COUNTRY DIRECTOR, IRC PAKISTAN
IRC seeks an experienced relief and development professional to lead its complex and challenging country program in Pakistan
The International Rescue Committee has been working in Pakistan for over 30 years. Our programs span the range from humanitarian relief to post-crisis development, focusing on education, health, livelihoods, protection and water and sanitation. We work for Afghan refugees, Pakistanis affected by major floods in 2010 and 2011, and those displaced by anti-Taliban campaigns in north-western Pakistan and the tribal areas. We work with government, Pakistani civil society, international partners and private business to save lives, strengthen institutions and promote social cohesion. We are active in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Punjab and FATA. Our support comes from the U.S. government, UN, U.K. government, European Commission, and private trusts and foundations.
Pakistan is one of IRC’s largest and most challenging programs. We are seeking an experienced professional with a hands-on senior management record in both humanitarian and development programming. S/he must be able to motivate and lead a diverse and committed staff team and provide pro-active representation and advocacy within the humanitarian community, with funding partners, to government, and to international policy-makers. S/he must also demonstrate sound financial and operational management skills and have solid experience of leading and managing in insecure environments. In return, IRC promises a prominent role in one of the most testing and rewarding environments for humanitarian assistance globally, and an opportunity to contribute to delivering real improvements for refugees and crisis-affected people in Pakistan.
Scope;
The Country Director will provide the strategic vision and leadership for the country program. S/he is responsible for ensuring the design and delivery of quality programs, donor and government relations, fundraising and budget management, security and operations management, and developing a motivated and professional team. Reporting to the Regional Director, the Country Director will work closely with, and receive support from regional and headquarters program technical units, safety and security services, regional finance and operations staff.
Responsibilities;
Strategic Planning and Management
Working closely with the Regional Director, and regional team, develop a strategic direction and oversee the delivery of a strategic plan for the country program
Ensure that structures and systems are in compliance with IRC standards, and that they support program delivery and promote management coordination and efficiency throughout the country program
Act as a high-profile advocate on issues of humanitarian principle and rights within the humanitarian community, nationally and internationally
Lead a cohesive and effective senior management team, promoting collegiality and professionalism among peers.
Program Quality & Development
Develop program strategies in accordance with IRC's mission and program framework (with particular emphasis on sector strategies in health, education, and protection)
Ensure the consistent use of well managed assessment, design and proposal development processes
Promote a team approach and positive learning environment utilizing headquarters, country program and operations staff and partners to consistently enhance the quality of design and implementation
Key Partner & Donor Relations
Develop IRC as a partner of choice for major local and international donors (including USAID, USBPRM, ECHO, EuropeAid, DFID, UNHCR, UNICEF, Stitchting Vluchteling)
Act as senior representative and policy advocate on policy and strategy issues related to U.S. assistance strategy
Develop and maintain a high level of understanding of donor priorities, country plans and planned funding initiatives
Maintain and expand participation with key donors, host government, local stakeholders and relevant policy and coordinating bodies
Play an active role in supporting the work of the Pakistan Humanitarian Forum and PAKSAFE (the INGO safety and security advisory service).
Fundraising and Budget Management
Ensure submission of appropriate, timely high quality proposals and lead required donor negotiations
Monitor and identify appropriate sources for match fund requirements and coverage of funding gaps
Provide timely and effective oversight of the financial position of the country program including identification and implementation of required changes to match funding levels
Maintain effective and coordinated budget monitoring processes for grant funds and discretionary funds
Pro-actively seek appropriate funding opportunities and act as country program representative in discussions with HQ senior staff on strategic opportunities
Work with senior finance and compliance staff to ensure good financial forward planning and deal with audit requirements
Security & Operations Management
In coordination with the Regional Security Advisor ensure that the security management plan for the country program is updated and ensure the consistent monitoring and analysis of the security environment and adherence by all staff to the IRC security protocols and procedures
Working with country senior management team ensure the development, implementation and monitoring of financial and operational policy and procedures to ensure constant compliance with IRC and donor policies across the program
Promote coordination and teamwork between program and operations staff to improve quality of proposal submissions and program delivery
Support the operations of PAKSAFE, a collective safety and security advisory service housed by PHF.
Staff Development & Retention
Develop a positive work environment for all staff supported by a professional level human resource management function
Ensure IRC national salaries and benefits remain competitive to attract and retain mid and senior level staff
Support and hold management staff accountable for providing staff development opportunities and planning
Identify and mentor high-performing national and international staff (including national staff with potential to transition to international positions within IRC)
Job Requirements/Experience Required:
Graduate degree in relevant field
At least five years of international work experience covering both emergency and post-conflict development programming
Extensive program development and fund raising experience, prior experience with European, US and international donors
Strong human resource management skills
Previous budget and fiscal oversight responsibilities
Extensive knowledge and experience in the region
A keen understanding of political complexities in the region, as they relate to post conflict recovery.
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a leading global relief and development organization, established in 1933, and currently working in 42 countries worldwide. IRC has been working in Pakistan for over 30 years, and manages & delivers large, complex programs to meet needs in health, education, protection and livelihoods for displaced, poor & conflict-affected communities. IRC works in partnership with local Government and non-Governmental organizations and currently works in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh provinces.