Background

The Central African Republic (CAR) continues to face tremendous humanitarian needs due to years of conflict and instability. As a result of violence against civilians and insecurity in areas outside urban centers, several million people are increasingly vulnerable. Their access to food and basic services, such as health care and water supply, is drastically limited. In 2023, 3.4 million people – 56% of the population – need humanitarian assistance and protection, an increase of 10% compared to 2022. As of May 2023, the total number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in CAR is estimated at 474,822, while over 2 million people face food insecurity. Since the beginning of the crisis in Sudan in April 2023, an estimated 15,335 persons have arrived in the Central African Republic (CAR) from Sudan, including over 10,634 Sudanese refugees and 4,701 Central African returnees. Development assistance is also a critical need to address structural concerns and increase access to basic social services in a sustainable way, especially education. The changing international context with a potentially severe impact on the CAR has added another layer to the complex humanitarian situation.

NRC has been present in CAR since 2014 and employs 17 international staff and over 170. national staff. NRC covers a large geographic area with activities spread across strategic districts throughout the territory such as Ouham-Pende, Sangha-Mbaere, Mambere Kadei and Nana Mambere in the West, Nana Gribizi, Kemo and Ouaka in the Centre, Basse-Kotto in the southeast, and Lobaye and Ombella Mpoko in the SouthWest. NRC operates from 3 field offices in Bouar, Kaga Bandoro and Alindao, and with a country office in Bangui, the capital city.

The program portfolio includes six core competencies: ICLA (Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance), Livelihood and Food Security, WASH, Shelter, Education, as well as Protection.

NRC is a key actor in the humanitarian coordination in the country. NRC co-facilitates the protection and the Education clusters and is the facilitator of the Home, Land and Property working group. Furthermore, NRC is host to the INGO Coordination Forum (CCO) and is present in many other coordination platforms in-country.

As Country Director, you will have the overall leadership and responsibility for the country operation. You will report to the Regional Director for Central and West Africa (CWA).

What you will do:

Some of your roles and responsibilities will include:-

• Analyse the political and humanitarian context and adapt the NRC programme ensuring relevance to the evolving context in the Central African Republic
• Motivate and coach staff in order to create effective teams, with particular attention to ensuring an efficient and empowered Country Management Group
• Promote accountability, the highest standard of NRC’s values, including safeguarding, and adherence to the Humanitarian Principles
• Responsible for all NRC advocacy efforts in the country and ensuring that contributions are made to NRC regional and global advocacy efforts
• Develop and enforce policies to promote and maintain diverse staff at all levels
• Provide vision, promote ideas, gain agreement, and act as a role model
• Serve as a proactive member of the Extended Regional Management Group, promote collaboration with other COs and the Regional office, and contribute to the development of the Central and West Africa Region as a whole
• Actively engage with other COs, engaged in the CAR refugee response to ensure holistic advocacy and programming

Please download the detailed job description to learn more about the position.

What you will bring:

Professional competencies 

• Minimum 5 years experience working as a Senior Manager/Country Director in a humanitarian/recovery context
• Experience working in complex and volatile contexts
• Experience with change management processes
• Documented/proven results related to the position’s responsibilities
• Knowledge about own leadership skills/profile
• Fluency in French and English, both written and verbal
• Valid driver’s license
• Knowledge of the context in the Central African Republic and the region
• Experience in advocacy work

Behavioural competencies

• Strategic thinking
• Handling insecure environments
• Empowering and building trust
• Influencing

What we offer:

• Duty station: CAR, Bangui (Non-family duty station)
• Contract: 24 months contract
• Travel: Frequent travel to the field
• Salary/benefits: grade 12 on NRC’s salary scale
• NRC is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to diversity without distinction to age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, and physical ability.
• We think outside the box, encourage ideas, and give responsibility to all employees at all levels. You will have many opportunities to be heard and take the initiative.
• Find out more about the benefits of working for NRC

Important information about the application process:

• To apply as an internal candidate, log in with your official email or click on Opportunity MarketPlace.
• When creating your profile, include your full name as given on your passport. Complete all the system-required fields for experience, employment history, and education.
• Submit your application and CV in English or French, ensuring you attach your latest CV.
• Applications that do not meet the minimum standards in terms of experience or qualifications will generally not be considered. Unsolicited applications not related to this specific job advertisement will not be considered.
• We receive many applicants for each vacant position hence only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• Deadline for applications: 4th December 2023.
• If you have any questions about this role and/or in relation to the application process write to: [email protected]. Applications sent via email will not be accepted. Please check your application status on your NRC application profile

Why NRC?

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organisation helping people forced to flee. Our 15,000 staff work in crises across 40 countries, providing life-saving and long-term assistance to millions of people every year.

Watch this short video to see NRC in action.

We are looking for people who are passionate about helping refugees and people forced to flee. Are you one of those people? If you are, NRC offers you the opportunity to:

• do demanding and professional work, often in challenging contexts.
• join a work culture that empowers every employee to share ideas and take responsibility.
• be part of a welcoming and supportive community committed to human dignity.

Learn more about NRC https://www.nrc.no/