Country Director

	 	 
Islamic Relief Worldwide 
Country Director  
BASE LOCATION: Kosova 
REPORTING TO: Eastern European Representative LINE MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES: Head of Programmes/Programme Manager;  Finance Manager, Admin Manager, etc.  
PURPOSE OF DIVISION: 
Through capacity building and through technical and programme support, the International Programme  Division keeps the organization focused on the socio-economic and humanitarian needs of vulnerable people. 
The division reinforces IR’s implementing structure to enable these people and their communities to develop  themselves sustainably and ensures that the organization is prepared to respond promptly and effectively to  humanitarian crises. 
The division increases the organization's ability to tackle poverty by developing and fostering partnerships andinstitutional relationships effectively and proactively and by ensuring transparent and timely reporting to the  organization's donors. 
JOB PURPOSE: 
The role has overall management responsibility for IRW’s work in the country of posting including management and development, representation, leading and managing the team and control of financial and other resources. 
The Country Director is responsible for representing Islamic Relief at all levels in country of deployment.Theposition is critical to the overall success of the organization and the achievement of its strategic objectives, including the delivery of the highest quality programmes. 
The Country Director will also be responsible for capacity building of field offices, trouble shooting and followingup on agreed actions plans. 
The Country Director will also be ready to take responsibility and lead emergency missions in places whereIRW does not have country office but emergency response operations are initiated. She/he will be responsibleto formulate and lead new response teams, lead the mission and represent IRW at all forums.

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS 

Has day-to-day contact with the regional desk  
Has regular contact with EE Representative, IPD Director other IRW and IR family  Directors 
Actively engages and networks with institutional donors and the wider INGO community  through forums, co-ordination meetings and networking 
Represents Islamic Relief to national and local government and traditional and community  leaders 
Builds strong and engaging relationship with country team. 

SCOPE AND AUTHORITY 
Scope of the Role: 
Reporting to the Eastern European Representative the Country Director has overall management  responsibility for IRW’s work in the country of posting to lead any humanitarian response, bring  about change and reduce poverty by supporting practical development programmes that enable  people to improve their lives and shape their own futures. The Country Director has to ensure that  all members of the country team internalize and operationalize in their procedures, work and  attitudes the concept that the right holders in the field are the true owners of IR and the success  of the CO will be in the positive impact it has on their lives. The Country Director will be responsible  for the Country Office budget, the overall management of all country office staff to include country  sub-office(s) and head of mission(s) and their security and act as the legal representative of IRW  in country. 
Responsibility for Resources: 
Reporting to the Eastern European Representative the Country Director is accountable for office  resources in general, Human resources, capital and financial resources. Resources must be  utilized to the best of operation needs, in line with all related IRW policies and procedures. 
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES 
1. PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION 

To ensure the effectiveness, impact and direction of the programme is appropriatelymonitored, reviewed and evaluated on a regular basis. 


Maintain effective communications within the programme and with the Regional Desk atthe International Office 
Review, update and communicate the country situation analysis and emergency responsetwice a year to the EE Representative 
Ensure the production of high quality donor reports, annual reports and project proposalsfor both IRW and donors by the agreed deadlines 
To ensure program effectiveness, efficiency, and compliance with donor requirements andlocal regulations. 
To lead, manage and motivate the team, ensuring that they have clear objectives andreceive meaningful feedback on their performance.
To maintain a clear overview of the political, legal and security context and ensure robustsecurity and evacuation plans are in place. 
Ensure programmes are gender-sensitive and adhere to child protection principles 

2. PROGRAMME MONITORING AND EVALUATION 

Develop and implement innovative approaches to monitor the performance ofprogrammes 


To ensure that projects/programmes implemented are monitored and evaluated on a continuous basis using the quality guidance of the IRW 
Policy and Procedures Manual and other international standards to improve its effectiveness.
Ensure adequate evaluation of the impact of the programmes and measurement of changeas a result of the programmes 

3. STRATEGIC DIRECTION AND PLANNING 

Provide overall strategic planning leadership and technical backing for country office programmes in line with IRW’s strategic parameters. 
Ensure the Country Strategy, thematic areas of work as well as the  
Annual Country Business Plan and Emergency Preparedness Plan are implemented in line with regional and global strategies and reviewed as necessary in consultation with staff and stakeholders. 
Ensure that projects fit into the overall country strategy and thematic areas and that this integration is understood by all involved. 
Work with programme teams, partners and beneficiaries to produce action plans as per the country strategy within agreed time frames.
Todevelop and implement long-term strategies and plans for the organization's activities in the country. 
Contribute to regional and IRW global policy/strategy development based on the experience of the country programme. 
Maintain and update on a regular basis emergency preparedness and response plans forthe country 
Contribute to the development of policies on major issues and/or advocacy with a range of stakeholders 

4. FUNDRAISING, REPRESENTATION AND NETWORKING 

Identify potential donors and institutional funding opportunities and secure funding sourcesin-country for country office and sub-office(s) 
Build and strengthen significant relationships between IRW partners, INGOs, UN,institutional donors and relevant Government Departments at all levels 
To lead and coordinate Country Teams for the development programmes and targetinginstitutional funding.
Where appropriate, funding sources in country are secured in collaboration with theRegional Desk. 
To develop and present funding proposals, demonstrating the impact and value of theorganization's work. 

