Country Director Pakistan

Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) has been supporting humanitarian and development initiatives in Pakistan since 1982. We utilize a rights-based approach to engage both right-holders and duty-bearers to foster positive gender relations, peaceful communities, and provide access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene facilities. In close collaboration with our local partners, we have built a nexus program with humanitarian and development interventions aimed at saving lives, building resilience and seeking justice. We mobilize and empower local communities, especially women and girls and seek to mitigate climate change throughout our programs and operations.
We are now seeking an experienced leader to fill the vacant Country Director position to lead the NCA Pakistan program and office in Islamabad. If you are dreaming of leading a professional team of development and humanitarian experts working with strong civil society organizations in a challenging environment, this job is for you!

As our new Country Director in Pakistan, you will represent NCA to stakeholders and donors while providing effective leadership to the NCA team. The role is a hands-on position, and your success will be determined by the level of direct engagement in fundraising, program development, mentoring and support to the highly competent NCA team, and representing the NCA to stakeholders. As Country Director, you will foster positive working relationships with our partners, as well as government while you drive the development and improvements of the program within the current political climate. You thrive in evolving and challenging environments, have a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability, and have excellent skills in retaining and developing relations.

In NCA, we seek leaders who are motivated by our vision, our work and our values, and who wish to take part in developing our organizational- and leadership culture. To reach our goals, we need leaders who can set direction, lead change, develop organizational culture and use our human and financial resources in the best possible way.

We offer a standard three-year contract; the position is based in Islamabad. NCA will provide you with a housing allowance as well as comprehensive insurance and an R&R plan. NCA classify Pakistan as medium risk. This position is for expats only.

Start date: 1. December 2024

NCA uses an electronic recruitment portal. Candidates are kindly asked to submit their CV and application (limited to one page each) through this electronic recruitment portal. We also require all candidates to upload a copy of relevant certificates and diplomas as part of the application. Please note that we only consider candidates who submit their application, CV, and relevant certificates/diplomas through this electronic recruitment portal.

Duties and responsibilities

• Responsible for the management of the NCA’s office in Pakistan, which includes overseeing the finance, human resources and administration function.
• Strategically position NCA Pakistan for new opportunities by setting direction, prioritizing and organizing actions and resources.
• Proactively engage and network with donors in order to achieve NCA’s funding priorities and strategies.
• Continue to support and develop NCA’s collaboration with partners, which includes capacity building and professional development.
• Maintaining a positive team environment in a culturally sensitive environment as well as to building excellent people management.
• Responsible for communications, internal and external, related to NCA’s program in Pakistan.
• Ensure robust safety & risk management.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in the social sciences or related fields, experience within development/ humanitarian field.
• A minimum of 5 year leadership and management experience in a complex and dynamic environment with ability to lead &build diverse teams, including crisis management.
• Demonstrated strategic leadership experience in development and humanitarian programming in complex working environments and working in partnerships including faith-based organisations and religious actors. Given the increasing focus on climate change, it is desirable that the CD has a relevant in climate change initiatives.
• Strong analytical and strategic abilities, effective communication and ability to drive change.
• Good communication skills, fluency in English – verbal and written
• Knowledge and experience with Middle East & Asian political, cultural, and economic spheres preferred.

Personal Qualities

• Motivated by managing and developing personnel towards achieving common goals
• Exceptional networking skills and experience in maintaining donor and key stakeholder relationships
• Ability to inspire and build capacities among staff and partners
• Culturally sensitive and diplomatic with excellent communication and decision-making skills

We offer

• Exciting and meaningful position with one of Norway’s largest humanitarian organizations.
• A work culture that empowers every employee to share ideas and take responsibility.
• Competitive terms and conditions and a comprehensive insurance and pension plan.

We encourage all qualified persons to apply for a job with us, regardless of gender, age, disability or cultural background. Through our recruitment portal, you can register and submit your CV, write an application / cover letter and attach relevant certificates. Only applicants using this electronic portal will be considered for the position.

Before you apply:

We kindly ask you to carefully read the ACT Code of Conduct for the prevention of misconduct, including corruption, fraud, exploitation and abuse, including sexual; and to ensure child safeguarding and the Protection from Sexual Harassment, Exploitation and Abuse and Child Safeguarding policy before you submit your application. If you are the selected candidate for this position you will be asked to complete and sign our Code of Conduct and Protection from Sexual Harassment, Exploitation and Abuse, and Child Safeguarding Policy.

In accordance with core humanitarian principles, NCA implements a range of safeguards to prevent or reduce the possibility of humanitarian aid falling into the wrong hands. This includes those individuals and groups who are subject to sanctions by the United Nations Security Council. As part of this process, NCA will screen the details of the successful candidates for this post against the sanctions lists maintained by the UN and by some of NCAs governmental donors.