POSITION SUMMARY:

The HIAS Country Director, Greece, is responsible for HIAS’ operations in Greece and the implementation of its community protection services for refugees and host community members, including strategic litigation and legal services. The Country Director provides strategic vision and leadership, ensuring that HIAS Greece’s programs align with HIAS’ strategy, policies, and technical standards. S/he is also the public face of the agency in Greece, regularly engaging with various stakeholders from the government, United Nations, European Union, institutional and private donors, foundations, and other stakeholders in support of HIAS’ mission and programming.

The successful candidate will have demonstrated ability to build capacity and provide effective leadership and management skills. S/he will have a strong commitment to refugee protection and relevant experience implementing, monitoring and overseeing humanitarian, development, and/or legal protection programs. The Country Director reports to the Chief Programs Officer at HIAS HQ, and works closely with stakeholders across multiple HQ departments and HIAS Europe. The role is based in Athens, with frequent travel throughout Greece.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Leadership and Program Management:

• Develops and implements detailed strategy and objectives for HIAS Greece in alignment with HIAS’ overall programs strategic framework.
• In coordination with HIAS’ technical specialists, oversees the design and successful implementation of all programs offered by HIAS Greece.
• Ensures all programs in Greece are delivered on time, on budget, and in line with donor and HIAS’ operational and technical quality standards.
• Manages the timely submission of high-quality proposals and leads donor engagement in-country.
• Oversees all country reporting to donors and HQ.

Outreach and Representation:

• Serves as HIAS’ primary representative with key partners and stakeholders in Greece, particularly United Nations entities, European Union stakeholders, local and international NGO partners, relevant government authorities and other stakeholders, as appropriate.
• Collaborates with HIAS External Relations team to support advocacy, communications, and community engagement efforts; drafts and edits materials for outreach and representational purposes.

Human Resources Management:

• Manages and builds the capacity of HIAS Greece’s employees; provides ongoing training and learning opportunities in areas of core competency and priority.
• Ensures a positive work environment and compliance with HIAS’ Core Values and Code of Conduct for all field office staff.
• Establishes organizational structure, job descriptions, and performance measures that reflect clear work expectations aligned with program goals and HIAS policies.
• Works collaboratively with HQ on all personnel-related issues and ensures compliance with local labor laws and regulations.

Financial Management:

• Oversees all financial and administrative systems and processes to ensure that HIAS Greece has met all required legal requirements and operates in a manner consistent with HIAS’ global financial standards.
• Oversees financial reporting, audit and in-country financial legal compliance, and cash flow.
• Provides timely, accurate and effective oversight of all aspects of country financial operations consistent with laws, donor requirements, and HIAS’ policies and procedures.
• Oversees implementation of effective fiscal controls in line with HIAS policies; institutes and monitors a system to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of all aspects of in-country financial management.
• Ensures regular communication and information flow between HIAS Greece and HIAS HQ to enable timely and accurate information sharing around financial projections and budget vs actual expenditure.

Accountability and Safeguarding:

• Models HIAS’ values through collaboration, strategic decision-making, evidence-based programming, and efficient management of resources.
• Ensures accountability through effective monitoring and impact assessment; complies with HIAS and donor policies, procedures and requirements.
• Ensures accountability to affected populations through effective implementation of HIAS’ AAP framework.
• Contributes to the development of systems and initiatives to better measure and demonstrate the impact of HIAS’ work.
• Creates a managerial environment in country to safeguard refugee protection and ensures adequate training to all employees and those representing HIAS on HIAS’ Safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Promote compliance of staff, volunteers and project partners with all HIAS’ policies and procedures.

