Country Director-Sudan Emergency Program at Handicap International

In Kenya, Handicap International works to improve the living conditions of people with disabilities and advance their rights with a special focus on refugee-related issues. Working in Kenya since 1992, Handicap International currently employs 80 local staff and three expatriates
SUMMARY


Under the responsibility of the HI’s Emergency Manager, the Country Director contributes within his/her geographical area to the implementation of the mandate and the Strategy of Humanity & Inclusion. He/she ensures optimal quality and impact of the activities in the Program, through a delegation system with appropriate control mechanisms. He/she shares with all HI managers the responsibility of sound management and successful functioning of the global organization.
In line with the current project objectives, the Country Director will lead the successful program management from Nairobi with regular travels to Sudan when possible. S/he will ensure sound monitoring of the project in line with the expected outcomes of the project.
In line with the current project objectives, the Country Director will lead the successful program management from Nairobi with regular travels to Sudan when possible. S/he will ensure sound monitoring of the project in line with the expected outcomes of the project.

With a strong link with the national partner, s/he will act as the partnership focal point with the implementing partner in Sudan, making sure that the partnership agreements are applied, and the collaboration is smooth between HI team and the partner.

The Country Director- Sudan is the legal representative of the overall HI’s Sudan response internally and externally and promotes a high reputation and positive image of HI’s Sudan Program.
The Country Director deploys HI’s full mandate and Strategy in her/his geographical area, with operational partners, institutions and/or donors.
In his/her geographical area, s/he ensures compliance with his/her budget framework (including unrestricted funds) and HI policies and frameworks (safeguarding, commitment thresholds, security, human resources, risk management, etc.)
In his/her geographical area, actively monitors and analyses context developments, to identify risks and opportunities.

YOUR PROGRAM:
Mission 1: MANAGEMENT

Contributes to the development of his or her staff, creating the conditions for their commitment, professionalism, and attachment to HI. Ensures compliance with the code of conduct of institutional policies, the state of mind and the expected individual and collective behavior.
Understand the strategy, make it explicit, translate it into operational objectives for his or her team, and lead the necessary changes. Give meaning to each management action. Encourage inter and intra-departmental exchanges of practice. Encourage innovation and risk-taking.
Organize the operational and partnership management of his/her team, structure the work around identified processes, steer performance and facilitate the resolution of problems.

Mission 2: STRATEGY AND STEERING

Ensure the definition, implementation, and adaptation of the HI Strategy in the Program:
Be responsible for fundraising and resource planning:

Develop regular contacts with donors at field level and regularly inform the Institutional Funding teams.
Ensure the best allocation of resources to match Program ambitions, and plan accordingly (including support missions).


Ensure the deployment and compliance with HI global frameworks, institutional policies, and standards.
Conduct partnership Steering Committees with his/her direct managers/counterpart: the operational partner and HI project team
Ensure the design of project proposals for the continuity or expansion of the project or the development of new projects upon request.

Mission 3: OPERATIONAL IMPLEMENTATION

Be responsible for security management: in link with the Humanitarian Access and Security Manager and HQ specialist, develop a culture of safety & security at the Program level (Sudan level); ensure that security documents are developed, up-to-date and that all necessary measures are in place; ensure incident management and reporting according to HI frameworks.
Ensure financial control and monitoring of operations are effective in the Program: consolidation, control, and reporting of operational and organizational elements within the Program (dashboards, corrective measures, unrestricted funds consumption, etc.)
Ensure technical quality standards are applied in the projects of the Program and monitor the implementation of evaluations and donor audits’ recommendations.
With both potential opportunities and risks in mind, ensure continuous monitoring and analysis of current developments for the Sudan’s Program: implement analysis and monitoring of risks related to HI presence and activities; take mitigation actions when relevant.

Mission 4: REPRESENTATION, INFLUENCE AND LEADERSHIP

In conjunction with the Country Manager Kenya (for HI’s mission in Kenya), the Country Director-Sudan represents the overall HI’s response in internally and externally and promotes a high reputation and positive image of HI. This includes:

Support HI’s registration process in Sudan
Employer’s representative responsibilities and compliance with local working regulations both in Kenya and in Sudan
Communications on behalf of HI.
Representation of HI vis-à-vis local, national, traditional, political, military and diplomatic authorities and bodies
Representation of HI vis-à-vis international organizations and coordination mechanisms & system.
Negotiation and signature of operational partnerships.
Develop external influence of HI (forums, operational & strategic alliances, etc.) and the external representation of the organization (events, media) in the Program’s geographical scope

PROFILE SOUGHT/OTHER SKILLS
Educational background and experience:

At least 5 years’ experience at key management positions within international organizations
Management experience in humanitarian, security, and emergency programs
Strong interpersonal and intercultural skills.
Ability to work under high pressure and without constant supervision.
Motivated by constant program adaptation to an evolving context and set up of partnerships with local and international partners.
Excellent organizational skills, coordination, and transfer of knowledge.
Excellent communication skills and commitment to teamwork.
Ability to travel and work in a tense and volatile context with strict security measures.
Proven experience in negotiations with institutional donors, project writing and reporting.
Shows accountability, leadership, diplomacy and pragmatism.
English mandatory (oral and written)

Skills required:

Global Management of Programs:

Organizational management
Change management.
Operational strategy
Major risks management
Context & stakeholders’ analysis
Representation, partnerships management

Other professional skills

Financial and budget management
Donor contract negotiation and grant management
HR: Staff administration (except pay) and organization design
Information security management
Partnership management and development

Cross-sector skills

Frameworks and references
Office and collaborative tools
Stress management.
Collaborating in a global organization

Language skills

English mandatory, Arabic is an asset.