Deputy Country Director

Role and Responsibilities

The Deputy Country Director manages all aspects of the implementation and development of the programme and support functions to facilitate the implementation of the country strategy. Providing leadership, strategic direction, management and evaluation of all aspects of the Medair programmes, the Deputy Country Director also plays a key role in external representation, legal compliance grant management, programme coordination and team leadership.

Project Overview

Multi-sectoral relief programme including: provision of Primary Health Care, Health and Hygiene Promotion, Water and Sanitation and NFI distributions across fixed and emergency response locations. The goal is to assist in improving health and water and sanitation conditions for vulnerable people in South Sudan.

Medair

Medair brings life-saving relief and recovery in disasters, conflict areas, and other crises by working alongside the most vulnerable. Its Internationally Recruited (IRS) and HQ staff are inspired by their Christian faith to care for people in need, providing practical and compassionate support, regardless of race, religion, or politics. Medair has achieved the ISO 9001:2008 certification, worldwide. This certification signifies that Medair effectively delivers goods and services with a focus on beneficiary needs. Founded in 1989, Medair's unwavering commitment continues to bring hope to the world's most vulnerable.

Workplace

Based in Juba

Starting Date

As soon as possible

Initial Contract Details

Full time, minimum 18 months

Key Activity Areas

Programme Leadership

• To deputise for the Country Director in their absence.

Operations Management

• Oversee programme implementation in consultation with the relevant senior field managers (programme and programme support) and in accordance with the project proposals ensure objectives are met within the required time frames and budgets. Where necessary ensure preventative and corrective action is taken.
• Support field managers in all aspects of finance, administrative, human resource and logistics management, ensuring knowledge of and adherence to applicable operational systems, donor requirements and country programme strategy.
• Prepare and implement policies, procedures and guidelines, as appropriate and with the relevant field managers and HQ staff, so as to enhance the smooth running of the programmes through standardised procedures and improved support. This may include finance and governance procedures, staff management, fleet management and IT security and infrastructure.
• Manage a comprehensive activity plan for the programme, including resource needs analysis, covering the time frames of the project proposals.
• Work with the relevant Sector Manager(s) to ensure the integration of beneficiary participation and accountability in programme activities.
• Represent Medair at relevant national and local meetings with government officials, contractors, other NGOs, etc., reporting back as applicable to staff, field managers and HQ.

Staff Management

• Line manage designated staff, including direct supervision and development.
• Reflect the vision and live the values of Medair at all times and especially when interacting with team members and provide them with leadership, advice and support.

Quality Management

• Ensure country programmes are implemented in line with donor proposals and requirements and in accordance with Medair, donor, country and international standards e.g. Sphere and HAP standards, WHO recommendations, etc. Follow the direction of the relevant advisors at HQ regarding quality, strategy and technical guidelines.

Qualifications

• University degree or experience in a relevant subject such as Management / Development Studies / Business Administration or in a relevant technical subject
• Post-graduate degree in the humanitarian sector is desirable

Languages

• Strong working knowledge of English (spoken and written)

Experience / Competencies

• 2 years post-qualification experience in a management position
• 1 years post-qualification experience in a complex humanitarian emergency
• Overseas work experience, preferably with a relief and rehabilitation NGO an asset
• Experience of representation at national and local levels dealing with donors and government officials
• Knowledge and experience of change management
• Experience and willingness in training/mentoring staff
• Advanced leadership and management skills
• Team-player with good inter-personal skills
• Conflict management skills
• Knowledge of Humanitarian Essentials, Sphere and HAP Standards and other international humanitarian guidelines and protocols
• Strategic thinker

Medair Standard Working Requirements for the Field

• Experienced professionals in a relevant field
• Committed Christians
• Commitment to Medair values (faith, hope, accountability, integrity, dignity, compassion)
• Overseas intercultural experience
• Strong working knowledge of English, spoken and written
• Working knowledge of French, spoken and written for French-speaking field programmes
• Single or married (with no children under 18). If married, your spouse must also apply.
• Competent with Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Successful completion of Medair Relief & Recovery Orientation Course (ROC)
• Reflect the vision and values of Medair when interacting with team members, local staff, beneficiaries and external contacts
• Able to live and work with a multicultural team under difficult conditions
• Strong character traits, including emotional stability, adaptability, ability to handle stress, cultural and gender sensitivity, honesty, and physically fit

Benefits

• A salary based upon the grade of the position and the experience of the position-holder
• Full briefing at our Swiss headquarters, as well as an in-country briefing
• Security training for those going to particularly insecure environments
• Accommodation, food, and transportation in-country
• Return flights to and from the country programme (one return flight for every year of service)
• Rest and recuperation (R&R) leave (including travel, accommodation, and food)
• Annual leave; Disability Allowance; Re-entry allowance for those who commit to longer contracts
• Comprehensive medical and emergency rescue insurance, with up to 60 days post- assignment coverage, including debriefing

Working Conditions

• This is a field-based position and working and living conditions may be very different to that previously experienced.