Country Director, VSF Germany, Garowe, Somalia

Closing Date: Friday, 09 November 2012

VSF Germany is an international Non Governmental Organization, providing humanitarian aid and development assistance to pastoralists and vulnerable communities in areas where livestock is of importance. In the region, VSF Germany implements activities in southern Sudan, Sudan, Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia.

With support in animal health, agriculture, marketing, food safety but also with developing the capacity of communities and governmental institutions or initiating peace and conflict resolution we work towards food security and strengthened livelihoods of pastoralist communities.

The Country Director is a senior manager position, mainly supporting the execution of VSF Germany strategic objectives and working in respective country as the contact of the organization.

We are looking for a qualified, competent person, to take up the position of Country Director for Somalia. The incumbent will be based in Garowe, Puntland with frequent travels to Somaliland and other project areas. Key responsibilities

I. Overall responsibilities:

The country representative Somalia will implement VSF Germany's organization strategic plan and thematic perspectives by providing leadership, direction, advice and lend supports to VSF Germany in Somalia in contributing in the implementation of the respective country projects/programmes, without assuming the project manager role/function Working closely with the organization & senior management team, s/he will develop the organization's growth in the respective country and support actions towards achieving set objectives. S/he will oversee all project implementations.

II. Leadership & Organization Development

·         Steer the development & review of the strategic plan for VSF G, in the country, approved by the Managing Director.

·         Coordinate and ensure cordial relationship are fostered with partners, donors, international organization, line ministries and local authorities

·         Ensure that VSF Germany complies with the country laws and regulations.

·         Identify and source for funding opportunities where appropriate and in line with VSF Gs humanitarian and development plan and exchange such information with the Managing Director or Head of Programs.

III. Representation

·         Represent VSF Germany in the country of authority.

·         Attend non project related meetings and networking forums on behalf of the organization.

·         Build communication between the regional office and country office, to promote greater learning and enhance understanding of challenges and impacts.

IV. Operations

·         Be responsible and manage operations of the country office.

·         Ensure that VSF G security policy and procedures are in place and staff adhere accordingly.

·         Act as the country security focal point, and install all security focal points within the country.

·         Ensure participation in the NGOs / UN / Government security meeting and provide a feedback to all Security Focal Points (SFP) in the country and to the regional office.

·         Responsible for the facilitation of security training for staff; together with SFP - RON

·         Ensure that all VSFG's policies and procedures are in place and are adhered to.

·         The Country representative has overall disciplinary responsibility over all country staff in accordance with country laws and VSFG regulations.

Qualifications:

·         Bachelor's degree in social sciences or arts/humanities with a rich working experience in the same field or a Masters degree in development studies or related field.

·         At least 10 years minimum working experience in the social development field.

·         About 5 years proven track record in leading and managing institutions and development programs as well as either being part of social movements or an active member of civil society

·         At least 5 years experience in a senior management position in the development sector particularly in designing, setting up and coordinating monitoring, evaluation and impact assessment systems and processes as well as pro-poor strategies

·         In-depth understanding of programming issues and policy work at state, national and international levels

·         Previous practical experience in financial Management of donor funded projects.

·         Past working knowledge and experience with main donor funded projects like EC, ECHO, and USAID/OFDA, UNOCHA.

·         Sound and up to date knowledge of development concepts, methodologies and techniques including demonstrated expertise in at least one specialist development field

·         Excellent management & leadership skills

·         Excellent skills in facilitation and capacity building for inter-linkages between staff, donors, partners & stakeholders

·         Excellent conceptual, analytical, documentation and presentation skills

·         Demonstrable knowledge in computer use.

·         Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including report writing.

·         Past experience of work in Somalia shall be an added experience.

How to apply:

Interested and qualified candidates should submit an application letter and CV to: VSF Germany, Ngong Road, Piedmont Plaza, PO Box 25653, 00603 Nairobi, Kenya, Email: admin_hr@vsfg.org, somalia@vsfg.org indicating the current and expected salary. Also include 3 professional referees. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews. Due to the urgency of the position, assessment of the applicants shall be on going. This advert shall be open until we find a suitable candidate.