Somalia: Country Director

Position: Country Director

Location: Hargeisa, Somaliland

Contract Type: Fixed Contract Job ID#: S0021

Forcier Consulting is a dynamic, research consultancy firm operating across Africa since 2011. Our core services include research, capacity building training and strategic planning for development actors, governments and private sector clients operating in post-conflict contexts and challenging environments. Forcier currently works in South Sudan, Sudan, Somalia, Democratic Republic of Congo Mozambique and Sierra Leone and is supported by its administrative, financial and training office in Cairo, Egypt.

Job Description: The Country Director will report to the Managing Partner, and will be responsible for the overall management of staff and the portfolio of activities being undertaken by the company in Somaliland. Specifically, the duties of the Country Director, includes:

Description of Main Duties:

Research

•  Serve as the lead contact for the research department and manages relationships with clients and

  partners including government bodies, donors, UN agencies, NCOs, private sector enterprises and civil society associations.

•  Develop, implement and deliver FC research project strategies, under the guidance of the Managing Partner.

•  Submit monthly internal reports to the Managing Partner on achievements, projects, problems encountered, pertinent developments and strategic needs.

•  Attend meetings with current and potential clients, major planning meetings and other cluster government meetings as required.

•  Introduce innovation and best practices to enhance research programs and operational performance.

•  Maintain quality standards in research programming in line with Forcier Consulting’s mission and

  values as well as international standards for research.

•  Contribute to internal discussions organization-wide on strategy, policy and organizational issues including attending strategy review meetings.

•  Oversees team of Research Managers and Research Officers in the implementation of research projects.

•  Provides analysis, interpretation, reporting, coordination and management of the administrative and operational structure of the research department, including the development of project proposals, professional service agreements and research billing compliance.

•  Contribute to the creation of a positive image and overall credibility of the organization, notably through the application of the organizations Code of Conduct, ethics, and values with regard to internal and external actors.

•  Develops standard work policies and procedures for the research department and conducts regular performance evaluations of research staff.

Financial Management-In close collaboration with the Head of Finance:
 Provide oversight to all finance operations, and administrative services.
 Ensure effective implementation and compliance with the overall Finance & guidance Manual and

compliance with procedures required by contract agreements.

 Oversee the development and implementation of annual country budgets and ensure that adequate internal control mechanisms are in place.

 Ensure adequate mechanisms are in place for budget monitoring and review and minimise significant expenditure variances.

 Review accuracy of accounts and carry out periodic checks on financial matters.
 Ensure the preparation, accuracy and timely submission of financial reports that comply with

contract agreements and ensure compliance with all aspects of FC policies.
 Check and verify all inventories and promote efficient management of organisational assets.

Human Resource Management- In close collaboration with the Head of Human Resource

•  Provide leadership support to Area Programme staff and promote best practices in human resources

  management.

•  Oversee adequate implementation of the performance management system including performance objectives and planning, review, appraisal and staff development.

•  Oversee and monitor efficiency and fairness of recruitment processes across all programs.

•  Organise regular meetings with the senior management team, and all staff for the purpose of

  exchanging information, coordination and learning.

•  Ensure that the country senior management team is effective, mutually supporting and sufficiently involved in decision-making.

  The position is based in Hargeisa, Somaliland with periodic travel to the field. Any and all locations may be high-risk and hardship postings.

  Education requirements:

•  Master’s degree in any of the social sciences (sociology, anthropology, psychology, economics, etc.)

•  Minimum of 3 years’ professional experience working in research or M&E;

•  Experience living and working in Somalia or Somaliland is an advantage.

  Relevant Work Experience:

•  Minimum 4 years demonstrated working experience in program development, implementation and evaluation; 2 of which should be at senior management level

•  Progressive experience of programme management (at least 5 years) in the INGO/private sector in Africa with a proven track record as a senior manager and leader, including experience in developing and implementing strategic plans.

•  A demonstrable network of contacts and high standing in his/her profession with proven record of building and managing effective partnerships and strategic alliances.

•  Strong People and financial Management skills. Skills Required:

•  Demonstrated initiative and creativity; and substantial experience of strategic thinking, including identifying, analysing, problem-solving and responding to opportunities and challenges and the ability to translate these into practical plans of action.

•  Good knowledge of financial management and accounting and budget holding principles.

•  Strong management and organisational skills, including comfort in delegating authority.

•  Supervision: Works independently under the supervision of the Managing Partner

•  Decision Making: Has full responsibility for the decisions at country level in line with approved policy.

•  Responsibility for assets: Overall responsibility for the Country budget, all organisational

  resources and assets.

•  Responsibility for Staff: All Country staff

•  Well established and practised organisational and planning skills; and extensive knowledge and experience of project cycle management including using project planning and management key tools (e.g. Logical Framework analysis, Gantt chart, etc.)

How to Apply:Please apply on our website on or before February 15, 2017:Please apply on our website http://joinforcier.com. On the Current Openings job table, locate the Country Director job posting, job ID S0021 and click Apply. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview.