NGO Country Director Job

Job Description

Title: Country Director, DRC

Reports To: Team Leader, Cluster 3 Africa

Organisational Context

We work in partnership with local NGOs and by supporting a number of other projects and policy influencing initiatives.  

The company is among the leading NGOs promoting poverty focused strategies and programmes.

We are looking for a committed and inspirational Country Director to shape, lead and manage the vision of the Federation in DRC.

General Responsibilities

The person is expected to manage, lead and shape a vision for the organization’s DRC  by aligning the two strategies, implement the aligned country strategy to provide quality program management, policy and advocacy work as well as lead on other organizational systems to drive the needed change agenda both at national and international levels relating to DRC.

This is expected to be done in line with the established policies, principles and operating practice of the organization’s federation, as well as good management practice and the political, social, cultural & economic environment.

Specific Responsibilities

Organisational and Corporate Development

• Implement and further develop organization's vision, mission, philosophy and principles in line with agreed corporate strategies and organisational priorities.
• Actively contribute to organization’s development as an international and regional organisation.
• Maintain regular communication with the Line manager and across other staff of the organization as appropriate.
• Provide inputs to corporate activities as and when required, including participation on task forces, training courses and conferences.

Programme Implementation

• Lead and direct the work of the organization in accordance with sound management practice and The organization’s development policies and accountability systems.
• Ensure it has a well balanced, well documented and cost effective programme.
• Develop its capacity to document, disseminate and learn from development work and ensure all reporting is of the highest standard.
• Manage and encourage co-operative relationships established with various specialist institutions and ensure that these joint initiatives conform to programme objectives.
• Ensure all programme activities are sensitive to and responsive to changes in the political, social, and economic environments.

Financial Management & Control

• Ensure that the control of expenditure and the disbursement of resources is in accordance with established procedures and maintain the financial and legal integrity of the organisation.
• Provide progress and financial reports as required by the government and organization’s accountability procedures and as required by other organisations.

Human Resource Development & Management

• Maintain effective and appropriate staff recruitment, induction, appraisal, remuneration and development practice at all levels to ensure the optimum utilisation and development of its human resources.
• Appoint, develop and manage senior management staff. Ensure a high calibre of staff is recruited while  promoting affirmative action within the organisation in favour of women.
• Encourage a corporate perspective amongst staff and actively promote staff exchange, secondment and development schemes, where these contribute to the meeting of the organization’s programme  objectives and priorities.

Relationship with the Government of DRC

• Ensure that it operates within the terms and conditions of all legal agreements with the      Government of DRC.
• Establish, develop and maintain excellent working relationships with the Government; in particular with relevant national, provincial and district level officials.
• Provide support to all senior managers in their dealings with officials.

Local Fundraising & Liaison with Funders/Donors

• Ensure a regular flow of information is available to the funding departments and to donors and official funders as required by the various funding mechanisms.
• Establish and develop working relationships with key donors and actively develop local funding sources appropriate to its resource needs.

Policy, Research & Advocacy Work

• Encourage the development of appropriate research with a view to improving the quality of field work and influencing changes in policy to improve the quality of life for the poor.
• Maintain sound relations with policy, research and advocacy specialists at regional and international levels.

Media Engagements

• Develop and manage a sound relationship with all sections of the media and ensure that any published material accurately reflects the views of the organisation.
• Establish an appropriate public image for the organization that is in keeping with its values and culture.

Emergency Preparedness

Develop and maintain appropriate contingency plans for all kinds of emergencies. Such plans to be presented for approval of the supervisor for inclusion in corporate emergency response mechanisms.

Other Requirements

Carry out other assignments as requested by the supervisor either in-country or other countries.

Internal Relationships: Line Manager, Other CDs, senior management team, & other relevant internal stakeholders.

External Relationships: Donors, government agencies, partners & other stakeholders.

Person Specification

Education

Qualifications    

Essential  

• Bachelor’s degree in social sciences or arts/humanities
• At least a Masters degree in a related field   

Desirable

• Membership of relevant professional institution

Experience    

Essential 

• At least 15 years minimum working experience in the social development field
• About 10 years proven track record in leading and managing institutions and development programs as well as either being part of social movements or an active member of civil society
• At least 5 years experience in a senior management position in the development sector particularly in designing, setting up and coordinating monitoring, evaluation and impact assessment systems and processes as well as pro-poor strategies
• In-depth understanding of programming issues and policy work at state, national and international levels
• Sound and up to date knowledge of development concepts, methodologies and techniques including demonstrated expertise in at least one specialist development field
• Understanding of gender issues in development and demonstrable commitment to promoting gender equity within the organisation and in programme work    

Desirable

• Proven initiative, flexibility and enthusiasm in managing complex activities in a changing environment.

Skill Abilities   

Essential  

• Excellent management & leadership skills
• Excellent skills in facilitation and capacity building for inter-linkages between staff, donors, partners & stakeholders
• Excellent conceptual, analytical, documentation and presentation skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including report writing
• Excellent planning and prioritization skills
• Excellent financial management skills
• Ability to think strategically
• Strong analytical/problem solving skills
• Multi-tasking skills
• Negotiation skills
• Proficiency in English language and a familiarity with the particular country environment as it affects development strategies   

Desirable

• Excellent skills in programme information management
• Demonstrable versatility in use of IT (MS Word, Excel, Access, Power-point, e-mail, DTP packages)

Personal Qualities    

Essential  

• Demonstrable commitment to supportive team working
• Creative and takes initiative
• Able to work effectively in a diverse team environment
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse coalition, alliances as well as independently
• Multitasking with ability to handle heavy work load and various projects in a highly challenging environment
• Willing to work additional hours at crucial times   

Desirable

• Self motivated person able to work without supervision
• Effectively promote the organization’s mission, values, and objectives

If interested ,kindly send CV to recruitkenya@kimberly-ryan.net ,with the job title as subject matter