Country Director Burkina Faso Ouagadougou
Lead humanitarian programmes and advocacy efforts in Burkina Faso
Overview
Lead humanitarian programmes and advocacy efforts in Burkina Faso
You have:
- Minimum 5 years’ experience 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
- Fluency in French and English, both written and verbal
- Valid driver’s license
- Knowledge of the context in the Central Sahel
- Experience from advocacy work
- Experience with change management processes
Contract
This is a Professional contract (NRC) contract. More about Professional contract (NRC) contracts.
Context
All NRC employees are expected to work in accordance with the organisation’s core values: dedication, innovation, inclusivity and accountability. These attitudes and beliefs shall guide our actions and relationships.
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. Burkina Faso has been one of the fastest growing displacement crises in the world over the past five years. Currently, nearly 2 million persons have fled their homes.
In 2019, NRC reopened operations in Burkina Faso and began programming in Niger, under joint management. As of mid-2023, the two operations will be split with full management teams in each country (although some technical positions will continue to be shared through the end of the year). From its field offices in Kaya, Dori, Kongoussi, Djibo, and Pama, NRC delivers protection, education, legal assistance, camp management, shelter, livelihoods and food security, and WASH programming. In 2022, NRC provided assistance to over 167,000 individuals in the area. The Country Director will lead a dedicated team of over 140 colleagues to develop, grow and implement quality humanitarian programmes and advocacy.
Role and responsibilities
- Analyse the political and humanitarian context and adapt the NRC programme ensuring relevance and strategic growth within the evolving context in Burkina Faso, as well as monitoring potential impact on Coastal Countries, particularly from NRC’s area of operations in the East region
- Motivate and coach staff in order to create effective teams, with particular attention to ensuring an efficient and empowered Country Management Group
- Closely coordinate with the Niger CD (Country Director) on the most effective use of shared resources
- Promote accountability, the highest standard of ethics, including safeguarding, and adherence to the Humanitarian Principles
- Maintain and grow relationships with authorities, NGO partners, donors, and other key stakeholders.
- Responsible for all NRC advocacy efforts in Burkina Faso 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 COs (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 Mali and Niger COs as part of the Central Sahel area to ensure holistic advocacy and programming
Professional competencies
- Minimum 5 years’ experience 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
- Knowledge of the context in the Central Sahel
- Experience from advocacy work
- Experience with change management processes
Please find the full job description here: JD CD Burkina Faso 202303.docx
What we offer;
- 24-month contract duration with possibility of extension.
- Grade 12 in NRC’s Salary Scale. NRC offers a competitive compensation and benefits package.
- Family duty station with accompanied benefits
- NRC is an equal opportunities employer. In the selection of our staff, we are committed to diversity without distinction to age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, and physical ability.
- We think outside the box, encourage ideas, and give responsibility to all employees at all levels. You will have many opportunities to be heard and take the initiative.
Deadline for applications: 13th April 2023
Potential start date: 15th June 2023
Female candidates are strongly encouraged to join our work culture that empowers every employee to share ideas and take responsibility: At NRC, we think outside the box. We encourage ideas and give responsibility to all employees at all levels, to help solve the complex issues that we face. You will have many opportunities to be heard and take the initiative.
To apply as an internal candidate, click on the suitcase icon “I am an employee” on the top right of the page to be redirected to NRC’s internal career site
Kindly send any questions that you may have in relation to the application process to: [email protected] with the position in the subject. Applications sent via email will not be accepted. Please check your application status on your NRC application profile.
Potential interview questions
| Can you describe a time when you successfully led a team through a challenging situation? | This assesses your leadership skills in difficult circumstances. | Provide a specific example that demonstrates your leadership and problem-solving abilities. |
| How do you approach building relationships with local authorities and stakeholders? | This evaluates your partnership management and advocacy skills. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What methods would you implement to ensure program accountability and ethical standards? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you manage conflicts within your team or with stakeholders? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What experience do you have with programmatic changes in volatile contexts? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |