Country Director Yemen

ZOA is an international NGO supporting people who have lost everything due to armed conflict or natural disaster. We are here for our neighbours in need who are suffering in this broken world. Together we can come to their aid in emergencies and remain faithful to communities as they recover, providing new opportunities for them to help themselves again. The work of ZOA is coordinated from the Netherlands. We are active in multiple countries in Africa, the Middle East Region, and Asia. We work with approximately 900 employees worldwide and with (local) partners. We invite you to join our team of committed colleagues.

ZOA is looking for a Country Director Yemen

As Country Director Yemen, you provide inspiring and integral leadership to ZOA’s country office in Yemen and play a key role in positioning ZOA externally. You are ultimately responsible for strategy, programmes, people and resources, ensuring sustainable impact for communities affected by conflict and natural disasters.

Context

ZOA Yemen delivers life‑saving and resilience‑building programmes in some of the country’s most complex humanitarian environments. The team is recognised for its rapid emergency response capacity, strong local partnerships and community‑driven approaches that strengthen peace, inclusion, and climate resilience. This is an opportunity to lead a high‑impact programme that is shaping locally led solutions and driving transformational change across Yemen. ZOA has been operational in Yemen since 2012, mainly focusing on WASH and Food security & Livelihoods interventions. Currently, ZOA has offices in both Sana’a and Aden, with an operational presence in areas controlled by the De‑facto Authorities (DFA) and the Internationally Recognized Government (IRG).

How you will make a difference

Leading the country programme

You carry final responsibility for the overall management and legal representation of ZOA in Yemen. You develop and implement ZOA Yemen’s Strategic Plan and Country Annual Plan within the framework of ZOA’s overall Strategic Plan and Business Plan. You lead and supervise the Country Management Team, fostering collaboration, professionalism and a values-driven organisational culture. You ensure programme quality, results and impact, with strong attention to Gender, Diversity and Inclusion.

From strategy to impact

You translate ZOA’s global strategy into clear country strategy and operational plans. You are responsible for the full programme cycle: from design and fundraising to implementation, monitoring and evaluation. You build and maintain strategic relationships with donors, local authorities, international and national partners and other relevant stakeholders. You position ZOA as a reliable and respected partner in Yemen.

Ensuring strong operations and governance

You bear final responsibility for human resource management, finance, administration and compliance. You ensure transparent, accountable and effective organisational systems. You also oversee the design and implementation of an effective country-level security management system and monitor staff compliance. The Country Director reports directly to the Chief Programme Officer and is a member of ZOA’s International Management Team.

What we offer

A key leadership role within an international NGO with global impact. A one-year appointment with possible extension. The opportunity to work in a mission-driven and faith-based organisation. Close collaboration within an international executive leadership team. A dynamic working environment requiring regular travel.

What you bring

You are a strategic and values-driven leader with strong organisational sensitivity. You combine vision with execution and inspire people to perform and grow. You are able to operate effectively in a complex and sometimes insecure environment. You are strong in networking and forging relationships with key partners for ZOA Yemen.

You also bring:

A completed university degree. At least three years of relevant senior management experience in a humanitarian or development setting. Proven experience in integrated management (programmes, finance, HR and operations). Experience in donor relations and external representation. Excellent written and spoken English. Arabic speaking is a plus. Spiritual leadership and full alignment with ZOA’s vision, mission and Christian values. Strong analytical, conceptual, and strategic thinking skills combined with strong decision-making capacity. A participative and empowering leadership style. Coaching skills and a focus on staff development. Organisational and political sensitivity. Flexibility, intercultural competence and resilience.

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