Country Director

Job Posting Organization:
CARE Zimbabwe is part of the global CARE organization, which is dedicated to fighting global poverty and social injustice. Established in 1945, CARE has a long history of providing assistance to those in need, focusing particularly on empowering women and girls. The organization operates in over 100 countries, employing thousands of staff members who work tirelessly to deliver impactful programs. CARE Zimbabwe specifically aims to address the unique challenges faced by vulnerable communities in Zimbabwe, leveraging partnerships and innovative solutions to create lasting change.

Job Overview:
The director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director position at CARE Zimbabwe is a pivotal leadership role that involves overseeing the strategic direction and operational management of the organization's programs in the country. This role requires a visionary leader who can inspire change and drive innovation while ensuring that CARE Zimbabwe remains a trusted partner in the national development landscape. The Country Director will be responsible for shaping the organization's multi-year strategy, aligning it with both global priorities and local development goals. This includes fostering high-level relationships with stakeholders, mobilizing resources, and ensuring that CARE's initiatives are impactful, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of the communities served, particularly focusing on women and girls. The role demands a dynamic individual who can navigate complex environments and lead diverse teams towards achieving significant humanitarian and development outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Country Director will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement CARE Zimbabwe's multi-year strategy, ensuring alignment with global priorities and national development goals.
• Organizational Innovation: Drive transformation initiatives to enhance organizational agility and competitiveness.
• People Leadership: Inspire and lead a diverse team, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Resource Mobilization: Develop ambitious strategies for securing funding from institutional donors, multilaterals, and the private sector.
• External Engagement: Represent CARE Zimbabwe in external forums, influencing policy and strengthening the organization's visibility.
• Operational Excellence: Ensure compliance with operational standards and lead risk management efforts.
• Program Quality: Oversee the quality of programs, ensuring they are evidence-based and community-centered, and advance locally led development initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Country Director position must possess a strong set of qualifications, including:

• Proven leadership experience in a senior management role within the development or humanitarian sector.
• Demonstrated ability to drive organizational change and innovation.
• Strong understanding of the socio-political context in Zimbabwe and the challenges faced by vulnerable communities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strategic partnerships.
• Experience in resource mobilization and managing relationships with donors and stakeholders.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is essential for this role, typically requiring a master's degree in international development, public administration, business administration, or a related field. Advanced qualifications or certifications in leadership, management, or specific areas of development may also be advantageous.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have significant experience, typically at least 10 years, in leadership roles within international development or humanitarian organizations. Experience working in Zimbabwe or similar contexts is highly desirable, along with a proven track record of managing complex programs and leading diverse teams.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization and with external stakeholders. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Zimbabwe would be considered an asset, enhancing the ability to engage with communities and stakeholders effectively.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role based in Zimbabwe, and CARE strongly encourages applications from qualified Zimbabwean nationals. The organization prioritizes hiring on a local contract, and international candidates will only be considered if a suitable local candidate cannot be identified. The role offers a competitive compensation package, including benefits aligned with CARE's organizational standards.