Country Manager, Mexico

Title:                                               Country Manager, Mexico

Category:                                        Internationally recruited professional

Duty Station:                                  Mexico City, Mexico 

ABOUT IDLO

The International Development Law Organization (IDLO) enables governments and empowers people to reform laws and strengthen institutions to promote peace, justice, sustainable development and economic opportunity. We contribute to creating stable and inclusive societies where every person can live free from fear and want, in dignity and under the rule of law.

To learn more about IDLO, please visit our website www.idlo.int or follow us on Twitter @IDLO.

IDLO IN MEXICO

Mexico has made significant efforts to modernize its justice and security system, and to strengthen the rule of law. Through constitutional reforms, institutional and regulatory changes, two processes have been developed to advance this objective. The first process is the transition from an inquisitorial to an accusatory system of justice that began with the 2008 Constitutional reform. The second is the implementation of the National Public Security System (SNSP). Both initiatives have deep implications at the federal, state and municipal levels, as they work to redesign the institutional architecture, rules, procedures, and methods, and also aim to change institutional culture and public expectations.

IDLO is committed and engaged with Mexican institutions to support the rule of law in Mexico by strengthening the capacity of police institutions in Mexico as they apply the police professionalization process as part of the country’s criminal justice system reform.

The project will focus on capacity development in three areas. First, there will be initial training for preventive police at the municipal level under the Professionalization Framework Program (PRP) and certification process to improve their competence and professionalism. Next, the project will enhance the knowledge and skills of first responders to improve their performance in the criminal process and therefore the quality of criminal justice. The third area will address the capacity of procedural police to consolidate the units at the state level to ensure adequate implementation of the criminal justice system.

THE ROLE

Under the direct supervision and in close cooperation with the IDLO Regional Program Manager, Latin America and the Caribbean, the Country Manager shall perform the following duties:

• Lead the overall management of the Program, including substantive and administrative matters, to ensure an effective, efficient and timely delivery of activities and results;
• Oversight and assurance of the implementation of the Program’s work plan, analyze and anticipate delays and challenges, proposing adjustments as required;
• Supervise and mentor nationally and internationally recruited personnel;
• Perform representational role and function as directed by the Director-General and adequately represent IDLO at relevant meetings/fora;
• Provide technical support and supervision to ensure compliance with IDLO’s high-quality standards throughout the implementation of the Program’s activities;
• Monitor the work plans together with the team in Mexico Country Office and in coordination with the Program Team based at IDLO Headquarters;
• Supervise the monitoring, reporting, documenting and communication of program results as well as assess the impact;
• Timely submission of monthly reports outlining progress made towards the achievement of objectives to the IDLO Regional Program Manager, Latin America and the Caribbean;
• Oversee and be responsible for the local financial management of the program, review the Program’s financial reporting and lead the development of the Program’s budget forecasts in coordination with the Program Team based at Headquarters;
• Liaise – for coordination and cooperation purposes - with donor representatives as well as with other national and international stakeholders involved in justice sector reform and access to justice initiatives in Mexico;
• Undertake regular monitoring missions to the region and other locations, as needed, throughout the implementation of the Program;
• Monitor the Program implementation environment, including security, political, development and human resources issues that may affect implementation of IDLO projects; In coordination with the Field Security Officer, record issues and risks and guide necessary responses of the Program to changes in the political and security situation;
• Identify and evaluate risks to the organization’s personnel, finances, reputation and image. Work with the appropriate colleagues in the Operations and Programs units to implement measures to manage and reduce such risk and ensure the security and safety of IDLO personnel and assets;
• Ensure the timely preparation and submission of donor narrative reports in the requested English format, in collaboration with the team in Mexico and in coordination with the HQ Program Team.
• Review internal and external financial reports produced by the Operations team, identify areas of under or over spending, update financial forecasts;
• Identify and report in a timely manner any challenges or possible change in the Program strategy, objectives, results or activities, and make recommendations for timely and optimal course of actions;
• Establish and mainatain regular communications with the HQ Program Team on program progress, events and challenges;
• Foster effective communication and coordination among IDLO personnel in Mexico, with donors and with HQ Program Team;
• Identify project and team successes and lead documentation for internal and external information sharing;
• Build relationships and foster partnerships with the donor and international community and other internal and external stakeholders as appropriate, including through face-to-face meetings and the preparation of reports, briefs and concept notes;
• Identify new program opportunities and develop project proposals for funding (including performance indicators, monitoring and evaluation frameworks, work-plans and budgets);
• Lead on the supervised Team’s alignment to IDLO’s standards for work environment, workplace culture, ethics, overall employee wellbeing and morale, and set the example accordingly;
                                                                       

IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE

Education

• Graduate degree in Law, International Relations, Development Studies or other relevant field is required. A postgraduate degree in a related field is highly desirable.

Experience 

• Minimum of 10-12 years’ of progressively responsible professional experience in the international development sector in the areas of: Rule of Law, Human rights, Governance, or Justice sector reform, including the development, implementation and monitoring of complex programs in Latin America;
• Demonstrated experience in management role and proven track record in program management, program administration, preferably in the rule of law sector;
• Proven experience in a managerial and supervisory capacity of human and financial resources;
• Previous experience working in Mexico and Latin America and experience managing US funded programs are highly desirable;

Language

• Strong professional oral and writing skills in Spanish and English.

Specific knowledge, skills and behavioural competencies 

• Broad experience in team and project management, budget management and resource development, strategic planning and capacity building;
• Proven negotiation and diplomacy skills and experience in working with government departments, ministries and high-level officials;
• Excellent team building skills and group facilitation skills, including cultural sensitivity;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Strong analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills;
• Proven ability to develop and foster working relationships across a globally based and diverse organization;
• Demonstrated ability to effectively use computer and Microsoft office programs and other electronic sources in research activities;
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills;
• Ability to work under pressure with tight deadlines, flexibility and an entrepreneurial spirit;
• Good team player, positive attitude, flexible mind, comfortable in working in multi-cultural settings;
• Willingness to work and live in a security volatile environment, adhere to IDLO’s security policies and regulations at all times;
• Keen sense of ethics, integrity and commitment to IDLO's mandate.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The successful candidate will be contracted for an initial period of 12 months, with the possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance and funding availability.

The Country Manager will be based in Mexico City with expected travels to the region and may be required to travel to other location, as determined by the Supervisor. 

For this internationally recruited position, IDLO shall offer a monthly basic compensation in the range of USD 8.500.- and additional benefit package including medical, mission insurance and provident fund. 

HOW TO APPLY

IDLO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in all areas of its operations. We welcome and encourage diverse applications.

All interested applicants are encouraged to apply via our website: www.idlo.int/jobs and submit the completed IDLO Personal History Form (PHF), resume and cover letter.

DISCLAIMER AND CLOSING DATE 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the employee assigned to this work. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. 

The Director-General of IDLO reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities or even to cancel the recruitment to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.

Application deadline is 18 December 2017 (23:59hrs Rome time).