Country Director (Roster)

Geneva Call Remote | Geneva Both national and international Senior level Speaks Arabic, English, French, Spanish Advanced degree (Masters level) or higher

Geneva Call is a neutral and impartial non-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting respect by Armed Groups, De Facto Authorities (AGDAs) and Provisional Governments for international humanitarian norms in armed conflict and other situations of violence, in particular those related to the protection of civilians.

Geneva Call focuses its efforts on banning the use of anti-personnel mines, protecting children from the effects of armed conflict, prohibiting sexual violence in armed conflict, working towards the elimination of gender discrimination, protecting civilian infrastructure, and ensuring humanitarian access.

Role

The Country Director (CD) 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 clusters and working groups relevant to Geneva Call’s mission.
• Advocates for Geneva Call’s initiatives to enhance civilian protection and adherence to IHL.

Requirements

• A Master’s degree (preferred) or a bachelor’s degree in political or social sciences, International Humanitarian Law (IHL), Human Rights, or a related field relevant to the role.

Experience (Essential)

• A 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.
• Out of total required experience, 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.
• Experience in working with armed groups, De Facto Authorities and Provisional Governments is a strong plus.
• Job related competencies
• Strong organisational and analytical skills with an entrepreneurial mindset.
• Solid diplomatic skills with the ability to communicate with high-level interlocutors.
• Knowledgeable and passionate about political and security affairs. Extensive knowledge of security management.
• Fundraising, project cycle management, and budget management.
• Strong risk-planning and problem-solving skills.
• Capacity to meet deadlines under time pressure.
• Negotiation and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) or International Human Rights Law is a strong asset.
• Understanding and respect for humanitarian principles and the organisation’s vision, mission, and confidentiality.
• Flexibility and adaptability.
• Collaborative, team-oriented, and solutions-oriented approach.
• Upholds and promotes the highest ethical and professional standards in alignment with organisational values.
• Understands how to navigate in a matrix organisation.
• Languages
• Fluency in English is required.
• Proficiency in French, Spanish, Arabic, or other languages is a strong advantage.
• Additional information
• The incumbent must be willing and able to travel at short notice.
• Testing and interviewing will be used as a form of screening.
• Initial appointment is subject to satisfactory professional references.
• Additional background checks may be required.

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.

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