Islamic Relief Albania
Vacancy Announcement
Job Title
Country Director
Base location:
Albania
Reporting To:
Eastern European Representative
Contract Type:
Full Time
PURPOSE OF DIVISION:
Through capacity building and through technical and programme support, the International Programme Division keeps the organization focused on the socio-economic and humanitarian needs of vulnerable people.
The division reinforces IR’s implementing structure to enable these people and their communities to develop themselves sustainably and ensures that the organization is prepared to respond promptly and effectively to humanitarian crises.
The division increases the organization's ability to tackle poverty by developing and fostering partnerships and institutional relationships effectively and proactively and by ensuring transparent and timely reporting to the organization's donors.
JOB PURPOSE:
The role has overall management responsibility for IRW’s work in the country of posting including management and development, representation, leading and managing the team and control of financial and other resources.
The Country Director is responsible for representing Islamic Relief at all levels in country of deployment. The position is critical to the overall success of the organization and the achievement of its strategic objectives, including the delivery of the highest quality programmes.
The Country Director will also be responsible for capacity building of field offices, trouble shooting and following up on agreed actions plans.
The Country Director will also be ready to take responsibility and lead emergency missions in places where IRW does not have country office but emergency response operations are initiated. She/he will be responsible to formulate and lead new response teams, lead the mission and represent IRW at all forums.
KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
Has day-to-day contact with the regional desk
Has regular contact with EE Representative, IPD Director other IRW and IR family Directors
Actively engages and networks with institutional donors and the wider INGO community through forums, co-ordination meetings and networking
Represents Islamic Relief to national and local government and traditional and community leaders
Builds strong and engaging relationship with country team.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION
To ensure the effectiveness, impact and direction of the programme is appropriately monitored, reviewed and evaluated on a regular basis.
Maintain effective communications within the programme and with the Regional Desk at the International Office
Review, update and communicate the country situation analysis and emergency response twice a year to the EE Representative
Ensure the production of high quality donor reports, annual reports and project proposals for both IRW and donors by the agreed deadlines
To ensure program effectiveness, efficiency, and compliance with donor requirements and local regulations.
To lead, manage and motivate the team, ensuring that they have clear objectives and receive meaningful feedback on their performance.
To maintain a clear overview of the political, legal and security context and ensure robust security and evacuation plans are in place.
Ensure programmes are gender-sensitive and adhere to child protection principles
PROGRAMME MONITORING AND EVALUATION
Develop and implement innovative approaches to monitor the performance of programmes
To ensure that projects/programmes implemented are monitored and evaluated on a continuous basis using the quality guidance of the IRW Policy and Procedures Manual and other international standards to improve its effectiveness.
Ensure adequate evaluation of the impact of the programmes and measurement of change as a result of the programmes
STRATEGIC DIRECTION AND PLANNING
Provide overall strategic planning leadership and technical backing for country office programmes in line with IRW’s strategic parameters.
Ensure the Country Strategy, thematic areas of work as well as the Annual Country Business Plan and Emergency Preparedness Plan are implemented in line with regional and global strategies and reviewed as necessary in consultation with staff and stakeholders.
Ensure that projects fit into the overall country strategy and thematic areas and that this integration is understood by all involved.
Work with programme teams, partners and beneficiaries to produce action plans as per the country strategy within agreed time frames. To develop and implement long-term strategies and plans for the organization's activities in the country.
Contribute to regional and IRW global policy/strategy development based on the experience of the country programme.
Maintain and update on a regular basis emergency preparedness and response plans for the country
Contribute to the development of policies on major issues and/or advocacy with a range of stakeholders
FUNDRAISING, REPRESENTATION AND NETWORKING
Identify potential donors and institutional funding opportunities and secure funding sources in-country for country office and sub-office(s)
Build and strengthen significant relationships between IRW partners, INGOs, UN, institutional donors and relevant Government Departments at all levels
To lead and coordinate Country Teams for the development programmes and targeting institutional funding.
Where appropriate, funding sources in country are secured in collaboration with the Regional Desk.
