Country Director Mali

About the Context

NRC has been operational in Mali since 2013. With offices in Gao, Menaka, Mopti, and Tombouctou, NRC implements programmes in Education, Shelter, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Protection from Violence and Legal Assistance. 

NRC also leads rapid humanitarian responses to shocks, through the Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM). We continue to operate in some of the most remote and insecure areas of the country. 

Additionally, we are widely recognized for  principled humanitarian approach, strong operational presence, and key role in coordination and advocacy on displacement, protection, and humanitarian access.  In 2024, NRC’s programmes provided assistance to over 234,938 people in need. 

Find out more about NRC https://www.nrc.no/ and Watch this short video to see NRC in action https://vimeo.com/736782633

What we are looking for 

We are seeking a seasoned Country Director to guide a dedicated team of over 185 staff in driving NRC’s strategic vision and operational response in one of the region’s most complex humanitarian settings.

As the Country Director, you will drive advocacy, manage resource mobilization, and uphold cost efficiency and quality through strong control mechanisms. Proven experience in leading change management and fostering organizational adaptability as well as knowledge of the Sahel is highly valued. Experience working with authorities and engagement with coordination forum is also key.

What you will do 

Analysing the political and humanitarian context and adapt the NRC programme ensuring relevance and strategic partnerships within the evolving context in Mali

Motivating and coaching staff in order to create effective teams, with particular attention to ensuring an efficient and empowered Country Management Group

Promoting accountability, the highest standard of ethics, including safeguarding, and adherence to the Humanitarian Principles

Responsible for all NRC advocacy efforts in Mali and ensure that contributions are made to NRC regional and global advocacy efforts

Developing and enforcing policies to promote and maintain diverse staff at all levels

Providing vision, promoting ideas, gain agreement and act as a role model

Serving as a proactive member the Extended Regional Management Team, promote collaboration with other Country Offices and the Regional Team and contribute to the development of the Central and West Africa Region as a whole

Actively engage with the Burkina Faso and Niger Country Office as part of the Central Sahel to ensure holistic advocacy and programming

Please download the detailed job description to learn more about the position Job Description_ Country Director Mali.pdf

What you will bring 

1.Professional Competencies

Minimum 5 years experience from working as a Senior Manager/Country Director in humanitarian/recovery context

Experience from working in complex and volatile contexts

Documented/proven results related to the position’s responsibilities

Knowledge about own leadership skills/profile 

Fluency in French and English, both written and verbal 

Valid driver’s license 

Context/ Specific skills, knowledge and experience:

Knowledge of the context in the Central Sahel

Experience from advocacy work

Experience with change management processes

 2.Behavioural competencies 

Strategic thinking

Handling insecure environments

Empowering and building trust

Influencing

What we offer 

  The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global humanitarian organisation helping people forced to flee.  Join us in assisting millions of people in areas where others cannot, tackling some of the world's most dangerous and difficult crises. Bring your skills and dedication to an organisation recognised for providing high quality aid and for defending the rights of refugees and internally displaced people.  At NRC, we give responsibility to employees at all levels and foster professional growth and innovative teams. You can expect a supportive culture and an open dialogue with management. We are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion.  Together, we save lives and rebuild futures. Safeguarding is central to NRC’s work. We expect all employees to:  • treat everyone with respect and dignity  • contribute to building a safe environment for all  • never engage in any form of exploitation, harassment and specifically sexual exploitation, abuse and sexual harassment (SEAH)  • always report. NRC has a zero-tolerance approach to inaction against exploitation, abuse and SEAH

At NORCAP, we work to better protect and empower people affected by crises and climate change. With expertise in the humanitarian, development and peacebuilding sectors, we collaborate with local, national and international partners on finding solutions to meet the needs of people at risk. NORCAP is part of the Norwegian Refugee Council.