SNV is a not-for-profit international development organisation that applies practical know-how to make a lasting difference in the lives of people living in poverty. We use our extensive and long-term in-country presence to apply and adapt our top-notch expertise in agriculture, energy and WASH to local contexts. SNV has over 1250 staff in more than 25 countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America. We are proud to be a not-for-profit organisation that uses project financing to implement our mission. This requires us to work efficiently and to invest in operational excellence.

In its new Strategic Plan period (2019 – 2022), SNV will more explicitly aim for systems change during project preparation and implementation - by strengthening institutions and kick-starting markets that help many more to escape poverty beyond our projects. We will continue to position ourselves as a premium organisation and invest in making knowledge flow to and from the frontline.

For more information on our operations in Tanzania and SNV, visit our website:www.snv.org

The role of Country Director is critical for the success of SNV and reports directly to the Managing Director responsible for East Africa. The Country Director Tanzania will spearhead SNV’s strategic and operational engagement in the country.

SNV seeks a talented, entrepreneurial, result-oriented and experienced professional who will lead the Tanzania country team in realising the implementation of high-quality programs in SNV’s sectors. SNV offers the successful candidate a challenging position in a rapidly evolving and unpredictable political and economic environment.

The Country Director is responsible for leading and driving the country program. It is a multi-faceted role, focused on securing adequate funding to sustain operations, upscale and strategically strengthen the country program, while ensuring compliance and high-quality delivery. It will require the Country Director to be well informed about national and international development priorities and steer the sectors in response to these priorities. The Country Director will need to provide strong hands-on guidance and management at all levels to enable staff to perform in compliance with national and international laws and policies. The Country Director will forge partnerships and alliances between SNV and important national and international actors, and stimulate collaboration for impact in SNV sectors. He/she will also be the face of SNV in the country and ensure its positive image and visibility.

The Country Director will lead, coach and support a team of professionals to perform at their best to meet and exceed client, donor and SNV corporate expectations. In addition, she/he will be a key member of SNV’s global senior management team, making meaningful contributions to help shape the future of SNV.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The selected candidate will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Strategic leadership of the program (including multi-country efforts and potentially managing projects in other countries) within the overall parameters of SNV’s global strategy;
• Business development to grow the country program, ensure the financial sustainability of SNV Tanzania and ensure a high-quality project design;
• Oversight and quality assurance of project implementation (including project director roles) ensuring the delivery of impact to the satisfaction of key stakeholders and compliance with  SNV’s and the donor’s financial standards and monitoring protocols;
• Strong and supportive leadership and management of the country team: creating and nurturing an environment that supports high performance, learning and teamwork at all levels;
• Representation and profiling: building partnerships and maintaining excellent relationships with donors, partners, local governments, businesses, policymakers and other relevant stakeholders;
• Collaboration with other SNV countries to effectively exploit opportunities for synergy, deliver at scale (including multi-country projects), exchange knowledge and strengthen SNV’s position;
• In addition, Country Directors foster innovation of SNV products and services: facilitate learning, documentation and evidence-based knowledge development in collaboration with SNV’s global team and partners; ensure collaboration with renowned knowledge institutes and networks.

Education

• Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline;

Relevant Experience 

• At least 8 years of relevant experience at strategic level;
• Knowledge and understanding of the international development context and trends in SNV’s three core sectors;
• Strong in implementation oversight with proven ability in financial and operational oversight and management;
• Proven track record in project management including familiarity with donor funded project procedures and process;
• Proven ability of mobilising resources from the public and private sector; familiarity with key financiers and actors in SNV’s three core sectors;
• Strong business and people management capabilities with a focus on results and entrepreneurial skills;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
• Strong networking and positioning skills at multiple levels;
• Ability to relate with and manage relationships with government at federal and local levels;
• Ability to coach, lead, stimulate, and inspire professionals in a development context;
• Has experience working in Africa in particular working in economically/politically fragile conditions and dealing with security issues;
• Culturally aware, tactful and open minded;
• Proficiency in both written and spoken English.