Wars and armed conflicts come to an end; however, the remnants of war continue to impact millions of people for decades to follow. Mine Action and Disarmament’s vision is a world where people and communities are safe, resilient and protected before, during and after armed conflict. Together with national authorities and other stakeholders, we are working to resolve problems faced by local communities caused by Explosive Ordnance (EO). Currently, NPA has more than 20 Mine Action Programmes ongoing in Africa, Asia, Latin America, South East Europe and the Middle East.

Do you want to join our professional and committed global team in our mission to protect civilians?

We are looking for a new Country Director for our programme in Palau. The country programme is well-established and focuses on the release of land contaminated with Unexploded Ordnance (UXO, AXO), across the country. NPA’s activities in Palau support the communities that are still exposed to contamination from UXO. The programme employs a motivated team of 37 staff and has a very good relationship with the national UXO Safety Office and Ministry authorities.

NPA is seeking a Country Director who can provide excellent leadership and strategic direction for our programme in Palau, be able to take NPA forward within an exit strategy and to capacity build both national authorities and NPA national staff towards their potential long-term career development.

Location: Koror, Palau with regular travel to all parts of Palau.

We offer

• An opportunity to lead one of NPA’s well-established country programmes, leading and managing a dynamic and well-trained team.
• Comprehensive salary package including country specific allowances and insurance scheme.
• Five weeks’ annual holiday plus one additional week off for expats.
• Three international flights home per contract year.

Please note that we offer a two-year contract* with the possibility of renewal. The salary and allowances are subject to income tax according to NPA’s Tax Policy. The working conditions, including annual leave, follow the Norwegian Working Environment Act.

Requirements

• Minimum three years’ experience as upper-level manager within mine-action.
• Relevant higher education and/or relevant professional experience.
• Experience in developing programme strategies, strategically managing and directing projects including implementation, management, monitoring and evaluation, risk assessment and mitigation and contract compliance.
• Experience from managing finance, administrative and human resource systems to ensure programme efficiency.
• Knowledge and understanding of relevant institutional donors (USDoS – PMWRA, Japan and AUS DFAT)
• Experience in working and/or knowledge and understanding of cultural and political context in a pacific country is an advantage.
• Experience in general mine action assessments would be an advantage.
• Written and verbal proficiency in English.
• Sensitivity to cultural differences and the ability to work in a wide variety of cultural contexts.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Very good communication, networking, and interpersonal skills.

What you will do

• Overall responsibility for the NPA programme in Palau.
• Strategic leadership, management, and representation of NPA in country.
• Accountability towards NPA’s Head Office for the programme delivery, effective management, budget control, monitoring, and evaluation of all activities in the country programme.
• Overall responsibility to ensure that administrative procedure and support are in line with NPA QMS, guidelines, policies, and donor requirements.
• Ensure that the country programme works towards NPA’s vision of Solidarity in Action.
• Overall responsibility for resource mobilization for the country programme, including leading donor strategies and fundraising, and ensure quality and timely delivery of all proposals and reports.
• Ensure effective integration of strategic, programmatic, and operational management to maintain relevance, quality and impact of all activities in country.
• Oversight of the programme to ensure quality and timely delivery of NPA activities and good cooperation with NPA’s partners.
• Ensure that the country programme maintains a comprehensive understanding of the country’s context.
• Overall responsibility for the safety and security of NPA staff, assets and resources and crisis management.
• Overall responsibility for active gender, inclusion and environment mainstreaming within the programme and in all NPA activities.

*Validity of the offer and contract depends on satisfactory medical certificate, full vaccination, valid travel visa and necessary permits for service and residency in the country of service. The offer and contract also depend on donor funding and might be subject to donor approval.