Country Director

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is one of the largest humanitarian agencies in the world, providing relief, rehabilitation and post-conflict reconstruction support to victims of oppression and violent conflict. IRC has worked for over seven decades and today is involved in over 25 conflict zones in the world. We address both the immediate, life saving needs of conflict affected people in an emergency and the reconstruction needs in post conflict societies.

Location: Zimbabwe

IRC is fairly new to Zimbabwe, so this is a small start-up program with a lot of potential for growth and development. Until IRC is able to expand its interventions, in addition to high-level management and leadership functions, the CD will be taking on tasks that would normally be delegated out including full involvement in program direction and close oversight of finance, grants management and security functions.

- Manage overall team in Zimbabwe including partner agreements, personnel, program advisors and operations staff.
- Coordinate with communities, local authorities and other humanitarian agencies in the area of operation.
- When indicated, develop and work with partner agencies or local communities to deliver interventions.
- Participate in strategic planning for operation as different scenarios and phases of recovery emerge; bring together and input into proposal development, budget development and grant opening meetings.
- Ensure integrated programming and the application of IRC’s Program Framework.
- Ensure compliance with national labor laws; assess and ensure safe operating and security environment for staff.
- Coordinate with logistics and finance staff to ensure compliance, adherence to budget, and the like.
- Evaluate and strengthen staff and partner capacity.
- Develop and ensure adhesion to security plans and policies.
- Directly oversee financial and grants management systems.
- Assist in the orientation of newly arrived national and international staff on the team.
- Provide regular feedback and communication to the Regional Director
- Strive to improve and maintain overall team cohesion and foster team-building relationships;
- Ensure that staff receive an appropriate level of logistical, technical, financial, managerial and administrative support to carry out their activities.
- Other duties as necessary in collaboration with the Regional Director

Requirements- At least 5 years of high-level leadership and management experience in humanitarian and development settings. Previous work with disadvantaged populations required. Previous experience in Africa a must; in Zimbabwe a distinct advantage.
- Demonstrated ability to manage and coordinate a team of professionals in a start-up and growth setting.
- Leadership and management skills in program and support functions.
- Excellent skills in both oral and written English.
- Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
- Advanced degree in international affairs, public administration or related area a plus.

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability.

Please apply at http://www.ircjobs.orgIRC leading the way from harm to home.

How to apply

We request that all applications be completed on line at http://www.IRCjobs.org.

Please indicate in your cover letter how you initially became aware of this vacancy.

IRC does not set closing dates/deadline dates for applications, recruitment is ongoing until the position is filled.

IRC reviews all applications and you will be contacted directly if you are selected as a candidate.

Closing date: 10 May 2009