The Finnish Evangelical Lutheran mission (Felm) is the international mission and development organization of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland and one of Finland's largest non-governmental organizations receiving programme-based development cooperation funding from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. For more than 160 years, Felm has worked towards a more just and humane world. Learn more about our work at Felm - Suomen Lähetysseura

We are seeking a Country Director to lead our programmes and partnerships in Tanzania and Senegal, as well as oversee the Arusha Country Office and its team. The duty station is Arusha, Tanzania.

In this role, you will provide leadership in operations, personnel management, finance, funding, and partnerships while strengthening international funding for programme activities.

The position reports to the Director of Impact for International Work.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead programmes, partnerships, the country office, and the team in Tanzania and Senegal, ensuring results, quality, monitoring, and reporting.
• Ensure compliance with organizational strategy, programme standards, donor requirements, legislation, and other obligations.
• Oversee human resources, financial management, administration, security, business continuity, and risk management.
• Expand international funding for programme operations and lead fundraising planning in collaboration with the Helsinki office.
• Develop relationships with partners, churches, donors, authorities, and networks; promote Felm Fellowship cooperation; and represent the organization externally.

What We Expect from You

• A relevant master's degree and strong leadership experience in an international and multicultural environment.
• Extensive expertise in programme management, financial management, people leadership, and partnership management.
• Proven success in securing international funding and developing donor-funded programmes.
• A strategic and analytical leadership approach, with strong competencies in risk management, security, and compliance.
• Strong English language skills, excellent collaboration and stakeholder management abilities, and an understanding of international church-related work.
• Willingness to live in Arusha and travel regularly, together with commitment to the organization's identity, values, and ethical principles.

Considered an Asset

• Knowledge of the operating environments in Tanzania and Senegal.
• Additional language skills relevant to the position.

Living Conditions and Assignment Environment

The duty station is Arusha, and the position requires regular travel within Tanzania, Senegal, and internationally. The operating environments may involve security and living-condition risks. The organization will assist with housing and work permit arrangements. Costs related to children's schooling and care will be reimbursed in accordance with employer policies.

Applicants should be aware that Tanzania's social and legal environment differs significantly from Finland's. Tanzanian legislation includes restrictions affecting sexual and gender minorities, and individuals belonging to these groups may encounter challenges and security risks.

The employer treats all applicants equally, and sexual orientation or gender identity does not influence recruitment decisions. However, due to Tanzanian legislation, the organization cannot assign same-sex couples to the area. This information is provided to support transparency and applicants' own assessment of the assignment.

Applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves carefully with the local security situation before applying (for example: Tanzania Travel Advisory – Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland).

The organization's project activities in Senegal are being phased out. The Country Director will support the completion of operations there from Arusha while simultaneously developing the organization's work in Tanzania.

Employment Terms

The position is permanent and will commence as soon as possible, as agreed. During the work permit process, duties will be performed from Helsinki.

A preparatory period in Finland will precede deployment. Housing in the duty station will be provided by the employer.

A probationary period of up to six months applies.

Further Information

For more information about the position, please contact: 

Tero Norjanen
Director of International Work
Tel. +358 40 764 8229

Call times:

• Friday 13 November, 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM
• Thursday 19 November, 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM

How to Apply

Interested?

Please submit your application and CV no later than Monday, 23 November 2026 in: https://ats.talentadore.com/apply/country-director-tanzania-and-senegal/mXwBpd

The selection process consists of an interview and a suitability assessment.