Country Director at Mines Advisory Group (MAG International)

About the role:

• MAG is seeking an experienced Country Director to lead and represent our programme in Nigeria, while also providing oversight of smaller projects in Benin and Côte d’Ivoire.  This senior leadership role is responsible for setting the strategic direction, ensuring effective programme delivery, and strengthening MAG’s presence and partnerships in-country. 
• The Country Director will provide strategic leadership and representation for MAG in-country, with overall accountability to MAG UK for the effective delivery, management, monitoring, and evaluation of the country programme. The role ensures strong oversight and integration of strategic, programmatic, and operational priorities to maintain the relevance, quality, and consistency of MAG’s work.
• You will oversee all programme activities, ensuring they are delivered safely, effectively, and in line with MAG policies, donor requirements, and international standards. This includes leading the team, driving the development and delivery of annual business plans, and ensuring effective coordination across strategic, operational, and programme functions.
• The role also includes oversight of programme budgets and financial performance, ensuring robust financial management across multiple grants and contracts. You will identify and pursue business development opportunities, build and maintain relationships with donors and partners, and oversee proposal development and reporting.
• The Country Director will also represent MAG with government authorities, donors, and partners, while maintaining oversight of security management and operational risk. As a member of MAG’s Global Leadership Team, you will contribute to organisational strategy and uphold MAG’s values and operational standards.

Requirements

• Substantial experience working internationally in a senior management capacity in complex operating environments.
• Demonstrated experience of living and working in‑country, with a strong understanding of the country’s political, socio‑economic, and cultural context, and familiarity with national and local administrative structures, and regulatory and institutional frameworks.
• Proven experience of strategically managing and directing large‑scale projects, including implementation, management, monitoring and evaluation, risk assessment and mitigation, and contract compliance.
• Strong people management experience, with a proven ability to lead and manage multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, often in remote or complex operating environments.
• Proven expertise in new business development, including programme design and development, networking, and contract negotiation.
• Demonstrated experience of developing effective relationships and negotiating with donors, government bodies, other NGOs, and local partners.
• Experience of managing financial, administrative, and human resource systems to ensure effective and efficient programme delivery.
• Demonstrated experience of promoting and driving forward change in relation to gender, equity, and diversity across teams.
• Demonstrable understanding of the contextual, political, and operational factors relevant for West Africa and specifically the Gulf of Guinea region, gained through relevant professional experience and/or broader strategic knowledge.
• Fluency in French and English, both written and spoken.