Following the conflict that affected the Central African Republic and the high level of suffering of the population, particularly children, Plan International launched a humanitarian programme in CAR since June 2014 and in September 2016 gained approval from the Executive Team for an unlimited duration and planning for a long-term presence in the country.
There are 5 sub offices and 2 project offices spread across the various parts of the country (Mambere Kadei, Ouham, Nana Grebizi, Haute Kotto) and a Country Office in Bangui.
The Central African Republic (CAR), with about 5 million inhabitants, is among the poorest in the world, despite the wealth of natural resources. It is ranked 188 in the Human Development Index in 2016, after countries such as Syria (149), South Sudan (181) and Niger (187). The coup d’état of 2013 led to an escalation of violence including gender based violence, political unrest and insecurity. Although peacebuilding efforts continued in 2017 and in 2019, the CAR continues to descend into violence quite often esp. in the rural areas. Since the end of the first electoral period, there has been a gradual deterioration of the security situation in the regions affected by the previous years of conflict, as well as in areas that had been relatively unscathed until then. The UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission (MINUSCA) mandate has been renewed as of October 2020 for longer presence in the country.
To build Plan International’s presence in CAR, there is an immediate need for a Country Director with a strong humanitarian background, working experience in conflict settings and good knowledge of emergency response management. This is an exciting senior leadership role with opportunities to build and grow the country program in CAR. The CD will also be part of Plan International’s West and Central Africa’s (WACA) Regional Leadership team, consisting of the CDs from the other 14 countries which Plan International operates in, along with the Executive Director WACA and the Regional Hub management team.
In light of the different challenges faced by children and young people, Plan International CAR and its partners identified the following overall goal for the period July 2018 to June 2021:
To ensure that Children and Youth Affected by Conflict in Central Africa have access to quality education, socio-economic reintegration opportunities and protection against violence, exploitation, abuse and neglect to ensure their well-being through integrated family and community services.
Dimensions of the Role
Accountabilities
Plan’s work in CAR will be delivered by a motivated and efficient team, skilled in their area of expertise and compliant with the expectations Plan International has of all staff:
Plan International’s work will be guided by accurate and timely work-plans and budgets that can be used to create impact and efficiency
Plan International’s work will be relevant to the needs of the most vulnerable children and particularly girls, in Central African Republic
Plan International’s work will be well funded with continuous portfolio growth
Plan’s work in CAR will be recognised locally and internationally as effective and relevant to the needs of highly vulnerable children
Dealing with Problems
Ensures that Plan International’s global policies for Child Protection (CPP) and Gender Equality and Inclusion (GEI) are fully embedded in accordance with the principles and requirements of the policy including relevant Implementation Standards and Guidelines as applicable to their area of responsibility. This includes, but is not limited to, ensuring staff and associates are aware of and understand their responsibilities under these policies and Plan International’s Code of Conduct (CoC), their relevance to their area of work, and that concerns are reported and managed in accordance with the appropriate procedures.
Key relationships
Internal:
External:
Plan International CAR works in partnership with a number of local and international organizations to advance the cause and interest of children. Plan International is also a member of various thematic groups and works closely with government ministeries and authorities and national and regional level, the INGO Platform (CCO), UN and donor representatives in CAR.
Technical expertise, skills and knowledge
Essential
Desirable
Plan International’s Values in Practice
We are open and accountable
We strive for lasting impact
We work well together
We are inclusive and empowering
Physical Environment
Based in the country office located in Bangui with extensive local and some international travel.
Level of contact with children
Mid contact: Occasional interaction with children
How to apply
Closing date: 31st August 2021 @ 23:59 BST
Please click on the ‘apply for job’ button to submit your application. For this role, kindly submit a MS Word version of your CV and a cover letter detailing your motivation and how you are suited to this role.
Please name your submitted files with the following reference: PLAN_CD_CAR
Please note that the interview dates for this role will be confirmed with you should your application be successful.
Red Sea is committed to meeting the standards set out in their Equality and Diversity recruitment policy; this includes not discriminating under the Equality Act 2010 and building an accurate picture of the make-up of the workforce in encouraging equality and diversity.