Country Representative

The Netherlands Red Cross (NLRC) supports vulnerable people affected by disasters and conflicts through international assistance and partnerships, guided by the Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

The International Assistance department is responsible for all Netherlands Red Cross international support for victims of disasters and conflicts and for vulnerable people exposed to hazards.  

The Netherlands Red Cross (NLRC) seeks a Country Representative in Central Africa Republic (CAR).

Position title: Country Representative

Duty station: Bangui - CAR

Time period: 12 months with possibility of extension

Starting Date: September 2026

Status: Single posting/R&R

The Netherlands Red Cross (NLRC) is looking for a Country Representative in Central African Republic (CAR) who will :

• Maintain and further develop relationships with CAR Red Cross (CRCA), Red Cross Partners, Donors and other Stakeholders.
• Lead, coordinate and manage the strategy of the NLRC in collaboration with the CRCA in CAR and the NLRC HQ.
• Lead the NLRC Country Team in CAR: Human Resources, Line management, Office and strategy.
• Support the Projects Delegate aligned with the portfolio and projects implemented in country by NLRC/CRCA.
• Support the Project Delegate and the CRCA in the identification and the development of new projects.
• Be the project manager for specific projects/actions as requested.

The Netherlands Red Cross in Central African Republic

The NLRC supports the CRCA through a bilateral partnership, providing long-term support through two programmes: a Localisation Programme focused on strengthening CRCA’s National Society Development Plan and institutional systems, and a Chronic Crisis programme aimed at enhancing preparedness and reducing disaster impact for vulnerable populations, funded by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Position in the organization

The Country Representative leads the NLRC country team in CAR, line-managing the Project Delegate and overseeing local staff, reports to the Partnership and Portfolio Coordinator in The Hague, works closely with the Portfolio Officer on project oversight, ensures compliance with NLRC and CRCA policies and standards, and operates within evolving reporting lines due to ongoing organisational restructuring.

Key Responsibilities

Vision and Strategy development

• The Country Representative leads the localisation agenda and NLRC strategy in CAR, ensuring alignment with CRCA priorities while strengthening its leadership and capacity, oversees the development of the country portfolio, acts as the key focal point for strategic coordination and technical linkage, and ensures coherent planning through the development of annual delegation and programme budgets.

Partnership Fostering and Development

• The Country Representative represents NLRC and builds strong partnerships with CRCA and Movement and external stakeholders, while promoting equitable partnerships and localisation commitments, leads strategic coordination and dialogue with CRCA, identifies and develops funding and partnership opportunities, and continuously assesses needs to inform new interventions aligned with CRCA and NLRC priorities.

Projects Coordination, Development and Delivery

• The Country Representative ensures a strong understanding of the context and stakeholders, works closely with CRCA to identify and design relevant interventions, oversees the quality, implementation and financial management of the project portfolio, ensures compliance with NLRC standards and procedures, and supports proposal development and adaptive programme management in collaboration with project delegates.
  

Human Resources, Line management and Office

• The Country Representative leads and manages the country team, fostering a positive and accountable work environment, ensuring performance and compliance with donor and organisational requirements, overseeing budgets and operational planning, and supporting staff development, recruitment and overall office management in line with NLRC standards.

Security Management

• The Country Representative ensures effective security management by overseeing compliance with NLRC and Movement security policies, maintaining up-to-date security frameworks, monitoring risks and contextual developments, and ensuring staff and visitors are informed and prepared through appropriate briefings and communication.

Financial Management

• The Country Representative ensures effective financial management and stewardship of all resources entrusted to the delegation. This includes overseeing the development of project and delegation budgets, monitoring budget implementation and financial performance, reviewing month-end financial closures and reporting, ensuring adequate cash flow through timely cash forecasting and cash requests, and maintaining compliance with both NLRC,HNS financial policies and donor requirements. The incumbent ensures that financial records are complete, accurate, and properly archived, while promoting strong internal controls, accountability, and the efficient use of resources to achieve the partnership objectives 

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Social Sciences, International Development, Business Management or a relevant field, with 5–8 years of experience in humanitarian or development contexts, including managerial roles.
• Demonstrated experience in programme management and institutional representation, as well as in capacity strengthening of partner organisations, preferably within the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement.
• Proven ability to lead in complex and high-security environments, including during periods of changing circumstances and security threats, combined with strong skills in change management, coaching and knowledge transfer to support team development and the strengthening of CRCA
• Experience in the region is an asset, with understanding of the political, economic and socio-cultural context of CAR.
• Experience working and living in a context other than your country of domicile.

Key skills

• Practical knowledge of computer Skills (Microsoft Office, Winpaccs, Document Management programs).
• Excellent narrative and financial reporting and proposal writing skills. Able to adhere to policy and procedures of the NLRC whilst effectively managing programs and people.
• Demonstrated accountability for staff security in a conflict/fragile environments.
• Fluent in spoken and written French and English.

Competencies

• Able to make sound judgements and decisions.
• Good social/diplomatic skills and culturally sensitive, flexible and creative.
• Excellent strategic leadership and management as well as program coordination.
• Able to work independently.
• Strong interpersonal skills.

We offer

• A full time appointment (based on 40-hour work week) for 1 year, with the possibility of extension
• A flexible and human centered working environment in an international environment with a variety of international organizations.
• Well balanced employment conditions with space for initiative and development
• CAR is a non-accompanied duty station with a 8 week R&R cycle, subject to change according to our security agreement with ICRC
• Please note that this is an position based in CAR. Candidates must be eligible to live and work in CAR for the duration of the assignment.

Applications:

Please send your resume in English and letter of motivation with reference to Zoë Kastanja before 31th July through the application button on the website.

We find it important to ensure the reliability, professionalism, and integrity of our organization and (future) employees. Integrity screening is a standard part of our selection process. This means that a reference check is a standard part of our selection process, and we may also ask for a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) depending on the position.

For more information of the work of the Netherlands Red Cross please go to www.rodekruis.nl and NLRC on Facebook: Facebook.com/rodekruis and Twitter: Twitter.com/rodekruis