Country Director Tunisia (m/f/d)

Temporary, Full-time · Tunisia

Background

Form of Employment: Full-time
Starting Date: As soon as possible
Application Deadline: 10 April 2025

* Please note that this position may be closed earlier than the deadline if a certain number of applications is received therefore early applications are encouraged.

Contract Duration: limited to one year, with the possibility of extension.
Location: Tunis

Democracy Reporting International (DRI) is a non-partisan, independent, not-for-profit organisation registered in Berlin with several country offices worldwide. DRI promotes political participation of citizens, accountability of state bodies, and the development of democratic institutions worldwide.

DRI has supported Tunisia’s democratic transition since 2011 through an office in Tunis and outreach around the country. DRI has been working with a large number of Tunisian government and non-government actors such as the parliament, different ministries, the judiciary, civil society organisations, universities, political parties, and local governance actors, on various topics such as the constitutional process, judicial reform, decentralisation, participatory democracy, human rights, elections, and public discourse online. DRI’s current projects in Tunisia address a broad scope of thematic areas including access to justice, local governance and youth participation. A core element of DRI Tunisia’s work is our close cooperation with Tunisian civil society partners.

DRI is currently recruiting a full-time Country Representative for its office in Tunis, Tunisia. We are in search of an experienced professional with a deep background in the democratic development sector, strong programme management skills, a commitment to impact, and the ability to lead a team of 15 staff in Tunis.

In collaboration with, and under the supervision of the DRI’s Manager MENA, you will be responsible for overseeing the entire work of the DRI country office (CO) in Tunisia. This entails strategic positioning, fundraising, the design, implementation, and evaluation/reporting on DRI project(s) in Tunisia, representational duties, and the management of the DRI office in Tunisia. A specific focus of the position is on ensuring strategic leadership for the DRI programme in Tunisia, networking, high-level stakeholder management, and outreach. The Country Representative will also guide and support DRI’s Libya and regional projects as needed.

Your tasks

Leading on planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the projects to ensure the effective, timely and efficient execution of project deliverables, while responsive to the overall project goals and the local political and security context
Identifying significant in-country developments (political, legal, security, etc.) and their impact on the DRI priorities, project activities and entry points for engagement
Leading and overseeing the development of new initiatives and projects in the country, grants acquisition and diversification of funding sources ensuring long-term health and stability of DRI programme in the country
Develop brand and reputation among foreign and national governments, partners, donors and other stakeholders, and develop and maintain productive relationships and networks with civil society organisations and local and state authorities. Be DRI’s representative and spokesperson to all public, including local and international media/audience.

Direct and manage staffing in the country office while focusing on developing capabilities appropriate to the strategic and operational needs of projects/programmes and the needs of both the present and the future presence of DRI in the country and create ownership among staff

Drafting, reviewing and contributing to reports, briefing papers and other knowledge products
Execute and advance DRI country strategy for Tunisia, visibility/outreach strategy and fundraising plan

Drive, develop, and ensure the adaption, integration, and learning around key areas including gender equity and diversity, monitoring and evaluation framework, security and safeguarding

Overseeing project budgets and financial reporting, in cooperation with DRI Finance & Administration Team in Tunisia and DRI HQ, as well as ensuring adequate systems are in place and followed regarding program procurements, project assets, regular inventories and similar activities
Ensuring effective coordination with and reporting to DRI’s MENA Programme Manager and other relevant staff at DRI Headquarters
Representing DRI in Tunisia, respecting DRI’s mission statement of promoting political rights as enshrined in international human rights standards, as well as DRI’s reputation and status as a charitable, non-profit company
Providing support to other DRI teams present in Tunis, if needed
Act as Security Focal Point (SFP), bearing the overall responsibility for the safety and security of all DRI operations and persons contractually affiliated to DRI in Tunisia in line with DRI’s security policy. 
Oversee the updating, and implementation of DRI’s security policy, related country-specific plans, and crisis management procedures in Tunisia.

Your skills and experience

Required:

At least 10 years of relevant professional experience managing projects and programmes, of which at least four related to democracy assistance, human rights, local governance or governance reform;
Academic degree in law, political or social science or a related field;
Sound knowledge of international democracy and human rights standards;
Excellent outreach, presentation (written and oral) and donor liaison skills;
Proven experience in building relations with funding partners and knowledge of donor landscape;
Proven experience in supervising and managing staff;
A strong administrative track record, with financial management competencies;
An entrepreneurial mind-set, with an ability to get things off the ground quickly;
Good negotiation skills and the ability to work as part of a diverse team;
Fluency in English as well as fluency in Arabic and/or French. If only Arabic or French, knowledge of the respective other language is a strong asse

Preferred:

Experience with international non-profit organisations;
Background in rule of law and civil society focused projects;
Strong networks with relevant stakeholders in the governance field in Tunisia (CSOs representatives, state agencies and officials, international stakeholders);
Prior experience in heading a project office in Tunisia or the MENA region

Application Instructions

If you are interested in this position, please submit your application (cover letter and CV) here. This position is subject to funding. Applying for this position by post mail is possible, please find our address details below.
Closing date for applications: 10 April 2025. The position may be closed before the deadline has been reached, so early applications are encouraged.
DRI is committed to diversity and treats everybody equally, independent of gender identity, sex, pregnancy, race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, age, ability, socio-economic status, political opinion (as long as respectful of democratic principles), or any other status protected by the laws in the locations where we operate.
Organisation responsible for this vacancy:

Democracy Reporting International gGmbH
Elbestr. 28 / 29
12045 Berlin, Germany

Data processing of personal data in third countries will not take place. We process your data in accordance with the provisions of § 26 German Federal Data Protection Act. More information about processing your personal data: privacy policy .

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About us

Organisation responsible for this vacancy:

Democracy Reporting International gGmbH

Elbestr. 28 / 29 12045 Berlin, Germany

Data processing of personal data in third countries will not take place. We process your data in accordance with the provisions of § 26 German Federal Data Protection Act. More information about processing your personal data: Privacy Policy.

Please note that a criminal background check will be required toward the final stages of the recruitment process, should we decide to proceed with an offer of employment. The costs will be covered by DRI once the candidate is hired.

Democracy Reporting International (DRI) is an international, not-for-profit, non-governmental organization committed to political participation and democratic governance around the world. DRI headquarters (HQ) is located in Berlin; DRI has country offices in Tunisia, Lebanon, Democratic Republic of Congo and Ukraine, and works with local partners in a number of other countries. The working language is English.

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