Country Director (Togo & Benin) Full Time

About CIVIC

Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) is an international non-governmental organization (INGO) with offices around the world working to improve protection for civilians caught in conflict zones. CIVIC envisions a world in which no civilian is harmed in conflict. Our mission is to support communities affected by conflict in their quest for protection and strengthen the resolve and capacity of armed actors to prevent and respond to civilian harm. We are advocates who believe that no civilian caught in conflict should be ignored, and advisors who provide practical solutions to preventing and responding to civilian harm. Learn more at civiliansinconflict.org.

About the Position

The Country Director (CD) has overall responsibility for supervising the implementation of CIVIC – Togo & Benin programs and management of the office and staff, to achieve CIVIC’s mission and the objectives established in the

grant(s). This position will be based in Cotonou, Benin.

Key Functions

1. Overall Management and Leadership

• Implement and periodically update CIVIC – Togo & Benin strategic plan including planning for future programming.
• Generate funding from donors in collaboration with national, regional and headquarters staff in alignment with the country office strategic plan.
• Manage financial resources and provide oversight for grants (with assistance from country operations manager).
• Manage key project personnel including the support of their ongoing professional development.
• Provide strategic vision and direction for overall program design and proposal development; program implementation and reporting; grant management; financial planning; and human resource planning and management; work closely with the country team to accomplish the strategic goals.
• Represent CIVIC in formal and informal meetings with government and security officials, international organizations, donors, and national civil society groups pertinent to CIVIC project activities.

2. Programmatic Direction and Management

• Country knowledge of Togo & Benin and on protection of civilians during armed conflict and in stabilization phase.
• Provide technical input to the government, security forces, international donor agencies and civil society groups pertinent to CIVIC project activities.
• Oversee research design, dissemination of information gathered and advocacy to advance programmatic and policy changes.
• Oversee and coordinate the program portfolio to ensure the highest level of project quality and accountability, while fostering continuity through building local capacity.
• Ensure implementation of strong program monitoring, evaluation, and learning functions.
• Strengthen the quality and effectiveness of existing programs in civilian protection and harm mitigation advocacy, technical assistance, and training, including through the development of a strong network of local and international partnerships, the implementation of best practices and evidence-based strategies, and the continuous assessment and refinement of program outcomes.

3. Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL)

• Disseminate findings from CIVIC’s work that are of importance to decision-makers in a position to fund or implement projects in Togo & Benin.
• Keep the international and national partners and others informed about progress of the projects, plans for the development of new programs/projects/activities and donor involvement in the overall program.

4. Financial and Administrative Management

• Provide oversight to finance and administrative services including procurement, property management, human resources management, vehicle and facilities management, and staff safety and security (aided by in-country operations manager).
• Work with CIVIC headquarters to manage the development and implementation of annual country budgets.
• Ensure the preparation and accuracy of financial reports that comply with grant or contract agreements and ensure compliance with all aspects of donor funding and CIVIC policies.
• Ensure timely submission of financial reports within the established CIVIC guidelines.
• Authorize expenditures for grant or contract allocations and ensure compliance with procedures required by grant or contract agreements.
• Hire and manage personnel for Togo & Benin projects in compliance with CIVIC policies and lead initiatives to develop staff capacity.

Requirements/Qualifications

• Minimum ten (10) years of field experience in international security, human rights, advocacy and/or other related programs including demonstrated experience in program development, implementation, and evaluation.
• Master’s degree in relevant field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Excellent oral and written French and English language skills, including the ability to quickly synthesize complex technical and programmatic issues into concise communications.
• Country knowledge and experience working in Togo & Benin.
• Passion for CIVIC’s subject matter and willingness to take on the responsibilities and duties as a senior member of our team.
• Demonstrated ability to undertake high-level representation and advocacy.
• Demonstrated capacity to mobilize program funding including donor cultivation and grants writing.
• Demonstrated ability to manage staff and other administrative and financial activities in developing country programs – five years of experience in a management position.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including an ability to effectively lead a team, communicate a vision, make timely and transparent decisions, and manage conflict.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and create budgets and monitor financial status.
• Ability to design and implement workshops, seminars, surveys, monitoring systems and evaluations.
• Experience in research design, data analysis and interpretation.
• Knowledge and experience managing compliance to diverse donors
• Demonstrated leadership and management skills that effectively motivate staff and support team building; demonstrated ability to manage a professional team in a multi-cultural environment.
• Well-established and practiced organizational and planning skills.
• Computer literacy, including use of internet, word processing and spreadsheets.
• Experience with staff security and safety issues is desirable.
• Ability and willingness to travel within Togo & Benin and periodically internationally.
• Availability for a period of 1.5 years (renewable pending funding).

Additional details

Application deadline: February 24, 2025

Starting date: April 15, 2025 or as soon as possible

Position is contingent upon the availability of funding.

Due to the high volume of applications, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

CIVIC seeks to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool in the belief that employees from diverse backgrounds are critical to achieving our goals. We strongly encourage applications from persons with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

CIVIC is not able to sponsor employees at this point, therefore, please ensure that you can legally work in this location when applying.

Note to Recruiters and Placement Agencies: CIVIC does not accept unsolicited agency resumes. CIVIC does not pay placement fees for candidates submitted by any agency other than its approved partners.

Tagged as: Bénin, Center for Civilians in Conflict