DIRECTOR NGO CONSORTIUM - Somalia

Job Description

CARE is seeking applications from qualified and talented candidates for the position of Director, NGO Consortium currently based in Nairobi, Kenya with extensive travel to Somalia. The position will be a twelve month assignment.

The Consortium has been in operation since 2009 and is currently in the process of re-visioning and re-orientating itself to more effectively engage with the context in Somalia. As a result we are looking for a consultative leader who can drive the consortium forward in line with its agreed strategic direction. Consequently the position may be relocated to Somalia (Mogadishu)

CARE and its partners work with vulnerable communities to address the underlying causes of poverty and promote peace and development, through its strategic goal to reduce poverty by empowering women, enhancing access to resources and services, and improving governance. In support of these goals CARE currently hosts some of the Secretariat functions of the Somalia NGO Consortium including responsibility for staff.

JOB SUMMARY

The Director for NGO Consortium will represent Consortium members to internal and external stakeholders at a local, national and global level providing high level liaison, information, coordination, and advocacy services acting as the first point of contact for NGO members and external stakeholders.

RESPONSIBILITES:

Consortium Management: Effective management of the Consortium staff, finances and assets. Strong collaboration with and management of a team of two staff in Nairobi (Information Management & Advocacy Officer and Administrative Officer) and three regional focal points based in Somaliland, Puntland and Mogadishu Ensure cooperation with NGO Safety Programme (NSP) and attend weekly SNC/NSP Senior Management Meetings and monthly all staff (SNC/NSP) meetings.

Representation and Leadership: Ability to facilitate the Consortium to develop and portray a voice and stand on issues affecting NGOs working in Somalia. Responsible for effective consultation and dialogue with members and eternal stakeholders, as well as responsibility for representing NGOs in an official capacity with governments, donors, UN agencies, and in official coordination fora including the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT), Development Partners Forum, the Common Humanitarian Fund (CHF) Advisory Board, and the SWALIM Steering Committee.

Coordination: Ability to respond in a timely manner to all queries from members and eternal stakeholders on issues of relevance to NGOS working in Somali. Pro-actively coordinate members around both humanitarian and development key issues and reach agreements and/or take decisions when necessary.

Advocacy: Provide leadership within the Consortium Advocacy Group, facilitate identification and production of key messages and advocacy related publications, and maintains strong relationships with external stakeholders and regional/international NGO fora. Capacity to lobby with high level external stakeholders in support of the strategic aims of the consortium and its members.

Information Management: Ensure relevant information is accessible to the membership; responsible for the correctness of information shared, upholding the principle of neutrality in all correspondence. She/he guides staff in identifying and producing relevant pieces of information for circulation to the membership. She/he has overall editorial responsibility for Consortium publications and the website.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree in international relations, political science, development studies, social sciences or related field or related work experience
• At least five (5) years of practical work experience at a managerial level within NGOs / UN in humanitarian work in developing countries. Fragile contexts experience an added benefit. Minimum 2 years of work experience in Somalia and within the Somali context an added benefit. Minimum of 3 years of working in hostile environments
• Strong management skills including staff and financial management, ideally within a complex emergency context.
• Proven in depth and operational knowledge of Somalia with a particular focus on South Central and Mogadishu context is desirable
• Well-developed networks within Somalia and the NGO community would be deemed an added benefit
• Proven experience in high quality production of reports and analysis
• Proven experience in development and maintenance of multi-stakeholders networks and proactive coordination experience
• Demonstrable experience with advocacy/lobbying (NGO or other stakeholders)
• Excellent communication, coordination and representational skills. Demonstrated leadership capacity and professional experience at a management level.
• Proven understanding and experience of advocacy within a complex humanitarian context. Strong willingness to work and adapt to the NGO sector in compliance with basic humanitarian principles
• Demonstrated ability to make clear and articulate presentations of complex information. Strong analytical skills
• Demonstrated capacity to work with minimal supervision and maintain a high level of initiative and engagement. Demonstrated capacity to recognize when and where proactive action is required and to initiate timely and appropriate action
• Strong personal diplomacy
• Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to establish effective working relations with local staff and other stakeholders. Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural team and to coordinate with diverse stakeholders
• Demonstrated understanding and work experience on conflict/security issues would be deemed an added benefit
• English and Somali (working languages): fluent English with excellent writing capacities. Knowledge of Somali would be deemed a strong added benefit
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet

About the Organization

CARE is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty. We place special focus on working alongside poor women because, equipped with the proper resources, women have the power to help whole families and entire communities escape poverty. Women are at the heart of CARE's community-based efforts to improve basic education, prevent the spread of disease, increase access to clean water and sanitation, expand economic opportunity and protect natural resources. CARE also delivers emergency aid to survivors of war and natural disasters, and helps people rebuild their lives.

Our diversity is our strength; we encourage people from all backgrounds and experiences, particularly women, to apply.

CARE USA is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

The closing date for this posting, if listed, is approximate. Job postings may be removed from CARE's career website at any time.