Head of Africa Programme

Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention

Closing date: 10 Jun 2009
Location: Kenya - Nairobi

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic planning and programme development

- Lead the strategic development of the Africa Programme.
- Oversee and support the development and planning of country and regional strategies to prevent and reduce violent conflict, support the development of the security and justice sectors, and stem the proliferation of small arms.
- Identify new and emerging issues of relevance to Saferworld’s work in Africa and develop appropriate strategies to address them.
- Work with other members of Saferworld’s Management Team, to identify new approaches and methods of working which enable Saferworld to address violent conflict and insecurity in innovative and effective ways.
- Work with the Director and Head of Policy and Advocacy to ensure the effective integration of cross-cutting themes and functions.

Programme management
- Oversee and support the implementation and monitoring of country and regional programmes designed to prevent and reduce violent conflict, support the development of the security and justice sectors, and stem the proliferation of small arms.
- Manage the development and implementation of particular aspects of the Africa Programme, as determined by capacity needs and strategic significance.
- Oversee and support the development of relations with Saferworld’s partners in Africa, including governments, civil society organisations and international agencies.
- Undertake high-level representation for the Programme with policy-makers and other senior officials of governments and international agencies.

Organisational leadership and people management
- Actively participate in Saferworld’s management team, including by representing the interests of the Africa Programme and the organisation as a whole in discussions and decision making.
- Manage the performance of four Team Leaders.
- Play an active role in developing organisational systems and policies.

Fundraising and financial management
- Develop and implement (with the Director, Head of Fundraising and Communications and others) a fundraising strategy for the Africa Programme.
- Ensure regular engagement with representatives from the international donor community.
- Lead the development of the Africa Programme’s annual budget and contribute to the development of the organisational budget.
- Ensure that Africa Programme staff work within their budgets to deliver agreed priorities.

Advocacy and communications
- Work with the Policy and Advocacy team to develop and implement Saferworld’s advocacy strategies targeting decision-makers and opinion-shapers in the international community.
- Act as a Saferworld spokesperson on conflict prevention and reduction and arms and security issues in Africa.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

The successful candidate will need:
- A masters degree (or equivalent) in international relations, development studies, political science or a related field;
- An excellent understanding of the discourse on conflict prevention and reduction, security and justice sector development, small arms control, and of the international policy environment in which these issues are addressed;
- A good understanding of the Horn of Africa region, and experience of working in Africa;
- Minimum of five years senior management experience, preferably in an international non-government organisation;
- Proven ability to manage and motivate staff at all levels.

Experience of managing staff based overseas is also desirable;
- Proven ability to undertake and lead strategic planning, programme development and evaluation;- Experience of budget development and financial management
- Experience of donor liaison and fundraising (including reporting to donors);
- Proven experience of working in partnership with NGOs and other civil society organisations and networks;
- Experience of relating to government officials at a senior level- Ability to undertake extensive travel (up to 3 months each year);
- High level communication skills, including experience of communicating effectively across cultures and with diverse audiences, both verbally and in writing;
- Excellent written and spoken English, and preferably of another language spoken in Africa (e.g. French, Arabic).

Terms and Conditions

- Probation:
There will be a probationary period of three months.
- Holidays: There are 25 days holiday a year (Jan-Dec) in addition to relevant public holidays.
- Salary range: £38,000 - £46,000 gross per year (KSH 4,450,430 – 5,387,360 gross per year) - Pension: 6% contribution to a personal pension fund after six months service (with 2% contribution from employee).
- Hours: Standard working week is 37.5 hours a week.
However, the demands of the job are likely to be such that a willingness to work longer hours, as required, will be necessary.
- The position is based in Nairobi.

How to apply

Please email CV and covering letter detailing how you meet the selection criteria to Sophia Khan to Email: recruitment@saferworld.org.uk (please use subject heading: Ref: HeAf)

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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