National Director, World Vision Laos At World Vision

World Vision started working in Laos in 1968 through relief assistance provided to people displaced by the Indo-China War. The organisation closed in 1975 and reopened in 1991, resuming development work that focuses on improving the lives of vulnerable children.

From 1999, with a new vision and a development strategy, World Vision committed to its mission through its development vehicle called Area Programme (AP) and from 2017 has migrated to having a mixed focus on both AP and grant programming. World Vision operates across 23 districts in seven provinces of Lao PDR: Luang Prabang in the north, Khammouane and Vientiane Capital in central zone, Savannakhet, Saravane, Attapeu and Champasack in the south.

We employ close to 170 staff who support 18 programmes to transform the lives of the most vulnerable children, Together, with our partners, we positively impact the lives of more than 125,520 vulnerable children in Lao PDR through our work each year.

Here’s where you come in:

As the National Director for World Vision Laos, you will strategically lead, develop, and direct the implementation of all aspects of World Vision’s ministry in this national office. In performing this role, you will be an effective leader locally, an effective member of the partnership, and will model the organization’s principles of Twin Citizenship to ensure high ministry quality and overall organisational effectiveness. You will contribute to partnership life and unity, by acting as both a local and global representative of the organisation. You will lead the team to achieve the country’s strategy in alignment with our global strategy, Our Promise, for effective operations. You will participate in and implement directional shifts of the organisation, such as the ensuring that Laos program has capacity to execute global strategy; particularly the strategic agenda for development, and management of grants and PNS. You will ensure the country’s operations and operating model maintain the World Vision’s focus on Child Well Being Outcomes and Aspirations as they apply in that specific country context; maximising the impact in the field while maintaining efficiency as a wise steward of entrusted resources.

You will collaborate effectively with other partnership offices and divisions to achieve local and organisational goals. Externally, the ND will foster collaboration with major donors, project partners, local government, church representatives, faith-based organisations, and non-governmental organisations; serving according to given authority. In doing so, you will maximise stewardship, effectiveness, the efficiency of costs, and operating models.

You will model a high standard of personal Christian leadership, ministry, and integrity through lifestyle and work relationships to be a fine example of the organisation’s Christian faith. You will lead by example and provide spiritual guidance to staff on WV’s Mission and Core Values.

Requirements include:

• Master’s degree or equivalent experience with training and experience in resource development and organisational management.
• At least 5 years of senior strategic management leadership, preferably with a global organisation and/or international exposure.
• Excellent understanding of the political, social and economic context in East Asia countries, particularly in Laos, and its impact on WV as a Christian International NGO
• Substantial programme management experience at a senior level for at least 3 years in a developing country context, with evidence of both responsibility and accountability
• Should have experience managing complex operating budgets of USD $7M or more.
• Experience is leading senior leadership teams and proven ability to build consensus and relationships among stakeholders, partners, and the workforce.
• Full command of spoken and written English.
• Willing to travel domestically and internationally as required at least 30% of the time.