NRC recruits 01 Country Director Mali (French language required)
About UsThe Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organisation helping people forced to flee. We work in crises across 31 countries, providing emergencies and long-term assistance to millions of people every year. We stand up for people forced to flee, advocating their rights. NORCAP, our global provider of expertise, helps improve international and local ability to prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from crises. NRC also runs the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre in Geneva, a global leader in reporting on and advocating for people displaced within their own country.
Employment with NRC may lead to employment in or deployment to Regions, Countries, Areas or Offices that may be host to considerable health, safety and security risks. NRC takes this very seriously and we have procedures in place to reduce known risks, but will never be able to take away all risks. NRC requires staff members who travel on an international contract to the field to undergo an medical examination with our medical provider. Employees must produce a Health Clearance Certificate before departure stating that there are no relevant health concerns. If staff are unable to provide this, NRC reserves the right to terminate the Contract of Employment.
About the context and the role
The humanitarian crisis in the Sahel continues to grow. Endemic poverty, climate change, violence, chronically high food insecurity and malnutrition drive extreme levels of vulnerability. In conflict-affected regions, civilians are facing an ever-increasing dramatic protection crisis. Over 290,000 people fled their homes in northern and central Mali in 2020 due to intercommunal clashes, a rise in armed groups and military operations. In addition, there are 48,000 refugees in Mali. Humanitarian needs are staggering: the UN estimated that over 7.1 million people require assistance in 2021.
NRC began operations in Mali in 2013. From its field offices in Gao, Menaka, Mopti, and Timbuktu, NRC delivers protection, education, legal assistance, shelter, livelihoods and food security, and WASH programming. Through the Rapid Response Mechanism, NRC addresses urgent needs of populations affected by sudden shocks, such as displacement due to violence. In 2020, NRC’s programmes provided assistance to over 315,000 people in need. The Country Director will lead a dedicated team of over 240 colleagues to develop, grow and implement quality humanitarian programmes and advocacy.
Responsibilities
The purpose of the Country Director position is the overall leadership and responsibility for the country operation.
The Country Director is overall responsible for:
- National representation and coordination
- Development and execution of country strategy
- All in-country activities, personnel and the Country Management Group (CMG)
- Safety and security of all staff
- Country level advocacy
- Resource allocation and mobilization
- Cost efficiency and quality, including implementation of control mechanisms
- Ensuring adequate country structures and systems are in place
- Learning, training and development of all staff, including a strategy for national staff development
- Compliance and adherence to NRC policies, guidance and procedures
Specific responsibilities
- Analyse the political and humanitarian context and adapt the NRC programme ensuring relevance and strategic growth within the evolving context in Mali
- Motivate and coach staff in order to create effective teams, with particular attention to ensuring an efficient and empowered Country Management Group
- Promote accountability, the highest standard of ethics, including safeguarding, and adherence to the Humanitarian Principles
- Responsible for all NRC advocacy efforts in Mali and ensure that contributions are made to NRC regional and global advocacy efforts
- Develop and enforce policies to promote and maintain diverse staff at all levels
- Provide vision, promote ideas, gain agreement and act as a role model
- Serve as a proactive member the Extended Regional Management Group, promote collaboration with other Country Offices and the Regional office and contribute to the development of the Central and West Africa Region as a whole
- Actively engage with the Burkina Faso and Niger Country Office as part of the Central Sahel to ensure holistic advocacy and programming
Competencies:
- Minimum 5 years experience from working as a Senior Manager/Country Director in humanitarian/recovery context
- Experience from working in complex and volatile contexts
- Documented/proven results related to the position’s responsibilities
- Knowledge about own leadership skills/profile
- Fluency in French and English, both written and verbal
- Valid driver’s license
Context/ Specific skills, knowledge and experience:
- Strategic thinking
- Handling insecure environments
- Empowering and building trust
- Influencing
- Knowledge of the context in the Central Sahel
- Experience from advocacy work
- Experience with change management processes
What we offer
- An opportunity to match your career to a compelling cause
- A chance to meet and work with people who are the best in their fields
- 24 months contract with possibility of extension
- Family duty station in Bamako with 35% internal travel
- Grade 12 in NRC’s grade structure
Starting Date: January 2022