Geneva Call · Geneva, Switzerland
The Country Director (CD) at Geneva Call provides strategic leadership and representation for Geneva Call in the assigned country. As the most senior representative of Geneva Call in the field, the CD is responsible for the overall planning, coordination, implementation, and development of country operations. This includes the qualitative implementation of Geneva Call's humanitarian engagement and diplomacy (humanitarian dialogue, research, community-based approach), advocacy, fundraising, representation, and the management of financial and human resources. The CD reports administratively and technically to the Deputy Director of Operation and directly manages the country team.
Work Relations
Internal:
• Collaborates with regional and HQ units, including Programme, Policy Research and Legal, MEAL, Safety and Security, Global Engagement, Donor Relations, Finance, Logistics, and HR teams.
• Manages the country mission; coordinates with and thematic/technical advisors and functional leads at HQ.
External:
• Represents Geneva Call to national and local authorities, donors, UN agencies, INGOs, civil society actors, AGDAs and Provisional Governments where applicable.
• Represents Geneva Call in national and international forums and builds strategic partnerships.
Duties and Responsibilities
Strategy and programme implementation
• Analyses the humanitarian and security situation in the country to identify key areas of work for Geneva Call.
• Ensures the fulfillment of Geneva Call’s core mission to promote IHL with AGDAs and Provisional Governments with focus on addressing protection threats to vulnerable populations.
• Provides leadership, quality delivery and management, and streamlines monitoring, evaluation, and learning for the country programme, in alignment with Geneva Call's strategy. Ensures programmes are monitored and evaluated effectively.
• Manages, supervises, and coordinates all activities in-country related to the implementation of Geneva Call's projects in the country, adhering to proposal guidelines, indicators, budgets, and work plans. Promotes the sharing of learning internally and externally, using results to inform programme decisions and enhance institutional knowledge.
• Develops operational partnerships with national NGOs and CSOs to strengthen localisation policy of Geneva Call in promoting respect and compliance of IHL and IHRL.
Safety and security management
• Oversees safety and security protocols and risk management plans for staff and operations.
• Conducts regular context and risk analyses to ensure safety and operational viability.
• Manages security in line with Geneva Call’s policies and standards.
Mission management and coordination
• Manages the country mission team, and has on average 2 to 4 direct reports, depending on the size of the mission. Is accountable for all leadership processes in-country such as performance management, duty of care, attendance.
• Ensures transparent financial management and compliance with internal procedures, policies, code of conduct and local laws.
Fundraising and resource mobilisation
• Develops and implements a country fundraising strategy to secure necessary resources.
• Leads the preparation of project proposals and donor submissions, ensuring contextual relevance.
• Fosters relationships with donors and identifies new funding opportunities.
Advocacy and communication
• Represents Geneva Call’s interests with government bodies, donors, and key stakeholders.
• Actively participates in national and international forums to advocate for civilian protection.
• Builds strategic partnerships with key stakeholders to advance Geneva Call’s mission.
Candidate Requirements:
• Master’s degree (preferred) or a bachelor’s degree in political or social sciences, International Humanitarian Law (IHL), Human Rights, or a related field.
• Minimum of 12 years of experience in humanitarian organisations, with a strong preference for at least 15 years, including at least 2 years in a Country Director role.
• Minimum 7 years’ experience of working in conflict affected contexts.
• Proven experience in managing multi-donor programmes, teams (including expatriates), and complex operations.
• Strong background in financial and donor management, capacity building, and security management.
• Fluency in English.
• Proficiency in French, Spanish, Arabic, or other languages is an asset.
• Knowledge of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) or International Human Rights Law is an asset.
Why join Geneva Call?
Geneva Call consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, and opinions. Geneva Call is an inclusive working environment for all staff. Applications are particularly encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on the grounds of race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
This role offers the opportunity to shape policies that protect civilians in conflict zones, contribute to life-saving humanitarian initiatives, and work at the forefront of international legal advocacy. If you are passionate about making a tangible impact in some of the world’s most challenging contexts, we look forward to your application.
For Application: Please only submit your CV and cover letter.
By applying to this roster, you agree that Geneva Call may retain your application for future recruitment processes. Placement on the roster does not guarantee employment, and candidates remain free to accept or decline any future opportunity.