Country Director

Job Description 

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has been working in Myanmar since 2008, initially supporting emergency response and early recovery interventions for areas affected by cyclone Nargis.  Since then, IRC responded to emergencies caused by floods and cyclone Giri in Rakhine State, presently responding to the emergencies in Kachin, Shan and Rakhine and in the same time broadened its portfolio to include health, environmental health, livelihoods and social development programs in vulnerable and underserved areas. 

The Country Director has an exciting and bold opportunity to grow IRC’s presence in Myanmar to the next level of quality and impact. By providing strategic vision to our staff and supporters, the Country Director will lead robust resource mobilization and dynamic program expansion activities. The Country Director also will manage program innovations, new sector assessments/-expansion, external relations and advocacy initiatives.  The Country Director will have the opportunity to continue building a motivated and professional team who are keen to capitalize on the developmental opportunities in Myanmar and who are also able to respond to humanitarian problems as they arise.  The results will be IRC’s clients and partners will have an increased opportunity to improve their lives and to build a sustainable and peaceful future. 

The Country Director reports to the Regional Director and will work closely with, and receive support from the ACME regional team, headquarter-based program officer/technical units, the business development unit, the global Advocacy team, the Regional Safety & Security, Finance, HR, IT & Supply Chain.  This position is Fully Accompanied, based in Yangon, Myanmar.

Responsibilities: 

Strategic Planning and Executive Management

• Working closely with the Regional Director, and regional team, develop a strategic direction and business plan for the country program.
• Participate and assist in driving planning processes for IRC’s current programs along the Thailand-Myanmar border and within South East Myanmar to ensure IRC’s technical competencies, contextual knowledge and partnerships with local aid providers, community groups, governments, donors and civil society are leveraged to provide new and innovative aid programs within the rapidly changing environment
• Ensure that systems are in compliance with IRC standards, and that they support program delivery and promote management coordination and efficiency throughout the country program.

 Fundraising, Donor & Partner Relations

• Develop IRC as a partner of choice for local and international donors in multiple sectors.
• Develop and maintain a high level of understanding of donor priorities, country plans and planned funding initiatives, coordinate those plans with IRC’s strategies.
• Maintain and expand participation with key donors, host government, local stakeholders and relevant policy and coordinating bodies including local and international NGOs and the private sector.

• Develop working relationships with key NGO implementers, seek strategic collaborations in complementary sectors and geographical areas with both local and international NGOs.
• In conjunction with the business development unit, develop a high-level resource mobilization strategy by mapping key donors and developing appropriate IRC programs.
• Lead all internal and external advocacy activities aimed at identifying key issues of concern to the IRC and by raising IRC/Myanmar’s brand awareness both to internal and external audiences.
• Ensure submission of appropriate, cost-conscience and high quality proposals and lead required donor negotiations.
• Explore opportunities to develop programs and partnerships with the private sector. 

Program Quality & Development

• Develop program strategies in accordance with IRC’s strategy 2020, mission and program framework; ensure the collection of and the use of data is infused in project designs and monitoring activities.
• Ensure the consistent use of well managed assessment, design and proposal development processes.
• Promote a team approach and positive learning environment utilizing headquarters, regional, country program and operations staff and partners to consistently enhance the quality of design and implementation. 

Budget Management

• Provide timely and effective oversight of the financial position of the country program including identification and execution of required changes to the operating budget and match funding levels.
• Monitor and identify appropriate sources for match fund requirements and coverage of funding gaps.
• Maintain effective and coordinated budget monitoring processes for grant funds and discretionary funds. 

Human Resource Management, Staff Development & Retention

• Develop a positive work environment for all staff supported by a professional human resource management function.
• Support and hold management staff accountable for providing staff development opportunities and planning.
• Provide leadership support for the successful implementation of and adherence to the IRC Global HR Operating Policies and Procedures.
• Lead with commitment, integrity and accountability to the “IRC Way” – Global Standards for Professional Conduct. 

Operations Management & Security

• Work to ensure the development, implementation and monitoring of financial and operational policy and procedures to ensure 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.
• In coordination with the Regional Safety and Security Advisor ensure that the security management plan for the country program is relevant and ensure the consistent monitoring and analysis of the security environment and adherence by all staff to the IRC security protocols and procedures.

 Qualifications

• Ten years of international work experience covering emergency, post-conflict and development programming;
• Extensive program/ business development and fundraising experience with an entrepreneurial ability to spot and seize strategic opportunities;
• Proven experience with U.S., European, U.N., multi-lateral, corporate and other international donors;
• A strategic risk-taker who will explore innovative and compelling responses to difficult developmental and humanitarian issues;
• A passion for humanitarian aid and development work and the ability to motivate others to similar levels of enthusiasm;
• Skilled at building trusting effective relationships with government officials, donor representatives, staff, NGO partners, community leaders and clients;
• A keen understanding of the political, social, religious, ethnic and economic complexities of Myanmar;
• Ability to work, live and thrive in a complex environment;
• Proven aptitude to inspire creative growth, innovation and learning;
• Experience in vigorously advocating to stakeholders for resources, responses and recognition of complex humanitarian and development problems;
• Strong human resource management skills including capacity building and mentoring;
• Experience supervising and managing a multi-disciplinary team in a cross-cultural setting;
• Previous budget and fiscal oversight responsibilities;
• Work experience from Asia is preferred.