Country Director

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

In response to the Syrian Crisis, Medair’s programme is delivering emergency assistance to Syrian refugees and host communities in Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, and to Syrian IDPs when possible. Lebanon programme is a key multi-sectoral programme for Medair in the Region. Projects are in the sectors of Health and Protection, Shelter, WASH, and Information Management / Mapping.

Workplace         

Beirut, Lebanon. Periodic travel to other locations required.

Starting Date

February 2016

Initial Contract Details

Full time, minimum contract of 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 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.
• Liaise with the Head of Country Programme in HQ on the design of new donor proposals and projects.
• Analyse humanitarian needs, trends and political developments in the country of operation.
• Ensure all programme activities and support functions comply with applicable national and international laws and regulations, including in-country registration.
• Provide input into Medair’s Regional strategy and contextual analysis in the Middle East Region.

Donor Relation 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.
• Liaise with the Regional Representative where funding partners have a regional presence.
• 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, Regional Representative 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, in collaboration with relevant senior field managers and HQ 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 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 location security plans, guidelines and manuals.
• Ensure appropriate security procedures and awareness are maintained.
• 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

• Strong working knowledge of English (spoken and written)

Experience / Competencies

• 2 years post-qualification experience in a relevant management position
• 1 year post-qualification experience in a complex humanitarian emergency
• Experience in the design, monitoring of implementation and evaluation of humanitarian / emergency programmes; advanced planning, assessment and analytical skills
• Experience in dealing with donors and government officials government officials and negotiating joint operations with partner organisations; good negotiation skills
• Experience of representation at national and local levels
• Knowledge of Humanitarian Essentials, Sphere and HAP Standards and other international humanitarian guidelines and protocols
• Good report and proposal writing skills; advanced leadership and project management skills
• Actively looking for ways to improve the quality of Medair’s work
• Committed to team-building and able to develop and support other team members

Medair Standard Working Requirements for the Field

• Experienced professionals in a relevant field; Overseas intercultural experience
• Committed Christians; commitment to the Medair values
• 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.
• Successful completion of Medair Relief & Recovery Orientation Course (ROC)
• Reflect the vision and values of Medair with team members, local staff, beneficiaries, external contacts
• Able to live and work in 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
• Comprehensive 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 allowance)
• Annual leave; Death and disability allowance
• Contribution matching programme for retirement savings (for experienced relief workers)
• Additional contract benefit 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 Conditions  

• This is a capital city-based position with regular travel to field location.
• Working and living conditions are good but proximity to the conflict region has security challenges.

Application Process

Follow this link: www.medair.org/work-with-us (link is external), check if you are an Experienced or New Relief Worker and that you fit our standard working criteria, then:

1.apply for this vacancy (or another position that matches your profile), or

2.apply for a Medair ROC (where we can try and match your competencies to our vacancy needs).

Only English-language applications and CVs will be reviewed.

Medair does not set closing / deadline dates for applications; recruitment is on-going until the position is filled.