By continuing to browse this site, you agree to our use of cookies. Read our privacy policy

Regional Director - West Africa Region

Abidjan

  • Organization: DRC - Danish Refugee Council
  • Location: Abidjan
  • Grade: Senior level - Senior
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Managerial positions
  • Closing Date: Closed

DRC is looking for an experienced, dedicated and visionary Director, who is able to strengthen and extend DRC’s position as a leading agency in regards to displacement and humanitarian assistance in the West Africa (WA) Region.
 
The Regional Director is responsible for the strategic direction and development of DRC in the region’s five countries – Nigeria, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and Cameroon - and the continued regional expansion within the framework of the three-year regional Strategic Program Document.
 
Please note that DRC is currently under-going an organizational re-structuring which may result in the expansion of the country portfolio for DRC WA. 
 
In addition, DRC is considering a relocation of the Regional Office for WA situated in Abidjan, Ivory Coast to Dakar, Senegal for 2018.
 
 
 
About DRC
DRC is a Danish international non-governmental organization, which promotes and supports durable solutions to the problems faced by refugees and internally displaced people all over the world. DRC is present in some 40 conflict territories around the world assisting displaced people and host communities with a wide range of protection and humanitarian assistance within multiple sectors.
About DRC in West Africa (WA) Region.
 
Long-standing violent conflicts, insecurity and continuous political upheaval have caused massive displacements over the last two decades throughout the WA region. Hundreds of thousands of refugees and IDPs remain in volatile situations displaced in neighboring countries, or within their own country unable to access durable solutions.
 
DRC has been operating in the West Africa region since 1998 and is strategically placed to respond to the humanitarian crises in the Lake Chad Basin and in the Sahel. The protection of displaced and conflict-affected persons and vulnerable migrants is a central programmatic focus in the 2018-20 regional strategy. DRC implements emergency, livelihood, protection, armed violence reduction and advocacy programs through Country Offices (COs) in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria, and Cameroon. DRC has 27 offices and more than 600 staff members across the WA region.  The Regional Office is currently located in Abidjan but a move to Dakar is under active consideration for 2018.
 
 
 
About the Role/Job
With an aim to position DRC WA both organizationally and strategically, the Regional Director will take lead in the further development and implementation of the regional strategy. This is guided by DRC’s international strategy.
 
As Regional Director you have a seat in the Extended Senior Management Group (E-SMG) for DRC International fulfilling a central role in the development of DRC International. You are also responsible for managing the Country Directors who head DRC’s operations within the region, as well as a regional team providing support, programmatic guidance and oversight within compliance-related areas.
 
You report to the Head of Division for Africa and Americas in HQ.
 
 
Key Duties and Responsibilities
 
1. Strategic Leadership and Management 
  • Exercising strategic leadership i.e. leading the development, management and implementation of regional strategic priorities as well as continuously assessing DRC’s regional presence and operational profile in the region and expanding to new geographic and programmatic areas as required in coordination with respective Country Directors
  • Promoting and contributing to the development of a clear and relevant programme profile within the regional context, guided by DRCs corporate profile and priorities
  • Ensuring that the DRC region is organized and managed in order to pursue opportunities while at the same time operating in compliance with minimum requirements and relevant guidelines, hereunder overseeing operations in terms of financial management, quality and compliance, and ensuring that proper risk management systems are in place
  • Lead and manage a team of Country Directors and other senior managers and specialists, () which includes people planning, recruitment, performance evaluations, well-being, and development
  • Holding and taking overall responsibility for safety and duty of care for staff in the region
  • Chairing the Regional Senior Management Team (SMT)
 
2. Representation 
  • Representing DRC and DDG externally towards stakeholders and duty bearers in the region
  • Acting as DRC’s main advocate in the region and positioning DRC strategically towards external actors, and pursuing new partnerships and funding opportunities
 
3. Risk Management 
  • Responsible for managing a large financial turnover and for mitigating risk in a complex and volatile environment 
 
 
About you  
To be successful in this role we expect you to have the following experience and competences and skills: 
 
Required  
  • Minimum 10 years of relevant experience (including 5 years at senior management level) in international emergency and/or post-conflict settings, preferably working with displaced populations
  • Relevant university degree in international relations and/or development, political science or similar field or economics
  • Proven leadership skills at the international level
  • Proven competence in people management
  • Experience in leading the development and implementation of strategies in large scale and complex humanitarian operations
  • Experience in negotiating and advocating with government authorities and donors for solutions that serve the needs of our beneficiaries
  • Experience in overseeing implementation of code of conduct and anti-corruption measures
  • Proven track record of successful fundraising
  • Proven track record of managing a large financial turnover and mitigating risk in a complex and volatile environment
  • Experience managing the safety and security of staff
  • Excellent communication skills in both French and English
Desirable 
  • Knowledge and previous experience of the local context in West and Central Africa
  • Willingness to travel widely throughout West and Central Africa Region
 
 
DRC’s Core Competencies 
All roles require the incumbent to master DRC’ core competencies. In this position, you are thus expected to demonstrate DRC’s 5 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 act in line with DRC’s vision and values
 
Conditions - We Offer: 
  • Start date: Ideally beginning of January 2018 and Latest February 1st 2018.
  • Type of Contract: Fixed Term Contract
  • Contract length: 2 years (24 months)
  • Level: A2
  • Duty Station: Abidjan, Ivory Coast With frequent travels within the Region (approx. 50%)
  • Designation of Duty Station: Accompanied position – Family Duty Station
  • Please note that DRC is currently actively considering a relocation of the Regional Office for WA and thus the duty station for this posting.  While currently situated in Abidjan, a move to Dakar, Senegal in 2018 is under discussion.
 
Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Expatriates; please refer to drc.ngo under Vacancies.
 
 
Application process 
  • All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English and apply directly through DRC’s webpage under the “vacancy” section. Applications sent by e-mail will not be considered.
  • We encourage all qualified candidates to apply, irrespective of nationality, ethnicity, gender or age.
  • For questions regarding the position please contact Claus Larsen at claus.larsen@drc.dk. Please do not send any application to Mr. Claus Larsen.
 
 
Closing date for applications:  November 1st 2017 at midnight (CET) 
  • If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please contact job@drc.dk
  • For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo.
 
 
This vacancy is now closed.
However, we have found similar vacancies for you: