Country Director Afghanistan At BBC Media Action

BBC Media Action is the BBC’s international charity. We support the independent media essential to democracy and development; and support people facing insecurity, inequality and poverty with information they can trust – to protect health, bridge divides and challenge prejudice. With our partners, we reach millions through creative communication and trusted media, helping people have their say, understand their rights, responsibilities and each other, and take action to transform their own lives.

This exciting and influential role will be responsible for the overall running of BBC Media Action’s office in Afghanistan where we are delivering a portfolio of projects.

BBC Media Action has worked in Afghanistan since 1994 on projects and programmes that have addressed health, education, equality and inclusion and participation. Our current work supports the media sector, humanitarian efforts, better health and improved awareness around the dangers of unexploded ordnance. We seek to expand this portfolio whilst ensuring that our existing projects achieve impact and are delivered to the highest standards.

The Country Director will lead the development and implementation of country strategy, taking overall responsibility for the running of BBC Media Action’s office in Afghanistan, ensuring strong management and high-quality delivery of a range of development projects which use the power of media to tackle issues of governance, health and resilience, as well as in humanitarian contexts.

The Country Director will provide guidance and leadership on all facets of external engagement and will represent BBC Media Action to authorities, donors, media and NGO partners and other key stakeholders. The postholder will lead the development of our portfolio in Afghanistan, including identifying future business development opportunities and overseeing the writing of new project proposals.

The post holder will ensure effective office management so that all functions are carried out in line with donor rules, local regulatory requirements and BBC guidelines. An important part of the role will be to ensure that BBC Media Action upholds the highest standards of safety and security for our staff, partners and people we work with in the design and delivery of our projects. This includes ensuring that activities comply with BBC Media Action and donor standards around safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults.

A compassionate and inspirational leader, you’ll bring substantial experience in the management, motivation and development of diverse teams of staff, including recruitment, management, discipline and professional development. As important will be your ability to manage large-scale, donor-funded projects in complex and challenging contexts, preferably in fragile settings, with strong and proven ability to deliver high-quality projects to deadlines and within budget and highly developed skills in security and risk management.

Your ability to form and cultivate effective relationships and partnerships with a range of local and international stakeholders and partners at all levels will be key to your success.

Experience developing and securing funding for international development or media projects will be critical, including the ability to develop new project ideas and present these persuasively to potential partners and funders, and write successful proposals.