Country: Ethiopia
Closing date: 27 Jun 2018
The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) is seeking an Office Director to head its Addis Ababa office. This is a unique and challenging opportunity for a leader with strategic vision, energy, passion and a sound knowledge of human security in Africa. The Office Director will proactively shape the ISS’ work in the region and with key stakeholders in Addis Ababa.
The position involves three main areas of work and requires competency in all three areas: the day-to-day management of the office and its staff; strategic positioning and profiling of the ISS in Addis Ababa vis-à-vis the African Union and diplomatic community; and contributing to the overall effectiveness of the policy research, technical support and training conducted by the ISS.
This is a senior management position and the successful candidate will be a member of the ISS’ management committee and will report to the Executive Director.
Overview of duties
§ Manage the office on a day-to-day basis, including staff, workplans, budgets and M&E systems as required by ISS procedure
§ Ensure that ISS is strategically well positioned and profiled in Addis Ababa through active and ongoing networking and relationship building with various structures in the AU, regional economic communities, local diplomatic community, government officials, partner organisations and civil society
§ Identify and pursue fundraising opportunities for the office, including writing proposals, regular and ongoing liaison with donors, and writing donor reports
§ Provide strategic and proactive leadership and guidance on key human security developments in the region and on the continent to staff in the Addis Ababa office and ISS as a whole
§ Provide guidance and quality control of relevant research, training and capacity building activities
§ Work closely with ISS Programme Heads and other office directors to ensure communication and collaboration in the planning, implementation and reporting of activities that intersect with the mandate of the Addis Ababa office
§ Contribute actively to ISS strategic planning, management meetings, and other organisational processes
Key competencies required
§ Well developed understanding of human security in Africa and the thematic areas of ISS work
§ Advanced interpersonal, management, leadership and diplomatic skills across all levels of the organisation and with external stakeholders
§ Understanding of the requirements for high quality policy research, practical technical support and training
§ Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
Qualifications, experience and skills required
§ A postgraduate qualification in social sciences, law, international relations, public policy, or related field
§ Strong management skills with at least seven years in a senior management position
§ Experience with fund raising, donor liaison and donor reporting
§ Business administration or financial qualification will be advantageous
§ Experience in budget planning, efficient monitoring of expenditure and financial reporting
§ Experience working in a policy research environment, or in policy making, government, or an intergovernmental organisation
§ Experience in research, policy advice, training and/or technical assistance
§ Experience in using Results Based Management
§ Willingness to travel extensively in Africa and internationally
The length of the contract will be for 3 years, and may be renewed subject to programme requirements, funding and satisfactory performance. A competitive salary is offered.
How to apply:
Email your application to Rekha Valabh at pretoriajobs@issafrica.org. Applicants must provide a cover letter and detailed CV, including at least three contactable referees. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
For more information and opportunities, visit www.issafrica.org/about-us/careers-and-opportunities.