The position is to be filled as soon as possible, with an initial contract duration of two years. There are very good prospects for an extension. Employment location will be Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso with frequent travel to project locations in the region.

Welthungerhilfe’s (WHH) Regional Directorate West & Central Africa / Caribbean currently comprises a total of 9 country programs, within the framework of which both humanitarian and development cooperation projects are implemented. As Deputy Regional Director, you will report to the Regional Director and oversee three country programs in the WHH regional portfolio in the Central Sahel, which currently consists of Country Offices in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. A specific focus of your role will be to increase and improve WHH regional programming in Central Sahel, as well as strengthening WHH’s representation in important regional networks, forums and towards relevant regional stakeholders.

Your responsibilities

• Develop the WHH strategy for the Central Sahel
• Support the portfolio development efforts across all countries in the Central Sahel region and establish a sustainably funded regional program portfolio
• Develop and maintain an in-depth knowledge of WHH’s global & regional strategic objectives and regional country portfolios
• In collaboration with the Country Directors, develop and implement regional programs to embrace innovative technologies and approaches, attract new funding opportunities and broaden our national/regional partnerships including with research institutions
• Support Country Directors in the development and implementation of country strategies and annual priority setting
• Ensure that WHH programs in designated countries are delivered to the highest level of quality and safety/security while integrating WHH’s strategic and organizational priorities
• Analyze and ensure that the country programs are adequately structured, staffed and resourced to fulfill the organizations’ quality standards and programming priorities
• Develop and maintain an excellent understanding of humanitarian developments across the region to include political, social, and operational issues impacting WHH programming in the countries
• Consistently model behaviors that display a commitment towards WHH’s Code of Conduct and values and lead/foster a collaborative, respectful, and professional work environment by demonstrating partnership and teamwork to accomplish team objectives
• Support regional advocacy efforts, help identify suitable topics for regional advocacy work, utilize regional representation to promote advocacy positions, liaise and build alliances with other relevant actors to increase advocacy impact

Your profile

• A university or college degree in a relevant field, or an equivalent qualification suitable for the position
• Professional experience in West/ Central Africa
• Previous experience working with relevant West/ Central African NGO networks, donors, other stakeholders
• Sound knowledge of existing coordination mechanisms relevant for NGO work in humanitarian and developmental contexts
• Strong ability to communicate forward policy / advocacy messages
• Strong ability to set and implement meaningful goals in own area of responsibility
• Experience in (technical) leadership of staff / teams would be an advantage
• Strong analytical and systemic thinking and the ability to solve operational problems when required
• Strong negotiating skills and decisiveness, even in difficult situations
• Willingness and ability to work in an intercultural environment
• Willingness to travel to project countries with fragile contexts
• Readiness to receive necessary vaccinations for working in Welthungerhilfe’s project countries
• Excellent written and spoken French and English language skills

What we offer

• Fair Compensation: A fair and equal remuneration based on a transparent salary scale.
• Commitment to Well-Being: We attach great importance to our duty of care with a focus on safety, security & health.
• Modern & Agile Work Environment: Be part of a forward thinking organization that fully embraces digitalization and innovation across all areas.
• Personal & Professional Growth: Access diverse learning and development opportunities to advance your career.
• Team: Join our dedicated and diverse teams, where passion, expertise, and joy come together to create a better world.

In addition, Welthungerhilfe offers numerous other benefits, which you can find under Our benefits.

*Welthungerhilfe values diversity and ensures an inclusive, non-discriminatory working environment. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community.