Country Director

MCNV is an international NGO based in the Netherlands that has been providing support for health and development in Vietnam since 1968.  It aims to tackle marginalisation and poverty within Vietnam and the wider South East Asian region. It achieves this by working with communities and partners  to bring about positive change that enables marginalised people to improve their lives and have a greater say in the decisions that affect them.  MCNV’s program portfolio includes disability, HIV, public health, education and livelihood development. The programmes work with a wide range of partners, including international organisations, the Government of Vietnam and community based organisations. All of MCNV’s programmes work towards social and economic inclusion for disadvantaged groups and all use participatory approaches that focus on empowerment of the people who should benefit from the programmes.

MCNV has an international office in Amsterdam and employs approximately thirty staff in Vietnam. It has a representative office in Hanoi and two project offices in Quang Tri and Khanh Hoa provinces. Its programs support people from Cao Bang on the Northern Border with China to Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta. It has recently established an office in Laos. MCNV is now seeking a dynamic Country Director to provide inspirational leadership and strategic direction to maximise the impact of MCNV’s work in Vietnam.

THE ROLE

The Country Director will be leading the delivery of MCNV’s ambitious strategic goals within a complex and rapidly changing external environment. The post holder will be responsible for shaping MCNV’s strategy and delivering it through innovative programmes to bring about positive and inclusive change within Vietnamese society.  An important element is the building of key alliances and partnerships, both within Vietnam and internationally. The Country Director shall be responsible for working with colleagues and partners to ensure that the programmes are adequately resourced and deliver successful outcomes. Thus, MCNV is seeking candidates with substantive and proven experience in resource mobilisation and the management of complex multi-sector programmes.  The Country Director must be able to exercise exceptional representational and influencing skills, and engage effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders, including programme beneficiaries, government officials, institutional and private donors, business leaders and other NGOs.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

- At least 10 years experience in senior management positions within development organisations, preferably within international NGOs;
- Masters Degree or higher in Public Health, Development Management, Social Science or related field;
- A clear understanding of  the development context particularly in relation to South East Asia, with a particular emphasis on  the development of civil society;
- Demonstrable experience in formulating strategy and building the capacity of organisations to implement their strategies;
- Successful experience of fundraising and in particular obtaining and managing large scale institutional funding for programmes;
- Clear understanding and practical experience of all aspects of the project cycle from inception through to implementation and transition;
- Able to exercise exceptional representational and influencing skills, and engage effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders, including programme beneficiaries, government officials, institutional and private donors, business leaders and other NGOs;
- Proven experience of inspiring and motivating staff to achieve the highest standards of performance and personal development;
- Knowledge and experience of promoting diversity and supporting the interests of marginalised people within all aspects of the organisation’s work, including relations with external stakeholders through effective advocacy;
- Understanding of and experience in using participatory tools and techniques;
- Knowledge of project monitoring & evaluation approaches and methods;
- Ability to manage organisational change within a rapidly evolving environment;
- Ability to promote learning and share knowledge within the organisation, and with partners and the development community;
- Able to work within different cultures with sensitivity and diplomacy;
- Excellent problem solving skills and ability to resolve ambiguity and conflict;
- Able to manage multiple tasks and conflicting priorities within tight deadlines;
- Proficiency in ICT, in particular MS-Office and social media; 
- Fluency in written and spoken English;
- Willingness to travel both within the country and internationally;
- Willingness to spend time in the field and understand issues at grass-roots level.

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS

- At least 3 years experience at Country Director level within South East Asia, preferably Vietnam;
- Fluency in written and spoken Vietnamese a distinct advantage;
- Familiarity with developments in Vietnam,  including political and regulatory environment and culture;
- Familiarity and experience of working in other South East Asian countries;
- Proficiency in database management and statistical tools.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

This position is initially offered for one year, with the intention and possibility of extension. MCNV is committed to providing an attractive and competitive salary and benefits package. The position is based in Hanoi, Vietnam, with regular travel within the country and occasionally internationally.

TIME PLANNING

The selection process will commence in June and it is hoped that the successful candidate will take up the position by October 2013. 

HOW TO APPLY

Please send a copy of your CV and covering letter to [email protected] by noon (Hanoi time) on June 10th, 2013. Applications received after this time may be excluded from the selection process.

The subject line of the email should be in the format ‘LAST NAME, First Name’ - application to the position of Country Director Vietnam’. Please ensure that your CV includes the contact details of three current referees, one of whom must be your current or most recent employer. Please ensure that the covering letter addresses why you feel you are suited to the post, with reference to the requirements, giving examples of relevant achievements.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES   

MCNV is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all employees and job applicants, who will receive equal treatment regardless of age, ethnicity or race, gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, disability, religion or belief, pregnancy or maternity.