PRIMARY FUNCTION/PURPOSE:**
The Country Director (“CD”) serves as IFES’ primary in-country representative and coordinator of programming with local and international actors. The primary focus of the position is providing technical support to stakeholders and ensuring successful completion of project activities. The CD will provide vision and technical leadership for project activities. S/he will be responsible for maintaining pro-active contacts with stakeholders and the international community. The CD will direct technical implementation of IFES programs within Libya and oversee management of the IFES project field office in Tripoli. This position is based full-time in Tripoli.
Job Responsibilities:
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Technical Direction and Program Implementation
- Serve as IFES’ senior election advisor for IFES’ projects in Libya, providing technical support and advice to various partners, including election commissions, CSOs, government ministries, and universities.
- Oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of program strategies and activities.
- Prepare and manage the implementation of project annual work plans in fulfillment of projects’ strategic objectives and goals, and within budget. Inform HQ of challenges on the ground that may impact successful implementation.
- Establish and maintain close working relationships with Libyan government and non-government stakeholders, including high-level officials in government ministries and election management bodies.
- Establish and maintain working relationships with international NGOs and the donor community to ensure successful implementation of the project and avoid duplication of efforts.
- Ensure the highest quality of program monitoring, evaluation, reporting, and communications. Lead the drafting and timely submission of detailed narrative reports to HQ in line with donors’ and IFES’ reporting requirements.
- Lead and/or contribute to written technical reports, briefing papers, and IFES thought pieces, both program-specific and non-program specific.
- Assist in program development for IFES by identifying additional technical needs in-country, contributing to the development of project proposals, and reaching out to the international donor community to diversify IFES funding sources.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Management
- Ensure, in conjunction with HQ team and Deputy Country Director, compliance with IFES and donor rules and regulations, particularly with respect to procurement and fiscal management.
- Facilitate completion of program tasks in a timely manner and within the allocated budget.
- In coordination with HQ, assist in the identification, recruitment, and hiring of in-country office staff, as well as local and international technical consultants.
- In conjunction with Deputy Country Director, provide general supervision and mentoring of local field staff and consultants, including performance appraisals, staff development and other management issues.
- Ensure that the field team is structured and resourced appropriately to ensure successful program implementation.
- Serve as IFES’ primary field team point of contact on security issues, and liaise with IFES’ security contractors and Global Security Manager regularly.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Regional Director or IFES senior management.
POSITION SCOPE:** Under the guidance of, and reporting to, the Middle East & North Africa Regional Director, the Country Director serves as primary in-country representative and directs the technical implementation of IFES programming in Libya. S/he oversees the management of the Tripoli field office. In conjunction with HQ, ensures compliance with IFES and donor rules and regulations. Recommends policies, controls and procedures to guide performance. Leads project planning, monitoring, and evaluation.
DECISION MAKING/PROBLEM SOLVING:** Evaluates risk factors with potential to disrupt achievement of strategic goals and sets appropriate course of action in response. Investigates and analyzes current information from various sources and in various formats to inform decision making and the development of protocols and procedures. Leads development and oversees implementation of strategies to track and mitigate risk and its potential impact.
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY:** Ensures the completion of program tasks in a timely manner and within the allocated budget. Provides input to HQ to determine budget projections, and works with HQ to develop rectification plan to address variances. Ensures compliance with IFES and donors’ rules and regulations, particularly with regard to fiscal management. Oversees preparation and presentation of financial reports to internal and external partners. Oversees and approves local and international procurement in accordance with IFES policies, donors’ rules and regulations, and budget. Authority to regularly make purchases and incur expenses, subject to established controls and procedures.
RELATIONSHIPS:** Serves as primary in-country representative of IFES with local and international actors. Develops, manages and maintains collaborative working relationship with senior level stakeholders within and outside IFES to ensure timely and successful achievement of projects’ goals and objectives. Represents IFES in global, regional, national and sub-national events and in international meetings, and at donor events and fundraising activities, as a spokesperson for IFES.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED:** Supervises and mentors Deputy Country Director and local field staff, and provides oversight and management of consultants and field experts.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS:**
Education: Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in international politics, international development, public policy, or related field. Master’s degree preferred.
Experience: Minimum of 10 years of experience in elections, political processes and/or conflict mitigation, in addition to international program management. Minimum of 5 years of experience with USAID-funded activities in related program area. Work experience in MENA region is required; work experience in Libya is desired. Proven track record successfully implementing democracy and governance programming in MENA region (preferred) or developing countries (required); solid experience working with elections and/or election management bodies in conflict settings, engaging with senior electoral stakeholders, and working with civil society on civic outreach and engagement programming is required. Familiarity with the international donor community and experience as an action-oriented interlocutor with democracy-development actors at all levels. Prior experience managing an international office in a politically sensitive and challenging environment. Demonstrated knowledge in proposal and report writing and management of budgets.
Related Skills or Knowledge: Ability and skills to promote and inspire effective collaboration between individuals, organizations and networks, demonstrating strong diplomacy skills and cultural sensitivity. Strong consultative, collaborative, and participatory approach to working. Strong interpersonal, presentation, and communications skills to meet the diverse technical and managerial requirements of the program and to effectively coordinate with a wide range of stakeholders. Experience living and working overseas, preferably within the MENA region and/or other transitional environments. Knowledge of local/regional politics and development preferred.
LANGUAGE SKILLS: Fluency in written and spoken English required. Proficiency in Arabic highly desirable.
TRAVEL: Travel required up to 25% of time.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:**
Standard office work environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
“All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment/promotions and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, race, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.
IFES takes affirmative action with respect to the employment and promotion of women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and covered veterans. IFES will also take affirmative action on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
IFES is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor”