Country Director 
Summary:  
Description:  

Summary Description

The Country Director (CD) works with the Director of the Africa Bureau and Regional Director to establish government and diplomatic relations and represents Mercy Ships in all issues relating to the execution and implementation of the Country Engagement Plan. Responsible for the coordination of all programmatic and support activities in a specific country throughout the country engagement period. The CD plays a key role in external representation, external and internal stakeholder alignment, and team leadership. The CD plays a strategic role in programmatic planning and should have an overview of all Mercy Ship related activity within their assigned country.

The Country Director manages the Country Engagement Team (CET) and provides support and oversight for other visiting teams such as the Advance Team, Medical Capacity Building (MCB) Team and Monitoring and Evaluation team (MELD). The CD also assists the Africa Bureau and Executive Team in organizing and preparing for diplomatic visits.

Note: Where an Accord de Siège is active, a Country Director can be assigned and where only a Protocole d’accord is active, a Designated Country Director is assigned, and the responsibilities are limited to the length and scope of the Protocole d’Accord.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (include but not limited to)

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

Leadership & Programs Management

  • Leads the Country Engagement (CE) Team to develop diplomatic working relationships with the host nation.
  • Collaborates with the Monitoring and Evaluation Department (MELD) to lead the Assessment phase of the CE period, provides a full report and participates in the CEPT group regarding assigned Country.
  • Manage the Advance phase of the CE period, ensuring all objectives are met to prepare for the arrival of a Mercy Ships hospital ship.
  • Support and oversee the monitoring, evaluation and any projects that take place outside of the Ship Field Service in collaboration with MCB and MELD departments.
  • Oversee the presentation of the operational framework for a specific host nation, which entails an outline of the different surgical and MCB project plans, including the Patient Selection Strategy, in collaboration with and after final approval of the Vice President International Programs and the Senior Program Design Director.
  • Ensure all in-country requirements are met, including registration, reporting, insurance, work permits, contracts, etc., liaising as necessary with government departments and other official bodies.
  • Maintain an overview of the country's context, with a view to the strategic developments of new projects. Collaborate with the Senior Programs Director and Regional Director.
  • Monitor and report any changes in the host nation environment which could jeopardize the success of the field service projects and programs (e.g., political instability).
  • Identify, hire, and manage in-country support staff as part of the CET, to oversee projects and support Mercy Ship activities where needed.

Communications

  • Develop and maintain a transparent, honest, and supportive communication structure with colleagues, to ensure they are kept informed of support related activities and requirements.
  • Liaise with and maintain effective communication with ship-based, ISC and Africa Bureau departments to establish and monitor the different objectives.
  • Works with the Director of the Africa Bureau to develop high level diplomatic government relationships in assigned Country, where the Director of AB and CEO take the lead
  • Develop and maintain partnership with the host country government representatives through regular meetings to align aims and monitors objectives
  • Develop and maintain relationships with the host country, media, other NGOs and embassies with the objective of raising public awareness and identifying other potential partnerships.
  • Input into any internal or external communication resources for assigned country – for example, www.mercyships.africa website, Field Service Final Reports, Press Conference material, Local media
  • During ship deployment, facilitate regular meetings with the Managing Director to provide updates on the status of project implementation and local relationships.

Financial Management

  • Work with the Senior Programs Design Director and Regional Director on any specific Country funding opportunities, giving input on proposals as well as regarding reporting requirements.
  • Follow CE financial guidelines and ensure regular communication with ISC Finance Team to coordinate all financial aspects of CET management.
  • Plan, submit and oversee the team budget and ensure that expenses related to travel, housing, meals, etc. are within expectation.
  • Manage the spending within the approved budget for the CE activities on the ground.
  • Set up bank account in country and assist any Mercy Ship personnel during activities outside of the Ship Field Service.

Staff Management

  • Line manages all direct reports.
  • Support the Country Engagement Team (CET Development Manager to manage all HR related issues for direct reports).
  • Provide input to CET Development Manager for staff development needs for direct reports.
  • Facilitate regular team meetings for direct reports and develop and build an effective team.
  • Plan, schedule and coordinate all team efforts to balance the workload during the whole country engagement period whilst in Country.

Security Management

  • Work with the Global Security Department and specifically, the designated Field Security Officer (FSO) to coordinate information gathering and networking with other actors on security issues.
  • Work with FSO to ensure up-to-date country location security plans, guidelines and manuals, and effective implementation.
  • Ensure appropriate security procedures and awareness are maintained.
  • In close communication with the Global Security Department and Regional Director, take the lead on decision making and contingency planning during security incidents or threats.

Team Spiritual Life

During ship deployment, facilitate regular meetings with the Managing Director to provide updates on the status of project implementation and local relationships.

    • Reflect the core values of Mercy Ships with team members, local staff, beneficiaries, and external contacts.
    • Work, live, and pray together in our Christian faith-based setting. Fully contribute to the rich spiritual life of your team, including team devotions, prayer, words of life and encouragement.
    • This job description covers the main tasks that are anticipated. Other tasks may be assigned, as necessary.

Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Requirements)

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

  • Proven leadership qualities, team building expertise, business/non-profit management operations knowledge, superior verbal, and written communication skills, and negotiating ability. 
  • Supports the organization's mission, vision, and values by exhibiting excellence and competence, collaboration, innovation, respect, personalization, commitment to community, accountability, and ownership.
  • Must ascribe to the Mercy Ships Statement of Faith and Code of Conduct.
  • Frequent travel between Mercy Ships' locations.
  • Requires primary work location in a host nation.
  • Fluency in English required, and French strongly preferred (International B2 Level (or equivalent).
  • Based on the uniqueness and complexity of the position, ample orientation and familiarization is needed within a CE mission to be successful in this role
  • Strong business acumen with the ability to think strategically and implement tactically.
  • Possesses initiative, good judgement, and the ability to analyze and solve problems.
  • Possess a strong customer service mindset including attitude and approach.
  • Understand and apply servant leadership, work collaboratively with integrity, demonstrate cross-cultural awareness and sensitivity, and demonstrate accountability.
  • Strong Christian commitment as evidenced by life and character.

Education and Experience

The requirements listed below are representative of the education and / or experience required.

  • Bachelor's Degree in related discipline preferred plus minimum of 2 years working with NGO in low- or middle-income setting.
  • Progressive management and leadership experience in a multi-cultural, international setting, preferably Mercy Ships.
  • Previous experience in a CE Team preferred, but not required.
  • Successful completion of Mercy Ships OnBoarding program and CE training will be required within the first year.
  • Security management training desirable.