POSITION DESCRIPTION Position Title: Department: Location: Employment Status: COUNTRY DIRECTOR, CHILDFUND MYANMAR Program Yangon, Myanmar Full-time, Initial 3 year fixed-term agreement, with option to extend upon mutual agreement. Reports to: International Program Director 1. ORGANISATIONAL CONTEXT ChildFund Australia is an international development agency that works in partnership with children and their communities to create lasting and meaningful change by supporting long-term community development and promoting children s rights. ChildFund Australia has an extensive child sponsorship program with more than 50,000 children in 26 countries sponsored by Australians. The organisation directly implements child-focused development programs in 5 countries, Vietnam, Papua New Guinea, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar, and is responsible for projects delivered by partner organisations in Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Indonesia and East Timor. ChildFund Australia s goals are to achieve and demonstrate effectiveness and accountability in its fundraising and program activities and add value to the efforts of its partners through quality development programs that are respectful, responsive and effective in helping children in poverty, their families and communities. ChildFund Australia established a program in Myanmar in 2012, with the intention of working with local partners. This operational mode builds on the organisation s practice elsewhere, where it directly implements child-focused development programs in 4 other countries. ChildFund also works in conjunction with the ChildFund Alliance global partnership to deliver programs in countries throughout Asia, Africa and the Americas. ChildFund Australia s goals in Myanmar are to deliver quality development programs through various partnership arrangements including working with government systems in eliminating or reducing poverty for children, their families and communities. Position Description: Country Director, ChildFund Myanmar Page 1 of 6
2. JOB PURPOSE & REPORTING STRUCTURE Reporting to the Sydney-based International Program Director, ( IDP ) the Country Director, ChildFund Myanmar ( Country Director ) has overall responsibility for leadership, people management and management of the organisation s activities in Myanmar. The Country Director will work closely with the International Program Director and other senior managers and the Sydney-based International Program Team to lead and manage ChildFund s operation in Myanmar. 3. KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY Leadership Develop a strong, capable, and highly-motivated country team, including leading and directing an effective and accountable Myanmar senior management team. Maintain and build relationships with relevant Ministries and officials. Lead the development and implementation of the Country Strategy Paper. Ensure a positive and appropriate balance between operational in-country requirements with ChildFund Australia s organisation-wide priorities. Program leadership Implement program operations in a manner consistent with the mission, vision and values of ChildFund and in compliance with the organisation s policies and procedures as set out in the ChildFund Program Handbook. Develop partnership arrangements with local NGOs and identify appropriate local initiatives for immediate support and funding by ChildFund. Identify local and regional funding opportunities and prepare grant proposals and submissions. Ensure that program priorities are identified and researched in accordance with ChildFund policy, resources and Strategic Plan. Prepare or support the development of annual country plans, budgets, concept papers and project proposals. Expand and develop ChildFund s program activities through the development of project proposals. Ensure that projects are carried out within budget, on schedule and according to approved project proposals. Ensure that adequate human, material and financial resources are allocated to meet program commitments. Lead and ensure high quality program planning and implementation, including strong community engagement, participation from children and effective child-centred development programs. Ensure all development activities have direct and measurable benefits for children. Implement the ChildFund Development Effectiveness Framework, and undertake additional program audits or donor audits as required. Contribute to the further development of ChildFund s Strategic Plan on the basis of practical experience and research gained through program activities. Ensure that appropriate baseline information is gathered, analysed and recorded according to ChildFund s agreed monitoring and evaluations system. Position Description: Country Director, ChildFund Myanmar Page 2 of 6
Ensure that the effectiveness, impact and direction of the program is appropriately monitored on a continuing basis and the lessons from this process shared within ChildFund with local authorities, partner organisations and communities. Ensure that reports for ChildFund, funding bodies and donors are produced as required. Recognise ChildFund staff and community needs for training and budgeting, and implement such training. Promote capacity building at all levels amongst staff and partner organisations. People Management Oversee the recruitment, appointment and development of all staff in accordance with the Country Strategy Paper, approved budget and HR system. Ensure that staff contracts and other human resource practices adhere to local labour laws and regulations. Oversee the implementation of human resource practices and projects according to ChildFund Australia policies, procedures and guidelines, adapt them as required to meet country specific/local statutory requirements and complete the professionalisation of HR system. Ensure that all staff clearly understand their required competencies following the Competency Framework and key areas of responsibility set out in the clearly defined position descriptions and work schedules. Ensure that all staff salaries are paid in accordance with ChildFund s Reward Policy. Sustain team building amongst staff, provide informal performance review throughout the year, conduct a formal annual performance appraisal and ensure that staff development needs are identified and facilitate staff training and development opportunities following the Performance & Development Plan. Ensure that health and safety of staff is given high priority at all times and that policies and procedures are developed and followed to maintain and promote staff s wellbeing. Advise the IPD and Director, People and Organisational Development ( POD Director ) immediately of any potential or actual high risk issues or security concerns that may threaten staff health or safety. Maintain staff management systems which reflect ChildFund Australia s principles of fairness, transparency and efficiency. Ensure that all legal and regulatory requirements are met in a timely manner; Promote a dynamic organisational culture which is supportive of staff and ChildFund s mission through coaching and mentoring. Finance, administration & risk management Ensure effective financial management for the operations in accordance with local statutes, using strong financial controls. Oversee ChildFund Myanmar s financial systems as advised by the Finance Director and as outlined in the ChildFund Finance Manual Determine expenditure items within total budget parameters. Authorise expenditure within delegation of authority. Ensure that reliable methods for the management and monitoring of expenditure, including handling of cash are in place, that an assets register is maintained, and that ChildFund Australia s finance policies and procedures are complied with. Produce on a monthly basis: income & expenditure statements, balance sheet and statement of cash flows. Send reports to the Finance Director for approval. Position Description: Country Director, ChildFund Myanmar Page 3 of 6
