JOB VACANCY
AWDF DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMES
BACKGROUND
The African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF), an Africa-wide fundraising and grantmaking foundation based in Accra, Ghana, is looking for a new Director of Programmes (DOP) after nine years of dedicated service by the current post holder.
The services of the DOP are required to support the design and implementation of organisational programmes and policies that will support systemic change to actualise gender equality and women’s rights in Africa.
JOB SUMMARY
Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Programmes will play a critical role in developing and implementing the vision and direction of AWDF’s fundraising and grantmaking strategies and initiatives. She will work in close collaboration with the ED, Board of Directors, Advisors and Programme team, and will promote the visibility of AWDF and develop strategic alliances with peers in international philanthropy. She will supervise and manage a multi-disciplinary programmes team and participate in fundraising and communication activities.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
Provide oversight, strategy, direction and continuity for current fundraising activities, while at the same time assessing and responding to AWDF’s growth and changing needs by expanding current activities and programs and creating new ones, as appropriate;
Manage and oversee all program initiatives and an annual grantmaking budget
Support the Executive Director by providing strategic leadership and oversight for the fundraising and grantmaking programmes.
Work with other Senior Managers to develop programme budgets; approve and monitor programme expenses; initiate planning processes and facilitate grants decision-making.
Conduct annual performance evaluations and actively guide staff professional development, providing opportunities for professional development as needed;
Maintain an overview of team composition and dynamics; lead team-building and integration process
Stay well abreast of current trends in international development/women’s rights to ensure that AWDF’s programmes are responsive to current challenges facing women worldwide and that its fundraising and grantmaking is effective and timely;
Collaborate with the senior management team of the African Women’s Development Fund: ensure the well-being of the organisation as a whole; model effective leadership to all AWDF staff; set the tone for the organisation’s inner workings; listen and provide guidance to staff; interpret AWDF vision, values and strategies;
Work closely with the Senior Management Team to ensure flow of relevant information and encourage effective coordination between teams and to develop and plan special/new initiatives or programmes as needed.
COMPETENCIES
Strong analytical and managements skills
Ability to manage complex problems proactively/effectively
Ability to design and write a variety of reports, articles and other information products
Personal initiative and ability to work under pressure
Knowledge of current development theory, policies and practice
Ability to express oneself clearly and effectively both orally and in writing;
Ability to organize work and collaborate effectively with a wide range of stakeholder – including individuals of different national and cultural backgrounds, including networking across professional, thematic and organizational boundaries.
QUALIFICATIONS
An advanced degree in international relations, political science, gender studies, sociology, humanities or related field;
A minimum of eight years professional experience working in the field of women’s rights or relevant professional experience in social justice or human rights broadly, international work experience is preferred;
A proven fundraising track record
Proven managerial, operations, financial, problem solving, networking and organisational development experience;
A history of communicating effectively in writing and orally; including excellent public speaking skills for both formal and extemporaneous presentations; ability to represent AWDF to a diverse public.
Proven ability to lead and engage in strategic planning processes; able to think critically, objectively, analytically, and strategically and to set priorities;
History of collaborating successfully with a broad and diverse range of communities and individuals.
Willingness and ability to travel at least 20% of time, including international and domestic travel.Working knowledge of French will be an advantage
Candidates must demonstrate a proven commitment to women’s rights activism and will be expected to demonstrate the highest levels of integrity and model the feminist and social justice values espoused by AWDF.
Qualified candidates should send a written application (2 pages) and a CV of not more than 8 pages to:
The Human Resource Manager, African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF),
Plot #78 Ambassadorial Enclave, East Legon, Accra.
P.M.B CT 89, Cantonments
Accra, Ghana.
Copies of applications should be sent by email to [email protected] indicating ‘Director of Programmes’.
Applications should reach AWDF not later than May 15, 2015. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for additional information and interviews.
