Director, Africa Program

Vital Voices Global Partnershi

Location:

United States (Washington, DC)

Website:

www.vitalvoices.org

Contact Information:

Celena Green

Email:

africa@vitalvoices.org

Description:

Vital Voices Global Partnership (www.vitalvoices.org), an international, Washington DC–based nonprofit organization dedicated to building women's leadership and capacity, seeks a seasoned program director to lead our Africa team. The Director, Africa will be responsible for developing and executing the Vital Voices Africa strategy, managing implementation of programs in the region, overseeing funds dedicated to these programs, and contributing to fundraising efforts for the region.

The selected candidate will join an exciting team at Vital Voices that is implementing Vital Voices strategies in economic empowerment, political participation and human rights in Sub-Saharan Africa. Vital Voices' Africa programs include African Women Entrepreneurs in Handcrafts; Leveling the Playing Field; the Africa Businesswomen's Network; Women's Leadership in Public Life; Women's Leadership and Advocacy Fund; and other programs under development. Our Africa programs touch the lives of over 27,000 women in 28 countries.

Responsibilities The Director will provide leadership and senior management to the Africa program staff on the development, coordination and execution of Vital Voices programs in Africa. Specific responsibilities include:

• Manage a dynamic team of regional program officers, program associate and program assistant.
• Continue to develop the Vital Voices Africa regional strategy in collaboration with Vital Voices issue area directors.
• Develop and manage the department and individual program budgets. Work with finance team to track budget and spending.
• Oversee the implementation of all programs in the region, including serving as the program manager for key programs when necessary.
• Develop regional communications strategy to track and communicate program successes and impact to various stakeholders, including Vital Voices senior leadership, board, funders, and partners in the region.
• Work with the VP of Development to raise funds for new initiatives.
• Position requires significant travel to the Africa region.
• Monitor the technical performance and outcomes of the program according to M&E plan, and facilitate the sharing of best practices across countries.
• Ensure adherence to program plans and schedules as well as develop solutions to program challenges.

Qualification:

• Bachelor's Degree with at least 20 years of relevant experience at senior management/director level, or Advanced Degree with at least 15 years of relevant experience at senior management level required.
• Strong demonstrated interest and expertise in international women's issues, international economic development, human rights, and/or political participation
• Professional experience living and working in Sub-Saharan Africa
• A demonstrated track record of strong program management of a multi-million dollar, multi-year, multinational program, including: program and budget development, strategic planning, program implementation, monitoring and evaluation, training and team building, finance and administration, and inter-agency and intra-agency communications.
• Proven ability to raise program funds. Prior experience working with major donors such as the State Department, USAID and corporate foundations preferred.
• Experience leading and managing teams, including consultants and staff located off-site.
• French, Swahili and/or Portuguese language skills are preferred. Desired Skills and Qualities
• Excellent writing and editing skills
• Strong computer skills including MS Office applications
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively
• Ability to work with multiple teams in a matrixed environment
• A track record of mentoring and developing staff for future leadership
• Ability to juggle multiple projects
• Self-motivated, creative, and resourceful
• Ability to deal with ambiguity and changing priorities
• Cultural and political sensitivity, tact, and sound judgment