Country Manager, Liberia

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The International Development Law Organization (IDLO) has extensive experience and a good track record of implementing successful rule of law programs in post-conflict contexts like Liberia. Since 2015 IDLO has been working with justice and security actors in Liberia as well as civil society, to strengthen access to justice, particularly for the most vulnerable. IDLO is currently implementing programs to strengthen the institutional response to sexual and gender-based violence and trafficking in persons.

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

THE POSITION 

The Country Manager Liberia reports to the Regional Program Manager Africa working in close coordination with the Director of Programs on strategic/representational issues. 

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

The Country Manager represents IDLO with Partners, IDLO HQ staff and Government officials, technical advisors and experts, donors and civil society.

Key results expected

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

• Oversee the implementation of the Program’s work plan, analyze and anticipate delays and challenges, proposing adjustments as required; 
• Oversee the local financial management of the program, review the Program’s financial reporting and Program budget forecasts; 
• Expedite program implementation through discussions and correspondence with technical, substantive, and project personnel, ensuring HQ support, including undertaking field visits and analysis of periodic program progress reports;
• Provide technical support and supervision to ensure compliance with IDLO’s quality standards throughout the implementation of the Program’s activities;
• Supervise the preparation of timely donor narrative reports in collaboration with the relevant Program Managers at the Country Office level and in consultation with the Program Coordinator/RPM 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;

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

• In coordination with the Regional Program Manager, lead in the development of country strategies, sharing accountability with the RPM for key performance indicators ensuring that these are aligned to the strategic priorities of the organization;

3. Lead Program Development

• Identify new program opportunities and develop team capacity to delivery and promote program development;
• 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 designated area by means of standardized program cycle management tools, logic models and frameworks, work plans, monitoring reports, and others;

4. Responsible for the day to day management of IDLO Field Program Office;

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the field office, including but not limited to administration, procurement, human resources, logistics and finance, ensuring consistent application of IDLO rules, processes and procedures;
• Effectively lead team by providing clear direction, addressing staff development, and implementing performance management through ongoing dialogue, feedback, and mentoring; motivate and support 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 Country Office staffing plan, coordinating with Human Resources in the recruitment and selection of employees; 
• Oversee the monitoring of contracts, responsible for providing recommendations on extensions/promotions/terminations and other amendments to contracts;
• Monitor the Program implementation environment, including security, political, development and personnel issues that may affect implementation of IDLO projects; In coordination with IDLO’s Regional Security Adviser and Country Security focal person, record issues and risks and guide necessary responses of the Program to changes in the political and security situation;

5. Represent IDLO before senior government officials, the donor and international community and other external and internal stakeholders as appropriate;

• Represent IDLO in internal and external meetings ensuring that project achievements are shared to position IDLO as a partner in the work of development in the area of rule of law:
• Coordinate program and organizational activities with the Liberian Government and other stakeholders and donors;

 IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE

• Education and Work Experience
• Advanced university degree in international development, law, public administration, business administration, public policy or other relevant social sciences;
• 10-12 years of significant relevant professional experience within an international organization, designing and implementing complex programs;
• Fluency in English is required.

Specific knowledge, skills and competencies

• Familiarity with standard program and data management tools, as well as results-based management and monitoring and evaluation principles;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Proficient use of other ICT software and internet software. 
• Works well with others and actively participates. Shares information, contributes, encourages and motivates others to become involved in team activities. Provides constructive feedback and willingly helps others. Contributes to a fair environment that fosters collaboration and cooperation.  Works effectively across and within IDLO organizational boundaries.
• Acts as a role model and offers guidance to colleagues. Takes initiative to share knowledge, experiences and information with others. Accepts and gives constructive feedback (up, down and across) to develop and motivate others.
• Proven ability to see through tasks set and deliver results. 
• The ability to work under pressure with tight deadlines, flexibility and an entrepreneurial spirit.
• Ability and willingness to travel within the country, if necessary.
• Keen sense of ethics, integrity, and commitment to IDLO’s mandate. Self-motivated and dynamic with a willingness and ability to use initiative to assist the organization to achieve its objectives.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

For this internationally recruited position, IDLO shall offer the selected candidate an Affiliate contract of 24 months, with possibility of extension subject to performance and availability of funding. 

In addition, IDLO shall offer the candidate an annual basic salary in the range of USD 72,000-, a leave and benefit package, including medical, mission insurance and provident fund in accordance with IDLO Employee Regulations and Rules. Relocation and installation support are also available for internationally recruited employees. An employee subject to local recruitment shall not be eligible for the allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to International employees. 

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

DISCLAIMER 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the Contractor assigned to this work. This may not be 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.