To develop and present funding proposals, demonstrating the impact and value of the organization's work.
STAFF CAPACITY BUILDING, SUPPORT AND DEVELOPMENT
Ensure the full implementation of IRW’s Personnel Management Policies and Code of Conduct
Ensure that a human resource strategy and implementation plan is developed, monitored and reviewed as an integral part of the strategic planning processTo ensure that the staff have clear objectives and receive meaningful feedback on their performance.
Optimise staff performance through ensuring that effective processes are in place to support and encourage their personal and professional development
Maintain an effective Country Management Team (CMT) to facilitate involvement of staff in the running of the programme through an appropriate participatory and open team approach to decision making
To establish appropriate measures whereby ensuring the security, health and well being of all staff. This includes monitoring and implementation of the staff security guidelines and improving the health and safety policy.
SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONAL LEARNING
Ensure that there is an appropriate contribution to policy development and advocacy at regional and global level based on the experience of the country programme
Contribute to IRW’s efforts to influence policies of major donors, the private sector and UN agencies
Ensure the promotion of information exchange, writing up programme case studies and learning from experience at all levels, (country, region and global)
SECURITY AND HEALTH AND SAFETY
Maintain an overview of the political and security context, noting how developments may affect programme work
Ensure that robust and effective security and evacuation plans and procedures are in place and regularly reviewed and updated in order to security of all staff at all times
Ensure all staff are aware of, adhere to health and safety policies and guidelines, and regularly review these policies
ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT
To ensure effective financial and budgetary control of the programme and ensure prudent financial management and accountability that accounts are produced on time and in accordance with IRW policy and procedures.
To ensure effective grant management in accordance with IRW procedures and performance targets. This includes ensuring quality donor reports are submitted on time; budget holders are competent to manage and monitor their budgets and ensure proper expenditure phasing.
To ensure Security guidelines and procedures are operational where appropriate. And Security guidelines are reviewed bi-annually and updated when necessary.
To maintain up to date emergency preparedness and response plans for the country.
To ensure compliance with local laws, regulations, and reporting requirements.
Ensure accounts are produced on time and in accordance with IRW policy and procedures
Risk Management:
To identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies to ensure the safety and security of staff, assets, and programs.
To respond to crises and emergencies, coordinating appropriate actions and communications.
To monitor and analyze trends, risks, and opportunities that could impact the organization's mission and operations.
Ethical Standards and Governance:
To uphold high ethical standards and ensure compliance with the organization's code of conduct and values.
To implement strong governance practices to ensure transparency, accountability, and responsible management of resources.
REPRESENTATION
The Country Directors to ensure that:
IRW is represented at government, UN and other international agencies, donors and bodies including media, proactively identifying opportunities to building key stakeholder relationships.
There is appropriate liaison and negotiation with project partners, NGOs and international agencies etc, to monitor and review programmes and to co-operate and co-ordinate as appropriate.
Relationships are developed with government and partner agencies at all levels to enable the appropriate development of the programme.
Stakeholder Engagement:
To build and maintain strong relationships with local government officials, partner organizations, donors, and other stakeholders.
To represent the organization at meetings, conferences, and other events, advocating for its mission and priorities.
To collaborate with local communities to ensure programs are aligned with their needs and aspirations.
OTHER DUTIES
Effectively implement any other duties assigned to the CD.
The CD will spend a minimum of 20% of his time in the field with staff and right holders.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
It is essential that the post holder shows a good understanding and sympathy with the Islamic values and principles as well as commitment to Islamic Relief World wide’s vision and mission.
Essential:
Knowledge, Skills and Qualifications
Master’s degree in development, social science or proper combination of graduation along with work experience.
