SNV is a global development partner, working on the core themes of gender equality and social inclusion, climate adaptation and mitigation, and strong institutions and effective governance, with a focus on the Agri-Food, Energy, and Water sectors.  

Our core values of people-centeredness and respect, equity and equality, and diversity and inclusion, are fundamental to who we are, and what we do. This is reflected in our vision and mission, and strategy, which sets out our aspirations and commitments as our compass towards 2030. For more information on SNV, please refer to our website: www.snv.org

SNV seeks an experienced and impact-driven Country Director to establish, start up and grow the South Sudan Country team. This individual will be a strategic leader, spearheading the successful implementation of high-impact programme(s) aligned with SNV's core sectors and themes in South Sudan.

The role of Country Director is critical for the success of SNV and reports directly to the Director Country Programmes. The Country Director South-Sudan will spearhead SNV’s impact, business development, operational and financial excellence and partner engagement in the country. 

The Country Director is responsible for leading the overall country programme(s) with and through their team and local implementation partners, while upholding SNV’s safety and security and compliance standards. The Country Director attracts, leads and supports the newly set up SNV team in country.

The Country Director needs to be well informed about national and international development priorities and steer SNV’s sectors and themes in response to these priorities. The Country Director is expected to forge partnerships and alliances between SNV and important national and international actors and stimulate collaboration for impact. They will be the face of SNV in the country and ensure its positive image and visibility. 

The Country Director is a key member of SNV’s global senior leadership team, making meaningful contributions across the wider organisation to further shape and enable the future of SNV. 

Duties and Responsibilities 

The selected candidate will be responsible for the following tasks: 

• Strategic leadership of the country and its current and future programs within the overall parameters of SNV’s global strategy; 
• Strong and supportive people leadership enabling the country team: creating and nurturing an environment that supports high performance, continuous learning and teamwork at all levels; 
• Representation and profiling: building partnerships and maintaining excellent relationships with donors, partners, local governments, businesses, policy makers and other relevant stakeholders; 
• Oversight and quality assurance of project implementation ensuring the delivery of impact to the satisfaction of key stakeholders, management of risk and compliance with SNV’s and the donor’s financial and operational policies, standards and monitoring protocols; 
• Business development to grow the country position and its programmes, ensure financial sustainability of SNV South Sudan and ensure a high-quality project design; 
• Collaboration with other SNV countries to effectively exploit opportunities for synergy, deliver at scale (including multi-country projects), exchange knowledge and strengthen SNV’s position; 
• In addition, the Country Director fosters innovation of SNV products and services: facilitates learning, documentation and evidence-based knowledge development in collaboration with SNV’s global team and partners; and ensures collaboration with renowned knowledge institutes and networks. 

Required Experience and Qualifications: 

• Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline;  
  • Relevant (programme) leadership experience in international development at a senior level and taking part of management team; 
• At least 5 years of experience in fragile and conflict affected situations (FCAS)
• Knowledge and understanding of the international development context in East Africa, including familiarity with key financiers and actors in SNV’s three sectors; 
• Strong business acumen accompanied by an innate people-centric focus;  
• Ability to coach, lead, stimulate, and inspire professionals in a development context; 
• Strong ability in operational and financial oversight;
• Self-starting professional, with entrepreneurial skills and data-driven approach to business leadership; 
• Previous experience in starting up a country operation;
• Demonstrated business development experience across a range of actors – bilateral donors, multilateral partners etc.; 
• Good track record in mobilising resources from the public and private sector, including strong networking and positioning skills at multiple levels; 
• Proven ability of establishing partnerships, consortia and fostering relationships with government at multiple levels;  
• Proven track record in project management including familiarity with donor-funded project procedures and processes; 
• Excellent interpersonal skills, culturally aware, inclusive and open-minded; 
• Proficiency in both written and spoken English is required. 

• Contract Type: fulltime position 
• Contract Duration: 3 years initial assignment, with the possibility to extend
• Desired Start Date: July 2024   
• Duty Station: Juba, South-Sudan  

Working at SNV
SNV offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. We offer an exciting work environment with opportunities to lead and innovate, and a commitment to growing your skills in a fulfilling and diverse working space. Our staff benefit from, and contribute to, an internal global network of experts. For more information, please visit our website: www.snv.org/careers.

At SNV, inclusivity is at the heart of our ethos. We celebrate the diversity of our workforce and uphold a policy of non-discrimination based on factors such as disability status, religion, ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, and more.

How to Apply
If you believe that your credentials meet the outlined profile, we invite you to apply by uploading your CV and a letter of motivation by 12th May 2024. Please submit your application only via Smart Recruiters. All information will be processed in the strictest confidence. 

If we see that your experience and skills match the requirements of the position, we will contact you to advise you of the next steps in the recruitment process. Should SNV wish to proceed with your application, two interviews with a Selection Committee will take place.

Reference & vetting check
We will require that you provide us with the full details of three people who are willing to act as a reference.  We will not contact these referees without your explicit permission.

SNV carries out rigorous background and reference checks concerning possible safeguarding incidents for all candidates applying for International determined positions. As SNV participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme, all reference checks include a request to past employers to fill in a questionnaire regarding Misconduct (sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment), the “Statement of Conduct". This Statement of Conduct adopts the definitions used in the Scheme.  

*We do not appreciate third-party mediation based on this advertisement.