Pakistan: Country Director

IRC seeks an experienced relief and development professional to lead its complex and challenging country program in Pakistan

The International Rescue Committee has been working in Pakistan for over 30 years. Our programs span the range from humanitarian relief to post-crisis development, focusing on education, health, livelihoods, protection and water and sanitation. We work for Afghan refugees, Pakistanis affected by major floods in 2010 and 2011, and those displaced by anti-Taliban campaigns in north-western Pakistan and the tribal areas. We work with government, Pakistani civil society, international partners and private business to save lives, strengthen institutions and promote social cohesion. We are active in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Punjab and FATA. Our support comes from the U.S. government, UN, U.K. government, European Commission, and private trusts and foundations.

Pakistan is one of IRC’s largest and most challenging programs. We are seeking an experienced professional with a hands-on senior management record in both humanitarian and development programming. S/he must be able to motivate and lead a diverse and committed staff team and provide pro-active representation and advocacy within the humanitarian community, with funding partners, to government, and to international policy-makers. S/he must also demonstrate sound financial and operational management skills and have solid experience of leading and managing in insecure environments. In return, IRC promises a prominent role in one of the most testing and rewarding environments for humanitarian assistance globally, and an opportunity to contribute to delivering real improvements for refugees and crisis-affected people in Pakistan.

Scope

The Country Director will provide the strategic vision and leadership for the country program. S/he is responsible for ensuring the design and delivery of quality programs, donor and government relations, fundraising and budget management, security and operations management, and developing a motivated and professional team. Reporting to the Regional Director, the Country Director will work closely with, and receive support from regional and headquarters program technical units, safety and security services, regional finance and operations staff.

Responsibilities

Strategic Planning and Management

• Working closely with the Regional Director, and regional team, develop a strategic direction and oversee the delivery of a strategic plan for the country program


• Ensure that structures and systems are in compliance with IRC standards, and that they support program delivery and promote management coordination and efficiency throughout the country program


• Act as a high-profile advocate on issues of humanitarian principle and rights within the humanitarian community, nationally and internationally


• Lead a cohesive and effective senior management team, promoting collegiality and professionalism among peers.

Program Quality & Development

• Develop program strategies in accordance with IRCs mission and program framework (with particular emphasis on sector strategies in health, education, and protection)


• Ensure the consistent use of well managed assessment, design and proposal development processes


• Promote a team approach and positive learning environment utilizing headquarters, country program and operations staff and partners to consistently enhance the quality of design and implementation

Key Partner & Donor Relations

• Develop IRC as a partner of choice for major local and international donors (including USAID, USBPRM, ECHO, EuropeAid, DFID, UNHCR, UNICEF, Stitchting Vluchteling)


• Act as senior representative and policy advocate on policy and strategy issues related to U.S. assistance strategy


• Develop and maintain a high level of understanding of donor priorities, country plans and planned funding initiatives


• Maintain and expand participation with key donors, host government, local stakeholders and relevant policy and coordinating bodies


• Play an active role in supporting the work of the Pakistan Humanitarian Forum and PAKSAFE (the INGO safety and security advisory service).

Fundraising and Budget Management

• Ensure submission of appropriate, timely high quality proposals and lead required donor negotiations


• Monitor and identify appropriate sources for match fund requirements and coverage of funding gaps


• Provide timely and effective oversight of the financial position of the country program including identification and implementation of required changes to match funding levels


• Maintain effective and coordinated budget monitoring processes for grant funds and discretionary funds


• Pro-actively seek appropriate funding opportunities and act as country program representative in discussions with HQ senior staff on strategic opportunities


• Work with senior finance and compliance staff to ensure good financial forward planning and deal with audit requirements

Security & Operations Management

• In coordination with the Regional Security Advisor ensure that the security management plan for the country program is updated and ensure the consistent monitoring and analysis of the security environment and adherence by all staff to the IRC security protocols and procedures


• Working with country senior management team ensure the development, implementation and monitoring of financial and operational policy and procedures to ensure constant compliance with IRC and donor policies across the program


• Promote coordination and teamwork between program and operations staff to improve quality of proposal submissions and program delivery


• Support the operations of PAKSAFE, a collective safety and security advisory service housed by PHF.

Staff Development & Retention

• Develop a positive work environment for all staff supported by a professional level human resource management function


• Ensure IRC national salaries and benefits remain competitive to attract and retain mid and senior level staff


• Support and hold management staff accountable for providing staff development opportunities and planning


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  Identify and mentor high-performing national and international staff (including national staff with potential to transition to international positions within IRC)

  
  

  Job Requirements/Experience Required:

  
  

Graduate degree in relevant field; At least five years of international work experience covering both emergency and post-conflict development programming; extensive program development and fund raising experience, prior experience with European, US and international donors; Strong human resource management skills; Previous budget and fiscal oversight responsibilities; Extensive knowledge and experience in the region; a keen understanding of political complexities in the region, as they relate to post conflict recovery.

This position is limited accompanied (spouse or partner only). Security will be thoroughly discussed during the interview process.