The Development Executive Group is assisting a leading international development organization, Sanabel Microfinance Network, in finding an Executive Director for their programs in Arab countries.
Organization Description: * Sanabel was established in 2002 by 17 founding members from 7 Arab countries as a membership-driven regional network of microfinance institutions in the Arab world. By June 2007, the number of Sanabel members reached 53 from 11 Arab countries. Sanabel members are serving an estimated 1.6 million clients representing 90% of the total microfinance clients in the region. Sanabel’s mission is to maximize outreach to micro entrepreneurs in the Arab world by providing microfinance institutions with a forum for mutual learning and exchange of information, capacity building services, and advocacy for best practice microfinance. Key objectives include: • Enhance the capacity of microfinance service providers by providing support in areas such as training and the translation and distribution of microfinance literature into Arabic. • Promote and facilitate the exchange of information across the industry using an annual conference, the Sanabel website and newsletter, the Arab Microfinance Gateway and work for the development of best practice microfinance in countries where it is not prevalent. • Improve transparency and standards of practice by encouraging participation in the Microfinance Information eXchange (MIX) and the utilization of external audits, standard reporting, and ratings services. • Promote an enabling environment for best practice microfinance through public awareness and regulatory education.
Position Summary: * Based in Cairo, the Executive Director (ED) is the top management position for the Sanabel, Microfinance Network of Arab Countries. Reporting to and working with the organization’s Board of Directors, the ED will implement the strategic direction set by Sanabel’s Board and will ensure that operational efficiencies are met. The ED will also be responsible for financial oversight, monitoring and evaluation, human resource management, donor and membership relationships, fundraising and representation. The ability to manage the current project portfolio and build future programs that reflect priorities of a diverse membership base is critical. The ED will lead Sanabel to the next level of its development.
Essential Job Functions: *
Vision and Strategy __ • Lead the implementation of the organization’s strategic plan ensuring the needs of a diverse membership base are met; contribute to the Board-led strategic planning process; • Build a professional and positive image for Sanabel among members, donors, and the microfinance industry as a whole by being responsive, innovative and transparent.
Program Management __ • Formulate and plan, in consultation with program staff and key stakeholders, a clear vision of present and future program goals and strategies which can be clearly communicated to network members, partners, and donors; • Ensure that program goals and objectives are met within the agreed upon time-frame and budget; • Institute best practices to monitor and evaluate all programs and incorporate results into future programs; • Identify new projects, develop proposals, liaise with partners and donors.
Representation and Fundraising __ • Under the Board’s direction, contribute to Sanabel’s fundraising activities; • Represent Sanabel to the media, potential members, potential donors and partners; participate in industry events; • Maintain positive and constructive relationships and communication with members of Sanabel, donors, partners and the Board.
Finance and Administration __ • Manage financial and technical resources reflecting a priority of delivering products/services to members; • Ensure policies and procedures are developed and documented to ensure the efficiency of Sanabel operations; • Ensure timely and accurate reporting and communication flow to all internal and external parties, including staff, members, partners, donors and the Board.
_Team Management _ • Recruit, manage and develop a high caliber staff that is member-focused, motivated, and committed to the goals of the organization; • Encourage a team culture of learning, creativity and innovation (currently 8 staff members); • Design and implement staff development strategies and a performance management system.
Qualifications and Experience: * • Degree in a business, economics, finance or related field; Master’s degree preferred; • Fluency in Arabic and English required; good working knowledge of the French preferred; • A minimum of seven to ten years management experience; experience in successfully leading a company/organization to the next level of its development highly desired; • Experience in successfully developing and implementing strategic plans; • Demonstrated ability to manage and motivate personnel; • Project management experience; • Excellent oral and written communication and team building skills; • Confident and decisive leadership coupled with a commitment to consensus-building and inclusiveness; • Regional and cultural knowledge and sensitivity; • Ability to navigate complex situations with tact and diplomacy; • Microfinance experience preferable but not required; • Willingness to travel within MENA Region 25% of the time.
Renumeration: * Sanabel will offer a competitive remuneration package and benefits commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate. A relocation package will be offered if the selected candidate resides outside of Egypt.
Application Instructions:* Please submit your Development Executive Group profile by clicking on the green button entitled “Apply for this job.” If you do not have a profile on our site, you may send your CV via email to Mr. Byron Abadeza at Please reference the job title in the subject for your email. The closing date for applications is September 13, 2007.
