The Health Support Organisation (THESO) is a leading 501 (3) (C) registered South Sudanese based international nongovernmental, non-profit organisation dedicated to saving lives and relieving suffering in Low Middle Income Countries (LMICs). Our mission is to implement evidence-based, culturally Sensitive, innovative projects promoting health, according to perceived public health needs and priorities as understood through quality research. THESO 2030 strategy is contributing to achieving global strategies 2030 Sustainable Development Goals 3, 4 and 6 set targets and beyond in LMICs. To establish well-performing sustainable health system, Education system, and WASH system in developing countries, THESO is working with governments, UN Agencies and other stakeholders to achieves resilience and sustained outcomes through continuous improvement of the four sectors of Health, Nutrition, Education, WASH and Research.
Context and Background
THESO has been working in South Sudan since mid 2008, and currently runs 4 field programme offices in Africa. THESO strategic plan (2021 – 2025) includes expansion of its programme to other countries, deepen its working relationship with host governments partners at all levels, develop a gradual exit strategy to allow the smooth transfer of specific facilities to government, and support affected people with emergency response, recovery and resilience programmes. The primary focus of THESO South Sudan programme is integrated healthcare, Education, WASH, and community based and health facilities-based management of malnutrition. The special emphasis is given to maternal and child health care services. Using our expertise, we support aid workers and strengthen existing services. We build resilience by helping societies at risk of future disasters, to be better prepared.
We believe that everyone has the right to access and utilise free public health services with dignity. We believe good health is fundamental to transforming societies in transition that’s why THESO is a Force for Health to build healthy communities.
THESO is seeking to recruit a Country Director for its South Sudan programme to be based in Juba. The Country Director (CD) must have strong strategic leadership and fundraising skills to manage and grow a portfolio of projects. The CD is responsible for meeting the projects’ technical objectives, managing financial resources, managing programme staff, managing partnering agreements, maintaining good working relationships with host government officials and local partners, managing donor reporting and ensuring a high-quality delivery of services.
S/he must also ensure that systems are in place and being properly implemented, ensuring that all THESO’s activities and programmes are in alignment with THESO policies and guidelines. The CD oversees the proper stewardship of resources as well as the wellbeing and safety of THESO staff.
S/he is responsible for all senior representation work with the local government, the donor community as well as other stakeholders in the country.
S/he reports to the Chief Executive
Specific Duties Programme and new business development**
• Oversee country office programming to ensure the effective and efficient delivery and implementation of projects and are in line with THESO's and donors’ standards for program quality.
• Serve as team leader charged with the day-to-day execution of the programme; undertake the timely deployment of financial and human resources for programme success and attainment of desired results/indicators.
Ensure that all project deliverables are met in a high quality, cost effective and timely fashion.
• Ensure that THESO continues to develop and strengthen programmes based on strategic analysis of the local country context. Generate financially viable programme pipeline in line with THESO strategy and assist in identifying and securing funding for those programmes. Involve THESO Board of Directors and THESO programme, grants, management and other staff in identifying and pursuing new business opportunities.
• Ensure that proper programme monitoring and evaluation systems are in place.
• Promote a learning environment within the country office that facilitates two- way learning with various stakeholders. Facilitate and/or participate in learning communities and task forces.
• Coordinate/arrange all technical and capacity development assistance and training activities under the programme.
• Document and disseminate methodologies and results that can inform the wider THESO community (such as evaluation documents, consultant reports, workshop reports, etc.). Share and promote these resources through a variety of means (including e-mail, brown bags, the Intranet, etc.).
• Coordinate in-country marketing and promotion of THESO. Ensure strategic growth for THESO in line with strategic plan and/or theory of change.
• As applicable, make periodic visits to field sites, to monitor the status of projects.
Strategic Planning
• Participate in THESO worldwide strategic planning processes.
