Country Director at Pact

Location: Antananarivo, Madagascar
Last Date: October 25, 2010

Job Description

Title: Country Director
Department: Program Delivery
Supervisor: Associate Vice President - Africa
Location: Antananarivo, Madagascar


Pact values and supports a diverse work environment.

Position Summary: The Country Director (CD) is responsible for the timely and effective implementation of the Madagascar program. As CD, s/he is also responsible for setting strategic directions for and developing the country portfolio which is appropriate to the operating context. S/he must also ensure that systems are in place and are being properly implemented that ensure the proper management, well being and safety of Pact staff and the proper stewardhip of resources. Responsibilities include technical leadership; team management and mentoring; policy advocacy; donor, government and partner liaison; new business development; and oversight of programmatic and financial management and reporting.

Core Values: Pact employees embrace the following core values as representatives of the institution:

*all people have a right to participate in decisions affecting their lives
*gender equity is mandatory for social transformation
*resources are allocated in a transparent manner, guided by accountability to our clients and Pact's role as steward of resources intended for the poor
*diversity in background, gender and age strengthen our capacity to be wise managers of public and private funds
*teamwork and collaboration shape our day-to-day working relationships
*innovation and risk taking to achieve impact and broad scaleable results drive strategic priorities
*gathering and sharing information are primary roles for all employees
*staff growth and advancement are a priority, including training and professional skills building to increase knowledge and competence and to stay abreast of new developments, especially in technology
*a healthy balance between work and life outside of work must be maintained for work satisfaction and fulfillment

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

Programming
• Oversee country office programming to ensure the effective and efficient delivery and implementation of projects and are in line with Pact's and donors’ standards for program quality.
• Serve as team leader charged with the day-to-day execution of the program; undertake the timely deployment of financial and human resources for program success and attainment of desired results/indicators.
• Generate financially viable program pipeline in line with Pact strategy. Lead in identifying and securing funding for future country office projects. Work in conjunction with Opportunity Development team to develop and execute fundraising strategies.
• Ensure that proper monitoring and evaluation systems are in place.
• Promote a learning environment within the country office that facilitates two-way learning with various stakeholders.   
• Develop and implement an organizational strengthening strategy that increases grantee capacities to monitor, evaluate, deliver and report on services, and that will support their sustainability.
• Coordinate/arrange all technical assistance and training activities under the program.

Networking, Alliance Building and Collaboration

• Ensure strong cooperation and collaboration with partners, donors, government, and other key stakeholders.
• Coordinate and collaborate with Pact HQ and Pact’s Africa regional staff.

Finance, Administration, Grants and IT

• Manage the country office in the assigned country and provide oversight for all administrative and financial operations to support the programs.
• Monitor the country office’s financial position and ensure the best use of available resources. This includes overseeing the development and review of country office annual budget and project budgets, oversight of financial transactions and reports, maximizing cost recovery from restricted grants, ensure compliance with all Pact procedures and applicable donor requirements.
• Ensure adequate internal controls are in place to protect the country office’s financial and non-monetary assets and to ensure the resources are used in accordance with donor terms and conditions. Review and follow-up on internal and external audit recommendations.
• Ensure the country office operations are conducted in accordance with all statutory and tax requirements.
• Oversee an efficient, transparent grants making process under the program; assure timely and high-quality monitoring of and reporting by sub-grantees.
• Oversee the work of the implementing partners and monitor for compliance with sub-agreements or subcontracts.
• Provide guidance and resources to ensure IT is utilized efficiently and effectively.

Human Resources

• Oversee the management and development of country office human resources to ensure a diverse, skilled and productive workforce and promote an organizational culture where Pact’s values are practised.
• Provide proper supervision and management for all direct reports and oversee the establishment and functioning of a strong, effective senior leadership team. Ensure timely and quality inputs by staff and consultants.
• Ensure strong human resource strategies and systems are in place and are properly implemented in areas such as recruitment, staff development, and performance management.
• Ensure appropriate workplace policies to ensure fairness and equity are developed and used (e.g. policies related to HIV/AIDS, sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, etc.)
• Oversee the establishment and regular review of compensation package to ensure competitiveness.
• Actively promote staff wellness by monitoring country office climate and staff morale and taking corrective actions as needed.
• Ensure the proper implementation of Pact’s performance management system for direct reports. This can include: proactively addressing performance issues through regular, constructive and honest feedback and coaching and identifying necessary staff development for direct reports.
• Oversee the recruitment and orientation of new senior staff.
• Ensure levels of authority and responsibility are clearly defined, understood and followed within the country office.

Qualifications:

• Fluency in French and English mandatory
• Knowledge of the priorities and procedures of donors, private foundations, and bilateral and multi-lateral organizations; corporate donors a plus
• In-depth understanding of the role of civil society in development and experience in capacity building for civil society organizations
• Proven networking, diplomacy and negotiation skills that demonstrate ability to collaborate and coordinate with a range of stakeholders and to reconcile diverse perspectives in a constructive manner
• Demonstrated ability to establish and sustain interpersonal and professional relationships with different donors, international NGOs, local NGOs/CBOs, and host country government counterparts
• Strong track record of resource mobilization, innovation and new business development, including development of large scale proposals in response to competed opportunities
• Excellent written, oral communication, presentation and representation skills
• Strong general program planning and management skills with a focus on innovation
• Solid understanding of and comfort with finance, compliance, and human resource management
• A belief in empowering local staff and demonstrated leadership, team-building, facilitation, and mentoring skills in developing country contexts
• Sensitive in diverse contexts, consultative, decisive, adaptable and proactive

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Graduate degree in relevant field.
• A minimum of 10 years experience working with a variety of donors in senior management role
• Experience working with Global Fund and US government strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of and experience in community-based local governance, health programming, natural resource management
• Proven experience navigating complex and high pressure operating environments
• Experience developing and managing multi-sectoral, multi-donor funded program portfolios preferred
• Madagascar experience highly desirable, Africa experience essential


Disclaimer: This job description summarizes the responsibilities assigned to the position; however it does not contain an all-inclusive list of responsibilities. Periodically, employee(s) will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor.


This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise. Employment at Pact is a voluntary "at will” relationship.

To Apply for this position, please fill out the online application at: http://recruitment.pactworld.org/apply