Country Director

Job Posting Organization:
Relief International is an international non-profit organization dedicated to partnering with communities affected by conflict, climate change, and disaster. Established to save lives, build resilience, and promote long-term health and wellbeing, Relief International operates in 14 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The organization focuses on delivering essential services in Health and Nutrition, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), Education, and Livelihoods, which are crucial for fostering community resilience.

Job Overview:
The director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director for South Sudan will play a pivotal role in leading and adapting Relief International’s mission in the country. This position is crucial as it involves navigating the complexities of the current operational environment in South Sudan, which has been marked by ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises. The Country Director will be responsible for strategic leadership, ensuring that the organization’s programs are effectively aligned with the needs of the communities served. This includes overseeing the delivery of high-quality humanitarian assistance, managing relationships with key stakeholders, and ensuring that the organization remains responsive to the evolving context in South Sudan. The role also emphasizes the importance of building a strong team culture that values inclusivity and empowers staff at all levels.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Country Director will be tasked with providing strategic leadership for the South Sudan mission, which includes setting a clear vision for impact and sustainability. Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and implementing a diversified resource mobilization strategy to secure funding and support for the mission.
• Ensuring high-quality program delivery by aligning teams around shared priorities and maintaining rigorous project cycle management.
• Building and maintaining influential partnerships with donors, UN agencies, government authorities, and peer organizations to enhance the organization’s profile and expand funding opportunities.
• Managing risks and operational challenges by embedding strong internal controls and addressing vulnerabilities proactively.
• Fostering a high-performance culture that promotes wellbeing and equitable management practices across the mission.
• Representing Relief International in external forums and advocating for the needs of the communities served.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess senior leadership experience as a Country Director or Deputy Country Director, with a proven track record in managing complex humanitarian operations in fragile or conflict-affected contexts. Demonstrated success in strategic fundraising and portfolio diversification is essential, including experience securing funding from institutional donors and UN agencies. Candidates should have established networks with key donors and partners, and the ability to translate these relationships into funded programs. Strong operational management experience is required, including oversight of multi-million-dollar budgets and financial compliance. Candidates should also have experience in change management and adapting strategies in response to shifting political contexts.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in a relevant field such as International Development, Public Health, Business Administration, or International Relations is required. Equivalent senior-level experience may also be considered in lieu of formal education.

Experience:
Candidates should have significant experience in senior leadership roles within humanitarian organizations, particularly in complex, multi-sector operations in conflict-affected areas. Experience working in South Sudan or similar contexts in the Horn of Africa is highly desirable, as is experience engaging with private sector actors and innovative financing models.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Additional language skills relevant to the region would be considered an asset, enhancing communication with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time position based in Juba, South Sudan, with frequent travel across the country. The role requires advanced pre-employment checks, including criminal records self-declaration and references. Relief International is committed to safeguarding and expects all staff to uphold the core humanitarian principles regarding the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse. The closing date for applications is 23 March 2026.