Country Director

Job Posting Organization:
Humanity & Inclusion (HI) is an independent and impartial aid organization that has been operational since 198

• The organization focuses on addressing situations of poverty and exclusion, conflict, and disaster. HI works alongside people with disabilities and vulnerable populations, aiming to respond to their essential needs, improve their living conditions, and promote respect for their dignity and fundamental rights. With a presence in over 55 countries, HI has managed numerous development and humanitarian projects and currently operates with a budget of approximately 200 million euros and employs around 4,000 staff members globally. HI is committed to inclusion and diversity, actively engaging in a disability policy to encourage the integration of people with disabilities into their workforce. They also emphasize the importance of providing accommodations for individuals who may require them during the hiring process.

Job Overview:
The director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director position at Humanity & Inclusion is a pivotal role that involves reporting directly to the Regional Director. The primary responsibility of the Country Director is to implement HI's mandate and strategy within Syria, ensuring that the quality and impact of the program's activities are optimized through effective delegation and control mechanisms. The Country Director is expected to uphold the organization's reputation and image, acting as the legal representative of HI in the country. This role also involves deploying HI's mandate and strategy in collaboration with operational partners, institutions, and donors, while steering organizational transformation initiatives. In emergency situations, the Country Director will assume responsibilities as outlined in the intervention framework. The position requires a strong focus on compliance with budgetary frameworks and adherence to HI's policies and frameworks, including safeguarding and risk management. Additionally, the Country Director will represent HI in various humanitarian coordination forums, ensuring effective communication and collaboration with stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Country Director has several key responsibilities, including:

• Acting as the legal representative of Humanity & Inclusion in Syria, promoting a positive image of the organization.
• Implementing HI's mandate and strategy in collaboration with operational partners and donors, contributing to organizational transformation.
• Ensuring compliance with budgetary frameworks and adherence to HI's policies, including safeguarding and risk management.
• Representing HI and communicating on its behalf according to a defined plan with the Regional Director.
• Assuming responsibilities in crisis situations as per the defined response frameworks.
• Managing the overall operations of HI in Syria, including overseeing program activities and ensuring their alignment with organizational goals.
• Leading and managing a team in a challenging and often volatile environment, ensuring their safety and well-being.
• Engaging in fundraising activities and maintaining regular contact with donors in the region.
• Navigating complex relationships with national government authorities and other stakeholders. 1
• Traveling across the country to oversee operations in various bases and sub-bases, ensuring effective program implementation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Country Director position must possess the following qualifications:

• Proven experience as a Country Director or in a similar leadership role within humanitarian or development organizations.
• Strong understanding of complex humanitarian contexts, particularly in conflict-affected areas.
• Ability to work autonomously and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Experience in managing teams under stress and in challenging environments.
• Knowledge of mine action and experience working with former military personnel is highly desirable.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to represent the organization effectively in various forums.
• Strong organizational and management skills, with a focus on compliance and risk management.
• Ability to engage in aggressive fundraising and maintain donor relationships.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate for the Country Director position should have a relevant educational background, typically including a degree in international relations, humanitarian studies, development studies, or a related field. Advanced degrees or specialized training in humanitarian response, project management, or leadership in complex environments may be advantageous. Continuous professional development and training in relevant areas are also beneficial.

Experience:
Candidates should have significant experience in leadership roles within humanitarian or development organizations, particularly in complex and challenging contexts. A minimum of 5-7 years of experience in senior management positions is often required, with a proven track record of successfully managing programs and teams in crisis situations. Experience in fundraising, donor relations, and navigating government authorities is also essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for the Country Director position, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization and with international stakeholders. Proficiency in Arabic is highly desirable, given the context of the position in Syria. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the operational context.

Additional Notes:
The Country Director position is an unaccompanied role based in Damascus, Syria, with an international contract lasting 18 months, starting from September 1, 202

• The contract includes various benefits, such as social coverage adapted to the mission context, unemployment insurance for EU nationals, a pension scheme, and medical coverage with a 50% employee contribution. The salary starts at 3100€ gross per month, with additional allowances for per diem and hardship. Paid leave is provided at a rate of 25 days per year, along with rest and recuperation (R&R) days according to the mission level. The organization covers travel costs, including air tickets and visa expenses, as well as housing arrangements for the Country Director.