Country Director

Description:

World Education, Inc. (WEI) is seeking a full-time Country Director to oversee its Laos office starting in late May or early June 2022. The Country Director is responsible for strategic leadership and program management, regular representation with funding agencies and government stakeholders, new business development, and overall oversight of human resources and office management for a team of 30 staff. WEI has been operational in the Lao PDR since 1992 and has worked in a number of sectors (agriculture, education, health, microfinance, and repatriation) over the past 30 years. Projects are currently focused on: Disability Inclusion, Explosive Ordnance Risk Education, Capacity Building, and Economic Development.

Responsibilities:
Leadership & Project Management

• Provide leadership to senior WEI staff to ensure technical oversight, planning, and sharing of project information. Build capacity of staff to manage projects in line with donor and government standards and regulations. Provide technical inputs as appropriate.
• Guide the strategic planning process and ensure WEI Laos projects are in keeping with the organizational mission.
• Mentor and motivate staff while encouraging them to work productively and harmoniously.

Representation

• Coordinate regularly with funding agencies. This includes regular face to face meetings in-country, report writing and strategic planning to position WEI for future program opportunities.
• Represent WEI with key stakeholders, including the U.S. Embassy and other diplomatic missions, and iNGOs for planning, coordination, and support for existing and new programs.
• Represent WEI with key staff of the Government of the Lao PDR; ensure effective dialogue with officials at the Central, Provincial, and District offices.

Program Development

• Develop new programs with Lao counterparts and with World Education US office in response to needs in the Lao PDR. This includes proposal writing, budget development, and negotiating proposals with funding agencies.

Human Resource Management

• Oversee staff recruitment and human resources policy implementation.
• Coordinate staff development opportunities for professional training.

Office Management

• Oversee financial system and reports, and ensure monthly review of budget and expenditures with World Education US office.

• Oversee administrative system (personnel policies, salary structure, program assets and inventory, procurement, and sub-contracts).

Communication

• Communicate and coordinate with US office regarding strategies for present and future programs, staffing issues, compliance and legal issues.

Qualifications:

• Excellent management and communication skills and ability to oversee a diverse project portfolio focusing on different technical areas.
• Proven leadership skills and prior experience of at least five years in managing a country program or large development project.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and management capabilities.
• Demonstrated fundraising skills with prior experience in engaging donors.
• An advanced degree in international development or related sector with relevant experience.
• Technical expertise in at least one of the country program areas (education, mine action, health, and/or economic development).
• Ability and willingness to travel frequently to field sites.
• High degree of intercultural awareness, communication skills, and diplomacy.
• Able to work closely and collaboratively with a senior management team, with regular supportive communication.
• Familiarity with USG policies and regulations.
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Lao nationals are encouraged to apply.

Compensation:

$60,000-110,000 f/t commensurate with experience and documented skills. WEI offers competitive benefits including health insurance, dental, vision, and a retirement benefit with employer contribution.