Country Director Niger

Oxfam Novib is looking for a

Country Director based in Niger Start date: December 1st, 2011 Family Posting Contract: initially for 1 year but with possibility for extension since this is a permanent post

who, together with us and many others, wants to work towards creating a just world without poverty.

Around the world people are fighting for their right to a decent livelihood. Oxfam Novib supports them in this. We support projects, strengthen local organizations and campaign for just policies. We do so locally and internationally because poverty and injustice are global problems and are related to unjust economic and political relationships. That is why we work together with Oxfam International

Local context: Oxfam’s programme in Niger is to be managed through a consortium model, with Oxfam Novib as Managing affiliate working closely with Oxfam Québec and Oxfam Great Britain as Implementing Affiliates. The consortium model is currently developing towards a “single management structure” (SMS) which implies stronger coordination in-country aiming to achieve higher impact, coherence and identity. At present an interim Oxfam CD is guiding the SMS process till the “Go-Live” on 1st of July. From that date onwards the 3 affiliates will be accountable to the newly appointed Niger Country Director for the delivery of their share of the joint country analysis and strategy 2011-2015.

The country strategy will guide Oxfam’s working perspectives in this country, and will be the basis for defining programming, and for realizing the most efficient and effective operating model for Oxfam in Niger. Affiliates contribe a variety of expertise and approaches to the programmes. The Joint Country Analysis and Strategy is currently shaped around 4 strategic objectives related to 1) sustainable livelihoods and mitigation of vulnerability linked to humanitarian preparedness and response; 2) basic education for all; 3) promote citizenship and human rights and 4) gender justice. Programmes are mostly developed and implemented in partnership with local organizations. The Oxfam Niger programme includes lobby and advocacy at national and linkages to regional/global level (Niger is likely to be a focus country for the Oxfam Food Justice Campaign & Essential Service campaigns) in collaboration with other Oxfam affiliates around the world.

The scale of the Oxfam programme heavily relies on external funding. In 2010 the total programme budget across the three Oxfams combined was approximately 14 million euro, nearly half of which were humanitarian programmes.

Main tasks and responsibilities:

 Provides strategic leadership of Oxfam’s programme in Niger.

 Is accountable to the West Africa Programme Governance Group (PGG) for the delivery, effective management and monitoring, evaluation and learning of the Oxfam in Niger programme via consolidated annual plans and reports (annual budget of Oxfam in Niger estimated total of € 6 million, but will depend on external funding).  Holds the three Implementing Affiliates to account for delivery of their part of the programme strategy and annual operational plans. Chairs the Country Leadership Team, with the Heads of three Implementing Affiliates covering programming, humanitarian and campaigning operations.
 Takes the lead in representing Oxfam in Niger, builds relationships and develops networks contributing to the achievement of the country strategy with the relevant Government authorities and international (donor) community. Represents Oxfam in Niger at regional, and global level.  Line manages Oxfam Novibs work in Niger, via the Oxfam Novib Associate Country Director – staff, HR, and directly steers a finance team (budget (€ 2,5 million secured funds) and management of the programs delivered by Oxfam Novib with partners as part of the JCAS. The CD is line managed by Oxfam Novib’s regional director West-Africa in The Hague.  Works to ensure that the Single Management Structure change activity is implemented successfully.
 Works with the Country Leadership Team to ensure that minimum standards are met in the country – for programme, programme management, HR, finance, IT, security, health and safety etc.  Co-ordinates with the Country Leadership team to elaborate an Oxfam external funding strategy, identify new funding sources and negotiate funding opportunities to support programme implementation.  Ensures overall leadership of disaster preparedness, disaster risk reduction & mitigation and management, including humanitarian response activities for category 2 and 3 emergencies. In collaboration with the humanitarian program manager.  Supports/facilitates the implementation of Oxfam’s regional advocacy work in Niger (under the JRAS). Attends regional consultation meetings with the West-Africa PGG and other Oxfam Country Directors, and when required the regional Oxfam Change Goal Leads (esp. on Food Justice and Essential Services; or delegates country thematic leads).

Requirements:

 Senior management experience in leading the development and ensuring the delivery, of programme strategy, either through partners or directly, in one or more challenging locations.

 Proven analytical skills and ability to think strategically, including the ability to think beyond the country programme context and to act within a regional and global framework.  Ability to manage the development of, and contribute to, the high level analysis of factors driving poverty & food insecurity, marginalisation and vulnerability in developing country contexts, including the ability to ‘think politically’ by understanding motivations, pressures and challenges faced by colleagues, partners and other actors.  Experience in leading and motivating multi disciplinary, (and some-times geographically remote teams); a high degree of self awareness and an understanding of how to drive and support excellent team performance and individual development.  Experience of managing complex change processes and relationships involving a wide range of both internal and external multi-cultural stakeholders across a variety of disciplines & geographical areas.  Experience in representing an organisation with partners, government agencies, private sector organisations, and donors at senior level: locally, regionally and globally.  An active commitment to promoting gender equity and the interests of marginalised people in all aspects of an organisation’s work.  High level financial management skills to steer the operational budget.  Experience of fundraising from diverse institutions, local, regional and international.  Understanding of managing security and risk within an INGO context.  Good level of IT literacy and an understanding of how new developments in technology can positively contribute to the aims of an INGO.  Excellent written and verbal communication skills to motivate, influence, and negotiate.  Ability to speak and write professional French and English.

Salary:

Oxfam Novib is committed to providing you with a competitive, fair and comprehensive pay and benefits package that is justifiable to our donors. The salary range for this position is set between € 3.205, - and € 4.930, - based on relevant experience for this position.

Application to:

Please send your application letter and cv with reference number 5-091 to Frans Pakvis, jobs@oxfamnovib.nl before 20 October, 2011.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.