Country Director, Laos

The Country Director, Laos, leads Save the Children's international development and emergency programming in Laos, ensuring delivery of quality programmes, advocacy, and stewardship of resources. The role involves strategic leadership, team management, and collaboration with regional and global stakeholders to achieve impactful outcomes for children.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to strategic development and delivery of international programming in humanitarian and development contexts
• Collaborate with regional colleagues to deliver programmes and advocacy aligned with regional strategies and budgets
• Support development of organisational culture reflecting Save the Children values and promoting accountability and high performance
• Develop and deliver improved outcomes for children through Save the Children global programme strategy and initiatives
• Define and implement new operating model for the country in consultation with Regional Director and Operations Team
• Engage staff, partners and stakeholders to create shared ownership and collaboration
• Create an environment of continuous learning and accountability for staff commitments
• Ensure organisational focus on rights and needs of children
• Vision for localisation working with stakeholders at regional and centre level
• Develop strong country strategy and operational plans addressing significant issues facing children
• Prepare and implement rapid and effective responses to emergencies affecting children
• Deliver programmes and advocacy resulting in significant impact for children
• Develop and maintain good relations with Members and donors
• Grow country programme to be leading NGO addressing children’s issues in Laos
• Develop and maintain efficient and effective operating systems ensuring compliance with Minimum Operating Standards
• Develop and coach staff to optimise potential and pursue Save the Children objectives
• Drive high performing organisation programs to deliver quality programs on time and budget
• Role model and lead new values and ways of working
• Build relationships with key decision makers and partners
• Develop pool of successors for leadership and key positions and manage talent for career growth
• Contribute to global knowledge and learning in Save the Children

Requirements

• Master’s Degree in development or other social sciences, or equivalent experience in the sector
• Substantial experience of building, leading and developing a team of senior staff to deliver both development and humanitarian programs
• Experience of working with donors to secure and/or manage new and/or competitive funding
• Experience of leading high-profile advocacy and campaigning initiatives
• Experience of managing a crisis situation requiring quick changes to priorities and rapid action to respond
• Experience of leading change in an organisation which has led to considerable results for the organisation and its stakeholders
• Experience of building personal networks at a senior level, resulting in securing new opportunities for the organisation
• Experience of solving complex issues through analysis, definition of a clear way forward and ensuring buy-in
• Excellent understanding of programme, financial and operational management processes
• Good understanding of key trends in international and humanitarian development
• Strong and nuanced cultural awareness
• Fluency in speaking and writing in English
• Commitment to the Save the Children values

Skills

• Team Leadership
• Development Project Management
• Humanitarian Programme Management
• Donor Relations
• Funding Management
• Advocacy Activities
• Crisis Management
• Organizational Change
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Complex Problem Solving
• Programme Management
• Finance Management
• Operational Management
• Cultural Awareness
• Strategic Leadership

Languages

English