COUNTRY DIRECTOR

Work Location : Poland - WarsawType of Post : Accompanied - FamilyOther Possible Location : Funding : APPROVEDExpected Travel : up to 20%Type of Contract : Language Requirement : EnglishApplication Deadline : Employee Duration : Full-Time

• Starting salaries are based on various factors, including candidate experience, education, knowledge, skills, and the cost of labor where the job is based. Salaries listed only apply to jobs based in the US.

Who We Are

As a global leader, CARE is shaping the future of the humanitarian and development sector. Each year, we deliver support and services to millions of people globally. We do this by focusing on our mission and vision, and the values of equality and excellence that guide our organization. We seek dedicated individuals who align with our mission and are passionate about making it a reality by collaborating with others, embracing learning and innovation, and delivering results.

What We Are Looking For

At CARE, we value diversely talented people who can bring different experiences and perspectives to our organization. We know that not all applicants will have every skill and qualification. We encourage everyone who meets the minimum required qualifications to apply. Having one or more of the preferred qualifications will strengthen an application. But, even if you are earlier in your career or followed a non-traditional educational or professional path, we hope you will consider a career at CARE.

Job Title:

COUNTRY DIRECTOR - POLAND

Job Location(s):

Poland - Warsaw

Job Summary

CARE International is a global confederation of humanitarian and development organizations working to reduce poverty and social injustice. The Country Director is CARE’s legal representative in Poland and leads its strategy and operations toward CARE’s Vision, Mission, and Focus. Reporting to the Regional Director, the Country Director is accountable for the relevance, impact, and cost-effectiveness of CARE’s work in Poland, including humanitarian response to refugees from Ukraine, with particular attention to women and girls. The role oversees program quality, finance, operations, and people management; staff safety and security; and the protection of organizational assets. It also leads fundraising and partnerships with donors, authorities, United Nations agencies, and local organizations. CARE seeks a visionary, entrepreneurial leader who adapts to complex contexts, models integrity and accountability, builds diverse teams, and influences externally.

This is a locally recruited position and may be based in Poland. Candidates must currently have, and maintain, legal authorization to work in the country where they will be based. International relocation or expatriate terms are not available for this role. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Responsibilities

Strategy and Execution

• Lead the development and execution of the Country Office's multi-year strategy, ensuring alignment with CARE's global and regional priorities and humanitarian standards while responding to the national context and the evolving needs of refugee and host communities.
• Drive organizational transformation and entrepreneurial innovation in roles, systems, and approaches, ensuring the CO remains agile, relevant, and competitive in a fast-changing environment.
• Exercise adaptive and opportunity-driven leadership, tailoring strategies to shifting political, social, and economic contexts while leveraging emerging opportunities.
• Build organizational capacity for strategic foresight and scenario planning to enable evidence-based decision-making and resilience to shocks.

People Leadership and Development

• Provide visionary leadership to a diverse team, cultivating a culture of innovation, inclusion, collaboration, accountability, and alignment with CARE's values.
• Champion a results-oriented environment by setting clear expectations, monitoring performance, and driving continuous improvement.
• Identify and develop exceptional talent, ensuring robust succession planning, leadership pathways, and entrepreneurial thinking across all levels.
• Assess staffing needs and maintain a staffing plan with budget and recruitment timeline, adjusting as funding and operations change.
• Strengthen resilience and organizational continuity through innovative knowledge transfer and capacity-building processes.

Resource Mobilization & Representation

• Design and implement comprehensive resource mobilization strategies to secure diversified funding from institutional, multilateral, philanthropic, and private sector partners.
• Cultivate and expand relationships with traditional and emerging donors, government i