Country Director

Location

Field based position in Syria, Damascus.

Starting Date & Initial Contract Details

November 2024. Full time, 24 months.

Role Overview

Leading a diverse team, the Country Director oversees all programme and support activities in-country. Representing Medair in all issues relating to the programme, the Country Director plays a key role in donor relations and manages the country strategy and project implementation in conjunction with senior field managers.

Project Overview

Medair has been operational in Syria since January 2015, with a Country Office based in Damascus, and 3 field bases: Damascus (Rural Damascus, Homs and South Syria); Aleppo; Deir Ez-Zor. The programme is active in Medair’s key sectors: Health and Nutrition, Protection, WASH, and Shelter.

Our Culture

Key Activity Areas

Leadership & Management 

• Design, update and evaluate the country strategy, in conjunction with the relevant senior programme managers and GSO staff. Consider community needs, donor criteria and strategies and an exit strategy in order to facilitate the long-term planning and development of the projects in the country.
• 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.
• Ensure all programme activities and support functions comply with applicable national and international laws and regulations, including in-country registration.

Donor Relations Management

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with the in-country representatives of relevant funding in order to secure funding for the country programme.
• Oversee the drafting and presentation of all proposals, operational and financial reports related to the country programme, in collaboration with the relevant Senior Programme Managers and Global Support Office staff.

Coordination & Communication

• Develop/maintain relationships with authorities, donors, media, other NGOs and embassies with the objective to raise public awareness and identify funding opportunities and other potential partnerships.
• Ensure that the GSO Engagement & Global Communications receives appropriate material for communication and fund-raising activities.
• Ensure that timely programme reports are updated and submitted to Global Support Office.

Financial Management

• Monitor the country project portfolio and base costs funding coverage.
• Support the planning and construction of project budgets and supervise project budget management and expenditure, in collaboration with relevant managers and GSO team, ensuring that budgets are spent according to donor proposals and regulations.
• Ensure sufficient and appropriate controls are in place to prevent fraud and that staff receive the required information and training to minimise the risk of occurrence within the country programme.

Security Management

• Overall responsibility for the safety and security of Medair staff and assets.
• Oversee the implementation of country security plan, guidelines and manuals.
• Ensure security procedures and awareness are maintained in collaboration with the Security Focal Point.
• Take the lead on decision-making and contingency planning during security incidents or threats.

Staff Management

• Line manage designated staff, including direct supervision and development.
• Ensure effective HR functions of all national and international staff and refer issues to the appropriate HR lead. Ensure compliance and safeguarding policies and practices are in place in all locations.
• Hold regular team meetings and through a consultative leadership style and a transparent, honest and supportive communication structure, develop and build an effective team. 

Quality Management

• Ensure the country programme is implemented in line with donor proposals and requirements and in accordance with Medair, donor, country and international standards.
• Ensure frequent and appropriate monitoring and evaluation of programme activities and outputs.

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 programmes and GSO prayer network.

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

Qualifications

• University Degree in a relevant subject such as Management / Development Studies / Business Administration or in a relevant technical subject.
• Post-graduate degree in the humanitarian sector. Security management and leadership training
• Strong working knowledge of English (spoken and written). Ability to speak, or willingness to learn Arabic.

What is the ROC and why is it required?

Experience

• At least 3-4 years post-qualification experience in a senior management position.
• At least 2 years post-qualification experience in a complex humanitarian emergency.
• Experience in dealing with donors and government officials.
• Knowledge of Humanitarian Essentials, Sphere and HAP Standards.
• Advanced leadership and management skills. Able to oversee multiple tasks, prioritising and delegating.
• Capacity to work under pressure and manage personal stress levels.
• Creative, open-minded, flexible, self-learner.