Country Director

Plan International is a rights-based development and humanitarian organisation working for better lives for all children, with a special focus on girl’s rights. We are independent of government and have no political or religious affiliation. Our purpose is to strive for a just world that advances children’s rights and equality for girls.

The organisation have been building powerful partnerships for children for more than 80 years, and are now active in more than 70 countries. Our global strategy has a specific focus on girls, as they are often the most marginalised and most often left behind. We have committed ourselves to the ambitious target of reaching 100 million girls over 5 years, to ensure they can learn, lead, decide and thrive. This is our contribution to reaching the sustainable development goals, and in particular the goals on gender equality.

The organisation is transforming itself to meet this enormous challenge everywhere we work. We need bold, forward-thinking and innovative individuals to lead our country operations, driving change and delivering results that will allow us to reach our target of 100 million girls. As a Country Director, you will drive Plan International’s programme and influencing work, setting overall direction, leading a high performing team, ensuring accountability for meeting demanding targets and maintaining alignment with the global strategy.

Requirements:

• Relevant University degree in development, social science, business administration or related field
• Knowledge of the geopolitical factors affecting child poverty in the country and the political, social and environmental opportunities for change is an advantage
• Proven experience of exercising leadership functions with increasing responsibility in an international environment related to the development
• Proven understanding of “child rights” and “gender in development” concepts and the promotion of girls’ rights in the context of relevant International Conventions (Convention of the Rights of the Child, Convention for the Eradication of Discrimination against Women) and the Global Goals (SDGs)
• Experience and understanding of the concepts of sustainable community development and participatory approaches and practice in development interventions
• Knowledge of the requirements of donor compliance and financial management
• Knowledge of programming in challenging environments with good understanding and appreciation of the historical, security context, political environment, economic, social/religious and humanitarian context in Nicaragua or a comparable environment
• Proven skills in the development and management of effective and motivated teams, including distance management.
• Excellent English and Spanish written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven networking and negotiation skills with governmental and non-governmental actors
• Strong diplomatic and communication skills, including through mass-media in order to influence decision-makers and key stakeholders.