Substantial experience and knowledge of effective budgetary control and grant management
Knowledge and experience of fundraising, local and institutional
An in depth understanding of international development issues
Gender approaches in relief and recovery
Community Development, Social Protection, Food Security, Urban Poverty etc
Experience
Substantial work experience as a Country Director or a senior management role with International NGO
Proven track record of working with INGOs in developing countries in rehabilitation; development or emergency contexts
Exposure in managing and mentoring local and international staff
Good interpersonal skills including the ability to listen, sensitivity to others’ views and perspectives and conflict resolution
Proven experience in overseeing programmes; understanding of quantitative and qualitative data in support of programme development
Experience of and commitment to participatory management and maintaining a supportive, open environment to ensure the learning and development of all staff
Personal Qualities
Problem solving skills
Culturally sensitive
Innovative and team player
Ready to travel on short notice
Affective communication and interpersonal skills
Demonstrates the flexibility and energy that is required for a high level of self- management and awareness
A working knowledge of a second language, English
HOW TO APPLY
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their resume in English to email address
Info.Albania [at] islamicrelief.al
,
at the latest
10 November 2026
. Candidates who have not properly submitted their application with required documents will be excluded from consideration. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Islamic Relief Albania Address: Rr.” Gjergj Legisi”, Godina nr.90, Laprake, Tirane, Albania
Safeguarding and Equal Opportunity
Islamic Relief considers the welfare and protection of children, young people and people at risk to be paramount to the organization. And must adhere the principle of “do no harm” and leave no one behind.’ It is critical we do not expose communities or staff we work with to the risk of harm through our interventions. With a zero-tolerance approach Islamic Relief have a number of related policies which also describe standards in behaviour expected from the organization, its staff and representatives towards each other and those we serve. Islamic Relief is committed to responding swiftly, appropriately and constructively to any and all information children, young people and people at risk have disclosed.
All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records. We participate in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme and will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and child abuse during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment before signing the contract agreement.
Islamic Relief believes everyone has the right to be safe, respected and valued regardless of who they are or their circumstances, and an equal employment opportunity to all candidates and qualified applicants, we do not discriminate on the base of age, gender, race, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability status and diversity.
Applicants should be sympathetic to the values of Islamic Relief: (Sincerity, Excellence, Compassion, Social Justice and Custodianship)
By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures.
Vacancy Announcement
Job Title
Country Director
Base location:
Albania
Reporting To:
Eastern European Representative
Contract Type:
Full Time
PURPOSE OF DIVISION:
Through capacity building and through technical and programme support, the International Programme Division keeps the organization focused on the socio-economic and humanitarian needs of vulnerable people.
The division reinforces IR’s implementing structure to enable these people and their communities to develop themselves sustainably and ensures that the organization is prepared to respond promptly and effectively to humanitarian crises.
The division increases the organization's ability to tackle poverty by developing and fostering partnerships and institutional relationships effectively and proactively and by ensuring transparent and timely reporting to the organization's donors.
JOB PURPOSE:
The role has overall management responsibility for IRW’s work in the country of posting including management and development, representation, leading and managing the team and control of financial and other resources.
The Country Director is responsible for representing Islamic Relief at all levels in country of deployment. The position is critical to the overall success of the organization and the achievement of its strategic objectives, including the delivery of the highest quality programmes.
The Country Director will also be responsible for capacity building of field offices, trouble shooting and following up on agreed actions plans.
The Country Director will also be ready to take responsibility and lead emergency missions in places where IRW does not have country office but emergency response operations are initiated. She/he will be responsible to formulate and lead new response teams, lead the mission and represent IRW at all forums.
KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
Has day-to-day contact with the regional desk
Has regular contact with EE Representative, IPD Director other IRW and IR family Directors
Actively engages and networks with institutional donors and the wider INGO community through forums, co-ordination meetings and networking
Represents Islamic Relief to national and local government and traditional and community leaders
Builds strong and engaging relationship with country team.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION
To ensure the effectiveness, impact and direction of the programme is appropriately monitored, reviewed and evaluated on a regular basis.
Maintain effective communications within the programme and with the Regional Desk at the International Office
Review, update and communicate the country situation analysis and emergency response twice a year to the EE Representative
Ensure the production of high quality donor reports, annual reports and project proposals for both IRW and donors by the agreed deadlines
To ensure program effectiveness, efficiency, and compliance with donor requirements and local regulations.
