Reference number INT2205
Job Purpose
To contribute and implement Oxfam’s Global Strategy, by providing vision and strategic direction to all of Oxfam’s work in the Country. This includes Oxfam’s humanitarian responses, long term development programme design and implementation, advocacy and policy and influencing. Responsible and accountable for the strategic direction and effective management of the Country programming ensuring development, continued improvement in quality and impact of programmes and effective financial and human resource management in line with Oxfam Policy.
The Country Director will be responsible, with support from change groups and the Regional Director, to implement the Oxfam 2020 Vision which aims to create a stronger Oxfam that is globally coordinated and relevant in every country in which we work. In view of Vision 2020 the Country Director will lead the exciting process of Oxfam in Pakistan becoming an independent Affiliate within the confederation of Oxfam.
Country Context
With a population now estimated to exceed 182 million by UNDP and World Bank, Pakistan is ranked 146th out of 187 countries according to the UNDP HDI 2014. According to World Bank data, Pakistan’s GDP annual growth has been stable around 4%. The same sources report that from 2002 to 2011 there has been a dramatic fall in the incidence of poverty in Pakistan from 34.5% of the population living under the poverty line (as defined by Government of Pakistan) to 12.4% in 2011. This trend is mirrored using the US$1.25 per person per day indicator.
Population growth rates in Pakistan have declined from 2.5% to 1.8% from 1990 to 2010. However there is a significant youth bulge; UNICEF estimated that in 2012, 22.3% of the total population were between the ages of 10 and 19
In terms of access to health and education, a recent report described the increase in the human capital gap between the most developed and least developed districts as ‘alarming’. With a Gender Equity Index (GEI) of 29, Pakistan is behind all other countries in the region except Afghanistan. However, gender inequality appears to be improving in terms of educational attainment and participation in the labour force. Pakistan’s growing population is urbanising; about one-third of Pakistanis now live in urban centres and it is predicted this will rise to half of the population in the next decade at an annual urbanisation rate of 3%.
Oxfam works with many partners at local and national levels in all its programmes. Partnership is a cornerstone of the programmes’s operational model. Oxfam is a well respected in Pakistan and the Country Director is the key representative of the organisation with final responsibility.
Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities
Accountability
Strategy
People Management
Public Engagement
Programme and Delivery
Technical Skills, Experience & Knowledge
Management and Leadership
Representation and Communication
Finance and Funding
Risk
Strategic Analytics
Proven analytical skills, with the ability to:
Values
Travel
Languages
Behavioural competencies (based on Oxfam’s Leadership Model)
Decisiveness
We have the ability to make decisions quickly and effectively in any given circumstance. Decisions that settle issues and produce a definite result.
Influencing
We have the capacity to have an effect on a person’s character, development, or behaviour of someone or something. The power to persuade, inspire and shape policy or treatment of someone, especially through status, contacts, or information.
Humility
We put ‘we’ before ‘me’ and place an emphasis on the power of the collective, nurture the team and play to the strengths of each individual. We are not concerned with hierarchical power, and we engage with, trust and value the knowledge and expertise of others across all levels of the organisation.
Relationship Building
We understand the importance of building relationship, within and outside the organisation. We have the ability to engage with traditional and non-traditional stakeholders in ways that lead to increased impact for the organisation
Listening
We are good listeners who can see where deeper levels of thoughts and tacit assumptions differ. Our messages to others are clear, and consider different preferences.
Mutual Accountability
We can explain our decisions and how we have taken them based on our organisational values. We are ready to be held to account for what we do and how we behave, as we are also holding others to account in a consistent manner.
Agility, Complexity, and Ambiguity
We scan the environment, anticipate changes, are comfortable with lack of clarity and deal with a large number of elements interacting in diverse and unpredictable ways.
Systems Thinking
We view problems as parts of an overall system and in their relation to the whole system, rather than reacting to a specific part, outcome or event in isolation. We focus on cyclical rather than linear cause and effect. By consistently practicing systems thinking we are aware of and manage well unintended consequences of organisational decisions and actions.
Strategic Thinking and Judgment
We use judgment, weighing risk against the imperative to act. We make decisions consistent with organisational strategies and values.
Vision Setting
We have the ability to identify and lead visionary initiatives that are beneficial for our organisation and we set high-level direction through a visioning process that engages the organisation and diverse external stakeholders.
Self-Awareness
We are able to develop a high degree of self-awareness around our own strengths and weaknesses and our impact on others. Our self-awareness enables us to moderate and self-regulate our behaviors to control and channel our impulses for good purposes
Enabling
We all work to effectively empower and enable others to deliver the organisations goals through creating conditions of success. We passionately invest in others by developing their careers, not only their skills for the job. We provide freedom; demonstrate belief and trust provide appropriate support. We give more freedom and demonstrate belief and trust, underpinned with appropriate support
Oxfam GB is a leading aid, development and campaigning charity with a worldwide reputation for excellence and over 60 years of experience. Oxfam GB started its operation in Pakistan in 1973. Our purpose is to work with others to overcome suffering and find lasting solutions to poverty.