Country Director, Dorcas Yemen

For those in need! Dorcas is active in Eastern Europe, Eastern Africa and the Middle East. Local colleagues lead our 14 country offices. We invest in resilient communities in which everyone can participate. We help over one million people annually. When a disaster or a crisis occurs, we provide humanitarian assistance and support communities to rebuild themselves. At the same time, we invest in structural solutions for poverty and social exclusion. In our work we are accountable, compassionate, determined and locally led.

After Dorcas worked in Yemen in 2019 and 2020 through partnerships in food security activities, Dorcas registered in 2021 and is building up operations with a small team focusing on FSL and WASH and possible new sectors such as Protection, including MHPSS. Dorcas is member of the Dutch Relief Alliance and will participate in the Yemen Joint Response 2022-2023. This position includes frequent travel to project implementation areas in the southern part of Yemen.

At this moment we are recruiting an experienced and ambitious

Country Director

(Aden, Yemen, non-family posting)

Purpose of the position

As our new country director you are responsible for developing and implementing the Dorcas strategy in Yemen. To ensure the strategy is implemented successfully you will further establish the country office and Dorcas’ operations. Within the framework of an agreed country annual plan, you will deliver an increasing number of high-quality programs and will successfully pursue growth in funding. Also, you will maintain relationships with strategic stakeholders and will ensure sound financial management. Together with your team and with support from our International Office you are responsible for the long term and overall success of the programs in Yemen. As country director you will also focus on team management & development and quality control & evaluation. You report to the Executive Board at our International Office in the Netherlands.

Main responsibilities:

As country director you are responsible for:

• Providing leadership to the local Dorcas team with high professional and integrity standards.
• Representing Dorcas in Yemen.
• Formulating, implementing and reviewing of the country strategic and annual plan, within the framework of the Dorcas strategy and policies.
• Ensuring high quality program design, project proposals and project implementation.
• Identifying, creating and capitalizing on institutional funding opportunities for further growth and expansion of the program portfolio in Yemen.
• Developing new partnerships with local organizations and other (I)NGOs.
• Maintaining and establishing successful strategic relations with embassies, international donors, INGOs, local government bodies, UN coordination structures and other relevant stakeholders.
• Ensuring strong and outstanding collaborative relations with the Dorcas International Office.
• Ensuring quality in implementation standards, guidelines and reporting.
• Timely submission of reports to all stakeholders, including donors according to their requirements.
• Developing an organizational culture that reflects the values of Dorcas.
• Creating an environment of continuous learning, where staff is encouraged and supported to grow and develop and are willing to be held accountable for their commitments.

Job Requirements:

This is an exceptional opportunity for an ambitious, entrepreneurial and high energy professional with significant experience in program management in humanitarian aid or international development, to be part of a dynamic and new country organization. Specific requirements include:

• Master’s degree in international development, humanitarian action, disaster management or other relevant field.
• Minimum of five years relevant working experience in (senior) program management in humanitarian aid/ international development.
• Proven track record in identifying, creating and capitalizing on institutional funding opportunities.
• Demonstrated experience in representing a non-profit organization and building personal and professional networks at a senior level.
• Good understanding of program, financial and operational management processes.
• Good understanding of key trends in international and humanitarian development.
• Experience building, leading and developing a growing team of staff with different backgrounds and expertise, empowering them to elevate their levels of responsibility, span-of-control and performance.
• Extensive experience working in an international and cross-cultural context.
• Strong experience with security management and protocols.
• Strong communication skills, both verbally and written (including negotiation and presentation skills).
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, interpersonal and cross-cultural sensitivity.
• Settled character with ability to cope with stressful and delicate situations.
• Fluent in English and with a very strong preference for Arabic.
• Being a Christian and full support for the vision and mission of Dorcas.
• Candidates fitting the profile and originating from or living in the region are encouraged to apply.

We offer:

Dorcas offers the opportunity to become part of a growing International NGO with a dedicated team of professionals. Dorcas offers a suitable pay and benefits package that is justifiable to our donors. Furthermore, you will be offered an initial 12-month contract. Depending on continued funding, your performance and fit with the organization and staff, the contract will be extended.