The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is seeking a Country Director for its Somalia program. The Country Director provides the strategic vision and direction for the country program, ensuring the delivery of responsive, high-quality programming while maintaining high-level representation with government authorities and donors. This role oversees all operational, security, and financial aspects of the mission, which involves multi-site and multi-sectoral operations in a complex environment.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership and Representation
- Lead the country program by maintaining open and professional relations with colleagues and promoting a strong team spirit.
- Develop strategies for strong representation with Somalia Government authorities, donors (including OFDA, DFID, ECHO, CHF, etc.), and international/local NGOs.
- Ensure IRC remains a partner of choice for major international donors and sustain beneficial partnerships with Somalia organizations.
- Play a leadership role in improving humanitarian response coordination in Somalia.
Strategic Direction and Program Quality
- Set the strategic vision and direction of the country program to serve more people with quality programming.
- Align programming to the country program strategy action plan and technical standards.
- Ensure program quality through rigorous assessment, proposal development, and robust monitoring and evaluation systems.
- Identify opportunities for appropriate expansion and growth supported by human resource investment.
Safety and Security Management
- Take primary responsibility for overall management of safety and security for the country program.
- Oversee security issues, including emergency responses and the maintenance of evacuation and contingency plans.
- Maintain close coordination with the Regional Safety and Security Advisor.
Staff Performance Management and Development
- Supervise and mentor direct-report staff, providing clear expectations and regular performance feedback.
- Oversee the coaching and development of national and international staff, pursuing nationalization of senior management positions.
- Promote staff care and well-being, modeling healthy work-life balance practices.
Stewardship and Operational Management
- Drive operational excellence to achieve efficiency and cost-effectiveness in all functions.
- Oversee financial and operational policies to ensure compliance with IRC and donor requirements.
- Provide effective oversight of the country program's financial position and budget monitoring.
Communications
- Model and encourage the principles of the "IRC Way – Global Standards for Professional Conduct."
- Maintain a healthy and empowering office environment encouraging open communication.
Requirements and Qualifications
- Education: Graduate degree (BA/BSc/HND) in a relevant field.
- Experience: At least 10 years of progressive international work experience.
- Leadership: Experience at the Country Director level of multi-site, multi-sectoral operations in a complex operating environment.
- Technical: Experience managing security in conflict/post-conflict or disaster response situations.
- Skills: Strong budget/fiscal oversight, extensive representation/fundraising success, and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
- Language: Professional fluency in written and spoken English.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should apply online via the International Rescue Committee's recruitment portal. Click here to apply.
