National 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 futures, and strengthen their communities, the IRC employs a workforce dedicated to delivering lasting impact and hope to millions globally. The organization has been active in Burkina Faso since April 2019, expanding its interventions from WASH emergency responses to include protection, health, nutrition, and economic recovery for internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and host communities. The IRC promotes an inclusive environment grounded in humanitarian principles and accountability standards.

Job Overview:
The National director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director for Burkina Faso is responsible for providing overall leadership to the IRC program in the country. This includes overseeing staff, operations, programming, and institutional relations. The director serves as the primary legal representative of the IRC to various stakeholders, including the government, donors, UN agencies, and NGOs. The role requires a leader who embodies humanitarian values and principles, possesses excellent interpersonal skills, and is capable of forging strategic partnerships while diversifying funding sources. The director must exercise sound judgment in risk management, particularly in a volatile security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security environment, ensuring that the IRC's humanitarian and recovery programs are responsive and efficient, benefiting vulnerable populations such as IDPs, refugees, and host communities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Leadership and Representation: Provide exemplary leadership by fostering a strong team spirit and open communication. Develop strategic relationships with Burkinabe authorities, donors, UN agencies, and NGOs. Position IRC as a key partner for major donors and local civil society organizations. Contribute to humanitarian coordination in Burkina Faso and at the regional level.
• Strategic Direction, Program Quality, and Development: Ensure alignment of the country program’s strategic vision with IRC’s overall strategy. Oversee program quality through rigorous design, monitoring, and evaluation processes. Supervise the submission of competitive proposals and lead partnerships with local civil society. Identify opportunities for program expansion and ensure continuous contextual monitoring.
• Safety, Security, and Access Management: Manage overall safety and security for the country program. Oversee security matters and maintain a culture of safety awareness among staff. Keep security and emergency plans updated and accessible. Coordinate closely with the Regional Safety and Security Director.
• Performance Management and Development: Mentor staff by communicating clear expectations and providing regular feedback. Supervise the development of national and international staff to build a competent and motivated team. Conduct salary market studies to ensure competitive compensation.
• Operational Management and Governance: Supervise financial and operational policies to ensure compliance with IRC and donor requirements. Monitor budgets rigorously and identify operational optimization opportunities. Ensure support for all departments and consistent implementation of IRC standards.
• Communications: Model and encourage adherence to the IRC Way - Global Standards for Professional Conduct. Maintain a healthy office environment that promotes open communication among staff and partners. Maintain communication with regional management and technical advisors.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience. A minimum of 10 years of international experience with increasing responsibilities is required, including previous country director roles and management of multi-site and multi-sector operations in complex environments. Experience in conflict or post-conflict contexts or disaster response is desirable. Knowledge of the West African region, particularly Burkina Faso, and familiarity with the IRC is advantageous. Candidates should demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills in both French and English, proven expertise in security management, strong skills in budget oversight and resource mobilization, and an in-depth understanding of the political and security dynamics of Central Sahel. The ability to manage multiple priorities and stressful situations constructively is essential.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in a relevant field is required, or equivalent experience in a related area. This educational background should provide the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to effectively lead and manage the IRC's operations in Burkina Faso.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of international experience with increasing responsibilities, including previous roles as a country director and management of multi-site and multi-sector operations in complex environments. Candidates should have experience in conflict or post-conflict contexts or disaster response, which is highly desirable. Familiarity with the West African region, particularly Burkina Faso, and knowledge of the IRC's operations will be considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in both French and English is mandatory, with excellent oral and written communication skills required in both languages. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the region may be considered a plus, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and involves significant responsibilities, including leadership and operational management. The IRC emphasizes the importance of adhering to its core values and principles, which include integrity, service, equality, and accountability. The role may require travel, approximately 30% of the time, within Burkina Faso and to other countries in the West and Central Africa region for meetings, workshops, and advocacy engagements. The IRC is committed to creating a safe environment for its employees and beneficiaries, enforcing policies on safeguarding and accountability.