Country Director, Vietnam

JOB SUMMARY:

The Country Director is responsible for the strategic, revenue generation, and operational management of Orbis activities to fulfill Orbis’s mission in Vietnam. This includes overseeing all programmatic aspects; stewarding donor relationships; identification and development of new relationships and partnerships with external stakeholders, such as institutional donors, governments, civil society partners and the private sector; and overseeing all operational aspects of the country office and program. As a key member of the global program team, the Country Director, Vietnam plays an important role in contributing to the overall program strategy and future growth of the organization.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES/ KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

Lead the Orbis programs in Vietnam in line with Orbis’s mission, vision and strategic objectives:

· Lead the strategic planning process for the country office and ensure alignment with the global strategic objectives and priorities, while maintaining a focus on local needs and priorities.

· Lead the development and implementation of annual operational plans and budgets that ensure programmatic and operational excellence.

· Oversee the execution of existing eye care programs and keep abreast of eye health care developments in the country, the region and globally to ensure that Orbis’s programs are based on accurate and up-to-date data and information on blindness prevalence and incidence

· Work closely with Orbis fundraisers to identify funding opportunities for existing and new country programs and actively seek out and follow-up potential funding opportunities with the local representatives of statutory donors, trusts, foundations or other relevant organizations.

· Oversee the development of project plans and proposals for submission to donors and ensure compliance of grant commitments, restrictions, and reporting requirements.

· Strengthen and maintain relationships with key stakeholders in the country, including donors, international and local NGOs, health authorities at multiple levels, ophthalmologic societies, UN and embassy representatives, partner institutions, and others.

· Serve as representative at high level meetings and conferences

Actively oversee and manage the development and implementation of program activities in Vietnam

· Direct the planning, design, development and implementation of program and projects activities. This includes development, implementation and supervision of concept papers, project plans, project agreements, research projects, quality standards and ensuring that work plans are developed for all interventions in the country program and implemented timely.

· Lead the process of program budget and specific project budget preparations, authorization and the monitoring of timely fund utilization.

· Work closely with the Global Monitoring and Evaluation team to ensure that Orbis projects achieve their objectives and meet the terms of their donor and government agreements and maintain high standards of professional competence.

· Ensure the preparation of high quality monthly, quarterly and annual reports on program and project activities, and ensure their timely submission.

· Make regular field visits to projects and carry out periodic evaluations and reviews of program activities and projects.

· Ensure the safety and security of Orbis staff and visitors to the country program, and the safeguarding of Orbis property and Orbis’s reputation.

Lead country office team to build capacity and optimize job performance.

· As the leader of the country team, the Country Director manages the country office staff and builds their capacity to achieve the organization’s strategic objectives through well managed projects.

· Promote strong performance and high standards of professional and personal conduct and emphasize positive and strong lines of communication within the country team as well as with other internal and external stakeholders.

REQUIREMENTS:

· University degree required, preferably in Medicine, Public Health, International Development, or Business Administration. Advanced degree preferred.**

· Minimum 10 years progressive and successful program management experience, preferably in the NGO or health-care related industry or equivalent experience and education**

· Demonstrated success in program/project development and design, project implementation, and monitoring and evaluation, proposal development and revenue generation and building partnerships and strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

· Effective interpersonal skills and the ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders and operate with sensitivity, tact, discretion and professionalism.

· Proven successful leadership and management experience, including financial, strategic and human resource management

· Understanding of the NGO sector, donor environment and experience working closely with communities, government and the private sector preferred

· Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills, with ability to articulate vision and goals and other messaging to staff, senior management, key contacts, and media required. **

· Model and operate with the highest personal and professional integrity and ethics.

· Working knowledge of Vietnamese and English required

· Ability to travel up to 30% of the time, both locally and internationally.