Action contre la Faim has been working continuously in Sierra Leone since 1991. The organization is well recognized as a key actor in both humanitarian/emergency response (civil war, Ebola virus epidemic 2014-2016, COVID-19 pandemic) and now in a more development setting. ACF currently plays a strong role in Health System Strengthening, working on national level policies and plans, building capacities national and district level to deliver improved services. Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation has also become a central element of ACF interventions in country. Due to Sierra Leone’s vulnerability to climate change, seen through changing rain patterns and increasing incidence of major floods and landslides, ACF works to increase local community resilience to climate related shocks through dissemination of knowledge related to climate resilient agricultural practices and sustainable land management, and increased access to meteorological information. The field team also supports the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) on the development and digitalization of a flood anticipation tool, improving data management and providing trend analysis to improve readiness.
Sierra Leone is currently ranked 182nd/189 on the Human Development Index and due to repeated shocks, such as Ebola, COVID-19, and the war in Ukraine, food insecurity and poverty are increasing. Additionally, almost 1 in 3 children under 5 suffer from chronic malnutrition.
We are looking for a Deputy Country Director for Programs based in Sierra Leone, to ensure the overall management of the Technical Heads of Departments and the quality of ACF programming in the country.
You will be responsible for effectively line managing and contributing to the professional development of the coordination programs team members, ensuring the quality of ACF projects in Sierra Leone and the effective management of program budgets and leading, with the Country Director (CD), the Country Office fundraising efforts.
More precisely, your role will be to:
You hold a Masters degree in International Relations, Development Studies or related technical discipline relevant for ACF programs, or a Bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline combined with substantive work and international experience.
You have a significant experience with INGOs, and ideally a previous experience with ACF.
You have at least 2 years of experience in a similar position, in successful proposal development and ideally an experience as Field Coordinator or Head of Department.
You have excellent management skills (HR, projects, stress management, etc.) and you have demonstrated ability to organize, train and motivate a multicultural team. You are able to multi tasks.
You know well donors’ guidelines and procedures, and you are able to draft and write qualitatively.
You are particulary competent in diplomaty and negotiation and you are disciplined and able to work and arrive at decisions autonomously with minimal guidance.
You speak and write fluently in English.
ACF is committed to people with disabilities and actively fights against all forms of discrimination.
ACF has been working in Sierra Leone since 1991, and currently operates in 4 districts (West and South of the country). Our programs are implemented in partnership with national partners and focus on innovation, particularly in the following sectors: agriculture and adaptation to climate change; WASH; health system strengthening, and MHPSS. Our team comprises 50+ staff members (based at the coordination in the capital, Freetown, and 2 bases: Moyamba and Matru Jong). The main focus for 2024 will be on growing the donors portfolio and diversfying our areas of interventions.
This is a new, exciting position to manage our programs department (Technical Heads of Department, Grants and MEAL), ensure the quality of ACF's programing in the country, and contribute to the growth of the country office's portfolio.
The position is based in Freetown with a couple status possible and the proximity to the beach.