Country Director, Guatemala

SUMMARY

IsraAID is looking for a Country Director to lead the organization’s projects in Guatemala. This position is an exciting opportunity to get hands-on experience in non-profit project management and lead innovative grass-roots activities in the field. The ideal candidate will combine experience in humanitarian aid and management/administration and have a passion for working with the population in the country.

CONTEXT

Founded in 2001, IsraAID is an Israel-based international NGO and Humanitarian Aid Agency which has worked in more than 50 countries, in both emergency and long-term international development settings. Currently, IsraAID is working in 12 countries worldwide. Within the Americas region (LAC) the organization is present in four countries, including Guatemala, Colombia, Dominica and the Bahamas.

IsraAID Guatemala commenced its operations in 2018 supporting communities affected by the eruption of volcano El Fuego. Since the initial support it has provided, IsraAID continued to work in the country supporting affected communities through a variety of projects in the areas of DRR and education, MPSS, early childhood development, and more recently further responding to communities needs in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, where health and WASH programme is further been integrated into the country’s portfolio.

Country vision and Strategy

1. Identify, reach out and create collaboration with partners in line with the country’s vision as academies, international platforms,

2. Lead the development and implementation of high quality country strategic workplans and programming in line with the IsraAID’s principle and approach, as well as, local context. Based on sound methodological and technical support to ensure use of participatory methodologies, human rights, and social inclusion frameworks.

3. Provide leadership in the development and implementation of IsraAID’s programming in line with the country’s strategic plan and develop sound methodological and technical support to ensure use of participatory methodologies, human rights, and social exclusion frameworks.

4. Oversee the dissemination of IsraAID’s mission and core values and principles at the country level and lead, coordinate and mentor the country programme and its staff in line with the country strategy and philosophy.

5. Stay up-to-date on socio-economic and political changes in the country related to IsraAID Guatemala mandate, undertake a timely strategic review of IsraAID Guatemala program strategy to respond to a rapidly changing environment.

6. Provide on-going support, monitoring and evaluation to IsraAID Guatemala programs and existing projects, coordinate programme reviews, evaluations, and follow up on the implementation of evaluation findings.

7. Coordinate the production of timely quality program reports in line with IsraAID’s established policy.

Human Resource Management and Staff Development

1. Provide leadership support to IsraAID Guatemala staff and promote best practices in human resources management

2. Maintain effective and appropriate staff recruitment, orientation, appraisal, remuneration, and development practice at all levels to ensure the optimum utilization and development of IsraAID’s human resources.

3. Provide advice to staff when necessary and lead initiatives to develop staff capacity

Funding and Grants Management

1. Develop networks and partnerships with national/regional/international institutions in Guatemala and promote collaboration and funding.

2. Spearhead the country’s funding strategy, resource development and mobilization that maximizes and increases the external funding base, while ensuring healthy financial ratios and effective budget administration.

3. Stay up to date on donor trends and ensures adherence to funding and donor requirements.

4. Oversee the production of quality proposals and respond to call for proposals

5. Facilitate and coordinate donor visits, donor meetings, discussions, and evaluations as necessary

Programme Management

1. Oversee the development of quality programming

2. Ensure quality execution of programmes within a timely manner while adhering to quality programme standards, guidelines and ethical standards; while capitalizing on regional and global programmatic resources.

3. Ensure inclusion and adaptation of MEAL processes throughout the programme cycle

4. Ensure that any gaps or weaknesses within the programmes are addressed in an immediate and effective manner while considering the specification of the project and local context

5. Ensure that key humanitarian principles are mainstreamed within programmes

Financial and Administrative Management

1. Ensure proper registration and compliance with statuary regulations related to INGOs in the country

2. Ensure that all financial and administrative procedures are in accordance with IsraAID’s established policies and maintain the financial and legal integrity of the organization.

3. Prepare and implementation and review of the annual Guatemala country budget.

4. Provide progress and financial reports as required by the government and IsraAID HQ, as well as accountability procedures as required by other organizations.

5. Ensure the preparation, accuracy and timely submission of financial reports that comply with grant or contract agreements.

6. Check and verify inventories and promote efficient and effective management of organizational assets.

Security and Risk Management

1. Take responsibility over country level security and safety.**

2. Be fully accountable at country level for emergency and risk management, keeping abreast of all relevant developments in the country, and maintain regular communication with national and international security institutions.**

3. Develop and maintain appropriate contingency plans for all kinds of emergencies**

4. Maintain a culture of safety and security within the mission **

5. Maintain close communication and collaboration with Security Manager in HQ**

Corporate leadership

1. Act as guardian of the IsraAID brand in Guatemala

2. Ensure staff are continuously engaged and aligned with IsraAID’s global vision, mission, values, strategic directions and business plan

3. Actively contribute to IsraAID’s reputation and role as a national, international and regional organization.

4. Maintain regular communication with the IsraAID Guatemala board, IsraAID-Israel HQ and other IsraAID branches, as appropriate.

5. Provide inputs to IsraAID international activities as and when required, participate in task forces, training courses and conferences.

6. Promote IsraAID’s organizational identity, culture, and capacity to all stakeholders and partners in Guatemala and ensure IsraAID remains relevant to the changing humanitarian and development needs in the country.

7. Other

Any other duties as assigned by direct supervisor

ESSENTIAL SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND COMPETENCIES

· Higher education in international development, social sciences/economics, psychology, social work or other relevant fields. Master’s degree preferred.

· Minimum of 3 years of proven significant experience in an equivalent position in a development or humanitarian organisation.

· Knowledge of country context, will be an asset

· Experience in developing country and programme strategies

· Practical experience in program design, implementation, and MEAL, in line with the needs and challenges of donor and contract management

· Substantial experience in the financial management.

· Proven expertise in leading in fundraising, seeking and securing new donors, successful proposal writing, management of grants.

· Demonstrated leadership skills and experience managing complex teams.

· Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment and make decisions independently following consultative processes.

· Experience managing projects funded by institutional donors, UN agencies highly desired.

· Professionally fluent or native speaker English and Spanish.

CONDITIONS

1. Based in Guatemala

2. Paid full-time position on a 2-year contract

3. This is an unaccompanied position

4. Conditions: salary + living allowance + accommodations + international flights for home leave

We regret to inform that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Apply through here: https://israaid.bamboohr.com/jobs/view.php?id=41