A COUNTRY DIRECTOR

Founded in 1979, Action contre la Faim is an international non-governmental organization fighting hunger worldwide. Its charter of humanitarian principles – independence, neutrality, non-discrimination, free and direct access to victims, professionalism, transparency – has underpinned its identity for over 40 years. Its mission is to save lives by eliminating hunger through the prevention, detection and treatment of undernutrition, particularly during and after emergency situations linked to conflicts and natural disasters. Action contre la Faim coordinates its programs around 5 areas of activity: Nutrition and Health – Mental Health, Psychosocial Support and Protection – Food Security and Livelihoods – Water, Sanitation and Hygiene – Advocacy. In 2022, Action contre la Faim helped more than 28 million people in 46 countries worldwide.
www.actioncontrelafaim.org

ACF has been working in Sierra Leone since 1991, and currently operates in 4 districts (West and South of the country). While experiencing a peaceful situation, the country has some of the worst indicators in the world e.g. the highest maternity mortality rate in the world and one of the worst infant mortality rate, very high level of food insecurity and high exposure to climate change. In such context, ACF programming focuses on developmental approaches, while standing ready to respond to emergencies.

Our programmes are implemented in support to national institutions and in partnership with national partners. ACF portfolio in country is particularly innovative in the sectors of agriculture and adaptation to climate change, WASH governance, health system strengthening, and MHPSS. Thanks to our partnership approach, ACF team is small, comprising approximately 60 staff members (based at the coordination in the capital, Freetown, and 2 bases: Moyamba and Matru Jong).

Sierra Leone is also a pilot country for ACF in terms of its economic model and types of funding focusing on expertise value addition. In this sense, the Country Office has an important contribution to forming the organisation’s future.

The main focus for 2024 will be on growing the donors portfolio, diversfying our geographic presence, institutional learning on ongoing innovative projects and making its economic model sustainable.

Your main responsibilities are to lead the effective and efficient implementation of the country strategy of ACF in Sierra Leone and oversee the overall management of the country team in line with ACF values, quality standards and processes in a context of increasing humanitarain needs and challenging operating environment.
And more specifically:
You provide the overall leadership and strategic guidance of the Country Office, using a strategic partnership model.
You oversee the programmatic development, ensure fundraising and implementation of the country strategy.
You ensure that systems / procedures are in place and properly implemented.
You ensure the proper management, well being and safety of ACF staff, and the proper use of ACF resources.
You create a shared vision among all staff, promoting ACF Charter and ensuring an organizational culture where ACF core values are embedded, team work is encouraged and all staff feels valued;
You are responsible for establishing and maintaining good working relationships with host government officials, donors and other partners.
You will be expected to analyse strategic funding opportunities for country programme based on ACF added value and expertise.

You have a Bachelor or Master degree.
You have at least 5 years of experience in senior management position in the humanitarian and/or development sector (experience in the 2 sectors a big plus).
You have a strong leadership, strong management skills, an interest in thinking out of the box, a capacity to conceptualize and interact with the national authorities and donors.