Overview
The Country Representative will lead the transformation of the country office to a new operating model and deliver Save the Children’s strategy within the country through quality programmes, advocacy, developing the country portfolio, and working with Members and their donors.
Key Responsibilities
- Contribute to strategic development, support the implementation and coordination of Save the Children’s programmes operations at country level.
- Represent Save the Children in national forums and support effective programme delivery, partnerships and operational management.
- Build strong networks with other NGOs, CSOs, UN agencies and Government line agencies.
- Provide strategic direction for the Burkina Faso country programme.
- Lead the implementation of the country programme strategy.
- Support coordination across programme teams.
- Ensure that the Burkina Faso Country office attracts and retains high calibre staff.
- Support the implementation of HR policies and procedures.
- Encourage staff development and contribute to building the capacity of national staff.
- Ensure programme interventions are in line with technical best practice, SC common approaches, and emerging national policies.
- Ensure that effective monitoring and evaluation systems are implemented.
- Support the preparation and coordination of responses to emergencies affecting children.
- Ensure programmes are delivered in line with the country strategy, operational plans, budgets and Member requirements.
- Maintain and grow the funding base for the country programme.
- Support compliance with donor and Member requirements for awards secured.
- Maintain working relationships with donors and partners.
- Ensure effective financial budgeting and management systems, processes and controls are in place.
- Ensure that procurement and asset management controls and procedures are followed.
- Support oversight of partner organisations.
- Support compliance with host government requirements.
- Ensure follow-up and implementation of audit recommendations and internal control improvements.
- Ensure that the Burkina Faso programme security plans and procedures are maintained.
- Maintain, document and communicate up to date analyses of the changing security context.
- Ensure all staff adherence to organisational security guidelines.
- Develop and maintain good relations with Members and their donors.
- Represent Save the Children’s interests in Burkina Faso.
- Ensure the timely provision of internal and external communications material.
Required Experience
Proven leadership experience, with extensive senior management and program development responsibility within corporate or NGO environments, including oversight of child‑focused programs. Demonstrated success in securing and managing, complex donor portfolios, including USAID, EU, FCDO/DFID, and other institutional donors, with strong capabilities in navigating competitive funding landscapes. Robust expertise in new program design and business development, with a strong track record of building and maintaining strategic relationships with donors, government stakeholders, and partners. Experienced people leader, skilled in building, mentoring, and managing diverse, multidisciplinary teams to deliver high‑quality program outcomes. Advanced competency in Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) systems development, implementation, and utilization for program performance and strategic decision‑making. Strategic thinker with strong analytical and planning skills, able to apply innovative approaches to problem‑solving and the development of country‑level priorities. Strong negotiation and influencing skills, with the ability to drive collaboration across departments and sectors to achieve organizational objectives. Deep understanding of global trends and best practices in international development and humanitarian response, with the ability to translate insights into programmatic strategy. Capacity to operate autonomously and make sound decisions, while ensuring rigorous compliance with internal controls, reporting requirements, and donor standards.
Qualifications
Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field
