Country Director

Job Posting Organization:
Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organization that has been working for over 80 years to advance children's rights and equality for girls. The organization operates in more than 70 countries, focusing on the empowerment of children and young people, particularly girls, who are often the most affected by poverty, violence, exclusion, and discrimination. Plan International aims to tackle the root causes of these challenges and supports children from birth until they reach adulthood, enabling them to prepare for and respond to crises and adversity. The organization drives changes in practice and policy at local, national, and global levels, leveraging its extensive reach, experience, and knowledge.

Job Overview:
The director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director position at Plan International Myanmar is a pivotal role that requires a bold, forward-thinking, and innovative leader to manage the organization's operations in a complex environment. The successful candidate will be responsible for driving the programmatic and influencing work of Plan International, setting the overall direction for the organization, and leading a high-performing team of over 250 staff members. This role involves ensuring accountability for meeting demanding targets while maintaining alignment with the global strategy. The Country Director will lead transformative change, advocate for gender equality, and represent Plan International at the highest levels of government, civil society, and media. The position also entails ensuring that the country operating model is fit for purpose, considering the unique context of Myanmar, and that the organization has the right funding mix to achieve its ambitions. The Country Director will be instrumental in embedding organizational values in all operations and ensuring that gender equality is a core principle in staffing, programming, and influencing efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Country Director will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Leading and managing the country operations of Plan International Myanmar, ensuring effective implementation of the country strategy.
• Driving programmatic work and influencing efforts to advocate for girls' rights and gender equality at national and international levels.
• Overseeing the management of a diverse team, fostering a culture of motivation and accountability.
• Ensuring legal compliance and readiness to respond to emergency and development needs of marginalized children, particularly girls.
• Developing and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including government officials, civil society organizations, and media representatives.
• Monitoring and evaluating program effectiveness and making necessary adjustments to achieve desired outcomes.
• Ensuring that gender equality is integrated into all aspects of the organization's work, from staffing to programming.
• Managing financial resources and ensuring compliance with donor requirements.
• Representing Plan International in high-level meetings and forums to influence policy and decision-making.

Required Qualifications:
To be successful in this role, candidates must possess a range of qualifications, including:

• Proven experience in leadership roles within complex and fragile contexts, particularly in humanitarian high-risk areas.
• Strong understanding of child rights and gender in development concepts, with a commitment to promoting girls' rights in line with international conventions and global goals.
• Experience in sustainable community development and participatory approaches in development interventions.
• Knowledge of donor compliance and financial management requirements.
• Familiarity with programming in challenging environments, with an understanding of Myanmar's historical, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, political, and social contexts.
• Proven skills in team development and management, including distance management capabilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with strong networking and negotiation abilities.
• Strong diplomatic skills and the ability to influence decision-makers and stakeholders effectively.

Educational Background:
Candidates should hold a relevant university degree in development, social science, business administration, or a related field. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of the role and the context in which Plan International operates.

Experience:
The position requires significant experience, particularly in leadership roles within complex and fragile contexts. Candidates should have a strong track record of managing teams and operations in humanitarian high-risk areas, demonstrating their ability to navigate challenges and drive results effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent written and verbal communication skills. Knowledge of Burmese is considered an asset, as it would enhance communication and engagement with local stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Yangon, Myanmar, and is expected to be a fixed-term contract for three years, with the possibility of extension. The role is unaccompanied, and early application is encouraged as Plan International will review applications throughout the advertising period and may close the advert early. A range of pre-employment checks will be conducted in accordance with Plan International's Safeguarding Children and Young People policy. The organization is committed to promoting children's rights and ensuring their protection from violence and abuse, fostering a culture of inclusivity and diversity in the workplace.