COUNTRY DIRECTOR – PAKISTAN

Action Against Hunger (ACF) has been active in Pakistan since 2005, addressing malnutrition, food insecurity, livelihoods, mental health, WASH, disaster risk reduction, and climate change, focusing on vulnerable and hard-to-reach communities in Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan. The organization operates both emergency response and long-term programs to tackle the root causes of hunger. As one of the longest-standing INGOs in Pakistan, ACF plays a leading role in the nutrition sector and is deeply involved in responding to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in regions such as Quetta, Pishin, Killa Saifullah, Buner, Sujawal, and Dadu. The country program is ambitious yet compact, integrating nutrition, food security, livelihoods, and climate change anticipatory actions. ACF is currently seeking a Country Director to lead and expand its efforts in Pakistan.

Key Responsibilities:
- Provide overall leadership and strategic guidance for the Country Office, ensuring alignment with ACF’s values, programming principles, and strategy.
- Oversee the development, funding, and implementation of the country strategy and program portfolio to effectively address malnutrition and related issues.
- Establish and maintain robust systems and procedures to ensure proper management, staff well-being, safety, and responsible use of resources.
- Build upon best practices previously developed within the mission to enhance program effectiveness.
- Foster a shared vision among staff, promote ACF’s core values, encourage teamwork, and ensure all staff feel valued.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with host government officials, donors, and partners.
- Manage a team of 8 direct reports within a total country team of 43 staff members.

Required Qualifications:
- Postgraduate degree (Master’s preferred) or Bachelor’s degree with at least 8 years of relevant professional experience.
- Minimum of 7 years’ experience in humanitarian and development sectors, with at least 4 years in senior management or leadership roles, including team leadership.
- At least 2 years of prior experience as a Country Director or in an equivalent leadership position.
- Authorization to work in Pakistan.
- Strong strategic thinking skills with the ability to innovate and think outside the box.
- Excellent understanding of working in complex and sensitive environments.
- Proven experience managing strategic partnerships and security in volatile settings.
- Strong negotiation, advocacy, and political acumen.
- Demonstrated success in external representation, program promotion, resource mobilization, and business development.
- High sensitivity to gender and inclusion issues.
- Excellent cultural adaptability and sensitivity.
- Deep knowledge of the Pakistani and South Asian context.
- Fluency in spoken and written English.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits:
- Proficiency in Urdu, Pashto, or Baloch languages is an advantage.
- French language skills are desirable.
- Strong partnership management and program management experience, including best practices articulation.
- A good sense of humor is appreciated.
- Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Contract and Benefits:
- Fixed-term contract of 24 months under Pakistani law, starting March 1, 2027.
- Monthly basic salary range from PKR 967,428 to PKR 1,552,968, depending on experience.
- Education allowance for up to four children under 16 years, covering 80% of school fees up to €3,500 per child annually (excluding kindergarten/daycare and university fees).
- Comprehensive health insurance covering the employee, spouse, children, and parents, including OPD, hospitalization, maternity, and major medical care benefits.
- Life insurance coverage with PKR 6 million for natural death and PKR 12 million for accidental death.
- Monthly communication allowance of PKR 2,750.
- Transportation provided between residence and office.
- Potential temporary cost of living adjustment (COLA).

Joining ACF Pakistan means becoming part of a small, highly motivated team committed to working with national partners and advancing a strong localization agenda. This is a unique opportunity to lead impactful humanitarian programs in a challenging yet rewarding environment.