Country Director

Starting Date / Initial Contract Details

June 2026. Full-time, 24 months (subject to funding)

Role Summary

Leading a diverse team, the Country Director (CD) oversees all programme and support activities in-country. Representing Medair in all issues relating to the programme, the Country Director plays a key role in donor relations, grant management and legal compliance. The CD manages the country strategy and project implementation in conjunction with senior field managers.

Project Overview 

Madagascar is exposed to an increase frequency and severity of natural disasters (cyclones and droughts). In response, Medair has been active in Madagascar for several decades and in all areas of the country. Medair’s main activities have been disaster response, DRR and WASH. More recently, Medair has started health and nutrition interventions in areas of elevated SAM rates. Medair has close partnerships with the government, national and international actors.

Workplace & Conditions

Position based in Antananarivo, Madagascar.

Responsibilities:

• Programme Leadership/Management: Lead on country strategy process (design, update); analyse humanitarian needs, trends and political developments; engage in strategic relationships/networks with authorities, existing and potential donors and partners; set tone for Medair culture; oversee programme and support functions.

• Security Management: Overall responsibility for safety and security of staff/assets; oversee security plans and procedures; lead decision-making during security incidents; chair Crisis Management Team when required.

• Staff management: Line manage staff, fostering a supportive and transparent team environment; ensure effective HR functions, compliance, and safeguarding policies. Reflect Medair’s strategy, vision and values.

• Quality management: Develop and implement systems to enhance transparency and prevent fraud. Ensure project implementation and reporting meet donor expectations and compliance with national/international law.

• Oversee the drafting and presentation of all proposals, operational and financial reports.

Qualifications, Experience & Technical Competencies:  

• University degree in a relevant subject (e.g. Management/Development/Business Administration) or in a relevant technical subject (e.g. Public Health).

• Strong working knowledge of French and English (spoken and written).  

• 5 years of post-qualification experience in a management position.

• 3 years of overseas work experience with humanitarian NGO(s); experience in dealing with donors and government officials.

• Experience in the design, monitoring of implementation and evaluation of humanitarian programmes.

Behavioural Skills

• Strong servant leader with a consultative management style; ability to build trust and enforce procedures  

• Strategic thinker, change oriented, with good understanding of cross-cultural issues

• Committed to team-building, delegating as required, and able to develop and support other team members

• Capacity to work under pressure and manage personal stress levels  

• Self-motivated, energetic, hard-working, servant-hearted   

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Team Spiritual Life

Reflect the values of Medair with team members, local staff, people we serve, and external contacts. Work, live, and pray together in our Christian faith-based teams. Fully contribute to a rich spiritual team life, including team devotion, prayer, and words of encouragement.

Before you apply

Please ensure you are fully aware of the:

1. Medair organisational values.

2. Medair is committed to safeguarding the protection of beneficiaries, volunteers, staff and partners, and particularly children. Therefore, we do not employ staff whose background we understand to be unsuitable for working with children. Medair staff are required to give the utmost respect to, and comply with, Medair’s accountability policies and best practices.

3. Medair Relief & Recovery Orientation Course (ROC) (which forms part of the recruitment selection process for field positions).

Application Process

To apply, go to this vacancy on our Medair page. Please do not make multiple applications. We will not review email applications. Only English-language applications / CVs will be reviewed.

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