To lead, manage and motivate the team, ensuring that they have clear objectives and receive meaningful feedback on their performance.
To maintain a clear overview of the political, legal and security context and ensure robust security and evacuation plans are in place.
Ensure programmes are gender-sensitive and adhere to child protection principles
PROGRAMME MONITORING AND EVALUATION
Develop and implement innovative approaches to monitor the performance of programmes
To ensure that projects/programmes implemented are monitored and evaluated on a continuous basis using the quality guidance of the IRW Policy and Procedures Manual and other international standards to improve its effectiveness.
Ensure adequate evaluation of the impact of the programmes and measurement of change as a result of the programmes
STRATEGIC DIRECTION AND PLANNING
Provide overall strategic planning leadership and technical backing for country office programmes in line with IRW’s strategic parameters.
Ensure the Country Strategy, thematic areas of work as well as the Annual Country Business Plan and Emergency Preparedness Plan are implemented in line with regional and global strategies and reviewed as necessary in consultation with staff and stakeholders.
Ensure that projects fit into the overall country strategy and thematic areas and that this integration is understood by all involved.
Work with programme teams, partners and beneficiaries to produce action plans as per the country strategy within agreed time frames. To develop and implement long-term strategies and plans for the organization's activities in the country.
Contribute to regional and IRW global policy/strategy development based on the experience of the country programme.
Maintain and update on a regular basis emergency preparedness and response plans for the country
Contribute to the development of policies on major issues and/or advocacy with a range of stakeholders
FUNDRAISING, REPRESENTATION AND NETWORKING
Identify potential donors and institutional funding opportunities and secure funding sources in-country for country office and sub-office(s)
Build and strengthen significant relationships between IRW partners, INGOs, UN, institutional donors and relevant Government Departments at all levels
To lead and coordinate Country Teams for the development programmes and targeting institutional funding.
Where appropriate, funding sources in country are secured in collaboration with the Regional Desk.
To develop and present funding proposals, demonstrating the impact and value of the organization's work.
STAFF CAPACITY BUILDING, SUPPORT AND DEVELOPMENT
Ensure the full implementation of IRW’s Personnel Management Policies and Code of Conduct
Ensure that a human resource strategy and implementation plan is developed, monitored and reviewed as an integral part of the strategic planning processTo ensure that the staff have clear objectives and receive meaningful feedback on their performance.
Optimise staff performance through ensuring that effective processes are in place to support and encourage their personal and professional development
Maintain an effective Country Management Team (CMT) to facilitate involvement of staff in the running of the programme through an appropriate participatory and open team approach to decision making
To establish appropriate measures whereby ensuring the security, health and well being of all staff. This includes monitoring and implementation of the staff security guidelines and improving the health and safety policy.
SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONAL LEARNING
Ensure that there is an appropriate contribution to policy development and advocacy at regional and global level based on the experience of the country programme
Contribute to IRW’s efforts to influence policies of major donors, the private sector and UN agencies
Ensure the promotion of information exchange, writing up programme case studies and learning from experience at all levels, (country, region and global)
SECURITY AND HEALTH AND SAFETY
Maintain an overview of the political and security context, noting how developments may affect programme work
Ensure that robust and effective security and evacuation plans and procedures are in place and regularly reviewed and updated in order to security of all staff at all times
Ensure all staff are aware of, adhere to health and safety policies and guidelines, and regularly review these policies
ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT
To ensure effective financial and budgetary control of the programme and ensure prudent financial management and accountability that accounts are produced on time and in accordance with IRW policy and procedures.
To ensure effective grant management in accordance with IRW procedures and performance targets. This includes ensuring quality donor reports are submitted on time; budget holders are competent to manage and monitor their budgets and ensure proper expenditure phasing.
To ensure Security guidelines and procedures are operational where appropriate. And Security guidelines are reviewed bi-annually and updated when necessary.
To maintain up to date emergency preparedness and response plans for the country.
