Country Director, Burundi (national contract)

This position is open to Burundi nationals as well as international candidates holding permanent residency in Burundi and legal authorization to work under a national employment contract.

Lutheran World Federation (LWF) World ServiceLWF World Service is the humanitarian and development arm of the Lutheran World Federation. We are a widely recognized, international, faith-based organization working in more than 20 countries globally. We seek to bring people of all backgrounds together in the common quest for justice, peace, and reconciliation in an increasingly complex and fragmented world. A commitment to the human rights of every individual, regardless of their status, guides our work, actions, and operations. We are particularly known for our timely, compassionate, and professional humanitarian work, and for our field presence in hard-to-reach areas. Our work is people-centered and community-based. Above all, we work with the most vulnerable, and to claim and uphold their rights, we engage proactively with local government and community structures. For additional information, please see LWF World Service.

Established in 2006, LWF Burundi implements humanitarian and development work that strengthen resilience and improve the well-being of vulnerable communities. Our work in-country focuses on livelihoods, protection, social cohesion, climate resilience, youth empowerment, including professional education, and emergency preparedness and response. Working closely with government authorities, civil society, UN agencies, ACT Alliance members and development partners, LWF Burundi currently operates mainly in Cankuzo, Ruyigi and Muyinga provinces while maintaining the capacity to respond to humanitarian needs nationwide. With a relatively small but growing portfolio and strong local partnerships, LWF Burundi strives to remain a respected actor committed to delivering sustainable and impactful solutions for vulnerable populations. For additional information, please see LWF Burundi.

PurposeCountry Director (CD) is the senior representative and leader of the Country Program in Burundi and has overall responsibility for its the strategic leadership, management and <performance.CD> provides leadership and direction to ensure effective program delivery, organizational growth, compliance, financial stewardship, resource mobilization, staff development and external representation. As the principal representative, CD maintains and strengthens relationships with government authorities, donors, United Nations agencies, churches, civil society organizations and other stakeholders while promoting LWF values, mission and visibility.

Required qualificationsMaster’s degree in International Development, Humanitarian Affairs, International Relations, Public Administration, or related field.

Knowledge and ExperienceMinimum seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian and/or development programming.Minimum five (5) years in a senior leadership position within an international organization.Demonstrated experience managing complex multi-sector programmes.Proven experience in resource mobilization and donor engagement.Strong financial and operational management experience.Experience working in fragile or complex contexts is an advantage.Experience in the Great Lakes Region is desirable.

Language SkillsFrench and English professional proficiency is requiredKirundi excellent command is required.

LWF Core SkillsLeadership – resource level*Working effectively with others – resource levelAccountability – resource levelAnalytical thinking – resource levelInitiative – advanced levelAchieving results – advanced level

LWF Functional SkillsPeople Management – advanced levelFacilitation / Negotiation – advanced levelProject Management - advanced levelNetworking - resource levelCommunication - advanced level*LWF 3 skills levels are: basis - advanced – resource

The LWF and LWF workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the Code of Conduct as well as the Core Humanitarian Standard and relevant LWF policies such as Protection from Sexual Abuse, Exploitation and Harassment (PSEAH), Child Protection and Gender Justice Policy. The staff member must conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to the LWF and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.

Main duties

Strategic Leadership and Organizational ManagementProvide overall leadership and strategic direction to the Country Program.Lead implementation and periodic review of the Country Strategy.Ensure alignment of programmes and operations with LWF strategic priorities.Promote innovation, accountability, learning and organizational effectiveness.Lead and support the Country Management Team.Foster a culture of collaboration, integrity and continuous improvement.

Program Leadership and Quality AssuranceProvide strategic oversight of all program activities.Ensure program quality and compliance with LWF standards and donor requirements.Promote integrated humanitarian, development and resilience programming.Ensure effective monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning <systems.Support> program growth through evidence-based planning and innovation.Ensure accountability to affected populations and local communities.

Resource Mobilization and Partnership DevelopmentLead sustainable growth through diversified funding and high-value partnerships.Lead implementation of the Country Resource Mobilization Strategy.Identify funding opportunities and cultivate donor relationships.Lead strategic engagement with institutional donors, UN agencies, embassies, churches and <foundations.Support> the development of high-quality funding proposals and concept notes.Strengthen partnerships with local and international stakeholders and promote localization.

Financial Management, Compliance and Risk ManagementEnsure sound stewardship of organizational resources and full compliance.Ensure financial sustainability of the Country Program.Monitor budget utilization and organizational financial performance.Ensure compliance with donor regulations, LWF policies and national legislation.Lead risk management processes and mitigation measures.Ensure effective internal controls and oversee internal and external audit processes.

People Management and Organizational DevelopmentLead and develop an engaged, diverse and high-performing workforce.Lead, mentor and supervise senior managers.Promote a positive, inclusive and high-performing work environment.Ensure effective performance management and staff <development.Support> succession planning and leadership development.Promote safeguarding, diversity, gender equality and staff wellbeing.

Representation, Advocacy and NetworkingServe as the primary representative of LWF in Burundi.Strengthen relationships with government authorities and key stakeholders.Participate actively in humanitarian, development and coordination forums.Promote LWF visibility, credibility and <influence.Support> evidence-based advocacy aligned with LWF <priorities.Build> strategic alliances that enhance programme impact and institutional positioning.

Security Management and Duty of CareEnsure effective executive oversight of security and duty of care.Ensure implementation of LWF security policies and procedures.Lead crisis management and emergency preparedness.Promote staff safety, security and wellbeing.Ensure business continuity measures are maintained and updated.