Country Manager – Niger

Danish Red Cross aims to make a difference for people with high vulnerability living in complex, fragile and protracted crises contexts, and facing disasters and conflicts. The partnership between the Niger Red Cross (NRC) and the Danish Red Cross (DRC) started in 2017, with the initial aim of providing support to migrants and host communities in the capital city of Niamey, in response to the deteriorating situation faced by migrants along their migratory route towards Europe. This partnership was further solidified through the implementation of a comprehensive migration project that concentrated its efforts in Niamey and Zinder regions.

In 2021, a four-year project focusing on Protection, Resilience, and Social Cohesion was initiated in collaboration with the Spanish Red Cross, covering the Tillabery and Niamey regions. Additionally, DRC is actively supporting NRC in the execution of a program in the Zinder region, in partnership with the Finnish Red Cross. This programme places a special emphasis on reproductive and maternal health, as well as providing crucial psychosocial support to mitigate the vulnerability of local communities. Furthermore, DRC has established a partnership with the Belgian Red Cross, directed towards the implementation of a multi-sector assistance program aimed at responding to population movements resulting from armed conflicts.

The deteriorating security situation contribute to increase the vulnerabilities of displaced and host populations, mainly women and children. Conflicts have intensified and so has the humanitarian situation in Niger through additional displacements and needs. Humanitarian access have become more difficult because of a rise in security incidents and restrictions imposed by authorities.

In Niger we are a team of seven people, of six different nationalities, at the delegation, and work in close contact with the other Red Cross Delegations that have their offices in the same building. The position of Country Manager is based in Niamey, with travels to project sites in country when security allows. He/she reports directly to the DRC Head of Region (HoR).

Your tasks

The Country Manager is overall responsible for ensuring that the DRC supported Country Program and partnerships are implemented in line with the DRC international strategy and Country Strategy, Red Cross Standard Operational Procedures, and donor requirements and guidelines. The Country Manager will be responsible for:

• Strategic direction of DRC engagement in the country
• Operationalising and implementing organisational priorities in country
• Overall budget, management and development of DRC supported portfolio in the country
• Represent DRC and develop Partnerships with NRC; ICRC, IFRC, PNS and other in-country partners and stakeholders
• Lead and manage the DRC’s team of delegates including our staff security and duty of care
• Fundraising strategy and implementation of the action plan

Expected results

• The strategic development of Danish Red Cross supported portfolio meets the expectations of the country strategy and set turnover targets
• The quality and financial sustainability of the DRC Niger Country Program has been further ensured
• HNS’ capacity to implement DRC Niger Country program activities has enhanced
• The partnership with NRC, ICRC and other partners remains solid
• The DRC has contributed to new cooperation modalities facilitating impact, localization, and efficiency
• All DRC projects/ actions in Niger are well coordinated and linked and overall partnership and portfolio is in compliance with the country strategy
• Timely and quality reporting ensured
• Performance, security, and well-being of DRC delegates in country of mission are well managed
• Ambassador for International Strategy and organizational priorities in country

Required experience and qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years relevant experience in working with humanitarian organisations in developing, emergency and post-emergency countries
• Proven expertise with team leading and staff management
• Competence within project cycle and financial management
• Experience with leading or being part of consortia
• Fundraising competences
• Relevant educational background
• Expertise in security management is an asset
• Experience with DANIDA and ECHO specific funding, hereunder implementation and reporting procedures is an asset
• Experience from the Red Cross/ Red Crescent Movement is an asset; experience from the geographical area would be an advantage
• Technical knowledge and experience in implementation with participatory methods
• Good analytical skills and confident self-management in situations of stress. Ability to work in remote demanding situations under pressure is important
• Excellent communication, coordination, networking and facilitation skills
• Full working proficiency in French and English speaking and writing skills are a key requirements
• Full proficiency in Microsoft Office and possession of a valid international driving licence

Employment Conditions

The position of Country Manager is based in Niamey, with travels to project sites in country when security allows.