Cordaid is an international organisation for development and humanitarian assistance, working especially in fragile and conflict-affected regions. Christian values of human dignity, justice, compassion, and care for the earth guide our work. Our mission is to work towards a world without poverty and with equitable opportunities for all.

More than 1.9 billion people live in these regions. Their quest is universal: to live in dignity. Cordaid addresses the root causes of fragility. We listen to people's needs and support locally led programmes to strengthen and improve healthcare, agrifood and justice systems. Where disaster strikes, we join our partners in humanitarian action.

Cordaid is rooted in the Netherlands and has office branches in 14 countries in Africa and Asia with decades of in-country expertise. Approximately 1,000 employees dedicate themselves every day to fulfilling Cordaid's mission. We are also a member of international networks and alliances, such as Caritas Internationalis, ACT Alliance, and CIDSE.

Cordaid is looking for a

Cluster Director West Africa

(full-time, momentarily based in Mali, West Africa)

Job purpose

Cordaid seeks a motivated and experienced leader to direct and drive its programmes in the West Africa region. The successful candidate is expected to guide and implement a regional strategy advancing Cordaid’s locally led development agenda while strengthening its global footprint. As a visible and trusted ambassador, you will engage confidently with donors, partners, policymakers, beneficiaries, and sector peers—building trust, fostering collaboration, and amplifying the impact of Cordaid’s mission worldwide.

This position requires sector-level expertise and experience at the nexus of structural development and humanitarian aid, a proven experience in program development and operations, extensive knowledge and experience in networking and fundraising, innovative and creative thinking, and strong leadership and communication skills.

The role reports to the Director Programs & Impact, based in the Global South.

Key responsibilities

• Generate and develop a comprehensive and forward-looking, innovative vision in the region aligned with Cordaid’s dual mandate and accompanied by a holistic strategy incorporating fundraising, human resources and operational plans.
• Develop a strategy and concrete plan for program extension to the coastal states in West Africa (Senegal, Ivory Coast, Benin and others) where Cordaid could partner with companies.
• Build and maintain a strategic and effective network with a broad range of entities, such as donors, local/regional/international partner organisations, governments, embassies, and private companies. This to influence policies, promote awareness, set up collaboration, secure resources and maintain a positive overall organisational profile.
• Fundraising at international/regional/local donors, embassies, EU delegations, and private companies.   
  
• Direct programs at regional level and identify opportunities for program engagement, especially in the West Africa coastal states. Develop together with your team and partner organisations innovative/new ways of achieving impact at local and regional level (communities, community-based organisations, local partners), accelerating Cordaid’s locally led development approach.
• Monitor and control the progress, synergy and effects of major programs and projects. Estimate if interventions are needed to realise the objectives and guide the team members.
• Set priorities in the regional actions, estimate the needed budget and plan the programs/projects. Develop efficient work processes and procedures with all parties involved.
• Manage the planning, budgeting, monitoring and evaluation cycle. Decide about changes in the allocation of budgets and priorities in the development and innovation of the regional office. Ensure the regional office fulfils its reporting obligations.
• Report about the regional results and development to allow sound decision making on regional policy. Evaluate overall results with senior management and stimulate initiatives for improvement.
• Provide strategic advice to senior management on programme direction to promote effectiveness and relevance.
• Lead the offices (Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger) and be accountable for cultivating a work culture that aligns with Cordaid’s values, whilst expanding to the coastal states in West Africa.
  

Qualification requirements

• At least 10 years of relevant work experience in building and delivering effective programmes in challenging conditions in health, agrifood, security & justice, economy, humanitarian aid, international development, or other relevant sectors.
• Proven expertise in humanitarian and development programming, including program design, implementation, and impact evaluation.
• Proven experience of overseeing complex or multiple projects and offices, including staffing, finances and workloads under deadlines.
• Fundraising track record and proven experience of international cooperation with institutional donor funded programmes, country/region of programme, and local partners.
• Strong knowledge of locally led development (LLD) models, regional strategy, and partnership building.
• Demonstrated ability to lead decentralised, geographically dispersed teams in fragile or complex contexts.
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills, and the capacity to develop and maintain relationships with governments, donors, not-for-profit organisations, scientific and political communities or corporate sectors.
• Strong leadership skills and supervisory experience for large or multiple teams.
• Excellent communication and inter-personal skills with demonstrated success in working with diverse partners to achieve common objectives.
• Ability to support an organisation through change and growth.
• Social skills to bridge cultural or other differences while networking or managing large international teams on several locations, often in severe circumstances.
• Knowledge of Cordaid’s mission, objectives, policies and of country/regional politics.
• Be a resident and/or have the right to work in one of the following countries in West Africa: Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Senegal, Benin.
• Be fluent in written and spoken French and English.
  

What we offer

• A leadership position in a global professional organisation with a focus on social entrepreneurship.
• A market-conform contract with employment terms and conditions that are aligned with the leadership and regional responsibilities of the position.
• Starting date: as soon as possible.

How to apply

Applications including a motivation letter and CV in English for the attention of Marie van Grotenhuis, Senior Manager Human Resources, including the contact details of references at the last two employers can be uploaded through our website.

For information on the content of the advertised position you may contact Human Resources through [email protected]

Your application must be received by 13 October at the latest.

Cordaid is fully committed to a safe working environment and the highest integrity standards. To read more on our commitment to Integrity, click here: https://www.cordaid.org/en/who-we-are/integrity-and-code-of-conduct/ An integrity screening will be part of this application procedure. Cordaid signed up to the IASC Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.

An assessment and / or a presentation of a “case study” can be part of the selection procedure.

For more information about Cordaid, please visit our website: www.cordaid.org

Acquisition regarding this vacancy is not appreciated.