Country Director

Job Posting Organization:
Action contre la Faim (ACF) is a non-governmental organization established in 1979, dedicated to combating hunger worldwide. With a strong commitment to humanitarian principles such as independence, neutrality, non-discrimination, and professionalism, ACF has built a reputation over 45 years for its effective interventions in crises caused by conflicts and natural disasters. The organization operates in 57 countries and has provided aid to over 26 million people in 2024 alone. ACF focuses on seven main areas of expertise: Nutrition and Health, Mental Health and 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. Their mission is to save lives by eliminating hunger through prevention, detection, and treatment of under-nutrition, particularly in emergency situations. More information can be found on their website www.actioncontrelafaim.org.

Job Overview:
The director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director will be responsible for implementing a robust delegation system that ensures accountability across various responsibilities. This includes leading the preparation and implementation of the country strategy that aligns with both the regional context and ACF's overarching vision and mission. The role requires overseeing the mission's programming to ensure 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 strength. Security management for staff and operations is a critical aspect of this role, including the management of evacuation procedures when necessary. The Country Director will manage a team of approximately 116 staff members, including 6-7 direct reports, and will oversee the mobilization and management of financial and logistical resources in accordance with ACF policies and donor requirements. Additionally, the Country Director will serve as a key liaison between the field and headquarters, ensuring compliance with information demands and leveraging HQ expertise to optimize strategy implementation. The role also involves maintaining ACF's accountability, reputation, and fiscal responsibility within the country, as well as fostering connections with national entities and partners in Maputo and 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 the security management of 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 regarding ACF's values and program aims.
• Mobilize, utilize, and manage financial and logistical resources in accordance with ACF policies and donor requirements.
• Act as the primary liaison between the field and HQ, ensuring good working relationships and compliance with information demands.
• Uphold ACF's accountability, reputation, and fiscal responsibility in the country.
• Facilitate linkages 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.
• A minimum of 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 or development operations in similar contexts.
• Strong leadership, adaptability, and innovation skills, with a diplomatic approach to interacting with national authorities and donors.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree, which typically requires five 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 at least 6 years of relevant experience in a similar role, particularly in complex security contexts. Candidates should have a track record of successfully supervising multicultural teams and managing humanitarian or development operations, ideally within the framework of Action Against Hunger or similar organizations.

Languages:
Proficiency in written and spoken English is mandatory. Additionally, candidates should have proficiency 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.

Additional Notes:
This position 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. There is an annual salary increase of 6% after each 12 months of continuous contract. The role includes a monthly per diem and living allowance of 630 euros net, along with a country allowance of 150 euros. A child allowance of 1500 euros per year per child is provided, with a maximum of 6000 euros per year. Transportation costs are covered, and accommodation is provided in Maputo, with the Country Director spending 15 days per month in Pemba. Medical coverage includes 100% coverage of health and repatriation insurance fees for the employee and dependents, extending up to one month after contract termination. The position also includes salary sustainment measures for sickness, paternity, and maternity. Employees are entitled to 25 days of paid leave per year, 20 rest and recuperation (RnR) days, and airfare reimbursement for RnR travel. ACF offers support for career development and free access to an e-learning platform. The position is eligible for family status, and ACF is committed to inclusivity and fighting against discrimination.