Role & Responsibilities

The Deputy Country Director manages the development and oversees the implementation and development of the programme and support functions to facilitate the implementation of the country strategy. Providing leadership, strategic direction, management and evaluation of all aspects of the programme, the Deputy Country Director also plays a key role in external representation, legal compliance, grant management, programme coordination and team leadership.

Project Overview

Emergency nutrition, health, WASH and food security projects targeting displaced, conflict- and drought-affected vulnerable populations in central and southern Afghanistan. Resilience and early recovery projects aimed at long term and sustainable behaviour change in the general population to improve public health.

Workplace & Working conditions

Field based position in Kabul, Afghanistan

Starting Date / Initial Contract Details
December 2024. Full time, 12 to 24 months.

Key Activity Areas

Programme & Support Department Management

• Contribute to the development of the country programme strategy, in coordination with sub-offices and other key leads for strategy. Consider support capacity, 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.
• Assist in the design and development of new projects in collaboration with the country team
• Oversee implementation of food security programming in consultation with the Food Security Specialist and in accordance with the project proposals, ensure objectives are met within the required time frames and budgets.
• Manage activity plan for food security programming, including resource needs analysis.
• Facilitate communications with all country teams supporting implementing and supporting the programme plans.
• Analyse humanitarian needs, trends and political developments in the country of operation and the surrounding region in order to anticipate new projects and initiatives, especially in the area of food security programming.
• Support the Food Security Specialist in following their department strategy, along with an integrated qualitative approach between sectors, coordinating with PCs to ensure that PC-Advisor/FSS communication is maintained and facilitated
• Support Project Coordinators in Daykundi and Kandahar in overseeing implementation of project activities, and ensure that activities are carried out in line with Medair’s values, focus on quality management and comply with applicable national and international laws and regulations, Medair and donor policies and guidelines.
• Support field managers in all aspects of human resource and logistics management, ensuring knowledge of and adherence to applicable Medair operational systems and procedures, donor requirements and country programme strategy.

Staff Management

• Line manage designated staff, including delegation of tasks, setting objectives and follow up with staff
• Facilitate regular communication between departments and, through a consultative leadership style and a transparent, honest and supportive communication structure, develop and build an effective team
• Reflect the vision and live the values of Medair at all times and especially when interacting with team members, beneficiaries, and external contacts. Provide team members with leadership, advice and support
• Develop direct reports to improve their knowledge, competence and performance

Security Management

• Assist the Country Director in managing security incidents.
• Participate in the Kabul Security Management Team and manage security incidents in the Country Directors’ absence
• Assist the County Director in enforcing and updating local security guidelines and manuals
• Maintain a thorough context analysis and understanding of decision making as a result of this, enabling effective security management cover in the Country Director’s absence
• Support the Project Coordinator of Daykundi and Kandahar in ensuring appropriate risk analysis, mitigation measures and security planning, and in producing/ updating location-specific security plans.
• Act as a sounding board for talking through security-related issues.
• Ensure staff are familiar with security procedures.

Communication

• Develop and maintain a transparent, honest and supportive communication structure with colleagues to ensure they are kept informed of programme related activities and requirements.
• Assist in linking provincial locations together and promote the sharing of information and lessons learned across programme locations

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

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

• Experience in a senior management position within the humanitarian sector
• Experience working with various institutional donors
• Experience of working within a volatile context

All new deploying international staff to Medair’s country programmes (and other roles which require field travel) should be fully vaccinated with a WHO-approved COVID vaccine, supported with a COVID vaccination certificate as evidence.