JOB SUMMARY:
The Director, Africa Programs reports directly to the Vice President, Africa Programs and works closely with the Program teams at Headquarters (HQ) Toronto as well as with the National Offices. The incumbent receives technical guidance from the Director, Global Program Partnership and the Director, Program Development at HQ.
Working closely with the VPAP, the incumbent leads on implementing the mandate of the Africa Office in four core areas of work:
• Strategic planning and setting a programmatic vision for Africa region
• Networking and representation at regional level (internal and external)
• New business development (fundraising) at country and regional level
• Program quality and accountability standard setting and oversight
The incumbent is the technical lead on issues related to program quality in all countries within the Africa region. He/she supports the leadership of the country teams in development, planning and implementation of program strategies. The incumbent also supports the VPAP in overall management of Africa Office and related country offices.
The Director, Africa Programs will be based in Uganda with up to 12 weeks spent travelling to Right To Play program countries.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Job Responsibility #1: Strategic Planning and Setting a Programmatic Vision for the Region (20% of Time):
• Assesses development context in the Africa region and produces the analysis that guides the development of regional and country office strategies and donor proposals.
• Co-leads, with the VPAP on informing organizational, regional and country office strategy setting.
• Assists in the development of a well-articulated strategy for key development issues in the region such as education in emergencies strategy.
• Ensures that all strategies are up to date and shared with the relevant stakeholders.
Job Responsibility #2: New Business Development Program Design and Management (20% of Time):
• Guides country teams to develop and deepen programmatic thinking and design.
• Supports the design of innovative programs that better address the needs of children and youth in the region.
• Guides country teams in the development of country strategic plans, annual plans, and proposals.
• Ensures smooth implementation of project administration and logistics.
• Works with project teams in the development of individual capacity of country staff and organizational capacity of local partners.
• Liaises with the General Manager in the development and implementation of monitoring, review, assessment and evaluation plans for improved program development and delivery.
• Ensures the timely completion and submission of all project reports inclusive of monthly financial reports, quarterly reports, annual reports, and donor reports.
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Job Responsibility #3:** Field Partnership Development (15% of Time):
• Assists in developing partnerships with regional donors and INGOs.
• Supports the Vice President, Africa in coordination and information sharing with and across other regional field teams.
Job Responsibility #4: Program Quality, Setting and Oversight (20% of Time):
• Supports the development of RTP program standards and ensures their adherence in program design and implementation.
• Facilitates regional level conversations around program quality, program accountability, partnerships, gender, and child protection.
• Supports the VPAP in coordination and information sharing with and across other regional field teams.
Job Responsibility #5: General Management (10% of Time):
• Deputizes the VPAP as required.
• Maintains signing authority for specific financial requirements
Job Responsibility #5: Performs other Duties as Assigned (5% of Time):
EDUCATION/TRAINING/CERTIFICATION:
Required (must have):
• Masters Degree or equivalent in Education, International Development Studies, or related discipline
EXPERIENCE:
Required (must have):
5 years’ experience in the management of international development projects including designing projects and developing programs, developing and managing programmatic and operational budgets, managing field operations and team leadership. International experience and at least one year’s experience managing multi-country programs required.
Desired (an asset):
• Other language skills, particularly French and/or Portuguese
• Other International Development and child protection/development certifications
• Experience in child and youth development
• Experience in sport and play programming for development and peace
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS REQUIRED:
• Fluency in written and spoken English
• Understanding of financial report analysis
• Ability to build new funding relationships and steward existing donor relationship
• Knowledge and skill in managing and mentoring staff, and providing technical support
• Knowledge of the history of regional conflicts, adversity facing children and youth in the
• Proven knowledge of budgetary control and financial management, including ability to read and understand financial data.
• Demonstrated computer skills especially in MS Office packages
• Understanding of Human Rights and peace building concept
• Understanding of laws and regulations that may affect the programs within the region
COMPETENCIES / PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:
• High level of interpersonal and cross-cultural skills.
• Ability to build and maintain strong internal and external relationships.
• Ability to pragmatically solve problems and plan a course of action.
• Ability to manage the expectations of key users/ clients
• Ability to identify and pursue opportunities to build and strengthen partnerships.
• Ability to recognizes individual and team contributions and provide coaching and feedback
• Ability to multi-task and work under-pressure and in all situations
• Ability to use innovation ways and best practices in conducting business.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS:
• Ability to travel internationally is required
Compensation: We offer a competitive salary and benefits package
Employment Start Date: September, 2016
Contract Duration: Full time, contract position until September 2017
HOW TO APPLY:
If you are interested in applying for this position, please send your resume and cover letter to:UgandaHR@righttoplay.com and kindly include “Director, Africa Programs” and your name in the subject line. Please indicate your salary expectations in the cover letter.
While we thank all applicants for their interest, only those selected for interviews will be contacted. Right To Play is a child-centered organization. Our recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to the safety and protection of children in our programs. The successful candidate will be required to provide a satisfactory police record check as a condition of employment. To learn more about who we are and what we do, please visit our website at www.righttoplay.com.