The Opportunity

Save the Children International has an exciting opportunity for you to join our team as the Regional Director, Latin America and the Caribbean at the Save the Children International Panama office.

ROLE PURPOSE

To lead Country Offices in Latin America and the Caribbean in delivering Save the Children’s Global strategy through high-quality programmes and advocacy for children’s rights, ensuring compliance with member and donor expectations and applicable frameworks. This role exists to build capacity, mentor, and hold Country Directors accountable for impactful and efficient operations while fostering a safe and inclusive environment. The Director will also drive innovation and knowledge sharing to support Save the Children’s mission and goals across the region.

PRINCIPLE ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Provide strategic leadership towards Save the Children’s Global Strategy and delivery of transformational programming in Latin America and the Caribbean, ensuring alignment with Save the Children’s mandate, strategy, and theory of change
• Support Country Directors in converting their Country Visioning work into a roadmap that looks to develop a sustainable operating model that articulates our localization agenda
• Manage the performance of Country Directors, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement to achieve impactful results
• Drive a culture of evidence and impact, risk management, and compliance across country offices in the region, ensuring accountability and support for Save the Children’s values
• Represent the voice of the region in Global Teams and Senior Leadership Team meetings, advocating for the unique needs and priorities of the Latin America and Caribbean region. Foster effective collaboration between country & national offices and members
• Act as a spokesperson and proactively advocate on children’s rights in all contexts at regional engagements and forums, actively promoting Save the Children’s mission and values
• Actively cultivate strategic partnerships and relationships (alliances, partnerships, donors) in support of our Impact and Evidence agenda and that strengthen Save the Children’s vision and mission
• Support crisis management efforts within the region, chairing CMTs when required and leading efforts between country offices and global teams to ensure effective and timely responses
• Manage and support regional programmes (as required), ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and in full compliance with organisational standards and policies.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

Experience:

• Senior Leadership in Complex Programmes: Considerable experience in senior leadership roles within large and complex country or regional programs, including significant senior field experience in both development and humanitarian response.
• Team Development and Mentoring: Proven background in building, leading, and developing large teams of senior staff with diverse backgrounds, fostering an environment conducive to professional growth and high performance.
• Instability and Rapid Change: Substantial experience operating within rapidly changing political environments or other unstable settings. Demonstrates resilience and adaptability in challenging contexts.
• Networking and Opportunity Acquisition: Proven ability to build personal networks at senior levels, resulting in securing significant new opportunities for the organization.
• Policy Influence and Partnerships: Extensive expertise in advocacy and negotiation with governments in Latin America, donors, and international bodies, aimed at influencing children’s policies and establishing robust partnerships with Save the Children.
• Commitment and Values: Demonstrates a strong commitment to the values of Save the Children, including accountability, ambition, collaboration, creativity, and integrity.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Experience in promoting and integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, ensuring a supportive and respectful environment for all team members.

Skills:

• Leadership and Management: Demonstrated ability to lead, inspire, and motivate a large, diverse, and geographically dispersed team. Proficient in building and developing relationships within a team, advocating for an inclusive workplace that values each member’s unique contribution.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to set ambitious and challenging goals, coupled with a future-oriented, strategic, and global perspective.
• Operational and Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of program, financial, and operational management processes. Proven capacity to oversee large and complex budgets and ensure financial sustainability.
• Analytical and Problem-Solving: Expertise in solving complex issues through detailed analysis, defining a clear path forward, and ensuring commitment from stakeholders.
• Representation and Advocacy: Strong skills in representing and negotiating with government bodies, donors, and international organizations to influence policy for children and establish supportive partnerships.
• Cultural Competency: Demonstrates awareness and sensitivity to cultural diversity, ensuring actions and language are respectful and inclusive. Committed to ongoing learning and development in this area.

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

Essential:

• Bachelor’s degree in International Development, Social Sciences, Public Health, Public Policy, Business Administration, or related field.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills in English and Spanish.
• Knowledge of the LAC region essential.

Desirable:

• Master’s degree or higher in relevant fields.
• Proficiency in French or Portuguese is a significant advantage.
• Experience with migration and displacement issues, preferably in Latin America and the Caribbean
• Experience working with both civil society and government partners in strong collaborative initiatives.
• Experience in both humanitarian and development contexts.

This role will be based in Panama and National Terms & Conditions (including pay and benefits) will apply.

Where we Work – Where We Work | Save the Children International

The Organisation

We employ approximately 25,000 people across the globe and work on the ground in over 100 countries to help children affected by crises, or those that need better healthcare, education and child protection. We also campaign and advocate at the highest levels to realise the right of children and to ensure their voices are heard.

We are working towards three breakthroughs in how the world treats children by 2030:

• No child dies from preventable causes before their 5th birthday
• All children learn from a quality basic education and that,
• Violence against children is no longer tolerated

We know that great people make a great organization, and that our employees play a crucial role in helping us achieve our ambitions for children. We value our people and offer a meaningful and rewarding career, along with a collaborative and inclusive environment where ambition, creativity, and integrity are highly valued.

Application Information:

Please attach a copy of your CV and cover letter with your application, and include details of your salary expectations. A full copy of the role profile can be found available for download at www.savethechildren.net/careers/apply

We need to keep children safe so our selection process, which includes rigorous background checks, reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.

All employees are expected to carry out their duties in accordance with our global anti-harassment policy.

Save the Children does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.