About the job

The Country Director plays a key role in DRC’s comprehensive and solutions-based approach to displacement through a high level of strategic leadership, innovation and effective advocacy. The Country Director is ultimately accountable in country for all aspects of DRC’s work, leading the consolidation and at the same time development of the programme, continuing the process of developing solid impact measurement mechanisms, strengthening accountability initiatives and ensuring that the financial management and organizational setup is adapted to the operational context. The Country Director sets direction, leads, maintains team morale, safety and welfare, while managing resources, delegating specific duties as necessary, and maintaining oversight and accountability.

Duties and Responsibilities (varies depending on the specific country)

Strategic People Management

• As Country Director, you are responsible for setting the overall direction of the country operation as well as the day-to-day operational management. That means that you will:
• Ensure that the Senior Management Team (including the Head of Programme, Head of Support Service and Area Managers) have clear and realistic goals and objectives
• Ensure an open and trust-based dialogue through regular coordination meetings to ensure alignment with the overall strategy
• Ensure that the country senior management team is effective, mutually supporting and sufficiently involved in key decision-making processes
• Be responsible for the overall management of the operation, including thorough staffing plans, recruitment and development of staff 
• Travel to field offices for direct operational support and representation

Programme Development + Representation

• Lead the development and update of the programme strategy, within DRC’s overall regional and global strategic frameworks
• Lead the development of the country programme within strategic objectives
• Ensure that DRC maintains excellent and productive relations with all key stakeholders, especially beneficiaries, local authorities, humanitarian actors and donors
• Represent the country programme to authorities, donors, partners and other relevant forums
• Strengthen DRC’s position nationally and regionally

Fundraising and Advocacy

• Lead the process of identifying and exploring potential options for funding 
• Together with the Head of Programme, support relevant staff in drafting concept papers, project proposals and budgets in line with the approved country strategy
• Define, develop and take the lead of the country’s advocacy strategy

Safety

• Accountable for ensuring that DRC’s programmes are delivered in a safe and secure manner
• Have overall accountability for security, including development of and ensuring adherence to security procedures, monitoring of the safety situation, analysing and provision of recommendations

Support Services (HR, Finance & Supply Chain)

• Together with the Head of Support Services, provide overall budget monitoring, financial management and expenses control including compliance with minimum DRC requirements
• Ensure that allocated resources are managed effectively and transparently by respecting and meeting all legal requirements 
• Oversee finance and administrative services in the country
• Ensure compliance with internal and external reporting requirements
• Ensure that required and efficient Supply Chain structures and processes are in place
• Together with the Head of Support Services and HR, analyse and develop strategic staffing plans and budgets to secure the right people with the right skills in the right place
• Provide leadership support to staff and promote best practices in people management
• Support and take the lead in initiatives related to performance management and staff development

Accountability and Quality

• Ensure that DRC standard regulations and operational procedures (Code of Conduct, DRC Operational Handbook, Core Humanitarian Standards, etc.) are followed
• Guided by the DRC Programme Handbook, continuously monitor and develop relevant accountability initiatives in the field as well as strengthening the effort to document the impact of activities

Qualifications

To be successful as Country Director you must have:

• Minimum ten years’ management experience in emergency/development contexts as country director/senior manager of a humanitarian or development organization or similar
• Minimum eight years’ experience as a people manager
• Experience representing a large and leading organization to donors, external partners and authorities
• Experience of managing budgets and multiple donor contracts
• Experience with networking, advocacy and coordination, including donor contact, fundraising and networking
• Experience in managing and supporting staff in hardship locations
• Experience with conflict-related displacement issues
• Proven commitment to accountability practices and knowledge of quality assurance systems
• Experience with mine action is preferred in regions/countries where Danish Demining Group is engaged

As Country Director, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies:  

Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process. 

Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.

Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation. 

Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly. 

Demonstrating integrity: You uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to our values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment

We offer

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Expatriates; please refer to drc.org under Vacancies. This position will be placed at D band for Expatriates.

R&R cycle and other benefits vary depending on duty station

Application process – what is an open call?

An open call is a chance for you to submit an application for a generic role (in this case for Country Director), allowing both you and us to be more proactive and quicker to fill vacant positions. This means that you may be contacted and pre-screened in advance – naturally receiving more details if a relevant vacancy emerges for which we may find you suitable. Please note that we will only get back to candidates that match the requirements of any future vacant role. 

All applicants must submit a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages).  CV-only applications will not be considered.