The Organisation
Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for girls.
We believe in the power and potential of every child. But this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion and discrimination. And its girls who are most affected.
Working together with children, young people, our supporters and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges facing girls and all vulnerable children.
We support children’s rights from birth until they reach adulthood. And we enable children to prepare for – and respond to – crises and adversity. We drive changes in practice and policy at local, national and global levels using our reach, experience and knowledge.
We have been building powerful partnerships for children for over 80 years, and are now active in more than 70 countries.
The Opportunity
As Country Director you will be responsible for the leadership of the country team and the quality, effectiveness and efficiency of all work that takes place in Plan Malawi. There are 115 staff based in the country office.
You will also lead the implementation and regular renewal of the Country Strategic Plan which is aligned with the Global Strategy and designed to be effective in the local context using Plan´s Programme and Influence approach.
To consolidate Plan’s presence in Malawi, there is a need for a Country Director with a strong business development background. This is an exciting executive leadership role with opportunities to build and grow the country program in Malawi.
As Country Director you will be Plan’s legal representative in Malawi, accountable for operations and results in an evolving political, economic, institutional and legal/labour environment.
You will be responsible for growing and managing a grant portfolio and ensuring that readiness to emergencies is built into all programme planning.
Do you have what it takes?
In order to succeed in this challenging and varied role you will require the following
- Relevant University degree in development, social science, business administration or related field is preferred.
- Proven experience of exercising leadership functions with increasing responsibility in an international environment related to development.
- Demonstrable knowledge, as a result of study, training or practical experience, on the key debates in development and emergency response methods and effectiveness, particularly about rights-based programming for child rights.
- Experience and understanding of the concepts of sustainable community development and participatory approaches is preferred.
- Knowledge of Malawi, the geopolitical factors affecting child-poverty in the country and the political, social and environmental opportunities for change is an advantage
- Knowledge of the requirements of donor compliance and financial management
- Excellent English language skills both written and verbal
Behaviours (Plan International’s Values in Practice)
We are open and accountable
Promotes a culture of openness and transparency, including with sponsors and donors.
Holds self and others accountable to achieve the highest standards of integrity.
Consistent and fair in the treatment of people.
Open about mistakes and keen to learn from them.
Accountable for ensuring we are a safe organisation for all children, girls & young people.
We strive for lasting impact
Articulates a clear purpose for staff and sets high expectations.
Creates a climate of continuous improvement, open to challenge and new ideas.
Focuses resources to drive change and maximise long-term impact, responsive to changed priorities or crises.
Evidence-based and evaluates effectiveness.
We work well together
Seeks constructive outcomes, listens to others, willing to compromise when appropriate.
Builds constructive relationships across Plan International to support our shared goals.
Develops trusting and ‘win-win’ relationships with funders, partners and communities.
Engages and works well with others outside the organization to build a better world for girls and all children.
We are inclusive and empowering
Seeks constructive outcomes, listens to others, willing to compromise when appropriate.
Builds constructive relationships across Plan International to support our shared goals.
Develops trusting and ‘win-win’ relationships with funders, partners and communities.
Engages and works well with others outside the organization to build a better world for girls and all children.
Type of Role: 5 year fixed term contract
Location: Lilongwe with extensive and regular local travel as well as some international travel
Salary: USD $80,000 per annum + benefits
Reports to: Sub-Regional Director
Closing Date: Sunday 25th June 2017
Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert early.
Please note that only applications and CVs written in English will be accepted.
A range of pre-employment checks will be undertaken in conformity with Plan International’s Child Protection Policy.
As an international child centred community development organisation, Plan International is fully committed to promoting the realisation of children’s rights including their right to protection from violence and abuse. That means we have particular responsibilities to children that we come into contact with.
Plan International believes that in a world where children face so many threats of harm, it is our duty to ensure that we, as an organisation, do everything we can to keep children safe. We must not contribute in any way to harming or placing children at risk.
Plan International operates an equal opportunities policy and actively encourages diversity, welcoming applications from all areas of the international community.
More Information
- Job City Lilongwe
