Closing date:

Country director Maghreb

City/location:
Tunis
Organization:
Oxfam Novib

This job posting has closed

Reference number 5-072

Oxfam’s programme in the Maghreb is a sub-regional programme comprising partners in Morocco, Tunisia, the Sahraoui refugee camps in Tindouf, Algeria and, possibly in future, programmes in Algeria and Libya. This sub-regional programme is to be managed by Oxfam Novib as Managing Oxfam Affiliate working closely with Intermon Oxfam (in Morocco), Oxfam Italia (in Morocco) and Oxfam in Belgium (presence in Tindouf and Algiers, and Oxfam Novib (in Tunisia) who will implement programs in country and on key themes. The four Oxfam affiliates are in the process of developing a Joint Sub-regional Multi Country Cluster Analysis and Strategy (JCCAS) to be adopted in September 2011.

The JCCAS will guide Oxfam’s working perspectives in this sub-region, and will be the basis for defining programming, and the operating model for Oxfam which is most efficient and effective in realising the program objectives. Within Oxfam’s Single Management Structure (SMS) process, the Maghreb Multi Country Cluster (MCC) is expected to go-live in November 2011. Oxfam GB is lead for Rights in Crisis lobby and advocacy efforts related to Libya, and has the lead for Oxfam on humanitarian interventions in all countries except Algeria (specifically, the Sahraoui refugee camps in Tindouf) and Morocco. The Oxfam sub-regional Maghreb program will focus on social and political participation, gender justice and supporting sustainable livelihoods work and rights in crisis (humanitarian intervention).

The Maghreb Country Director is a new position which will be based in the future Oxfam Field Office (FO) in Tunis. The FO in Tunis is expected to be operational in January 2012. Depending on timing, the Country Director may be required to be based in The Hague for a few months before moving to Tunis.

Role responsibilities and accountabilities:

- Provides strategic leadership of Oxfam’s programme in the Maghreb.
- Is accountable to the Middle East and Maghreb (MEMAG) Programme Governance Group (PGG) for the delivery, effective management and monitoring, evaluation and learning of the programme via consolidated annual plans and reports (annual budget of Oxfam in the Maghreb estimated total of € 5,5 to 6,5 million).
- Holds the four Implementing Oxfams to account for delivery of their part of the programme strategy and annual operational plans.       
- Chairs the Sub-regional Leadership Team, with the Heads of four Implementing Affiliates covering programming, humanitarian and campaigning operations.
- Takes the lead in representing Oxfam in the Maghreb sub-region, builds relationships and develops networks contributing to the overall management of the multi country program, coordinating with affiliates in country in relation to the relevant Government authorities and members of the international (donor) community. Represents Oxfam in the Maghreb at Middle East and Maghreb regional and global levels.
- Line manages Oxfam Novib’s work in the Maghreb, via the Oxfam Novib Associate Country Director of the implementing programme – including staff, human resources, security and humanitarian preparedness and response in Tunisia, budget (€ 1,6-1,8 million annually), funding of partner organisations, and the programme delivered by Oxfam Novib (including that funded by external donors). Is line managed by Oxfam Novib’s Regional Manager for MEMAG in The Hague.
- Works to ensure that the Oxfam Single Management Structure change activity is implemented successfully in the Maghreb sub-region.
- Works with the Maghreb Sub-regional Leadership Team to ensure that minimum standards are met in each country and across the sub-region– for programme, programme management, HR, finance, IT, security, health and safety etc.
- Co-ordinates with the Maghreb Sub-regional Leadership team to elaborate an Oxfam Maghreb external funding strategy, identifying new funding sources, coordinating closely with Oxfams in each country seeking external funds, and negotiating 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. Coordinates closely with the designated Oxfam humanitarian lead per country.
- Supports/facilitates the implementation of Oxfam’s regional advocacy work in the Maghreb. Attends regional consultation meetings with the MEMAG PGG and other Oxfam Country Directors.
- Depending on start of contract, is responsible for setting up the new Oxfam Field Office in Tunis, including registration, logistical, technical and HR issues.

Skills, experience and knowledge:

- 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.
- Experience in team building, conflict resolution, ensuring participation, promoting mutual respect and active listening.
- Proven analytical skills and ability to think strategically, including the ability to think beyond the sub-regional 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 marginalisation and vulnerability in developing country contexts, socio-political and socio-economic change, 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, 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. Knowledge of Arabic is an asset.
- Willing and able to travel frequently throughout the Maghreb sub-region.

Behavioural competencies:

- Strives to achieve results by setting and communicating goals and ensuring effective and appropriate decision making and problem solving. Able to resolve complex problems and provide clear and effective communication and representation (‘outward behaviours’):
* Analytical thinking & vision.
* Initiative.
* Communications.

- Achieves results through working effectively with others and holding others to account & good planning & organising skills.

- Communicates appropriately, encourages and develops others, providing feedback and adapting leadership style to bring about successful outcomes. Able to influence & manage multiple stakeholders & ability to take decisions (leadership behaviours):
* Motivating & Developing Others (Coaching skills)
* Achieving Results.
* Facilitating Change.

- Builds and strengthens internal culture by displaying self-awareness and appropriate communication to set an example for others to follow (‘inward behaviours’):
* Self Awareness.
* Interpersonal Awareness.

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Country and region Tunisia
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