Country Director

Role Overview

The Country Director oversees 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 has been operating in Afghanistan since 1996 and is implementing multi-sectoral projects in health and nutrition, WASH and food security in vulnerable communities in the Central Highlands and Southern Afghanistan.  

Key Activity Areas

Leadership and Management

• Design, update and evaluate the country strategy, in conjunction with the relevant senior field managers and GSO staff. 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 in the country
• Support and oversee the monitoring, evaluation and reporting on the implementation of the planned activities in accordance with the project proposals and logical frameworks and institutional donor policies and guidelines
• Manage the overall programme and support functions, including reviewing and refining the management structures and overseeing the development and maintenance of operational procedures for individual projects and support functions
• Analyse humanitarian needs, trends and political developments in the country of operation and the surrounding region in order to anticipate new projects and initiatives
• 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 GSO 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
• Ensure that the Engagement Department receives appropriate material for communication and fund-raising activities
• Ensure that timely programme reports are updated and submitted to GSO

Financial Management

• Support the planning and construction of project budgets, in collaboration with relevant senior field managers and GSO staff
• 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
• Reflect the vision and values of Medair when interacting with team members and provide them with leadership, advice, support and appropriate communication.  

Security Management

• Oversee the updating and implementation of country location 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

• Promote and use the Medair e-library and other operating procedures, ensuring that all standardised formats are used and guidelines are followed
• Ensure country programmes are implemented in line with donor proposals and requirements and in accordance with Medair, donor, country and international standards e.g. CH and, Sphere standards, WHO recommendations, etc.
• Ensure frequent and appropriate monitoring and evaluation of programme activities and outputs, implementing corrective actions as required

Team Spiritual Life

• Reflect the values of Medair with team members, local staff, beneficiaries, and external contacts.
• Work, live, and pray together in our Christian faith- based team settings. Fully contribute to the rich spiritual life of your team, including team devotions, prayer, and words of encouragement.
• Encouraged to join and contribute to Medair’s international prayer network.

Qualifications

• University degree in a relevant subject such as Management / Development Studies / Business Administration or in a relevant technical subject
• Excellent English (spoken and written)

Experience

• 3 years post-qualification experience in a management position
• 1 year post-qualification experience in a complex humanitarian emergency
• Self-motivated, energetic, hard-working, servant-hearted
• Capacity to work under pressure and manage personal stress levels
• Able to cope with basic living conditions in the field and during field trip
• Experience in the design, monitoring of implementation and evaluation of humanitarian / emergency programme
• Advanced leadership and project management skills
• Experience of representation at national and local levels
• Experience in dealing with donors and government officials