Ensure preparation of an annual budget. Monitor income & expenditure through the year in accordance with budget and take corrective action when variances emerge. Ensure maintenance and upgrades of software applications and information technology as advised by the Finance Director. Maintain effective risk management approaches in consultation with ChildFund Australia s Finance Director. Reporting & compliance Ensure timely reporting to the Board and implementation of Board decisions, and any other reports to IPD as required. Provide reports for donors and grant-bodies as required under the terms of any grant funding. Provide other material necessary for fundraising, human resources, communications and media purposes. Ensure that operations are compliant with the ACFID Code of Conduct and relevant Department of Foreign Affairs of Australia (DFAT) guidelines. Ensure that all practices and activities of ChildFund in Myanmar are compliant with, and respectful of, the country s statutes, regulations and protocols. Participate as a member of ChildFund senior management team, maintain integration and cooperation with other sections of the organisation and contribute to the overall development and leadership of the organisation. Ensure the maintenance of accurate and up to date organisational and statutory records. Reputation, networking & key relationships Liaise with and ensure that good working relations are maintained with government departments, local NGOs, donors and other international agencies to share information, plan and review programs, collaborate as appropriate, and ensure mutual awareness of activities and projects. Work to ensure ChildFund is recognised by stakeholders (relevant government authorities, donors, other NGOs, media, etc.) as a strong child-centred development organisation and credible reference point on issues related to aid and development, and specifically to be seen as a leader in children s issues. Represent ChildFund interests at relevant and appropriate working groups, forums and donor discussions. Act as the ChildFund media spokesperson in Myanmar. Ensure that open, effective and regular communications are maintained with ChildFund s Sydney office and other ChildFund offices where appropriate, building a productive and collaborative relationship. Maintain key contacts in designated provincial areas and districts and develop strong engagement with those communities. Maintain in-depth and up-to-date knowledge of the political, social and economic situation in Myanmar, particularly as it impacts on children. Demonstrate high professional standards and ethical conduct at all times. Encourage staff to undertake roles representing ChildFund interests where appropriate. Work to influence policy and practice within the region, with a view to improving children's rights. Network with government officials and other agencies on issues and activities related to the program. Develop and maintain close relationships with local authorities and people both personally and professional as a representative of ChildFund. Position Description: Country Director, ChildFund Myanmar Page 4 of 6
4. REQUIRED COMPETENCIES/EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS Core competencies Commitment to ChildFund Australia s vision and values; Team work; Communication; Accountability and integrity; and Adaptability and flexibility. Functional/Technical Competencies Applying organisational leadership and providing direction; Building strategic alliances and partnerships; Mobilising resources; Ensuring operational effectiveness and accountability for results; Ensuring the safety and security of personnel and operations; and Providing and improving the impact of ChildFund s activities. Qualifications & Experiences Tertiary qualifications in social sciences or economics/finance, public policy, international studies, management, health, education, child protection or other relevant discipline; Substantial experience in leading the design, delivery and management of international development programs; In-depth understanding of current development issues at practical and policy levels; Familiarity with the current operating environment in Myanmar; Familiarity with DFAT guidelines and requirements; Proficiency in Burmese language is an advantage 5. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Appointment to this position is dependent upon successful completion of a criminal background check. Adherence to ChildFund Australia policies and procedures is required. In this position you will be required to undertake a criminal background check every 2 years in accordance with ChildFund s Child Protection Policy and Procedures or at any other time when required to do so by ChildFund. This is a full-time position based in Yangon, Myanmar. Travel to Sydney and other ChildFund locations internationally may be required. Salary will be paid according to ChildFund s international employment standards. Other terms and conditions of employment are outlined in the employment agreement. All ChildFund staff may be requested to undertake other duties, relative to their skills and expertise. This will be particularly relevant during the start-up phase of ChildFund s operations in Myanmar. Position Description: Country Director, ChildFund Myanmar Page 5 of 6
All staff are expected to act at all times in a manner consistent with the Mission, Vision and Values of ChildFund and in compliance with the organisation s policies and procedures including Child Protection and Code of Conduct. 6. STANDARD WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES FOR MANAGERS Identify, assess, prioritise and control risks to the health and safety of staff in and visitors to your area/s of responsibility in the workplace. Ensure that staff in your area/s of responsibility are provided with safe work systems and that the systems are followed by the staff and visitors. Position Description: Country Director, ChildFund Myanmar Page 6 of 6