Country Director

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a prominent international humanitarian non-governmental organization (INGO) founded in 1933 at the behest of Albert Einstein. The IRC operates in over 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities, focusing on restoring health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and empowerment to individuals affected by conflict and disaster. With a mission to help people survive, reclaim control of their future, and strengthen their communities, the IRC employs a large workforce dedicated to delivering impactful humanitarian assistance. In Uganda, the IRC has been active since 1998, providing support to refugees and vulnerable communities across various sectors, including health, protection, economic recovery, and education.

Job Overview:
The director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director (CD) plays a crucial role in leading and managing the IRC's operations in Uganda. This position encompasses overall leadership of staff, programming, and operations, ensuring program quality and accountability while managing resources effectively. The CD is responsible for promoting staff well-being and overseeing safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security measures. The role requires a proven ability to manage a substantial program portfolio exceeding USD 20 million, utilizing diverse implementation modalities. As the principal representative of IRC in Uganda, the CD engages with government authorities, donors, and other stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery of humanitarian and development programs. The CD will lead the country program staff in achieving strategic goals, fostering collaboration, inclusivity, and accountability within the team.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Country Director's responsibilities include providing visionary leadership and strategic direction for IRC's programs in Uganda, ensuring alignment with IRC's global mission and the local humanitarian context. The CD will represent IRC at national and international platforms, develop and implement high-quality programs, and forge partnerships with local organizations. The role also involves overseeing fundraising efforts, managing operational and financial compliance, and ensuring effective risk management. The CD will lead emergency response efforts, maintain safety and security protocols, and foster a high-performance culture within the organization. Additionally, the CD will engage in advocacy efforts to influence policies that benefit the communities served by IRC.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Country Director position should possess strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively both internally and externally. A graduate degree in a relevant field is required, along with at least 10 years of progressively responsible international work experience, including leadership at the Country Director level in complex environments. Experience in conflict or disaster response situations is essential, as is professional fluency in English. Candidates should demonstrate technical skills in security management, negotiation, budget oversight, and fundraising, with a proven ability to handle stressful situations constructively.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Country Director position includes a graduate degree in a relevant field, which may encompass areas such as international relations, public administration, or humanitarian studies. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of humanitarian work and effectively leading diverse teams in challenging environments.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of dynamic international work experience, with a focus on leadership roles at the Country Director level. Candidates should have experience managing multi-site, multi-sectoral operations in complex environments, as well as experience in conflict or disaster response situations. Proven success in overseeing large teams and managing substantial program portfolios is essential for this role.

Languages:
Professional fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for the Country Director position. Knowledge of Arabic and local languages is considered advantageous, as it can enhance communication and engagement with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The Country Director position is a senior leadership role that requires a full-time commitment. The successful candidate will be expected to travel approximately 50% of the time within and outside the region for workshops, meetings, and representation. The IRC emphasizes the importance of adhering to its core values and principles, which include integrity, service, equality, and accountability. The organization is committed to creating a safe environment for its employees and beneficiaries, implementing policies to prevent harm and ensure accountability.