To ensure compliance with local laws, regulations, and reporting requirements.
Ensure accounts are produced on time and in accordance with IRW policy and procedures
Risk Management:
To identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies to ensure the safety and security of staff, assets, and programs.
To respond to crises and emergencies, coordinating appropriate actions and communications.
To monitor and analyze trends, risks, and opportunities that could impact the organization's mission and operations.
Ethical Standards and Governance:
To uphold high ethical standards and ensure compliance with the organization's code of conduct and values.
To implement strong governance practices to ensure transparency, accountability, and responsible management of resources.
REPRESENTATION
The Country Directors to ensure that:
IRW is represented at government, UN and other international agencies, donors and bodies including media, proactively identifying opportunities to building key stakeholder relationships.
There is appropriate liaison and negotiation with project partners, NGOs and international agencies etc, to monitor and review programmes and to co-operate and co-ordinate as appropriate.
Relationships are developed with government and partner agencies at all levels to enable the appropriate development of the programme.
Stakeholder Engagement:
To build and maintain strong relationships with local government officials, partner organizations, donors, and other stakeholders.
To represent the organization at meetings, conferences, and other events, advocating for its mission and priorities.
To collaborate with local communities to ensure programs are aligned with their needs and aspirations.
OTHER DUTIES
Effectively implement any other duties assigned to the CD.
The CD will spend a minimum of 20% of his time in the field with staff and right holders.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
It is essential that the post holder shows a good understanding and sympathy with the Islamic values and principles as well as commitment to Islamic Relief World wide’s vision and mission.
Essential:
Knowledge, Skills and Qualifications
Master’s degree in development, social science or proper combination of graduation along with work experience.
Substantial experience and knowledge of effective budgetary control and grant management
Knowledge and experience of fundraising, local and institutional
An in depth understanding of international development issues
Gender approaches in relief and recovery
Community Development, Social Protection, Food Security, Urban Poverty etc
Experience
Substantial work experience as a Country Director or a senior management role with International NGO
Proven track record of working with INGOs in developing countries in rehabilitation; development or emergency contexts
Exposure in managing and mentoring local and international staff
Good interpersonal skills including the ability to listen, sensitivity to others’ views and perspectives and conflict resolution
Proven experience in overseeing programmes; understanding of quantitative and qualitative data in support of programme development
Experience of and commitment to participatory management and maintaining a supportive, open environment to ensure the learning and development of all staff
Personal Qualities
Problem solving skills
Culturally sensitive
Innovative and team player
Ready to travel on short notice
Affective communication and interpersonal skills
Demonstrates the flexibility and energy that is required for a high level of self- management and awareness
A working knowledge of a second language, English
HOW TO APPLY
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their resume in English to email address
Info.Albania [at] islamicrelief.al
,
at the latest
10 November 2026
. Candidates who have not properly submitted their application with required documents will be excluded from consideration. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Islamic Relief Albania Address: Rr.” Gjergj Legisi”, Godina nr.90, Laprake, Tirane, Albania
Safeguarding and Equal Opportunity
Islamic Relief considers the welfare and protection of children, young people and people at risk to be paramount to the organization. And must adhere the principle of “do no harm” and leave no one behind.’ It is critical we do not expose communities or staff we work with to the risk of harm through our interventions. With a zero-tolerance approach Islamic Relief have a number of related policies which also describe standards in behaviour expected from the organization, its staff and representatives towards each other and those we serve. Islamic Relief is committed to responding swiftly, appropriately and constructively to any and all information children, young people and people at risk have disclosed.
All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records. We participate in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme and will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and child abuse during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment before signing the contract agreement.
Islamic Relief believes everyone has the right to be safe, respected and valued regardless of who they are or their circumstances, and an equal employment opportunity to all candidates and qualified applicants, we do not discriminate on the base of age, gender, race, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability status and diversity.
Applicants should be sympathetic to the values of Islamic Relief: (Sincerity, Excellence, Compassion, Social Justice and Custodianship)
By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures.