Leading a diverse team who is committed to serve the world’s most vulnerable with practical and compassionate care, the Country Director oversees all programme and support activities in-country. Plays a key role in donor relations and manages the country strategy and the project implementation in conjunction with senior field managers, and ensures constructive engagement in Medair’s regional approach for the Middle East.

In response to the on-going crisis in Iraq, Medair’s programme is delivering emergency assistance to Iraqi Internally displaced people (IDP), returnees and host communities in Sinjar, Ninewa and Kirkuk with an expectation to expand into additional governorates in 2018. The projects include Emergency Health Response, Shelter and WASH Assistance with a strong emphasis on Cash based interventions and integrated psychosocial programming.

Based in Erbil, Iraq, with regular travels to project locations (currently Sinjar, Kirkuk, Dohuk and Mosul).

As soon as possible. Full time, 24 months

Leadership & Management

• Design, update and evaluate the country strategy, in line with Medair’s Middle East Regional Strategy, and in conjunction with the relevant senior field managers, Regional Representative and HQ staff.
• Manage the overall programme and support functions, including reviewing and refining the management structures and overseeing the development and maintenance of operational procedures for individual projects and support functions.
• Analyse humanitarian needs, trends and political developments in the country of operation in order to anticipate new projects and initiatives.
• Contribute constructively to Medair’s overall regional approach in the Middle East, sharing relevant information and seeking regional input for decision-making where appropriate.

Security Management

• Oversee the updating and implementation of country location security plans, guidelines and manuals.
• Ensure appropriate security procedures and awareness are maintained.
• Take the lead on decision making and contingency planning during security incidents or threats.

Donor Relations Management

• Develop and maintain contact with the in-country representatives of relevant funding partners (e.g. institutional donors or private donor organisations) in order to secure funding for the country programme, sharing information with other country programmes in the region as appropriate.
• Oversee the drafting and presentation of all proposals, operational and financial reports related to the country programme, in collaboration with the relevant senior field managers and regional and HQ staff.

Communications

• Develop and maintain relationships with authorities, donors, media, other NGOs and embassies with the objective of raising public awareness and identifying funding opportunities and other potential partnerships.
• Encourage innovative communication about needs and achievements within Medair and its affiliate offices to enhance non-institutional fundraising.

Financial Management

• Manage the spending within the programme in-line with the approved budgets. Analyse projected cash flow, decide on the timing of major procurements, oversee audits in the field and anticipate where over or under spending may occur and ensure necessary action is taken.

Staff Management

• Oversee all HR related issues within the programme including job descriptions, recruitment, performance management, development and training, health and safety, team structures (within the agreed regional framework), capability disciplinary action, etc. in collaboration with the relevant staff and managers.

Quality Management

• Ensure country programmes are implemented in line with donor proposals and requirements and in accordance with Medair, donor, country and international standards.

Team Spiritual Life

• Reflect the values of Medair with team members, local staff, beneficiaries, and external contacts.
• Work, live, and pray together in our Christian faith-based team settings. Fully contribute to the rich spiritual life of your team, including team devotions, prayers, and words of encouragement.
• Encouraged to join and contribute to Medair’s international prayer network.

This job description covers the main tasks that are anticipated. Other tasks may be assigned as necessary.

• University degree in a relevant subject such as Management / Development Studies / Business Administration or in a relevant technical subject.
• Strong working knowledge of English (spoken and written).

  Everyone who works as an Internationally Recruited Staff in one of our field programmes must first successfully complete the Medair ROC. Read more for information, dates and related costs.

• 3 years post-qualification experience in a management position.
• 1 years post-qualification experience in a complex humanitarian emergency.
• Experience managing security in difficult context preferred.
• Experience in dealing with donors and government officials.
• Advanced planning, assessment and analytical skills. Leadership and project management skills.
• Committed to team-building and able to develop and support other team members.
• Committed to consultative and servant leadership.