Country Representative

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization dedicated to helping people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and disaster. Established in 1946, NRC has grown to employ approximately 15,000 staff members who work across 40 countries, providing life-saving assistance and long-term support to millions of people each year. The organization is committed to advocating for the rights of displaced individuals and calls for increased humanitarian funding to address the needs of vulnerable populations. NRC operates with a strong emphasis on safety, well-being, and a positive working culture, ensuring that employees feel valued, empowered, and supported in their roles.

Job Overview:
The Country Representative position at NRC is a pivotal role that involves leading the organization's operations in Haiti. The primary purpose of this role is to provide strategic direction and ensure effective humanitarian access in challenging and hard-to-reach areas. The Country Representative will be responsible for the overall management of NRC's activities in Haiti, including the development and execution of a comprehensive country response plan. This position requires a dynamic and resilient professional who can foster a unified and high-performing team while expanding NRC's response efforts in the region. The role also includes national representation, coordination with various stakeholders, and ensuring the safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security of all staff members involved in the operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Country Representative will have a wide range of responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• National representation and coordination with local authorities, NGOs, and other stakeholders to ensure effective collaboration and support for NRC's mission.
• Development and execution of a country response plan that aligns with NRC's strategic objectives and the specific needs of the affected population in Haiti.
• Overseeing all in-country activities and personnel, ensuring that the Country Management Group (CMG) operates effectively and efficiently.
• Ensuring the safety and security of all staff members, implementing necessary measures to mitigate risks associated with working in complex and volatile environments.
• Engaging in country-level advocacy efforts to promote the rights and needs of displaced individuals and to secure necessary resources for NRC's operations.
• Mobilizing resources and managing allocations to ensure that programs are adequately funded and supported.
• Leading emergency response initiatives for displaced populations affected by conflict, ensuring timely and effective interventions.
• Developing an access strategy to secure humanitarian access to hard-to-reach areas in collaboration with other actors in the field.
• Aligning NRC's programmatic approach with the specific context and challenges faced in Haiti, adapting strategies as necessary to meet evolving needs.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Country Representative position must meet several key qualifications, including:

• A minimum of 5 years of experience working in a senior management role, such as a director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director or Representative, within a humanitarian or recovery context.
• Proven experience in complex, highly insecure, and volatile environments, demonstrating the ability to navigate challenges effectively.
• Documented results related to the responsibilities of the position, showcasing a track record of successful program implementation and management.
• Strong leadership skills and a clear understanding of personal leadership style and profile.
• Fluency in both French and English, with excellent written and verbal communication skills in both languages.
• A valid driver's license is required for this position.
• Knowledge of the context in Haiti is considered an asset, as is experience in advocacy work and emergency settings, including the start-up of country operations.
• Experience in access negotiations in conflict settings, as well as team management, conflict resolution, and crisis management skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills to effectively engage with diverse teams in a multicultural environment.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Country Representative position includes a relevant degree in fields such as international relations, humanitarian studies, social sciences, or a related discipline. Advanced degrees or specialized training in humanitarian response, conflict resolution, or management may be advantageous and are often preferred by employers in this sector.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a significant level of experience, specifically a minimum of 5 years in senior management roles within humanitarian or recovery contexts. This experience should include working in complex and insecure environments, demonstrating the ability to manage teams and operations effectively under challenging conditions. Candidates should also have experience in emergency response settings and a proven track record of successful program implementation and advocacy work.

Languages:
Fluency in French and English is mandatory for this position, as effective communication in both languages is essential for engaging with local stakeholders, staff, and international partners. Additional language skills relevant to the Haitian context may be considered an asset but are not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The Country Representative position is based in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and is offered as a fixed national or international contract for a duration of 6 months, with the possibility of renewal subject to funding and performance evaluations. The role involves approximately 40% travel to areas of intervention, which may include challenging and insecure locations. The salary and benefits for this position are aligned with NRC's grade 12 on their salary scale, accompanied by terms and conditions that reflect the organization's commitment to equitable compensation. NRC is an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion within its workforce.