The Finnish Red Cross (FRC) is Seeking a Country Manager – Apply Before 27 February 2026

The Finnish Red Cross (FRC) is seeking a strategic and experienced humanitarian leader to serve as Country Manager for Niger and Burkina Faso. This fixed-term, one-year assignment will be based in Niamey, Niger, with frequent travel to Burkina Faso. The position is non-family due to security considerations, with a preferred start date in mid-April 2026.

As part of the global Red Cross Red Crescent Movement—the world’s largest humanitarian network operating in 191 countries—the Finnish Red Cross works to alleviate human suffering, protect life and health, and uphold human dignity. Its mandate is guided by the Fundamental Principles of Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity, and Universality.

Strategic Context and Regional Engagement

The Finnish Red Cross International Aid Department operates from its headquarters in Helsinki, supported by regional teams covering East Africa, West and Southern Africa, and Asia, as well as a logistics centre in Tampere. The organization’s international strategy emphasizes being:

• Impact-driven
• Adaptive
• Inclusive
• Committed to localization

In Burkina Faso, FRC currently supports:

• Long-term development programmes
• Humanitarian operations
• Organizational development of the Burkinabé Red Cross

In Niger, FRC is transitioning from a consortium-based model to bilateral cooperation, with a new country portfolio under development. In both contexts, strong emphasis is placed on National Society Development (NSD) and sustainable institutional change.

The Finnish Red Cross also contributes multilaterally to operations led by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), reinforcing Movement-wide objectives through principled partnerships.

Purpose of the Role

The Country Manager plays a central leadership role in facilitating strategic partnerships and humanitarian cooperation between FRC and the Red Cross Societies of Niger and Burkina Faso. Reporting to the Head of Region, the position ensures that FRC’s engagement aligns with national strategies while delivering measurable benefits to vulnerable populations—women, men, girls, and boys of all backgrounds and abilities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading FRC’s partnership processes in both countries
• Overseeing National Society Development support
• Managing bilateral programmes and operations
• Acting as FRC’s primary representative to partners, donors, and the wider humanitarian community
• Positioning FRC strategically within identified thematic priorities

The Country Manager serves as the budget holder for bilateral projects and ensures:

• Strong Project Cycle Management (PCM) support
• Financial compliance and quality control
• Timely and high-quality reporting to headquarters and donors
• Effective use and stewardship of FRC resources

Required Qualifications and Experience

The Finnish Red Cross seeks a candidate with demonstrated strategic leadership and change management expertise.

Education Requirements:

• Master’s Degree in development studies, project management, business administration, or a related field

Professional Experience:

• Minimum five years of experience in strategic cooperation and partnership management
• Proven experience supporting project and portfolio management through local actors
• Experience with Red Cross or Red Crescent National Societies, IFRC, or ICRC (preferred)
• Experience in Sub-Saharan Africa (asset)
• Experience in organizational change and institutional capacity strengthening (asset)
• Experience in conflict-affected and insecure settings

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong expertise in project and programme cycle management
• Financial management competence
• Ability to work independently and with diverse stakeholders
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and coordination skills
• High cultural sensitivity and commitment to diversity
• Strong ICT proficiency
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently

Languages:

• Fluent written and spoken English (organizational language)
• Fluent written and spoken French (local operational language)

Candidates must clearly demonstrate bilingual proficiency in their application.

Core Competencies

The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate:

• Strategic vision and systems thinking
• Change management leadership
• Partnership-based leadership
• Results orientation and accountability
• Strong time management and self-motivation
• Integrity and trust-building capacity
• Commitment to diversity and cultural sensitivity

The role requires alignment with the Finnish Red Cross strategic framework and National Society Development competency standards.

What the Finnish Red Cross Offers

The selected candidate will join a multicultural and mission-driven humanitarian network serving vulnerable communities worldwide. The assignment includes:

• Competitive delegate salary package
• Accommodation and insurance coverage
• Travel and mission allowances
• Comprehensive training and briefings
• Medical check-ups and psychosocial support
• Professional development opportunities

This role offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute to sustainable humanitarian systems strengthening in complex operational environments.

Application Process

Qualified candidates are invited to submit:

• CV
• Cover letter (in English)
• Required documentation via the TalentAdore system

Applications must be submitted no later than Friday, 27 February 2026.

The Finnish Red Cross encourages applicants of diverse backgrounds and genders and expects full commitment to Red Cross values and principles.

Join a Global Humanitarian Leader

This Country Manager position represents a strategic leadership opportunity within one of the world’s most respected humanitarian institutions. By strengthening National Societies in Niger and Burkina Faso, the successful candidate will directly contribute to locally led, sustainable humanitarian action that protects dignity and builds resilience.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization hiring for the position. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.