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Africa Program Director Give Us Wings Kenya, Uganda, United States

Give Us Wings (GUWUSA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization rebuilding villages and restoring hope together with the people of Kenya and Uganda since 1999. We work with community-based organizations (CBOs) and help them to develop the capacity to identify and implement solutions to the challenges they face as they work toward economic sustainability. With an approach of transformation rather than merely direct aid, Give Us Wings funds community development projects, provides financial assistance and training for economic self-sufficiency, and funds educational and medical needs of adults and children in Kenya and Uganda.

Position:

The Give Us Wings AFRICA PROGRAM DIRECTOR is employed by Give Us Wings USA and is based in Kisumu, Kenya. S/he reports to the Give Us Wings’ Executive Director who is based in St. Paul, MN. The AFRICA PROGRAM DIRECTOR works in partnership with community-based organizations to develop and implement effective community-led programs to overcome extreme poverty. S/he facilitates communication and ensures effective coordination between multiple staffs and programs in Kenya and Uganda. S/he manages and supervises Give Us Wings Kenya (GUWK) and Give Us Wings Uganda (GUWU) staffs. S/he consults with the Board of Directors of each Give Us Wings entities regarding the hiring and supervising of staff members.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Program Coordination and Development
-Understand and implement all programs and projects in accordance with the Give Us Wings’ mission and development model.
-Work collaboratively with Africa staff and Give Us Wings’ constituencies to:
--Help Africa staff facilitate group discussions with CBOs/self-help groups that promote a collaborative approach to problem solving and idea generation.
--Along with Give Us Wings’ country staff, meet and consult regularly with members of the CBOs with which we work in order to maintain and strengthen GUW’s grassroots model of development.
--Work with Africa staff to monitor, manage and assess projects and programs as they are implemented and ensure that they are in compliance with the stated goals of the project or program plan.
--Gather data necessary to conduct evaluations of Give Us Wings’ activities and projects.
--Oversee current projects and programs, including but not limited to, health programs, adult education programs, sponsorship program and small business loan and mentorship program
--Form partnerships in Kenya and Uganda with like-minded organizations that share our vision for development work in Africa.

Program Budgeting Responsibilities
-Develop annual budgets for GUWK and GUWU.
-Prepare and submit to the GUW Executive Director quarterly funding requests in accordance with the established guidelines and schedules.
-Prepare or direct the preparation of all final financial reports and arrange for and organize the annual audits in each country.

Human Resource Development and Management
-Supervise all human resources policies and programs for GUWK and GUWU, including organizational planning and development, training, development, compensation and benefits, performance evaluation, and recruiting; provide clarity around roles, motivate staff and facilitate effective team dynamics.
-Build a performance review and appraisal procedure for Give Us Wings’ staff in Kenya and Uganda.

Board and Leadership Development:
-Work with GUWK’s and GUWU’s Boards of Directors and GUWU Board of Directors to review project proposals submitted by CBOs. Assist the Boards of Directors in assessing whether to recommend project proposals for approval by GUWUSA.
-Work with Give Us Wings Kenya Board of Directors and Give Us Wings Uganda Board of Directors to supervise, maintain, operate and evaluate Give Us Wings projects in their respective countries.
-Serve as liaison between the Africa Boards of Directors and the GUW Executive Director and the GUWUSA Board of Directors.
-Coordinate and facilitate quarterly Board of Directors meetings in each country.

Documentation and Communications:
Serve as liaison between Give Us Wings’ Africa operations and the GUW Executive Director by maintaining frequent and regular communications.
-Prepare timely reports and updates to the GUW Executive Director on project activities, staffing, and issues and concerns.
-Work with Kenya and Uganda staff to produce timely, accurate and complete financial reports to be submitted to the Africa Boards of Directors and to the GUW Executive Director.

International Education, Fundraising, and Development:
-Raise funds and obtain technical assistance and other resources for Give Us Wings’ groups by working with international foundations, governmental agencies and organizations.
-Research possible income generating activities in villages in Kenya and Uganda.
-Work with the GUW Executive Director to prepare requests and reports for funders and donors.
-Help arrange and coordinate the individual and group volunteer trips.
-Seek out and apply for program funding from donors and grantors located in Africa.


Key Qualifications:

-Prefer candidate with Master’s degree in a relevant area or Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years international development experience in management position.
-Experience living and working overseas.
-Previous experience in grassroots community organizing.
-Previous experience in development, non-profit management and advocacy work required.
-Self-motivated and self-directed.
-Must demonstrate integrity, respect for grassroots leaders from diverse communities affected by extreme poverty.
-Exceptional interpersonal skills, strong written communications skills, initiative, and ability to prepare clear plans and reports on financial and program activities.

Working Conditions:

The AFRICA PROGRAM DIRECTOR is based in Kisumu, Kenya for approximately 10 months out of the year, with one month at the St. Paul, Minnesota headquarters. S/he will be required to: travel frequently within Kenya and eastern Uganda, work long and irregular hours, and work in challenging circumstances. Compensation will include a salary, plus health insurance or allowance, travel expenses, housing or housing allowance, telephone and office expenses.


To Apply:

This is a challenging position for a dedicated and highly motivated professional. If you would like to join this dynamic team and help strengthen community empowerment and poverty eradication for African communities, please submit the following: A CV/resume which should include the full contact details of three professional references; a cover letter, a writing sample, and a one page explanation on your philosophy of development work. Please submit all the above required information to Give Us Wings Executive Director, Therese Dosch Anderson, at director@giveuswings.org.

For more information: Visit www.giveuswings.org or contact Give Us Wings Executive Director, Therese Dosch Anderson, at 651-789-5606 or director@giveuswings.org .