Somalia: Deputy Executive Director

Description

Action for Relief and Development (ARD) is a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) operating in South/Central Somalia. ARD seeks to address the causes and consequences of human suffering and poverty amongst some of the most vulnerable communities in South/Central and Somalia at large through participatory relief and development invention in partnership with Governmental and Non-Governmental Organization. ARD is recruiting a qualified Deputy Executive Director to be based in Mogadishu on Two (2) years contract with a possibility of extension. The successful candidate should be willing to travel to overseas.

Job Summary The Post-holder will be supporting the executive director in the development, design, planning, implementation and management of new policy/es of the ARD’s strategic plans, to ensure the effective delivery of the work and to provide leadership and direction to the programmes, finance and administration staff.

Specific Tasks and Responsibilities

 Provide strategic vision, guidance and leadership on matters relating to ARD’s Programming, strategy, management, governance, and budget Supervise, guide, advice and support programme staff in refining the overall strategic direction of ARD’s focus areas, in establishing programme priorities, and in designing and carrying out projects.

 Work in close consultation with the Executive Director in identifying funding opportunities, developing project proposals, managing interactions with programmes donors and supporting fundraising efforts.

 Ensure that the organisation has the right management systems and structures to carry out its work effectively, accountably and safely and that these are allocated in line with strategic priorities and are utilised in an effective manner.

 Ensures the organization has diverse staff with skills appropriate to the needs of the position through people management activities including hiring, separation of employment, ongoing staff development, performance management, compensation and benefits.

 Develop and apply learning, monitoring and evaluation criteria to better measure the effectiveness and outcomes of ARD’s projects.

 Lead on the evaluation and development of operational strategy and performance in co-operation with the executive team.

 Provides guidance, as requested by the Executive Director, for fundraising and donor management, business development and partnership activities

 Develop and implement processes to oversee the preparation of the annual programme strategy and budget plans.

 Develop and disseminate a culture of learning, innovation and development throughout the organization.

 Oversee planning for and preparation of ARD’s board meetings and the grant approval process.

 Establish oversight mechanisms to ensure compliance with internal policy and legal requirements.

 Negotiate and draft Memoranda of Agreements with participating partners and oversee the appointment of consultants.

 Represent the Executive Director at meetings with the partners and donors.

 Oversee financial management activities within ARD.

 Responsible for appointment of contractors, contract signing and payment authorization.

 Develop and coordinate special projects as requested by the Executive Director.

 Any other duties as assigned by the Executive Director

Qualifications, Experience and Skills

Knowledge

 Demonstrable knowledge as a result of study, training or practical experience on the key debates in development and emergency response methods and effectiveness;

 Knowledge of Somalia; the geopolitical factors affecting child-poverty and the situation of youth in the country and the political, social and environmental opportunities for change is an advantage;

 Knowledge of the requirements of donor compliance and financial management;

Skills

 Proven skills in the development and management of effective and motivated teams, including distance management and capacity development of the staff;

 Effective working with and through partners;

 Proven exceptional analytical skills in identifying any significant issues, communicating and addressing them;

 Ability to establish robust operational systems and structures;

 Action and results orientation is required.

 Ability to manage multiple projects

Behaviours

 Self motivated leader with the passion for social justice;

 Person of strong integrity that is an example to others;

 Even tempered, patience, with a sense of humour is highly desirable;

 Creativity and innovation, especially in motivating and influencing others;

 Problem analysis, judgement, handling ambiguity and decision making with limited data

 Commitment to continuous improvement with the overall aim of optimising the quality and impact of ARD’s programmes.

Qualifications and Experience

 Proven and extensive minimum of 3 years' senior management experience leading complex development programs in Somalia.

 Proven and extensive experience of providing leadership through complex change programs.

 A post graduate degree in social sciences, economics or other relevant field from a recognized university.

 Is able (physically and emotionally) to live, work and travel in difficult environments, is sensitive to cross-cultural contexts, and is comfortable with team living where required

 Manages time efficiently but is ready to work long hours when necessary

 Previous NGO-based experience of relief and development programming in Somalia is an asset.

 Fluency in Somali and English language is required.

All interested applicants should send their application attaching their CV and a letter of motivation no later than 15th August 2013 to: hr@actionrelief.net; and copy to jobs@actionrelief.net with subject line: “Deputy Executive Director.”

ARD is an Equal Opportunity Employer, promoting gender, equity and diversity. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.