Overview & Responsibilities

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The Department of Programmes is the central management and coordinating function for programme delivery and capacity development. It is responsible for the implementation of IDLO’s global programme portfolio for field and non-field locations in line with the organizational strategy. 

THE POSITION

The Country Manager reports to the Programme Portfolio Manager based at Headquarters, working in close coordination with the Director of Programmes on strategic and representational issues.

The Country Manager establishes the basis for IDLO’s presence at the country level by identifying opportunities, securing programme resources, developing compelling programmes, and providing consistently high-quality execution that distinguishes the organization. The Country Manager assumes overall responsibility and accountability for the coordination of IDLO’s operational and programmatic activities in the country. The Country Manager has delegated financial authority, approval authority for the delivery of projects and services, authority to act as an external representative on IDLO’s behalf, and responsibility for management and internal controls.

The Country Manager represents IDLO with partners, IDLO HQ staff, government officials, technical advisers and experts, donors, and civil society.

Summary of key functions:

  1. Responsible for the overall management of the programme, ensuring the effective, efficient, results-based, and timely delivery of activities and results. 
  2. Lead the development of the Country Strategy in line with IDLO’s global programmatic priorities. 
  3. Lead Programme Development. 
  4. Responsible for the day-to-day management of the IDLO Country Office. 
  5. Represent IDLO before senior government officials, the donor community, the international community, and other external and internal stakeholders, as appropriate. 

Key results expected

Responsible for the overall management of the programme, ensuring the effective, efficient, results-based, and timely delivery of activities and results.

  • Oversee the implementation of the programme’s work plan, analyze and anticipate delays and challenges, proposing adjustments as required;  
  • Oversee the local financial management of the programme, review the programme’s financial reporting and programme budget forecasts; 
  • Expedite programme implementation through discussions and correspondence with technical, substantive, and project personnel, ensuring HQ support, including by undertaking field visits and analyzing periodic programme progress reports; 
  • Provide technical support and supervision to ensure compliance with IDLO’s quality standards throughout the implementation of the programme’s activities; 
  • Supervise the preparation of timely donor narrative reports in collaboration with the relevant programme team at the Country Office level and in consultation with the supervisor at IDLO Headquarters;  
  • Ensure that key achievements and results within the Country Office are promptly brought to the attention of IDLO stakeholders, including External Relations, Resource Mobilization, and Research & Learning; 

Lead the development of the Country Strategy in line with IDLO’s global programmatic priorities.

  • In coordination with the Programme Portfolio Manager, lead the development of country strategies, sharing accountability with the PPM for key performance indicators and ensuring that these are aligned with the organization’s strategic priorities; 

Lead programme development and resource mobilization.

  • Identify and pursue new funding opportunities in coordination with Programme Design and Development and External Relations units; 
  • Liaise with external stakeholders and donors to maintain or enhance existing relationships to the benefit of the Organization, as well as to actively participate in advancing new donor and stakeholder partnerships; 
  • Oversee the design of implementation plans within the designated area using standardized programme cycle management tools, logic models and frameworks, work plans, monitoring reports, and other relevant tools; 

Responsible for the day-to-day management of the IDLO Country Office; 

  • Oversee the day-to-day operations of the CO, including but not limited to administration, procurement, human resources, logistics, and finance, ensuring the consistent application of IDLO rules, processes, and procedures. 
  • Effectively lead the team by providing clear direction, addressing staff development, and implementing performance management through ongoing dialogue, feedback, and mentoring; motivate and support the team with a view to fostering a teamwork approach in meeting objectives and goals; address possible conflicts in a positive and constructive manner; encourage initiative and maintain effective working relationships within a multi-cultural setting; 
  • Responsible for developing a CO staffing plan, in close coordination with Human Resources in the recruitment and selection of employees;  
  • Oversee the monitoring of contracts, responsible for providing recommendations on amendments to contracts; 
  • Monitor the implementation environment, including security, political, development, and personnel issues that may affect the implementation of IDLO projects. In coordination with IDLO’s Regional Security Adviser and the Country Security Focal Person, record issues and risks and guide the programme’s necessary responses to changes in the political and security situation; 
  • Ensure full compliance with donor agreements and IDLO quality standards across all programme activities.

Represent IDLO with senior government officials, donors, and the international community, positioning the Organization as a trusted partner in rule of law programming?. 

  • Represent IDLO in internal and external meetings, ensuring that project achievements are shared to position IDLO as a development partner in the area of the rule of law; 
  • Coordinate programme and organizational activities with the relevant Government and other stakeholders and donors. 
  • Any other similar duties as requested by the supervisor

Job Requirements

Education and Work Experience

  • Graduate degree or equivalent in international development, law, public administration, business administration, public policy, or other relevant social sciences.
  • A minimum of 10 years’ relevant, progressively professional experience within an international organization, designing and implementing complex programmes, is required.
  • Proven experience in a managerial and supervisory capacity of human and financial resources and a track record in programme management and programme administration. 
  • Prior experience leading a country office or country team is desirable.
  • Prior international experience is desirable.

Languages

  • Full professional competence in written and verbal communication in English.

Specific knowledge, skills, and competencies

  • Familiarity with standard programme and data management tools, as well as results-based management and monitoring and evaluation principles.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Solid interpersonal skills; works effectively across and within IDLO organizational boundaries.
  • Proven ability to see through tasks set and deliver results.
  • Capability to work under pressure with tight deadlines, flexibility and an entrepreneurial spirit.
  • Good knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Proficient use of any other ICT software and internet software.
  • Ability and readiness to travel within the country, if necessary.
  • Keen sense of ethics, integrity, and commitment to IDLO’s mandate. Dynamic, with a willingness and ability to use initiative to assist the organization in achieving its objectives.

Terms & Conditions

For this internationally professionally recruited position, IDLO shall offer the selected candidate an Affiliate contract of 12 months, with the possibility of extension subject to performance and availability of funding.

IDLO shall also offer a yearly basic salary of USD $99,540 and a benefits package including provident fund contribution, medical and mission insurance, and leave entitlements in accordance with IDLO Employee Regulations and Rules. Relocation and installation support are also available for internationally recruited employees.

Applications will be screened on a regular basis; a qualified applicant might be recruited before the deadline. In the interest of making the most effective use of resources, only short-listed candidates will be contacted during the selection process.

IDLO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applications of qualified candidates of all backgrounds. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for IDLO vacancies.

IDLO does not tolerate sexual exploitation or abuse, any kind of harassment, including harassment of a sexual nature, or discrimination. As such, IDLO will conduct careful reference and background checks of all selected candidates as part of its selection process.

Application deadline: 25 November 2026 (23:59hrs Rome time).

At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.