• Lead the preparation and implementation of a high quality country-office strategic plan appropriate for the local and regional context, complementary to government & donor development plans and in line with THESO’s overall vision and mission. Develop the plan in an inclusive and participatory process.
• Ensure understanding of strategic plan and approaches by all staff and key stakeholders.
• Ensure strategic plan is properly monitored and modified as required.
• Oversee the development of an annual operating plan that is drafted in an open and participatory manner and is line with the strategic plan
• Oversee periodic review of the operating environment and adjust strategic plan accordingly.
Networking and Collaboration
• Ensure strong cooperation and collaboration with partners, donors, government, and other key stakeholders as a base for building/maintaining/expanding a sustainable country and regional programme
• Coordinate and collaborate with THESO HQ and THESO’s regional staff. Promote similar collaboration amongst local THESO staff.
• Contribute strategically, through participation, in relevant, existing forums in building a vibrant civil society sector and influencing policy.
• Maintain and expand senior external relations with government, community, civil society, and international stakeholders.
• Represent local THESO operations to THESO Board of Directors.
• Assure smooth flow of information from THESO HQ to staff and vice versa.
Finance, Administration, Grants and IT
• Provide oversight for all administrative and financial operations to support the programmes.
• Consistently monitor the country office’s financial position and ensure the best use of available resources. This includes overseeing the development and review of country office annual budget and project budgets, oversight of financial transactions and reports, maximizing cost recovery from restricted grants.
• Maintain up to date understanding and adherence to THESO’s policies and procedures amongst all country office staff.
• Ensure adequate internal controls are in place to protect the country office’s financial and non-monetary assets and to ensure the resources are used in accordance with donor terms and conditions.
Review and follow-up on internal and external audit recommendations
• Ensure the country office operations are conducted in accordance with all statutory and tax requirements.
• Oversee an efficient, transparent grants making process under the program; assure timely and high-quality monitoring of and reporting by sub grantees.
• In coordination with THESO HQ, negotiate contracts, grants, cooperative agreements and their modifications or extensions
• Oversee the work of the implementing partners and monitor for compliance with sub agreements or subcontracts.
Human Resources
• In cooperation with THESO Finance & Operations Advisor, oversee the management and development of country office human resources to ensure a diverse, skilled and productive workforce and promote an organisational culture where THESO’s values are practiced.
• Provide proper supervision and management for all direct reports and oversee the establishment and functioning of a strong, effective senior leadership team. Ensure timely and quality inputs by staff and consultants.
• Ensure strong human resource strategies and systems are in place and are properly implemented in areas such as recruitment, staff development, and performance management.
• Ensure appropriate workplace policies to ensure fairness and equity are developed and used (e.g. policies related to HIV/AIDS, sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, etc.)
• In cooperation with THESO Finance & Operations Advisor, oversee the establishment and regular review of compensation package to ensure competitiveness.
• Actively promote staff wellness by monitoring country office organisational health and taking corrective actions as needed.
• Ensure the proper implementation of THESO’s performance management system for direct reports. This can include: proactively addressing performance issues through regular, constructive and honest feedback and coaching and identifying necessary staff development for direct reports.
• Oversee the recruitment and orientation of new senior staff.
• Support continued growth of local staff through strategic, deliberate internal capacity building
• Ensure levels of authority and responsibility are clearly defined, understood and followed within the country office.
• Invest in consistent team building to increase cohesion between staff in all geographic areas of the country.
• Lead the management of Security and Safety Administration by developing and updating a staff and asset security plan in line with the local context and in alignment with THESO HQ security guidance; keeping key THESO staff abreast of any security issues, as they arise.
Other
• Perform other duties as assigned.
THESO Values:
We uphold the Humanitarian Principles: humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and operational independence. We affirmatively engage the most vulnerable communities. We value:
ü Inclusiveness
ü Transparency and Accountability
ü Agility and Innovation
ü Collaboration
ü Sustainability
This vacancy is archived.