5. STAFF CAPACITY BUILDING, SUPPORT AND DEVELOPMENT 

Ensure the full implementation of IRW’s Personnel Management Policies and Code ofConduct 
Ensure that a human resource strategy and implementation plan is developed, monitoredand reviewed as an integral part of the strategic planning processTo ensure that the staffhave clear objectives and receive meaningful feedback on their performance. 
Optimise staff performance through ensuring that effective processes are in place to support and encourage their personal and professional development 
Maintain an effective Country Management Team (CMT) to facilitate involvement of staff in the running of the programme through an appropriate participatory and open team approach to decision making 
To establish appropriate measures whereby ensuring the security, health and well being of all staff. This includes monitoring and implementation of the staff security guidelines and improving the health and safety policy. 

6. SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONAL LEARNING 

Ensure that there is an appropriate contribution to policy development and advocacy at regional and global level based on the experience of the country programme 


Contribute to IRW’s efforts to influence policies of major donors, the private sector and UN agencies 


Ensure the promotion of information exchange, writing up programme case studies andlearning from experience at all levels, (country, region and global) 

7. SECURITY AND HEALTH AND SAFETY 

Maintain an overview of the political and security context, noting how developments mayaffect programme work 
Ensure that robust and effective security and evacuation plans and procedures are in placeand regularly reviewed and updated in order to security of all staff at all times 
Ensure all staff are aware of, adhere to health and safety policies and guidelines, andregularly review these policies

8. ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT 

To ensure effective financial and budgetary control of the programme and ensure prudent financial management and accountability that  accounts are produced on time and in accordance with IRW policy and procedures. 


To ensure effective grant management in accordance with IRW procedures and performance targets. This includes ensuring quality donor reports are submitted on time; budget holdersare competent to  manage and monitor their budgets and ensure proper expenditure phasing. 
To ensure Security guidelines and procedures are operational where appropriate. And Security guidelines are reviewed bi-annually and updated when necessary. 
To maintain up to date emergency preparedness and response plans for the  country. 
To ensure compliance with local laws, regulations, and reporting requirements. 
Ensure accounts are produced on time and in accordance with IRW policy and procedures 

9. Risk Management: 

To identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies to ensure the safety and security of staff, assets, and programs. 
To respond to crises and emergencies, coordinating appropriate actions  and communications. 
To monitor and analyze trends, risks, and opportunities that could impact theorganization's mission and operations. 

10. Ethical Standards and Governance: 

To uphold high ethical standards and ensure compliance with the organization's code ofconduct and values. 
To implement strong governance practices to ensure transparency, accountability, andresponsible management of resources. 

11. REPRESENTATION 
The Country Directors to ensure that: 

IRW is represented at government, UN and other international agencies, donors and bodies including media, proactively identifying opportunities to building key stakeholder relationships. 


There is appropriate liaison and negotiation with project partners, NGOs and internationalagencies etc, to monitor and review programmes and to co-operate and co-ordinate as appropriate. 


Relationships are developed with government and partner agencies at all levels to enablethe appropriate development of the programme.

12. Stakeholder Engagement: 

To build and maintain strong relationships with local government officials, partnerorganizations, donors, and other stakeholders. 


To represent the organization at meetings, conferences, and other events, advocating forits mission and priorities. 
To collaborate with local communities to ensure programs are aligned with their needs andaspirations. 

13. OTHER DUTIES 

Effectively implement any other duties assigned to the CD. 
The CD will spend a minimum of 20% of his time in the field with staff and right  holders. 

PERSON SPECIFICATION 
It is essential that the post holder shows a good understanding and sympathy with  the Islamic values and principles as well as commitment to Islamic Relief World wide’s vision and mission. 
Essential: 
Knowledge, Skills and Qualifications 

Master’s degree in development, social science or proper combination of graduation along with work experience. 


Substantial experience and knowledge of effective  budgetary control and grant management 


Knowledge and experience of fundraising, local and institutional 
An in depth understanding of international development issues 
Gender approaches in relief and recovery 
Community Development, Social Protection, Food Security, Urban Poverty etc 

Experience

Substantial work experience as a Country Director or a senior management role  with International NGO 
Proven track record of working with INGOs in developing countries in rehabilitation;  development or emergency contexts 
Exposure in managing and mentoring local and international staff 
Good interpersonal skills including the ability to listen, sensitivity to others’ views  and perspectives and conflict resolution 
Proven experience in overseeing programmes; understanding of quantitative and  qualitative data in support of programme development 
Experience of and commitment to participatory management and maintaining a  supportive, open environment to ensure the learning and development of all staff

Personal Qualities 

Problem solving skills 
Culturally sensitive 
Innovative and team player 
Ready to travel on short notice 
Affective communication and interpersonal skills 
Demonstrates the flexibility and energy that is required for a high level of self management and awareness 
A working knowledge of a second language, English 

HOW TO APPLY 
Employees interested in applying for this position are requested to submit their updated CV in  English (PDF format) to info.albania@islamicrelief.al no later than 10 November 2026. 
Please ensure that the subject line of your email includes your Name & Surname – Country  Director. (Example: Name Surname – Country Director) 
Applications will be accepted from 04 November 2026 until 10 November 2026. Only shortlisted  candidates will be contacted. 
Please note that applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.