Country Representative Burundi At WeWorld

Position: Country Representative Burundi

Location: Bujumbura, Burundi

Deadline: November, 19th 2023

Starting date: March 2024

Family duty station: YES

Working context

WeWorld supports people in overcoming emergencies, and it strives to guarantee that everyone can have a decent and dignified life as well as opportunities and a better future. WeWorld has been present in Burundi since 1995 and is currently active in 13 of the 18 country’s provinces. Thanks to current funding from donors (UNICEF, WFP, Netherlands Embassy, UE, UNHCR, Monegasque cooperation), WeWorld has been carried out actions in the health, nutrition, food security, renewable energy and WASH sectors.

Purpose of the Role

WeWorld is recruiting a Country Representative based in Bujumbura. She/He works under the direct supervision of the Head of Region Unit SEA (South East Africa).

The main objective of the role will be:

Representation, External Relations and Accountability

• Legally represents WeWorld in Burundi vis-à-vis the country government and all relevant authorities
• Represents WeWorld and is responsible for relations with donors, local and international partners, and other relevant stakeholders
• Participates in events including public events and speaks on behalf of WeWorld
• Is responsible in-country for the dissemination, implementation, compliance and monitoring of the application of WeWorld Child Safeguarding Policy and Child Safeguarding & PSEAH Policy, as well as all other organizational policies adopted by WeWorld (including Code of Ethics and Conduct and all internal policies (anti-fraud, environment and anti-terrorism))
• Is responsible for the analysis and assessment of risks present in the country, reporting periodically to Head of Regional Unit (with the support of the Logistics Coordinator)
• Is responsible for the security of the organization’s people and assets in the country whose management he/she monitors in line with WeWorld policy and reports periodically to HQ
• Is responsible for establishing and adhering to WeWorld Security and Evacuation Plan in the country in line with the organization’s relevant policy and procedures and updating it periodically in consultation with the Security Advisor
• Is responsible for disseminating the Security and Evacuation Plan and providing security training and information to expatriate and local staff
• Is responsible for adopting and updating the Local Operations Manual and monitoring its implementation

Strategy, partnerships and resource mobilization

• Is responsible for the formulation and periodic review of WeWorld Burundi strategy and, in collaboration with the Head of Regional Unit, ensures its consistency with the organization’s global strategy
• Builds and strengthens strategic partnerships in the country through active participation in networks and coordination mechanisms, promotion of new networks and partnerships by enhancing the expertise of the organization
• Examines the risks and opportunities presented by WeWorld strategic positioning in the country and prepares appropriate responses to ensure sustainable projects and operations
• Contributes to the drafting of project proposals of its area of reference where required and in coordination with the Head of Regional Unit and the Project Management & Knowledge Development (PDKM) Unit
• Strengthens relationships with institutional donors in the country enhancing WeWorld expertise and achievements over time
• Identifies and develops funding opportunities with new donors present locally in collaboration with the Head of Regional Unit and Program Coordinator in Burundi

Local Offices Management, Human Resources and Volunteers

• Is responsible for all human resources, expatriate and local, employed in Burundi for the implementation of WeWorld institutional activities
• Proposes and updates the most effective organizational chart, roles, and functions to carry out WeWorld activities in Burundi in a logic of sustainability and enhancement of local human resources
• Ensures that the selection of staff locally is done in a transparent and non-discriminatory manner with the aim of finding the most competent and appropriate person for the required task
• Alongside the Country Finance Manager, analyzes and evaluates, in a constructive and participatory manner, the competencies of staff locally and prepares training and improvement plans

Program Management

• In collaboration with the Program Coordinator, ensures that projects implemented in-country are in line and consistent with the organization’s country strategy, have high quality standards, and achieve their objectives
• Is responsible for the office’s program monitoring system, supervises and monitors the proper implementation of projects and the work of project managers
• Is ultimately responsible for the quality of project reporting and its compliance with the rules and timelines defined by WeWorld and those established by the relevant donors
• Reports periodically to the Head of Regional Unit on the progress of the organization’s programs in the country