Safety and Security:

• Responsible for the Safety and Security of all HIAS employees and assets in Greece.
• Consistently monitors the security environment in Greece and works closely with the VP, Global Safety and Security to ensure that updated safety and security policies and procedures are in place and implemented.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:

• Graduate degree required.
• A minimum of ten (10+) years of experience with the NGO sector, specifically in humanitarian response settings; a minimum of five (5) years’ experience managing large teams and country programs.
• Experience in age, gender and diversity mainstreaming and community-based and human rights approaches preferred.
• Excellent written communication and oral presentation skills, including experience presenting to a wide variety of audiences; demonstrated ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders and facilitate multiparty discussion and collaboration.
• Written and spoken proficiency in both Greek and English.
• Must have work authorization in Greece.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and budget and accounting software.
• Experience developing and implementing project objectives, indicators and budgets; experience in cash-based interventions and work with vulnerable populations.
• Knowledge of results-based management and experience overseeing procurement and audit procedures a plus.
• Excellent strategic thinking and problem-solving skills; a flexible, creative and collaborative working style.
• Ability to travel throughout Greece, regionally and internationally, as required; at times to insecure or difficult working environments.
• Commitment to HIAS’ mission and values and refugee protection.

DISCLAIMER:

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills required or permanent location. Location is subject to change based on programmatic needs. Flexibility is essential as we grow and develop. The successful candidate must be comfortable in a fast-paced, changing work environment with many crucial deadlines. All team members may be required to perform duties outside of their normal work hours of responsibilities as needed.

SAMPLE HIRING PROCESS:

We are committed to a fair and respectful hiring process, and we do our absolute best to respond to every applicant. We prioritize communication and transparency with all candidates, even those who are not moving forward. Here’s a snapshot of our hiring process:

Step 1: Submit your application!

Step 2: Phone screen with a Human Resources staff person.

Step 3: Interview with the hiring manager.

Step 4: Interview with a panel of HIAS employees.

Step 5: Reference check.

Step 6: Offer and background check.

Step 7: Start your professional journey with HIAS!

Note: Some of our hiring processes may vary, and not all candidates will advance to each step.

ABOUT US:

Over one hundred years ago, the Jewish community founded HIAS (originally the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) in New York City, the immigrant gateway to America. Supporting Jews fleeing persecution and poverty in Eastern Europe, our founders were guided by the traditions, texts and history of the Jewish people—a history of oppression, displacement and diaspora. HIAS has since helped generations of Jews facing violence because of who they were, and HIAS remains committed to helping Jewish refugees anywhere in the world. Today, our clients at HIAS come from diverse faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds, as do our staff. We bring our experience, history and values to our work across five continents, ensuring that refugees today receive the vital services and opportunities they need to thrive.

HIAS is a learning community, committed to diversity and inclusion. We do our work with integrity, accountability, transparency and a commitment to the highest ethical standards. We seek employees from diverse backgrounds and life experiences to join our teams located in the United States and across the globe. People who identify as BIPOC, people with disabilities, people from the LGBTQ+ community and people with lived experiences of forced displacement or immigration are all encouraged to apply. We are committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects our vision, mission and values.

VISION:

HIAS stands for a world in which refugees find welcome, safety and opportunity.

MISSION:

Drawing on our Jewish values and history, HIAS provides vital services to refugees and asylum seekers around the world and advocates for their fundamental rights so they can rebuild their lives.

VALUES:

Welcome • Acogimiento • Hospitalité • ????? ?????? (Hachnasat Orchim)

We Welcome the Stranger

Justice • Justicia • Justice • ??? (Tzedek)

We Pursue Justice

Empathy • Empatía • Empathie • ??? (Chesed)

We Approach our Clients with Empathy

Partnership • Compañerismo • Coopération • ?????? (Chevruta)

We Believe in Changing the World through Partnership

Courage • Coraje • Courage • ???? (Ometz)

We Act with Courage to Build a Better World

Resilience • Resiliencia • Résilience • ??? (Ruach)

We Adapt and Thrive, Continuously Demonstrating our Resilience

DIVERSITY:

HIAS is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnic background, ancestry, citizenship status, religious creed, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, familial status, pregnancy, childbirth, military status, protected veteran status, political orientation or other legally protected status.

SAFEGUARDING:

HIAS is committed to the protection of children, vulnerable adults and any other person from any harm caused directly or indirectly due to their coming into contact with HIAS. We will not tolerate sexual exploitation, abuse or any form of child abuse or neglect by our staff or associated personnel. Any candidate offered a job with HIAS will be expected to sign and adhere to HIAS’ Code of Conduct and Safeguarding policies. All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records. HIAS also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. Likewise, HIAS will share this information when other organizations inquire about current and former HIAS staff as part of their recruitment process. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.