Background:

Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. The IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster to survive, recover and gain control of their future. At work today in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. The IRC leads the way from harm to home.

IRC has worked in Liberia since 1996 and is one of the largest humanitarian actors in the country. Guided by its 2015 - 2020 Strategic Action Plan (SAP), the IRC implements innovative health and women and children protection projects and has as many as 11 different partners.

On March 31, 2014, the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) was identified as an outbreak in the country. As part of the organizational mandate to respond to emergencies, the IRC quickly diverted existing funding and raised new funds for critical EVD prevention and response activities in target areas. Guided by its 2015 - 2020 Strategic Action Plan (SAP), the post-EVD IRC Liberia grant portfolio is made up by 7 Health and Protection grants worth a total of $80,000,000 to be implemented over the next 1 to 5 years. The IRC in Liberia has 11 different offices distributed throughout Nimba (2), Lofa (2), Bong (1), Montserrado (2), Maryland (1), River Gee (1), Margibi (1) and Grand Bassa (1) counties.

The Country Director will provide the strategic vision and leadership for the country program. S/he is responsible for ensuring the design and delivery of quality programs, donor and government relations, fundraising and budget management, security and operations management, and developing a motivated and professional team. Reporting to the Regional Director, the Country Director will work closely with, and receive support from regional and headquarters program technical units, safety and security services, regional finance and operations staff. This position is fully accompanied position and is based in Monrovia.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning and Management

• Working closely with the Regional Director, and regional team, review and commence implementation of the strategic plan for Liberia.
• Ensure that structures and systems are in compliance with IRC standards, and that they support program delivery and promote management coordination and efficiency throughout the country program

Program Quality & Development

• Develop program strategies in accordance with IRCs mission and global strategic plan (IRC2020)
• Ensure the consistent use of well managed assessment, design and proposal development processes utilizing core IRC2020 tools such as the Outcome and Evidence Framework and core indicators.
• Promote a team approach and positive learning environment utilizing headquarters, country program and operations staff and partners to consistently enhance the quality of design and implementation

Key Partner & Donor Relations

• Develop IRC as a partner of choice for major local and international donors
• Develop and maintain a high level of understanding of donor priorities, country plans and planned funding initiatives
• Maintain and expand participation with key donors, host government, local stakeholders and relevant policy and coordinating bodies

Fundraising and Budget Management

• Monitor and identify appropriate sources for match fund requirements and coverage of funding gaps
• Provide timely and effective oversight of the financial position of the country program including identification and implementation of required changes to match funding levels
• Maintain effective and coordinated budget monitoring processes for grant funds and discretionary funds

Security & Operations Management

• In coordination with the Regional Safety and Security Advisor (RSSA) ensure that the security management plan for the country program is updated and ensure the consistent monitoring and analysis of the security environment and adherence by all staff to the IRC security protocols and procedures
• Working with country senior management team ensure the development, implementation and monitoring of financial and operational policy and procedures to ensure constant compliance with IRC and donor policies across the program
• Promote coordination and teamwork between program and operations staff to improve quality of proposal submissions and program delivery

Human Resource Management, Staff Development & Retention

• Develop a positive work environment for all staff supported by a professional level human resource management function
• Support and hold management staff accountable for providing staff development opportunities and planning

• Promote IRC core values of integrity, service and accountability

  Requirements:

• Graduate degree in relevant field;

• At least ten (10) years of international work experience covering both emergency and post-conflict development programming;

• Extensive program development and fund raising experience, prior experience with European, US and international donors;

• Strong human resource management skills including capacity building and mentoring;
• Experience supervising and managing a multi-disciplinary team in a cross-cultural setting;
• Demonstrated success in managing projects;
• Previous budget and fiscal oversight responsibilities;
• A keen understanding of political complexities in the region, as they relate to post conflict recovery;
• Ability to work and live in a complex environment.
• English Fluency required (written and verbal)
• Strong communication and inter-personal skills; must be a strong team player;

Standards for Professional Conduct:

The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.