the situation in Mali and the wider Sahel region.
* Maintain relationship with External Relations and conduct media interviews as required.
Fundraising and Budget Management
* Develop and maintain strong relationships with in country and international donors to ensure consistent and diverse funding sources
* Monitor and identify approp riate sources for match fund requirements and coverage of funding gaps
* Provide timely and effective oversight of the financial position of the country program including identification and implementation of required changes to match funding levels
* Ensure that monthly financial reports are reviewed and appropriate coordination meetings conducted
* Maintain effective and coordinated budget monitoring processes for grant funds and discretionary funds
Operations and Security Management
* Work with country senior management team to ensure the development, implementation and monitoring of financial and operational policies and procedures to ensure constant compliance with IRC and donor policies across the program
* Promote coordination and teamwork between program and operations staff to improve quality of proposal submissions and program delivery
* Ensure security protocols including contingency plans are updated, implemented, and respected by all staff at the county and individual field office level.
* Build collaborative and productive relationships with key security contacts in Mali to facilitate access to important security information, monitor the situation in the North and implement procedures to protect national and partner staff and mitigate risk.
Human Resource Management, Staff Development & Retention
* Develop a positive work environment for all staff supported by a professional level human resource management function
* Support and hold management staff accountable for providing staff development opportunities and planning
* Oversee and lead in all expatriate recruitments and monitor recruitment, management, and disciplinary policies and practices with national staff
Job Requirements:
* Master degree in relevant field;
* At least five years of international work experienc e covering both emergency and post-conflict development programming; prior experience in Africa
* Extensive program development and fund raising experience, prior experience with European, US and international donors;
* Strong human resource management skills;
* Previous budget and fiscal oversight responsibilities;
* Experience in Africa and n keen understanding of political complexities in the region
* Ability to work and live in a complex and insecure environment
* French fluency required (both oral and written) with strong English proficiency
How to apply:
http://www.aplitrak.com/?adid=a2ltbC44MTM5NS4zODMwQGlyYy5hcGxpdHJhay5jb20
