Deputy Country Director

• Contribute to country programme strategy development in coordination with sub-offices & other key leads
• Assist in the design and development of new projects in collaboration with the country team
• Facilitate cross cutting communications with all country teams supporting: implementing and programme plans
• Support sector Advisors in following their department strategy, along with an integrated qualitative approach between sectors, coordinating with PCs to ensure that PC-Advisor communication is maintained and facilitated
• Support Project Coordinators as needed to ensure effective implementation of Medair’s projects in Afghanistan
• Support in accurate and timely reporting of activities to Country Director, GSO, Clusters and donors
• Represent Medair at relevant national and local meetings with coordination bodies, government officials, other NGOs, etc., reporting back as applicable to Country Director (or GSO in CDs absence)
• Management and signature of base budgets and compliance checks as required

• Line manage designated staff, including delegation of tasks, setting objectives and follow up with staff
• Facilitate regular communication between departments and, through a consultative leadership style and a transparent, honest and supportive communication structure, develop and build an effective team cohesion
• Reflect the vision and live the values of Medair at all times, and especially when interacting with team members, beneficiaries, and external contacts.
• Provide team members with leadership, advice and support
• Develop direct reports to improve their knowledge, competence and performance

• Assist the Country Director in managing security incidents, as required
• Participate in the Kabul Security Management Team and manage security incidents in the Country Directors’ absence
• Assist the County Director in enforcing and updating local security guidelines and manuals
• Maintain a thorough context analysis and understanding of decision making as a result of this, enabling effective security management cover in the Country Director’s absence
• Act as a sounding board for talking through security-related issues
• Ensure staff are familiar with security procedures

• Develop and maintain a transparent, honest and supportive communication structure with colleagues to ensure they are kept informed of programme related activities and requirements
• Assist linking field locations together & promote information and lessons learned sharing across locations
• Develop & maintain positive relationships w/stakeholders, represent Medair, ensure good cooperation & partners

• During field visits, assess, provide feedback & recommendations on quality of assigned activities and interventions
• Ensure frequent and appropriate monitoring and evaluation of programme activities and outputs is taking place, through oversight sector advisory functions in collaboration with MEAL
• Ensure country programmes are implemented in line with donor proposals and requirements and in accordance with Medair, donor, country and international standards e.g. Sphere and CHS standards, WHO recommendations, etc.
• Promote & use Medair systems and initiatives

• Authorisation of expenditure on applicable budget lines up to $10.000
• Represent Country Director during periods of absence, assuming responsibility for all aspects of country programme
• Deputise for other senior managers as required during periods of absence
• Line manage relevant staff, including involvement in recruitment, performance monitoring, disciplinary action, etc.
• Responsibility for adherence to relevant security guidelines and protocols by all Medair staff and visitors
• Representation of Medair at meetings and through relationships with external partners (e.g. local and national government officials, coordination bodies and other NGOs)

• Reflect the values of Medair in everyday life: with team members, local staff, beneficiaries, external contacts…
• Fully contribute to rich spiritual life of Medair: devotions, prayers, words of encouragement…

Qualifications

• University degree in a relevant subject
• Post-graduate degree in humanitarian sector would be a plus
• Excellent knowledge of English (spoken and written)

Experience

• Experience in a senior leadership position within humanitarian sector
• Experience working with various institutional donors
• Experience working within a volatile context
• Security management training, leadership and experience within health, nutrition, WASH or food security sectors would be a plus
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook
• Good numerical, report writing and administration skills, problem-solving ability
• Able to prioritise clearly and oversee multiple tasks/take the initiative in project decisions/enforce procedures
• Able to set clear objectives for staff and delegate, committed to consultative and servant-minded leadership
• Team player with good interpersonal skills, willingness to support others and to share the workload
• Aptitude for community mobilisation and capacity-building, experience in training/mentoring/coaching staff