Administration and Controlling

• Develops the country’s annual budget proposal and submits it to the Head of Regional Unit
• Plans and monitors the approved annual budget
• Is ultimately responsible for the proper use of WeWorld funds in the country, in line with legal requirements, and promotes a culture of proper and efficient financial management, quality, transparency, and credibility

Communication, policy and advocacy

• Is responsible for WeWorld external communication in the country and its adherence to the organization’s relevant regulations and guidelines
• Ensures proper visibility of donors in line with donor regulations and rules on the subject
• Coordinates and supervises the production of content for external communication affecting Burundi on its own initiative and/or at the request of WeWorld Communication Department

Knowledge Management, Policy and Innovation

• Contributes to the development and introduction of innovation to ensure that WeWorld continuously integrates good practices and innovative approaches into locally implemented programs
• Contributes to the dissemination and sharing of good practices and lessons learned at local level, as well as thematic Policy so that they can be capitalized and systematized for the overall benefit of the organization
• Contributes to the planning, implementation and organization of strategic capacity building of staff, partners and stakeholders
• Sets priorities, in consultation with the Head of Regional Unit and the Head of International Programmes Dpt, for targeted investments in growth and innovation at the local level

Job specifications

Qualifications and Knowledge

• Master’s degree in a relevant field such as International Relations or Development and International Cooperation studies and equivalent
• Proven knowledge in project development and project management cycle
• Knowledge of main donor’s policy and procedures (UN agencies, UE, bilateral cooperation, embassies)
• Excellent knowledge of spoken and written French (mandatory)
• Good knowledge of English
• Good knowledge of the Microsoft Office pack (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.)

Professional experience

• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience with NGOs or International Organizations with increasing responsibilities
• Minimum of 2 years of previous experience in the role of Country Representative/Head of Mission
• Previous experience in managing institutional relations in a sensitive context
• Previous professional experiences in Africa
• Experience in representing a leading organization to donors, partner and authorities
• Experience with networking and coordination, including donor contact
• Extensive program development and project proposal writing experience
• Experience in budget management and multiple donor contracts

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to think strategically and conceptually and to translate these into concrete results
• Ability to identify, initiate and maintain good relationships with partner organizations, donors and national authorities including building professional relationships with senior decision-makers and influencers/leaders
• Proven organizational skills and ability to effectively manage multiple tasks while fostering quality, team spirit and positive working relationships with colleagues
• Strong interpersonal relationships and demonstrated ability to leverage business networks and partnerships for continued growth
• Ability to work under pressure
• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the NGO values and ethical standards
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism
• Good communication, negotiation skills and sensitivity in dealing with local institutions on critical issues
• Cultural, gender, religion, and age sensitivity and adaptability
• Strong commitment to the Mission of WeWorld, genuine interest for international cooperation development topics

Desirable requirements

• Knowledge of Italian is an added value

What we offer

Type of contract: a first 6 (six) months contract subject to verification (achievement of specific objectives); a second collaboration contract of 6 (six) months renewable, following the positive evaluation of the first period of collaboration.

Economic conditions: to be defined according to WeWorld Expatriates Compensation Policy: Base Salary (seniority/role held) + Contributions (role complex and hardship based on place of work)

Others conditions: Tax Treatment: equal tax treatment between Italian and foreign residents is guaranteed

Family Duty Station: YES

R&R: NO

Annual leave: 2,5 days/month (working days)

Flight ticket: one return flight every 12 months of contract

Health insurance: covered

WHO WE ARE

WeWorld supports people in overcoming emergencies, and it strives to guarantee that everyone can have a decent and dignified life as well as opportunities and a better future. WeWorld works in 27 countries around the world, including in Italy, with more than 165 emergency, humanitarian aid and development projects. Its activities mainly involve women, girls and young people, actors of change in every community for a fairer and more inclusive world. The organization operates in several natural and man-made crisis in various regions of the world. The emergency response, coordinated by the Humanitarian Aid Unit, is composed by multi-sectorial interventions comprising of WASH, EiE, CVA, Food Security, Protection, and others. The organization operates also in protracted crisis with provision of humanitarian aid through a prevention, emergency relief and rehabilitation approach.