Country Director

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global humanitarian organization that was established to help people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and disaster. NRC began its operations in Cameroon in 2017 and has since expanded its reach to various regions, including Bamenda, Batouri, Buea, Kousseri, and Maroua. The organization focuses on delivering essential services such as Education, Legal Assistance, Shelter, Livelihoods and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Food Security, and WASH programming. NRC is committed to providing high-quality aid and defending the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons. With a dedicated team of over 174 colleagues in Cameroon, NRC aims to develop and implement effective humanitarian programs that address the complex needs of affected populations. The organization operates in multiple countries and is recognized for its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in its workforce.

Job Overview:
The director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director position at NRC in Cameroon is a senior management role that requires extensive experience in humanitarian and recovery contexts. The successful candidate will lead a dedicated team to develop, grow, and implement quality humanitarian programs in response to the complex humanitarian situations in Cameroon, including displacement caused by violence and the influx of refugees. The Country Director will be responsible for the development and execution of the country strategy, ensuring the safety and security of all staff, and adapting NRC programs to remain relevant in the evolving context. The role demands strong leadership skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to navigate complex political and humanitarian landscapes. The Country Director will also engage in advocacy efforts and collaborate with other country offices to ensure holistic programming and advocacy in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Country Director will have a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Analyzing the political and humanitarian context in Cameroon and adapting NRC programs accordingly.
• Motivating and coaching staff to create effective teams, with a focus on empowering the Country Management Group.
• Promoting accountability and adherence to the highest ethical standards, including safeguarding and humanitarian principles.
• Leading all NRC advocacy efforts in Cameroon and contributing to regional and global advocacy initiatives.
• Developing and enforcing policies to promote diversity within the organization.
• Providing vision and promoting innovative ideas while acting as a role model for the team.
• Collaborating with the Extended Regional Management Group and other country offices to enhance regional development.
• Engaging with the Nigeria and CAR Country Offices to ensure comprehensive advocacy and programming in response to the Lake Chad Basin crisis.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 5 years of experience in senior management roles or as a Country Director in humanitarian or recovery contexts. They should have a proven track record of achieving results related to the responsibilities of the position. Candidates must also demonstrate knowledge of their own leadership skills and profile, as well as fluency in both French and English, both written and verbal. Additionally, candidates should have specific knowledge of the Central Sahel context, experience in advocacy work, and familiarity with change management processes.

Educational Background:
While the specific educational background is not explicitly stated, candidates are typically expected to have a relevant degree in fields such as international relations, humanitarian studies, social sciences, or a related discipline. Advanced degrees may be preferred, especially for senior management positions.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of experience in senior management roles within humanitarian or recovery contexts. Candidates should have experience working in complex and volatile environments, demonstrating the ability to adapt and respond to rapidly changing situations. Proven results related to the responsibilities of the position are essential, as well as experience in advocacy and change management processes.

Languages:
Fluency in both French and English is mandatory for this position, as effective communication in both languages is crucial for engaging with diverse stakeholders and ensuring program implementation. Additional language skills relevant to the context may be considered an asset but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
The duty station for this position is Yaounde, Cameroon, with a contract duration of 12 months and the possibility of extension. The role may require up to 35% internal travel within the country. The salary and benefits are based on NRC's grade 12 scale, which includes a full package for family duty stations. NRC is committed to equal opportunities and diversity in its workforce, encouraging applications from individuals of all backgrounds.