Country Representative

Job Posting Organization:
Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organization that has been operational for over 85 years. The organization is dedicated to advancing children's rights and promoting equality for girls. With a presence in more than 80 countries, Plan International works collaboratively with children, young people, supporters, and partners to tackle the root causes of challenges faced by vulnerable children, particularly girls. The organization believes in the potential of every child and strives to support their rights from birth until adulthood, enabling them to prepare for and respond to crises and adversity. Plan International drives changes in practice and policy at local, national, and global levels, leveraging its extensive reach, experience, and knowledge to create a just world for all children.

Job Overview:
The Country Representative serves as Plan International's legal representative in Mexico, leading gender transformative programs and influencing work at the national level. This role is crucial in ensuring that the needs of the most vulnerable children, especially girls, are prioritized. The Country Representative will be accountable for delivering the country strategy and managing programmatic resources while collaborating with the Cluster Management Team for operational support. The representative will also engage with national and international donors, act as the organization's spokesperson, and advocate for positive change for girls through effective communication and campaigning. The role emphasizes localization and community engagement, aligning with Plan's Global Strategy to strengthen local actors and enhance program effectiveness.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Country Representative will have a wide range of responsibilities, including: acting as the legal representative and key spokesperson for Plan International in Mexico; managing security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security risk levels and ensuring adherence to security standards; leading the country management team; representing the organization to stakeholders such as local authorities, donors, and media; overseeing the funding portfolio; leading programmatic and influencing work focused on gender transformation; developing a country strategy based on thorough assessments of gender power relations and child rights issues; ensuring alignment between the country strategy and resource availability; preparing for emergencies and mobilizing resources; implementing security strategies; collaborating with the Cluster Management Team; approving decisions related to local funding and programs; liaising with local boards; sharing best practices within the cluster; tracking funding sources; building brand recognition; identifying local funding opportunities; contributing to proposal development; ensuring compliance with donor requirements; managing project lifecycles; and influencing key decisions to advance children's rights.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Country Representative position should possess strong leadership skills, with a proven ability to manage teams effectively. They should have experience in program management, particularly in humanitarian and development contexts, and a deep understanding of gender issues and child rights. Excellent communication and advocacy skills are essential, as is the ability to engage with a variety of stakeholders, including government officials, donors, and community members. The ideal candidate should demonstrate a commitment to gender equity and have experience in strategic planning and implementation.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required for the Country Representative role, typically including a degree in international development, social sciences, public policy, or a related field. Advanced degrees or specialized training in gender studies, child rights, or humanitarian response may be advantageous.

Experience:
The position requires significant experience in leadership roles within international development or humanitarian organizations. Candidates should have a minimum of 5-10 years of experience in program management, with a focus on gender equality and child rights. Experience working in complex environments and managing multi-disciplinary teams is essential, along with a track record of successful advocacy and stakeholder engagement.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is mandatory for this position, given the location in Mexico. Proficiency in English is also required, as it is essential for communication with international stakeholders and donors. Additional languages relevant to the local context may be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and involves significant responsibilities at both the strategic and operational levels. The Country Representative will be expected to work closely with various stakeholders and may require travel within the country and internationally. The role may also involve managing a diverse team and ensuring compliance with organizational policies and donor requirements. Compensation and benefits will be commensurate with experience and aligned with Plan International's standards.