Where childhood thrives, war does not.
Position Title: Country Director, Iraq
Start Date: As soon as possible
Location: Erbil, Iraq (Kurdistan)
Contract: Two years renewable
Background
War Child Canada is a registered Canadian charity based in Toronto that works with war-affected communities to help children reclaim their childhood through access to education, opportunity and justice. War Child Canada has over 15 years of experience working in communities in conflict and post-conflict zones. All work is implemented in direct partnership with local communities, local NGOs and other stakeholders using a child-centered approach. War Child Canada currently works in Afghanistan, Uganda, Sudan, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Jordan.
Context
War Child Canada has recently expanded work into the Kurdistan region of Iraq. The initial programming focus will be on economic development for displaced women in non-camp settings. This will include basic education, vocational skills training and micro finance, amongst other work. It is expected that the successful candidate will lead the organization’s geographic and programming expansion in the country including into the fields of education and legal protection.
Position summary
The Country Director has overall responsibility for leading and managing War Child Canada’s strategy in Iraq, providing directional oversight of programs and operations. The Country Director will actively seek opportunities for fund development and representation among key networks in Erbil to ensure the sustainability of the program.
Responsibilities
- Leadership and Management of the country program (30%)
- Lead the scaling up of War Child Canada’s Iraq program in line with donor deliverables.
- Develop annual plans and provide support and direction for implementation and oversight of service delivery.
- Oversee the fulfillment and contractual obligations of all narrative and financial reporting requirements.
- Oversee the development and implementation of its Country Strategic
- Plan, in close collaboration with Head Office and field staff.
- Develop, provide oversight and leadership to the Senior Management Team.
- Fundraising (30%)
- Build War Child Canada’s program through donor engagement, project design and proposal development, in collaboration with HQ.
- Responsibility for in-country fundraising with institutional donors.
- Work closely with the Country Director, Jordan, on any regional funding opportunities.
- Financial Management (15%)
- Overall responsibility for in-country budget and financial management, including reporting to Head Office.
- Maintain efficient financial controls, accountability standards, procedures and records.
- Prepare country budgets, oversee project budgets and monitor budget spending.
- Maintain network of contacts and representation (10%)
- Initiate and engage in collaboration and consultation with local and central authorities, INGOs, national NGOs and local communities.
- Ensure appropriate communications, information exchange and sharing with local partners and with HQ.
- Represent War Child Canada in meetings and coordination platforms in Erbil and regionally, as needed.
- Human Resource Management (10%)
- Responsible for the oversight of all War Child Canada staff in Iraq.
- Oversees the recruitment of local staff as necessary.
- Security Management (5%)
- Maintain internal and external contacts with relevant parties and authorities related to security
- Monitor the security context of the country to manage and mitigate security risks.
- Regularly update and implement War Child Canada’s security procedures and plans in coordination with HQ.
Qualifications
Knowledge
- Master’s Degree or equivalent in International Development, Social Sciences, International Relations, or related subject
- Minimum of 5 years’ senior management experience including experience in strategic planning processes.
- Demonstrable knowledge and experience of gender and refugee issues.
- Knowledge of at least one of War Child Canada’s programming focal areas.
- Demonstrated track record in successful fundraising and donor engagement and development strategies.
- Experience in project, financial and HR management, including mentoring of national and international staff.
- Experience managing security in a conflict affected environment.
- Previous experience in Iraq’s Kurdistan region is highly desirable.
Skills and abilities
- Fluency in written and verbal English. Arabic or Kurdish highly desirable.
- Demonstrated leadership abilities.
- Detail oriented, strong organizational, analytical and strategic planning skills.
- Effective time-management skills with the ability to multi-task and manage multiple time-sensitive priorities.
- Team oriented with strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with individuals from a range of backgrounds.
- Strong writing and project management skills.
- Able to work sensitively in challenging and insecure environments.
Salary and benefits
- A highly competitive salary and benefits package will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. Comprehensive benefits include travel to and from duty sites, generous vacation, accommodation, comprehensive insurance and an Expatriate Employee Assistance Program as per War Child Canada contractual standards.
INTERESTED APPLICANTS ARE INVITED TO SEND A CURRICULUM VITAE AND AN ACCOMPANYING COVER LETTER ELECTRONICALLY TO: Email: jobs@warchild.ca
Please ensure your application email has the subject heading of ‘Country Director, Iraq – [insert your name]’
Deadline for applications 6th January 2017. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be notified. We regret we cannot entertain phone calls.
War Child Canada is committed to providing a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. Final candidates will be vetted in accordance with War Child Canada’s Child Protection Policy, including appropriate reference and security checks.
