Country Director

Job Posting Organization:
Action contre la Faim, established in 1979, is a prominent non-governmental organization dedicated to combating hunger worldwide. With a strong commitment to humanitarian principles such as independence, neutrality, non-discrimination, and professionalism, the organization has built a reputation over its 45 years of operation. Action contre la Faim's mission is to save lives by eliminating hunger through various strategies, including the prevention, detection, and treatment of under-nutrition, especially in emergency situations caused by conflicts or natural disasters. The organization operates in 57 countries and has provided aid to over 26 million people in 2024, focusing on areas such as Nutrition and Health, Mental Health, psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Psychosocial Support, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Food Security and Livelihoods, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, Advocacy, Climate, and Research. More information can be found on their website at www.actioncontrelafaim.org.

Job Overview:
The director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director position is a pivotal role within Action contre la Faim, responsible for implementing a robust delegation system that ensures accountability across various responsibilities. The Country Director will lead the preparation, updating, and implementation of the country strategy, aligning it with both the regional context and the overarching vision and mission of ACF. This role involves overseeing the mission's programming to guarantee effective design, implementation, and evaluation of ACF's programs and projects. The Country Director will also be tasked with developing and enhancing relationships with donors, civil society, the private sector, government agencies, and other organizations, recognizing the diversity within the humanitarian community as a vital asset. Furthermore, the role includes ensuring the security management of staff and operations, directing responses to security threats, and managing evacuations when necessary. The Country Director will oversee the management and development of the mission's human resources, fostering a shared vision among staff regarding ACF's values and program aims. This position requires managing a team of approximately 116 staff members, including 6-7 direct reports, and ensuring the appropriate mobilization and management of financial and logistic resources in accordance with ACF policies and donor requirements. The Country Director will act as a key liaison between the field and headquarters, maintaining good working relationships and utilizing HQ expertise to optimize strategy implementation. Additionally, the role involves ensuring ACF's accountability, reputation, and fiscal responsibility within the country, as well as linking with national entities and partners in Maputo and implementing ACF's strategy beyond Cabo Delgado.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the preparation, updating, and implementation of the country strategy in alignment with ACF's vision and mission.
• Oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of ACF's programs and projects to ensure effectiveness and efficiency.
• Develop and maintain relationships with donors, civil society, private sector, government agencies, and other organizations.
• Ensure security management for staff, operations, and assets, including response to security threats and incidents.
• Manage and develop the mission's human resources, fostering a shared vision among staff.
• Mobilize, utilize, and manage financial and logistic resources in accordance with ACF policies and donor requirements.
• Act as a key liaison between the field and HQ, ensuring compliance with information demands and optimizing strategy implementation.
• Ensure ACF's accountability, reputation, and fiscal responsibility in the country.
• Facilitate linkage with national entities and partners in Maputo and implement ACF strategy beyond Cabo Delgado.

Required Qualifications:

• A Master's degree (5 years of higher education) in development project management, social action or humanitarian action, international relations, or political science.
• At least 6 years of experience in a similar position within a complex security context, preferably with Action Against Hunger.
• Proven experience in supervising multicultural technical teams and managing humanitarian and/or development operations.
• Strong leadership, adaptability, and innovation skills, with a diplomatic approach to interacting with national authorities and donors.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English and a Latin language (Portuguese, Spanish, or Italian).

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree, which equates to 5 years of higher education, in relevant fields such as development project management, social action or humanitarian action, international relations, or political science. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of humanitarian work and effectively managing projects in challenging environments.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 6 years of experience in a similar role, particularly in contexts characterized by complex security challenges. Ideal candidates will have a background with Action Against Hunger or similar organizations, demonstrating a track record of successfully supervising multicultural teams and managing humanitarian or development operations in comparable settings.

Languages:
Proficiency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, candidates should be fluent in at least one Latin language, which can include Portuguese, Spanish, or Italian. This linguistic capability is crucial for effective communication with local authorities, partners, and stakeholders in Mozambique.

Additional Notes:
This is a fixed-term contract under French legislation for a duration of 24 months. The monthly gross salary ranges from 3572 to 4128 euros, depending on experience, and includes a 13th month payment. Non-French citizens will have their pension insurance reimbursed at 16% of the gross monthly salary. An annual salary increase of 6% is applicable after each 12 months of continuous contract. The position includes a monthly per diem and living allowance of 630 euros net, a country allowance of 150 euros, and a child allowance of 1500 euros per year per child present in the country of origin (with a maximum of 6000 euros per year). Transportation costs will be covered, and the Country Director's family will be based in Maputo in a detached house, while the Country Director will spend 15 days per month in Pemba, where accommodation will be in a shared guest house. ACF provides comprehensive medical coverage, covering 100% of health and repatriation insurance fees for the employee and dependents, extending up to one month after the contract ends. The organization also offers salary sustainment measures for sickness, paternity, and maternity leaves. Employees are entitled to 25 days of paid leave per year, 20 RnR days, and airfare reimbursement for breaks, along with 215 euros for each RnR period. ACF supports career development through follow-up and training opportunities and offers free and unlimited access to the e-learning platform Talentsoft. The position is eligible for family status, and ACF is committed to inclusivity, actively fighting against all forms of discrimination.