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The Open Society Initiative for West Africa is active in 10 countries in the region (Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, and Sierra Leone) and focuses on law, justice and human rights, and economic and political governance. The initiative pursues the development of open societies by supporting and building partn...
Country: Senegal;
The Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) plays a dual role in the African region as both an advocate and grant-maker by enabling itself to be agenda-setters both within and alongside other organizations working on the ground. The Foundation works through a unique combination of grant-making, advocacy, partnership building and technical assistance. Job Profile OSIWA is recruiting for an Executive Director to be based in Dakar, Senegal.
The Executive Director is responsible for developing and delivering on OSIWA’s strategic vision through her/his leadership and management of internal and external processes in line with the organization’s objectives. The Executive Director, specifically, provides ethical leadership and direction of OSIWA strategy, programme and budget development, OSIWA’s grant-making portfolio, advocacy, communications and enhancement of OSIWA’s brand. The Executive Director is accountable for delivery of OSIWA’s strategy and budget, including through the accuracy and quality of strategic, programmatic and financial reports to the Regional Board as well as the Open Society Foundation (OSF) network as a whole through its Regional Director. The Executive Director serves as OSIWA’s spokesperson and representative in the sub-region by articulating OSIWA’s values and mission to sub-regional bodies and governments, academic institutions, civil society, other interested parties and the general public. The Executive Director reports to OSIWA’s Board and to the OSF network as a whole through the Africa Regional Director. As the leader of the foundation, the ED has oversight over all OSIWA’s Programme Managers, its Human Resource Manager, its Finance Director and its Country Officers. The responsibilities of the Executive Director include, but are not limited to, the following:
Policy and Strategy Development:
Provide overall policy and strategic direction by developing and recommending appropriate policies and strategies to OSIWA’s Board for approval and ensuring their implementation in line with its values, vision and mission: Ensure strategic plans, annual operational plans and related budgets are developed, approved, implemented and monitored; Provide leadership and management of OSIWA’s programme, grantmaking, advocacy, communications, human and financial resources, including through the development and implementation of relevant policies, processes and systems as needed; Act as a bridge between OSIWA, the broader OSF network, its stakeholders and the outside world; Ensure OSIWA has the human and financial resources necessary to deliver on its strategy.
Team Leadership
Ensure direct reports each have job descriptions and performance objectives (clearly defined objectives aligned to OSIWA’s strategic and annual objectives); Review and discuss direct reports’ progress against objectives on a regular basis and provide support and guidance where needed; Conduct mid-year and annual performance reviews; Recognise and celebrate outstanding performance; Ensure poor performance is managed appropriately.
Organisational Culture
Create and maintain a positive work environment, which motivates and engages employees and supports constructive working relationships on all levels. Lead by example in respect of all managers and staff; Adhere at all times to OSIWA and the OSF network’s values and mission and ensure all managers and staff are doing the same; Ensure compliance with OSIWA’s human resource policies and procedures, as well as those that are relevant from the broader OSF network; Ensure that performance management policies, processes and systems are in place and implemented; Ensure
employees have the resources required to meet their performance objectives; Ensure high levels of employee engagement and performance by supporting learning and development; Conduct regular management and staff meetings and ensure management and staff are involved in and aware of decisions arising.
Governance Compliance and Financial Management
Oversee the annual budget drafting and submission process; Oversee management and monitoring of as well as accounting for OSIWA’s financial resources in line with its values, mission, strategic priorities and related budgets; Ensure OSIWA’s compliance with all relevant legislation and internal policies, including of the broader OSF network; Ensure decisions are made within OSIWA’s approved authorisation levels; Manage financial and other risks to OSIWA; Ensure the Board and the broader OSF network is
kept up to date on all financial matters, including through regular, timely and accurate financial reports.
Communications and Public Relations
Provide guidance and input on communications between OSIWA, the broader OSF network, its grantees, the media and the general public; Serve as OSIWA’s spokesperson; Maintain and develop OSIWA’s positive reputation.
Management of Relations and Key Stakeholders
Manage relationships and communication with all stakeholders to ensure they understand OSIWA and its objectives and OSIWA understands their needs and how best to address them.
Board Membership and Reporting
Candidate Profile
Knowledge and experience:
Professional skills:
Technical skills:
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and French;
Word processing and spreadsheet proficiency.
Key Behavioural Attributes and Traits
Ethics: Understand ethics and multiculturalism in an organisational context and ensure own behaviour and the behaviour of others is consistent with the same;
Build Relationships: Maintain positive working relationships that build confidence and trust, both internally and externally, to achieve the organisation’s goals;
Foster Teamwork: Work cooperatively and effectively to set goals, deliver on the same, while making decisions and resolving problems to enhance organisational effectiveness;
Adaptability: Demonstrate willingness to be flexible and versatile while maintaining effectiveness and efficiency.
Desired work experience:
At least ten years previous work experience, with significant experience at a senior management level. Previous work experience in a sub-regional, regional or international organization with a mandate similar to that of OSIWA’s is highly desirable, but not required.
Minimum academic qualifications:
Post graduate degree, or its equivalent, in a discipline related to the work of OSIWA, which may include, but is not limited to: law, economics, development studies, international relations, political science, social sciences or related humanities.
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