Country Director At Christian Blind Mission

CBM is an international Christian development organization committed to improving the quality of life of people with disabilities in the world. CBM addresses disability as a cause and consequence of poverty and works in partnership to create an inclusive society for all. For more information, visit our website at www.cbm.org

CBM seeks to recruit a Country Director based at the CBM Ethiopia Country Office. The position holder will be responsible and accountable for leading the development and effective implementation of CBM’s Country Plan and its operational requirements, and ensuring high quality performance and alignment with CBM’s strategy. The incumbent will also take responsibility for strong financial discipline within the Country Office, and for ensuring that implementing partners are meeting and fulfilling CBM’s operational and financial reporting requirements, in addition to identifying programme opportunities and areas where the organisation can demonstrate its value and relevance. He/ She is also expected to promote CBM vision, mission and values to external stakeholders.

We are looking for someone who will champion the following:

Strategy development and implementation

• Provide leadership in the development and implementation of the Country Plan.
• In line with the Country Plan, develop annual operational plans with clear priorities for the Country Office and its senior staff, and oversee its effective implementation.
• Ensure effective communication of CBMs vision, mission and values, internally and externally.
• Facilitate effective programme development and management
• Identify suitable organizations for new partnerships and ensure proper and adequate initial assessments are completed and/or regularly updated to ensure partners meet CBM standards.
• Manage relationships with CBM partner organisations, foster two-way accountability and identify new partnership opportunities.
• Actively engage partners, CBM Initiatives/technical teams, and other relevant internal stakeholders to develop projects and programmes that match country specific context including need and capacity, reflect technical and quality requirements, incorporate donor interest, and contribute towards the delivery of Country Plan objectives.
• Ensure partners implement in line with CBM standards and principles and to specific donor requirements.
• Enable organisational learning and information exchange between partners and staff to strengthen programme effectiveness, research and training including documentation of good practice and outcomes.

Financial Management

• Ensure compliance with CBM finance standards, maintenance of management controls for accountability and efficient use of funding, by partners and by the Country Office.
• Oversee active management of cash balances at Country Office level and maintain close monitoring of transfer rates and implementation rate per project.
• Ensure regular reporting of costs and financial reporting and other regular internal reports according to CBM’s reporting standards.
• Based on Internal Audit reports ensure all audit findings are addressed expeditiously through a cross-functional team approach.
• Ensure critical issues within the Country Office or partner environment can be identified proactively and dealt with expeditiously.
• Ensure annual budgets and multi-year plans are produced to agreed standards and timeframes.
• Ensure in-country compliance with statutory, legal, fiscal and procurement policies and reporting requirements, and relevant donor requirements.

Advocacy and Representation

• Lead the development, implementation and monitoring of the advocacy components of the country plan to influence the national inclusive development policy agenda.
• Oversee and coordinate the delivery of Disability Inclusive Development mainstreaming advice to government, partners and other organisations in line with the country plan.
• Actively support DPO movements and the voice of persons with disability in advocacy and policy change.
• Coordinate CBM’s involvement in country level forums, alliances and planning bodies with relevant stakeholders.

Communication and Fundraising

• Promote the organization and its mission to local partners and authorities and maintain a positive organisational public profile.
• Provide quality and timely project information and content to support CBM’s internal and external communication.
• Establish and maintain in-country institutional donor relationships
• Support and facilitate CBM fundraising resource collection teams in country.

Human Resources Management

• Provide leadership to national and expatriate staff in the Country Office and those seconded to partners,.
• Ensure the implementation of CBM HR Policies and Guidelines.
• Coordinate reviews and updates of the local human resources policies and procedures in line with CBM HR standards and ensure compliance with local labour laws.
• Demonstrate inclusive practices to promote disability and gender equality within the Country Office team; model and enable the inclusion of persons with disability in all aspects of work of the Country Office and promote the same with partners.
• Take responsibility for safety and security of staff and visitors and ensure compliance with up-to-date SOP’s and security plan

We are looking for someone who has:

• Relevant academic degree (International Development, Business Administration, Social Sciences, or other relevant areas).
• Professional experience of at least 5 years at senior management level in a large INGO or international development organisation with a strong track record in successfully developing, leading, and managing programmes and/or institutions in the field of disability, development or other relevant fields.
• Ability to work diplomatically and with sensitivity with individuals from a variety of cultures, professions and personal backgrounds.
• Proven experience in strategic planning and project cycle management.
• Significant experience in organisational development, change management and capacity building.
• Proficiency and proven experience in financial management, systems and controls, including institutional grant management.
• Proven skills in advocacy with track-record of building and managing effective partnerships and strategic alliances, and influencing policy change.
• Experience of working with persons with disabilities or promoting disability rights a distinct advantage.
• Experience of working with persons with disabilities or promoting disability rights a distinct advantage.
• Advantage of lived experience with disability.

What we offer

• A meaningful position with a lot of creative freedom in the world’s leading organisation in the field of Disability Inclusive Development
• A fair salary and other social benefits based on the local conditions in the country you apply for
• An approachable, agile organisation with self-reliant people in a diverse and collegial team and great team spirit