Country Director, Honduras At HIAS

POSITION SUMMARY:

HIAS is currently seeking a Country Director, Honduras responsible for starting-up and overseeing HIAS’ operations in Honduras and the implementation of its community protection services for refugees, IDPs and host community members. The Country Director, Honduras provides strategic vision and leadership, ensuring that HIAS Honduras’ programs align with HIAS’ Refugee Rights Framework. They are also the public face of the agency, regularly engaging with various stakeholders from the government, UNHCR and NGOs to help advance refugee rights and protection. The Country Director, Honduras will provide strategic leadership and be the primary lead to start-up operations for HIAS in Honduras, a new location of operations, with frequent travel to Guatemala and/or El Salvador. The Country Director, Honduras reports to the Regional Director, LAC and works closely with regional and HQ stakeholders across multiple departments. This role will be based in Honduras.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

• Develops detailed strategic goals and vision for HIAS Honduras in alignment with HIAS’ Refugee Rights Framework.
• Works closely with regional and HQ Programs and Operations staff to develop country program, advocacy objectives and budget.
• In close coordination with HIAS’ technical team, oversees the design and successful implementation of all programs offered by HIAS Honduras.
• Leads HIAS’ efforts in Northern Central America to create programs providing critical assistance to vulnerable refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), primarily within HIAS’ four Signature Approaches (prevention and response to gender-based violence, community-based mental health and psycho-social support, economic inclusion and legal protection).
• Establishes HIAS as a convener and partner with local and international stakeholders and promotes collaborative relationships.
• Provides oversight for donor funded programming in cash, MHPSS and GBV response and prevention.
• Manages the timely submission of high-quality proposals and leads required donor negotiations.
• Maintains responsibility for all reporting to donors and regional/HQ staff.
• Ensures that all staff have the necessary tools, resources and information to deliver and evaluate services that meet or exceed internationally accepted standards and protocols.

OUTREACH & REPRESENTATION

• Serves as HIAS’ primary liaison with key partners and stakeholders in Honduras, particularly BHA, UNHCR, BPRM, other UNHCR NGO partners, the relevant government authorities and other domestic and global partners, as appropriate.
• Liaises with HIAS Advocacy, Communications, Community Engagement and Development teams as needed; drafts and edits materials for outreach and representational purposes.

HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

• Ensures a positive work environment and compliance with HIAS’ Core Values and Code of Conduct for all field office staff and volunteers.
• Provides ongoing training and learning opportunities in areas of core competency.
• Establishes organizational structure, job descriptions, performance measurements that reflect clear work expectations aligned with program goals and HIAS’ HR manual.
• Works collaboratively with regional and HQ staff on all personnel-related issues and ensures compliance with local labor, fiscal and other laws.

SAFETY & SECURITY

• Maintains responsibility for safety and security of all HIAS employees and assets.
• Ensures that updated safety and security policies and procedures are in place and implemented, as necessary.
• Consistently monitors the security environment in Honduras and provides analysis to the Regional Director, LAC and the Senior Director, Safety & Security.

FUNDRAISING & PARTNERSHIPS

• Cultivates excellent relationships with external stakeholders and represents HIAS in relationships with donors, the host government, U.S. Embassy, international and national organizations.
• Facilitates partnerships with other organizations for joint programming and advocacy.
• Demonstrates understanding of donor priorities, country plans and planned funding initiatives.

FINANCIAL & BUDGET MANAGEMENT

• Oversees financial reporting, audit and in-country financial legal compliance, as well as cash flow.
• Provides timely, accurate and effective oversight of all aspects of country financial operations consistent with laws, donor requirements and HIAS’ policies and procedures.
• Implements effective fiscal controls and institutes and monitors a system to assure the accuracy and timeliness of all aspects of financial management.
• Provides regular reports to regional and HQ teams to assure grant compliance and safeguard against uncovered program costs in budget.

ACCOUNTABILITY

• Models HIAS’ values through collaboration, strategic decision-making, evidence-based programming and efficient management of resources.
• Ensures accountability through effective monitoring and impact assessment; complies with HIAS and donor policies, procedures and requirements, and ensures compliance on the part of staff, volunteers and project partners.
• Ensures a working environment which fosters excellence, transparency and mutual respect, leveraging global technical expertise, the highest professional standards and problem-solving skills.
• Contributes to the development of systems to better measure and demonstrate the impact of our work.
• Creates a managerial environment in country to safeguard refugee protection.
• Brings commitment and integrity to accomplishing HIAS’ mission and goals in this and other duties as assigned and commit to personal and professional implementation of HIAS’ core values.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:

• Graduate degree in a related field required.
• Fluency in Spanish and English required.
• 8+ years of experience, including financial and/or budget management, in the field of international development, international assistance, refugees or asylum.
• Excellent strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Collaborative, results-oriented management style.
• Ability to motivate and supervise a high-performing team in a politically sensitive environment.
• Strong familiarity with U.S. government (especially BHA), UN, private and multilateral donors.

DISCLAIMER:

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills required or permanent location. Location is subject to change based on programmatic needs. Flexibility is essential as we grow and develop. The successful candidate must be comfortable in a fast-paced, changing work environment with many crucial deadlines. All team members may be required to perform duties outside of their normal work hours of responsibilities as needed.