Job Title: Country Director

Location: Accra
Employment Type: Full-Time
Application Deadline: 18 May 2026

Company Profile

Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organization that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. Operating in more than 70 countries, Plan International works with communities, partners, and governments to drive lasting change and ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Role Purpose

The Country Director serves as the senior-most representative of Plan International in Ghana and provides strategic, operational, and cultural leadership for the country office. The role drives the delivery of impactful programmes and influencing strategies aligned with global priorities, with a strong focus on advancing gender equality and girls’ rights.

You will lead transformative change, build and inspire high-performing teams, and represent the organization at the highest levels of government, civil society, media, and international platforms. You will ensure that the country programme is relevant, well-funded, compliant, and delivers measurable impact for children—especially girls and young women.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Direction

• Lead the development and execution of the Country Strategy in alignment with global priorities.
• Set clear direction, ensuring programme quality, innovation, and measurable impact.
• Drive national-level advocacy, influencing, and communications to advance girls’ rights.

Organisational Leadership & Culture

• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing, diverse team aligned with organisational values.
• Foster a culture of accountability, inclusion, safeguarding, and gender equality.
• Ensure staffing structures are efficient, cost-effective, and aligned with strategic priorities.

Programme Excellence & Impact

• Deliver high-quality, inclusive programmes with active participation of children and young people.
• Embed gender-transformative and child-centred approaches across all interventions.
• Ensure emergency preparedness and lead response efforts when required.

Financial & Resource Management

• Oversee budgeting, financial planning, and compliance with donor and organisational standards.
• Develop and implement a resource mobilisation strategy to grow and diversify funding.
• Ensure effective grant management and timely delivery of commitments.

External Representation & Partnerships

• Represent Plan International with government authorities, donors, media, and partners.
• Build and sustain strategic partnerships across public, private, and civil society sectors.
• Position the organisation as a leading voice on child rights and gender equality in Ghana.

Governance, Risk & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with national laws and organisational policies.
• Proactively manage risks, including safeguarding, security, legal, and reputational risks.
• Uphold and embed safeguarding and gender equality policies across all operations.

Accountabilities

• Deliver a high-performing country programme aligned with organisational standards.
• Ensure timely and accurate annual plans, budgets, and reporting.
• Maintain strong monitoring, evaluation, and learning systems to drive impact.
• Achieve sustainable growth in funding and programme reach.
• Ensure a safe, secure, and inclusive working environment for staff and stakeholders.

Key Relationships

Internal:

• Regional Director (Line Manager)
• Country Leadership Team
• Regional and Global Teams
• Other Country Directors

External:

• Government and public institutions
• Donors and development partners
• Civil society and NGO networks
• Media and international organisations

Qualifications & Experience

• Master’s degree (or equivalent experience) in Development Studies, Social Sciences, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years in senior leadership roles within international development or humanitarian contexts.
• Demonstrated experience leading diverse teams and managing complex programmes.
• Strong understanding of child rights, gender equality, and inclusive development.
• Proven experience in donor engagement, funding acquisition, and financial oversight.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Deep understanding of Ghana’s socio-political and development landscape is an advantage.

Core Competencies

• Strategic thinking and decision-making under uncertainty
• Transformational leadership and team development
• Influencing and stakeholder engagement
• Financial and operational management
• Risk management and governance
• Communication and advocacy excellence

Safeguarding & Equality Commitment

Plan International is fully committed to safeguarding children and young people and to promoting gender equality and inclusion. The Country Director is responsible for ensuring that all safeguarding concerns are reported and managed in line with organisational policies and that these principles are embedded across all areas of work.

How to Apply

Apply online by clicking on the application button below.