Country Director, Orbis South Africa Country Office

Job Summary

The Country Director (CD) at Orbis International is a key leadership position entrusted with the strategic leadership, development, and direction of all facets of Orbis International Operations within the country office. In this vital role, the CD serves as a local leader and an integral member of the global programs team, ensuring the highest standards of program effectiveness and overall quality.

The CD will lead the Orbis South Africa team towards the achievement of the country's operational goals and objectives, emphasizing effective implementation and adherence to global program principles tailored to the local context. By fostering collaborations and partnerships with major donors, project/program partners, local government, and non-governmental organizations, the CD plays a pivotal role in promoting Orbis's mission and fulfilling the strategic objectives.

In addition to strategic direction, the CD is a role model for leadership, service, and integrity. Leading by example, the CD provides guidance to staff on Orbis's Vision, Mission, and Values, ensuring a cohesive organizational culture.

LOCATION

South Africa

REPORTING & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

The Country Director reports to the Chief of Region, Africa ensuring strategic alignment with Orbis's global initiatives. This role closely collaborates with Global Programs, MEL, Clinical Services & Technologies, and Development teams, including affiliate offices. Additionally, collaboration extends to global support teams (Finance & Admin, Communications, HR) and colleagues in Orbis offices worldwide. The Country Director also works closely with the senior leadership team in the country office ensuring cohesive program implementation and impact at the national level.

Project/Program Management

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS / KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

• Manage all Orbis projects/programs in South Africa, aligning them with Orbis’s mission, global and country strategic plans.
• Ensure execution and timely completion of project activities within specified timelines.

Monitoring & Evaluation

• Review project practices and quality processes, implementing effective monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
• Measure and report program outcomes and impact using specific indicators and benchmarks.

Reporting And Compliance

• Submit accurate programmatic, progress, and financial reports to HQ office within specified deadlines.
• Assess needs, develop project plans, and proposals complying with grant commitments and reporting requirements.

Business Development And Fundraising

• Lead the development of Country Strategic Plan (CSP) for Orbis South Africa.
• Lead the development and implementation of country program fundraising activities that are aligned to the strategic plan of Orbis South Africa.
• Collaborating with the Development and fundraising teams, Affiliates and Global Programs, maintain and identify new opportunities for Orbis South Africa program growth Financial Oversight:
• Prepare budgets, monitor expenses, and ensure fiscal responsibility in program implementation.

Stakeholder Engagement and Thought Leadership

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, NGOs, health authorities, and partner institutions.
• Interface with media and raise awareness about eye care and blindness prevention, enhancing Orbis's profile, brand visibility, drive reputation and for revenue growth.

Representation And Networking

• Represent Orbis at professional forums, national, regional and international meetings, and other relevant events.
• Conduct feasibility studies to assess the viability of expanding Orbis activities and identifying new partners in South Africa.

Qualifications & Experience

• Master’s degree in medicine, Public Health, International Development, or Business Administration with a minimum of 10 years of progressive management experience at a senior level, acquired in international organizations/NGOs or the healthcare-related sector. OR Degree/Postgraduate qualification in Medicine, Public Health, International Development, or Business Administration with a minimum of 15 years of progressive management experience at a senior level, gained in international organizations/NGOs or the healthcare-related sector.
• Deep knowledge of the South African health system, including government structures, national health priorities, and the NGO operating environment.
• Direct experience managing program budgets, including budget development, forecasting, expense monitoring, and donor financial reporting
• Demonstrated success identifying funding opportunities, cultivating donor relationships, and leading proposal development, including experience with institutional, bilateral, and/or corporate donors
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing multidisciplinary country team, with accountability for organizational culture, staff performance, and talent development
• Proven ability to operate effectively in a matrixed global-local organizational structure

Skills & Abilities

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate vision and goals to staff, senior management, key contacts, and media.
• Strong English writing skills, including the development of plans, proposals, abstracts, etc.
• Ability to lead through influence in a complex, geographically dispersed organization Excellent interpersonal skills with relationship building and networking ability.
• Strong computer skills and good working knowledge of MS Office applications.
• Fluency in English with knowledge of the local language.
• Familiarity with eye health or ophthalmology practices would be an asset.

ORBIS VALUES & COMPETENCIES

At Orbis, our values and competencies are central to how we work and grow, both as individuals and as a global organization. These expectations apply to all employees and help ensure that we are aligned in our mission and impact.

Our Values in Action : We are guided by five values: Accountability, Commitment, Innovation, Integrity, and Equity. These values reflect how we engage with our colleagues, partners, and the communities we serve. We expect everyone at Orbis to model these values in daily decisions and behaviors.

Our Competencies in Action: These describe the key skills and behaviors needed to succeed at Orbis. They are used in performance discussions and to support career development across roles.

Competencies

Application

Core

All Employees

People Managers

All roles supervising at least one Orbis employee

Leaders

All roles Grade 24 of higher

👉 Click here for a quick overview of our values and competencies

To learn more about Orbis, visit our About us page, go to http://www.orbis.org

Orbis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

We encourage applications from qualified individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and communities, particularly those underrepresented in the international nonprofit sector. Orbis is proud to foster an environment where everyone can contribute meaningfully and thrive.