BRAC was founded 54 years ago with a belief in a world where everyone has the opportunity to realize their potential. BRAC is one of the largest development organizations in the world https://www.bracinternational.org/. 

BRAC International delivers a range of solutions targeting poor households and communities in 15 countries. There are four main verticals - Microfinance, NGO Programs, Social Enterprise and the Ultra Poor Graduation Initiative (UPGI). BRAC builds synergies across this work under a unified strategy, executive leadership team and Supervisory Board.

About the Ultra-Poor Graduation Initiative

The Ultra Poor Graduation Initiative (UPGI) is a flagship program for BRAC. The Graduation Approach, originally developed by BRAC in Bangladesh, has been tested and refined globally for more than two decades and has built up a proven impact evidence base. Graduation is a time-bound package that empowers people living in extreme poverty to build sustainable livelihoods. The package combines three elements (the ABCs): Asset transfers, meeting Basic needs, and Coaching. UPGI’s aim is to scale Graduation to reach a large portion of the 100 million households in extreme poverty. UPGI builds scale through long term partnerships with government programs; with deep engagements underway in seven countries with more countries to be added.

• Guidance to Country Teams: At its core this role supports Country Leads to develop and articulate compelling country strategies. It draws on the expertise of UPGI and colleagues across BRAC International to support country teams navigate complex technical and systems-change challenges. The DCC will work as a sounding board for Country Leads, empowering these leads to build in-country relationships and establish compelling government partnerships. The DCC supports country teams to meet challenges and inspires them through the long term systems change journey. 
• Team Development and Learning: The DCC will build a strong, high-performing team culture across the country portfolio. This includes supporting the professional development of Country Leads, fostering a strong learning culture encouraging teams to test ideas, rapidly learn, address setbacks and evolve. This includes encouraging cross-country exchange – bringing teams into conversation with each other and with UPGI’s shared learning platforms so that insights and learning are transmitted across UPGI’s entire program. 
• Strengthening UPGI Global Strategy and Influence: The country cluster is a vital and large portion of a wider UPGI regional and global program. The DCC will be a vital contributor to the regional and global strategy. UPGI’s work builds partnerships with government, civil society partners, researchers and multi-lateral development institutions. The role calls for thoughtful engagement to build influence with a wider coalition of partners.
• Integration and collaboration within BRAC International: The DCC will synchronize with other parts of BRAC International across its growing country, regional and head offices. This will include support to country teams to proactively address operational matters and liaise with BRAC’s core business enabling functions (Finance, HR, IT, Legal, etc.).

• At least 15 years of experience in international development: governance, local economic development, NGOs or civil society organisation management, with a strong track record in senior programme or portfolio leadership roles.
• Master’s Degree in a relevant field. Candidates from diverse educational backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
• Professional certification(s) relevant to international development, programme management, leadership, governance, public policy, or related fields will be considered an added advantage
• Demonstrated experience navigating diverse political economies in different geographies. An inclusive mindset and the ability to bridge cultural and institutional gaps across regions.
•  Ideally, experience leading a country program and managing multi-country programmes, with responsibility for strategy, teams, and outcomes across diverse country contexts.
• Experience leading a country programme, involving high-level relationships with government partners, multilateral institutions, bilateral donors, and/or civil society.
• Exposure to social protection, livelihoods, or related programmatic work.
•  Extensive experience in Africa is essential; and beneficial to have direct experience in Tanzania, Rwanda, Ethiopia, and/or South Africa.

Director, Country Cluster

BRAC is committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share the same commitment. We believe every stakeholder and every member of the communities we work with has the right to be protected from all forms of harm, abuse, neglect, harassment, and exploitation - regardless of age, race, religion, and gender, status as an individual with a disability or ethnic origin. Therefore, our recruitment process includes extensive reference and background checks, self-disclosure of prior issues regarding sexual or other misconduct and criminal records and our values are a part of our Performance Management System.

Only complete applications will be accepted, and short-listed candidates will be contacted.