Country Representative

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established to serve the poor and vulnerable, CRS operates in more than 100 countries worldwide, focusing on various areas including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. The organization is committed to improving the lives of those in need, regardless of race, religion, or nationality. CRS has a collaborative, mission-driven culture and welcomes individuals from all faiths and secular traditions who share its values. The agency is dedicated to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, and its processes reflect this commitment. CRS employs a diverse workforce and prioritizes candidates from the regions in which it operates, ensuring that its staff reflects the communities it serves.

Job Overview:
As the Country Representative, you will be responsible for leading, managing, and advancing the programming and operational objectives of CRS in Guinea. This role requires strategic leadership to enhance CRS's reputation and impact while ensuring the safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security of staff and programming. You will oversee the design and implementation of medium and long-term goals, ensuring that all projects meet donor expectations and adhere to CRS program quality standards. Your leadership will involve managing senior programming and operations talent, fostering team dynamics, and providing coaching and mentoring to key staff members. You will also be tasked with developing strategic partnerships with national and international organizations, representing CRS to key stakeholders, and managing risks that may affect staff and programming. The role demands a commitment to accountability, learning, and knowledge management, ensuring that the agency's resources are used efficiently and effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Champion and lead the vision, mission, and strategy of CRS in Guinea.
• Design medium and long-term goals for programming and operations.
• Ensure coordination of objectives among program and operations leads.
• Oversee project design and implementation to maximize impact and reach.
• Ensure compliance with CRS program quality standards per MEAL policy.
• Manage senior programming and operations talent, including coaching and mentoring.
• Develop staffing plans for large projects and oversee recruitment of senior staff.
• Build strategic partnerships with national and international organizations.
• Represent CRS to stakeholders, including Church partners and government entities. 1
• Monitor national and regional issues to manage and mitigate risks. 1
• Ensure adherence to CRS safety and security policies. 1
• Promote accountability and learning within the organization. 1
• Oversee financial management and compliance in operations functions. 1
• Lead strategic growth opportunities and capture planning. 1
• Foster a safe environment for sharing ideas and solutions.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in international development, International Relations, or a related field.
• 8 or more years of experience managing complex relief and development programs.
• Proven track record of managing high-value projects from multiple international donors.
• Understanding of relevant donor regulations and compliance requirements.
• Experience in engaging and strengthening partnerships, particularly with Church partners is a plus.
• Strong staff management skills conducive to a learning environment.
• Excellent strategic, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient in MS Office and budget management systems.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in international development, International Relations, or a related field is required. Advanced degrees or specialized training in relevant areas may be preferred but are not explicitly stated in the qualifications.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 8 years of experience in managing complex relief and development programs. This experience should include successfully managing a variety of high-value projects funded by international donors, demonstrating a deep understanding of donor regulations and compliance.

Languages:
Fluency in English and French, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not specified as a requirement.

Additional Notes:
The position involves significant travel, with an expectation of 30-40% travel time. The role includes supervisory responsibilities over senior staff, including the Head of Programs and Head of Operations. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based staff, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and retirement savings plans. For candidates employed outside the U.S., salary and benefits will be based on the country of employment. The anticipated duration of the assignment for expatriates is informed by a term limit based on job type and agency needs. CRS is committed to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all individuals, particularly children and vulnerable adults.