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Country Heads (Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Liberia and new Africa projects)

Tony Blair Africa Governance Initiative

Roles in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Rwanda, London


The Africa Governance Initiative (AGI) is working for a future in which Africa's development is led by Africans, with governments that are capable of setting and achieving priorities that reflect the rising aspirations and expectations of their citizens. To achieve this vision, we provide practical advice and support to help African leaders to bridge the gap between their vision for a better future and the capacity of their governments to achieve it. We work with countries – currently Sierra Leone, Liberia and Rwanda, but with plans for growth – that are at turning points and where we have had an invitation from the Head of Government to provide capacity development support.

AGI is now seeking exceptional individuals to join our organisation. All roles are based in Africa, with the exception of the Director of Strategy and Development position which is based in London. Salary and package will be competitive within the international charitable sector.

AGI Leadership roles

Country Heads (Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Liberia and new Africa projects)
During 2011-2012 AGI will recruit a handful of exceptional leaders to manage our governance programmes in Rwanda, Liberia and Sierra Leone, and to establish new projects in Africa. These positions offer a uniquely challenging leadership and management experience. Based full time in-country, you will be responsible for ensuring that our projects leave a lasting impact on the capacity of our partner governments to deliver in some of the world's poorest and most fragile countries. These positions will oversee all activities of AGI's programmes in Africa, and in addition to the AGI core competencies, will require: proven leadership and management experience; ability to set strategic direction and manage performance in a complex and fast-moving environment; substantial relevant professional experience, including working with Heads of Government or other senior figures; and ability to manage a budget. These positions are for 2 years, and are based in Africa.

AGI Strategic Advisor Roles

We are now looking for Strategic Advisors to join our Rwanda and Sierra Leone programmes, and to expand AGI's footprint into new countries, in particular in Francophone Africa.

AGI Rwanda Programme. We are currently recruiting for new team members for the AGI Rwanda programme. We began providing support to the Government of Rwanda in July 2008, working in particular in the Office of the President, the Office of the Prime Minister, and the Rwanda Development Board. The Government of Rwanda are currently embarking on an ambitious and innovative Strategic Capacity Building Initiative to drive reform programmes in energy, agriculture, investment and mining. AGI is looking at a number of roles to support the delivery of this initiative, including a Strategic Advisor in the Ministry of Natural Resources, Forest, Land and Mining, an Executive Office Advisor, a Communications Advisor and Programme Delivery Leads with expertise in Energy, Private Sector Development and Mining. These positions would start in September/October 2011, and we are looking for a 2 year commitment.
AGI Sierra Leone Programme. We have been supporting the Government of Sierra Leone for over 2 years in the Office of the President and the Presidential delivery priorities in health, agriculture and private sector investment. The next phase of work will see the Sierra Leone Programme through to the Presidential Elections in autumn 2012. We are now looking to strengthen our team with up to 5 individuals in this exciting period, which will include the scoping and preparation for any potential continuation of the programme after the elections, including a Strategic Advisor in the Office of the President, Strategic Advisors in priority Ministries, including Health and Agriculture, and a Strategic Advisor in Private Sector Development. These positions would start between September 2011 and March 2012, and would be for 2 years
New AGI Projects. AGI is planning to expand into other African countries over the next 12-18 months, where there is a clear need for our work, and a demand expressed by partner governments. We will be putting together small teams to scope new projects, including in Francophone Africa, and we are particularly interested to hear from fluent French-speakers who also can demonstrate excellence in AGI's core competencies. These roles will be based in both London and Africa, for 3-9 months.

Experience and Competences
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In addition to specific and relevant experience, all candidates will need to demonstrate the following:

  • Excellent project and stakeholder management skills
  • A proven ability to inspire, coach and develop others, including people from different backgrounds and cultures
  • Understanding of organisational design and accountability mechanisms
  • Ability to deliver results in complex and challenging environments
  • Mental toughness and the ability to cope in demanding environments
  • A creative and entrepreneurial approach to overcoming barriers and making change happen
  • Above all, high levels of enthusiasm, resilience, and a can-do attitude
  • Experience of living and working in developing countries is desirable but not essential.

How to apply
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To apply, please send a CV and cover letter to Peter Childs Ltd at pca@peterchilds.co.uk.

In your cover letter, please specifically highlight which project and/or role you have an interest in, and your suitability for the role against the requirements above. The deadline for applications is close of play on Wednesday 6 July.