Country Director, Chad

About the Context

The conflict in Sudan, which erupted in April 2023 has profoundly changed the humanitarian landscape in Chad. By mid-2026, Chad was hosting approximately 1.56 million refugees and asylum seekers, in addition to internally displaced people and returnees. Continued arrivals from Darfur, combined with prolonged displacement, have placed significant pressure on host communities, natural resources, public services and humanitarian response capacities. NRC established its operations in Chad in 2023 and currently operates from a Country Office in N'Djamena, an Area Office in Iriba (Wadi Fira), and a Field Office in Adré (Ouaddaï), with a growing presence in Ennedi Est in response to displacement driven by the deterioration in North Darfur. In 2025, NRC supported more than 81,000 people through its Education, Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA), Shelter and Settlements, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), and Livelihoods and Food Security programs - delivered across a multi-donor portfolio, including CBPF/FHRAOC, ECHO, SDC, NORAD/RESIST, and CDCS-funded projects.

What we are looking for

The Purpose of the Country Director position is the overall leadership and responsibility for the country operation. As Country Director, you would provide strategic direction and management across NRC's country operations: driving effective programme delivery, strong external representation (including active engagement in inter-agency coordination), and alignment with organizational priorities. You'd also lead resource mobilization and advocacy efforts, while building high-performing teams to deliver accountable, high-impact humanitarian response.

What you will do

• Analyse the political and humanitarian context and adapt the NRC programme ensuring relevance to the evolving context in Chad and the Lake Chad Basin
• Prioritize continuous improvement and innovation to ensure the highest quality of humanitarian and protection programming with a focus on timely delivery
• Motivate and coach staff to create effective teams, with particular attention to ensuring an efficient and empowered Country Management Group
• Promote accountability, the highest standard of ethics, including safeguarding, and adherence to the Humanitarian Principles
• Responsible for all NRC advocacy efforts in the country and ensure that contributions are made to NRC regional and global advocacy efforts
• Develop and enforce policies to promote and maintain diverse staff at all levels
• Provide vision, promote ideas, gain agreement and act as a role model
• Serve as a proactive member of the Regional Management Group, promote collaboration with other COs and the Regional office and contribute to the development of the Central and West Africa Region as a whole
• Actively engage with other COs, engaged in the Chad refugee response to ensure holistic advocacy and programming
• Ensure that all staff retention and rotation is discussed with Regional Director

1.Professional Competencies

• Minimum 5 years’ experience from working as a Senior Manager/Country Director in humanitarian/recovery context
• Experience from working in complex and volatile contexts
• Documented/proven results related to the position’s responsibilities
• Knowledge about own leadership skills/profile
• Fluency in French and English, both written and verbal
• Valid driver’s license

Context related skills, knowledge and experience

• Knowledge of the context in Chad in particular the Sudan crisis
• Experience of advocacy work
• Experience with change management processes

2.Behavioural competencies

• Handling insecure environment
• Planning and delivering results
• Working with people
• Analysing
• Communication with impact and respect
• Coping with change

Leadership Profile

• Build meaningful relations
• Act with integrity
• Empower people
• Deliver results

What we offer

• Duty station: N’Djamena Chad
• Contract: 24 months with possibility of extension
• Salary&Benefits: Grade 12 on NRC’s salary scale
• NRC is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to diversity without distinction to age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, and physical ability
• We think outside the box, encourage ideas, and give responsibility to all employees at all levels. You will have many opportunities to be heard and take the initiative. The full Job Description can be found on our website