Country Director Job Ref. LEB/DRC/082323

Who are we?

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfillment of the wish to return home.

The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956, and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced.

All of our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

About the role

The Country Director plays a strong leadership role in DRC’s comprehensive and solutions-based approach to displacement through a high level of strategic leadership, innovation and effective advocacy. He/she is ultimately accountable in country for all aspects of DRC’s work, leading the consolidation and at the same time development of the programme, continuing the process of developing solid impact measurement mechanisms, strengthening accountability initiatives and ensuring that the financial management and organizational setup is adapted to the operational context. The Country Director sets direction, leads, maintains team morale, safety and welfare, and manages resources. He/she delegates specific duties as necessary, while maintaining oversight and accountability.

Duties and Responsibilities

Representation

Represent the programme to authorities, donors, partners, and in various co-ordination fora;
Strengthen DRC’s position nationally and regionally;
Ensure that DRC maintains excellent and productive relations with all key stakeholders, especially beneficiaries, local authorities, the humanitarian community and donors.
Direct managerial oversight and support

Conduct overall management of the country operation and provide direct line management to senior staff members.
Ensure that the senior management team is effective, mutually supporting and sufficiently involved in decision making.
Conduct frequent travel to the field offices for direct operational support and representation;
Ensure compliance with internal and external reporting requirements
Fundraising and Advocacy

Be responsible for all donor engagement and fundraising efforts to ensure solid growth of the country portfolio in size and reputation
Lead on implementation of DRC’s advocacy strategy and lead on advocacy efforts at all relevant coordination fora
Safety

Provide overall accountability for security, including development of and ensuring adherence to security procedures, monitoring of the security situation, analysing and provision of recommendations.
Support Services

Be responsible for the financial health of the organization, working with the Head of Support Services to ensure that requisite systems are implemented to provide overall budget monitoring and financial management, ensuring compliance with minimum DRC and donor requirements
Manage the resources allocated effectively and transparently by respecting and meeting all legal requirements in country
Ensure coaching and counselling advice to staff when necessary and lead initiatives to develop staff capacity.
Programme development

Be responsible for ensuring an enabling environment for development and implementation of a robust programme strategy that is within DRC’s overall regional and global strategic frameworks.
Accountability and Quality

Ensure that DRC standard regulations and operational procedures (Code of Conduct, DRC Management handbooks, CHS standards, etc) are followed.
Utilize the Program Cycle Management tool to ensure sound, quality, accountable programming
Experience and technical competencies:

Required Qualifications

To be successful in this role we expect you to have a minimum of ten years’ management experience in emergency/development contexts as country director/senior manager of a humanitarian or development organization or similar, moreover, we also expect the following:

Experience as a people manager;
Experience representing a large and leading organization to donors, external partners and authorities;
Experience with networking, advocacy and coordination;
Experience in managing staff in insecure/stressful locations;
Experience with conflict related displacement issues;
Experience of managing budgets and multiple donor contracts;
Experience in donor contact, fundraising and networking;
Experience working in the Middle East region and Lebanon (preferred);
Proven leadership skills and a competence in people management;
Proven communicator with all types of stakeholders; and
Proven commitment to accountable practices and knowledge of quality assurance systems.
Languages

English is required, Arabic is desirable
In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’s five core competencies:

Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.
Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.
Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.
Demonstrating integrity: Upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.
Education: (include certificates, licenses etc.)

Master’s degree in relevant field
We offer.

Contract length: (24) Months

Position Band: This position will be placed at Management (D) band.

Duty station: Beirut, Lebanon

Designation of Duty Station: accompanied / Family duty station