Call for applications for the position of National Director based in Abidjan
About the Organization
Present in Côte d’Ivoire since 1971, the National Association SOS Children’s Villages in Côte d’Ivoire is a national social development organization working to meet the needs and protect the rights of vulnerable children. To date, SOS Children’s Villages in Côte d’Ivoire operates three villages (Abobo, Aboisso, and Yamoussoukro) and also works in the north, in the Poro and Tchologo regions, with funding from SOS Children’s Villages Norway.
For the coordination of interventions, team management, strategic partnership management and representation, the National Association SOS Children’s Villages in Côte d’Ivoire is recruiting a National Director.
Mission of the position:
Reporting to the Chairman of the Board, the Country Director leads, manages, and develops the National Association (NA) as its chief executive. They ensure the effective implementation of high-quality programs and services for children and young people, families, and communities, in accordance with the vision, mission, values, and strategy of the international organization SOS Children’s Villages. By seeking government grants and funding, international/national subsidies, and fundraising, they maximize the financial self-sufficiency of the National Association (and its capacity to financially support other National Associations) based on the country’s potential.
General objectives of the position:
- Implement the strategy and decisions of the governance bodies, in particular the Board of Directors
- To lead the strategic planning processes in order to ensure the sustainability and relevance of the work of the National Assembly.
- To ensure the operational efficiency of all programs and guarantee the quality of care for children in accordance with the standards defined by the organization.
- To ensure the implementation of child protection principles within the National Assembly.
- To ensure the efficient and sustainable management of the AN’s financial and other resources
- Ensuring risk management and business continuity for the AN
- Strengthening the human capacities of the national association in order to ensure its long-term growth and stability.
- To ensure a strong local presence by promoting the association’s integration within the country and gaining its recognition at all levels. To strengthen affiliation with the International Federation by participating in and contributing to international processes.
- Promote and manage an appropriate image of the organization, both internally and externally, using the values ​​and standards of SOS Children’s Villages as a basis for shaping the brand.
- Ensure the implementation of SOS Children’s Villages’ international standards.
Main clients :
- Board of Directors (or Directors)
- National Management Team
- Head of the IDS headquarters team
- Focal points of partner associations or foundations
- Central and regional partners of the State
- External stakeholders from national and international civil society
Key performance areas and main responsibilities :
Strategic planning
- Facilitates the strategic planning process under the direction of the board of directors (or guided by the board of directors), by involving the national management team and other key staff members in identifying priority areas and setting objectives.
- Communicate and follow the plans to ensure effective project implementation
- Presents plans, reports and proposals at board meetings. Ensures, in cooperation with the president, the legality of the national organization, in compliance with applicable national legislation.
- Ensure that the decisions of the board of directors are translated into clear actions.
Brand development
- Apply the internationally agreed brand development concept in national strategy, planning and implementation.
Human resources management and organizational development
- Ensure that the right people are employed in the right positions so that employees and external partners are always treated with the required professionalism and in accordance with the principles of the organizational culture.
- Ensures the implementation of an effective performance management and human resources development system that guarantees employee development and talent identification. He/she encourages accountability at all levels of the national association.
- Leads and manages the national team,
- Ensures the efficient operation of the national office.
Development, management and monitoring of programs
- Ensure that resources are focused on the implementation of appropriate and effective programs and services.
- Oversees the review and evaluation of programs to ensure that agreed plans and policies are implemented and provides capacity building and technical support as needed.
- Promotes interaction and the exchange of relevant experiences between programs.
- Aims to achieve high-level standards for projects and programs.
Finance and fund management
- Ensures planning and budgeting
- Implements and monitors the internal control system, reviews key figures and financial reports
- Ensures the completion of the annual financial statement and the external audit report.
- Ensures compliance in resource management.
- Ensures risk management and business continuity.
Fundraising and public relations
- Promotes long-term stability and financial self-sufficiency by seeking support from government and private sources with the aim of maximizing fundraising potential.
- Supports the development and implementation of sustainable fundraising and grant application strategies.
- Supports public relations/marketing activities as needed and ensures that the organization’s image is appropriate.
- Ensures the proper implementation of all fundraising initiatives
Creating partnerships, advocacy and cooperation with external stakeholders
- Establishes strong relationships with relevant government authorities, ensures appropriate representation of the organization’s views, and seeks government recognition and support for the work of SOS Children’s Villages.
- Establishes partnerships with non-governmental organizations that defend children’s rights
- Pursues advocacy objectives in child protection forums and in partnership with other NGOs that unite to bring our mission to life for vulnerable children and young people.
Cooperation and reports
- Maintains professional relations and close cooperation with the IDS services office as well as with other units of the international office;
- Provides stakeholder-specific reports and follows up on agreements.
- Represents the organization to government authorities and other external stakeholders.
Safeguarding the Child (SC)
- Responsible for the implementation and management of the safeguarding policy within the National Association
- Ensure that all employees, partners and associates sign all organization policies
- Reports to the relevant authorities any concerns the organization has regarding the safeguarding of children within its programs;
- Ensure that the safeguarding of children is not compromised by fundraising activities or donor relations.
- Ensures that all partners/donors are informed of the organization’s child safeguarding policy and are encouraged to comply with it.
- Is responsible for ordering internal investigations when needed
- Ensure that child safeguarding incidents that meet the criteria for serious incidents are reported to the international office in a timely manner.
Qualifications and Skills Required
- The candidate must have a BAC +5 level qualification, MBA, Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Economics or any other relevant field.
- Have at least 10 years of experience in project and program management and partnerships.
- Have at least 5 years of experience in a similar position or senior leadership in a humanitarian organization or development institution.
What we stand for:
SOS Children’s Villages Côte d’Ivoire is committed to creating and maintaining a warm and protective environment. It promotes its core values ​​and prevents and addresses child abuse and exploitation. We strongly condemn all forms of child abuse and exploitation, whether within or outside our organization. We always respond to any confirmed case, allegation, or attempted abuse within our sphere of influence, according to its nature. We ensure that mechanisms are in place to raise awareness, support prevention, encourage reporting, and facilitate responses. These mechanisms range from human resource development activities such as training and counseling to measures such as suspension, dismissal, and legal action.
How to apply
Submission of applications
Application files must include the following documents:
- A cover letter addressed to the Chairman of the Board of Directors, specifying salary expectations;
- A detailed curriculum vitae including the telephone numbers and email addresses of three professional references.
Complete applications must be submitted exclusively via this platform. National Director – Côte d’Ivoire in Abidjan | Careers at NA Côte d’Ivoire – Abidjan . Applications are open from October 29, 2026 to November 15, 2026 at 5:00 PM GMT.
Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for written tests and interviews .
In accordance with our Child Protection Policy, all employment within the organization is subject to background and criminal record checks. The successful candidate will also be required to adhere to and comply at all times with the Protection Against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) Policy, the Code of Conduct, and all other organizational policies.