Role & Responsibilities

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

The Country Director will assume the overall responsibility for Medair’s country programme, notably institutional donor partnership, and programming with ingenuity. Their success in these activities will rely on an entrepreneurial ethic, their resilience under pressure and capacity to network.

To live up to our humanitarian mandate of “alleviating human suffering by delivering innovative, accountable and high-quality humanitarian action in Madagascar”, Medair MDG wants to ensure that the main elements of disaster risk reduction and resilience building are imbued into all current and future projects. By 2021, Medair will have achieved a successful EWS pilot and responded to any major national disasters between two consecutive cyclone seasons. In addition, Medair MGD will keep looking for increasing the resilience of vulnerable populations in Androy region to lessen the impact of drought and have responded to any humanitarian crisis.

Workplace & Conditions

Field based position in Antananarivo, Madagascar. Take a look at Medair’s work in Madagascar.

Starting Date / Initial Contract Details

May 2020. Full time, 24 months.

Key Activity Areas

Leadership and Management

  • Design and evaluate a country strategy, in conjunction with senior field managers and GSO staff. Consider community needs, donor criteria and strategies and an exit strategy to facilitate the long-term planning.
  • Support and oversee the monitoring, evaluation and reporting on the implementation of the planned activities 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.
  • 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.

Donor Relations Management

  • Develop contact with the in-country representatives of relevant funding partners to secure funding.
  • Oversee the drafting and presentation of all proposals, operational and financial reports.
  • Support the Communications Officers (CO’s) in working with the Engagement team.
  • Be a spokesperson for Medair for both humanitarian government donors and the general public.

Communications

  • Develop and maintain relationships with authorities, churches, donors, media, other NGOs and embassies with the objective of raising public awareness and identifying funding opportunities.
  • Ensure that the Engagement team receives good material for communication and fund-raising activities.
  • Assist CO’s in reaching out and collaborating with media, incl. media visits to the country program, media interviews and press conferences. Ensure that timely programme reports are updated and submitted to GSO.

Financial Management

  • Support the planning and construction of project budgets, with 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.
  • 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 and capability disciplinary action.

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, ensuring that all standardised formats are used.
  • Ensure country programmes are implemented in line with donor proposals and requirements and with Medair, donor, country and international standards e.g. Sphere and HAP standards, WHO recommendations.
  • Ensure frequent and appropriate monitoring and evaluation of programme activities and outputs.

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, prayers, and words of encouragement.
  • Encouraged to join and contribute to Medair’s international prayer network.

This job description covers the main tasks that are anticipated. Other tasks may be assigned as necessary.

Qualifications

  • University degree in a relevant subject such as Management / Development Studies / Business Administration or in a relevant technical subject.
  • Strong working knowledge of English and French (spoken and written).

Experience / Competencies

  • 5 years post-qualification experience in a management position.
  • 3 years post-qualification experience in a complex humanitarian emergency.
  • 3 years overseas work experience, preferably with a humanitarian NGO.
  • Computer literate with good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook.
  • Experience in the design, monitoring of implementation and evaluation of humanitarian programmes.
  • Experience in dealing with donors and government officials.
  • Knowledge of Humanitarian Essentials, Sphere and HAP Standards and humanitarian guidelines.
  • Advanced planning, assessment and analytical skills. Good report, negotiation and proposal writing skills.
  • Advanced leadership and project management skills. Experience of representation at national and local levels.

This vacancy is archived.

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