Country Manager, Niger and Burkina Faso

Fixed-term position based in Niamey, Niger with frequent travel to Burkina Faso. Starting date preferably mid-April 2026. Mission length is 1 year. Non-family posting due to security restrictions.

Background

The Finnish Red Cross (FRC) International Aid department consists of five units at HQ in Helsinki, three regional teams (East Africa; West and Southern Africa; and Asia) and the logistic centre in Tampere. The FRC international aid strategic framework sets the vision to be an impact-driven and adaptive international humanitarian partner, whose operating principles are driven by inclusion and localization.

The current portfolio in Burkina Faso comprises long-term developmental programmes and humanitarian operations, together with organizational development support to the Burkinabé Red Cross. In Niger, the FRC will shift from a consortium modality to bilateral cooperation, and the portfolio is yet to be designed. In both countries, a strong emphasis will be on National Society Development (NSD) and organisational change.

Job Purpose

The Country Manager facilitates strategic partnership and humanitarian and programmatic cooperation between FRC and both Niger and Burkina Faso Red Cross, based on their respective strategies and priorities, for the benefit of the most vulnerable population groups. Guided by the Head of Region, the Country Manager oversees the FRC partnership process in both countries and FRC's National Society Development (NSD) support.

The Country Manager is the key focal point for FRC in both countries, representing FRC vis-à-vis partners, donors and the wider humanitarian and development community. Responsible for strategic planning, positioning FRC as a key actor for identified thematic objectives, and managing FRC's resources accountably.

As budget holder for FRC's bilateral projects/programmes and operations, the Country Manager ensures that both Niger and Burkina Faso Red Cross receive sufficient Project Cycle Management (PCM) support, including compliance, quality control, and technical support. Projects and operations must be implemented on time, within agreed budget frameworks, with high-quality reports to FRC HQ and/or back donors.

Requirements

Education

University level Master's Degree in development studies, project management, business administration or other relevant discipline.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience in strategic cooperation and partnership management
• Experience with support for project and portfolio management through local actors
• Experience working with Red Cross/Red Crescent National Society, IFRC or ICRC preferably in the Sub-Saharan region (asset)
• Experience with organizational change and institutional capacity building (asset)

Knowledge and Skills

• Capacity to work independently and with a wide range of stakeholders
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills
• Expert knowledge of project/programme cycle management and facilitating related processes, including financial project management
• Strongly motivated by locally-led humanitarian and development work, and high sensitivity to diversity

Languages

Fluent written and spoken English and French required. English is the FRC organizational language; French is the locally used organizational language. Only candidates providing evidence of bilingual capacity shall be considered.

Competencies

• Standard: National Society relations, Teamwork, Results-focused, Communication, Building trust, Integrity, Diversity and Cultural sensitivity
• Specific: Strategic vision, Change Management mindset, Critical and analytical mindset, Excellent coordination and negotiation skills, Strong time management
• Strong competencies in partnership-based leadership, systems thinking, and enabling sustainable National Society Development