Countries: Ethiopia, Ireland, Niger, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Zimbabwe

Organization: GOAL

Closing date: 1 Nov 2023

The Regional Director Africa will be responsible for guiding the strategic development and alignment of GOAL’s existing country programmes in Uganda, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Sudan, Niger, Zimbabwe, and Sierra Leone. The RD Africa will focus on strategic development of GOAL’s presence in Africa in line with the organisation’s global strategy.

Reporting to the Director of International Programmes, the RD will be responsible for providing leadership and line management to Country Directors and provide a key management link between Country Teams and GOAL’s HQ team on high level issues relating to a) leadership and Organizational Development, b) Business Development and Partnership and c) Governance and Communications.

Main Responsibilities:

Leadership & Organizational Development

• Support and guide Country Directors to develop and implement GOAL’s country strategies in line with GOAL’s strategic objectives.

• Develop a Regional Coordination Plan (which includes mainly : cross country learning, staff development plan, external coordination, targeted engagements with donors, coordination bodies etc.)

• Communicate clear expectations, set performance objectives and provide regular and timely performance feedback to Country Directors, including systematic, documented performance reviews.

• Drive smart efficient coordination between country programmes and support systems, with the goal of improving the quality and efficiency of GOAL’s operations, with active engagement in the adoption of technology solutions.

• Oversee GOALs risk management framework in the region in coordination with country teams ensuring that risks are properly reported and addressed including crisis management and Speak Up Complaints.

• In coordination with GOALs Emergency Response Unit, strengthen GOALs readiness to respond to emergencies in the region, in-line with GOAL’s Emergency Response and Preparedness plans.

• Foster a culture of innovation in coordination with GOALs Global Innovation Hub and GOAL’s global technical team

• Under the direction of and approval from GOAL’s HQ Team, explore expansion and/or prepositioning of GOAL operations into new territories in the region, in line with GOAL’s strategic objectives.

Collate and communicate emerging trends of relevance to GOAL within the region, such as; insecurity, migration, trade, climate change, civil unrest, donor priorities and any other issues such which will have a direct impact on GOALs programmes in the region.

Business Development & Partnerships

• Develop and expand GOALs network of strategic, regional and global partnerships and assist the Country Director to develop, nurture and expand national partnerships, to allow GOAL to operate smartly and efficiently, promoting better value for money and greater impact.

• In coordination with the GOALs funding and business development unit, provide focused business development support to Country Directors, in the pursuit of strategic funding opportunities and the completion of high-quality proposals, that align with GOAL’s strategic priorities and include multi-annual funding for humanitarian and development programmes.

• Lead GOALs participation in regional-level representation with governments, donors, UN agencies, NGOS and civil society networks and other partners where appropriate.

• Advise and capacity build Country Directors on business development, networking and alliance-building activities, while promoting cross-sectoral engagement with the private sector, government, civil society, universities, research institutions, and other potential partners.

• Manage GOALs relationship with key donor agencies at regional level staying abreast of donor trends and priorities and also ensuring good communications at regional level in relation to existing donor funded programmes being delivered by GOAL.

Governance & Communications

• Facilitate good communications and working relationship between Country Programmes and HQ, including the Senior management Team, the technical support units, finance, HR, Logistics & Procurement, IT, fundraising, communications, compliance and approve high level and strategic deliverables, submissions, processes generated at country level as described in GOALs policies and procedures.

• Host monthly regional coordination meetings with all Country Directors to review current operations, identify and facilitate resource-sharing opportunities between country programmes and to promote effective programming in the region.

• In close coordination with Director of Programme Operations, coordinate quarterly meetings to review key programme developments, programme innovation, partnerships, donors activity and other regional trends.

• Coordinate with Desk Officers based in HQ who are assigned to support the coordination of operational information between Head Office and the country programmes, particularly regarding donor submissions and contracts, programme and organisational information, and provision of HQ programme support.

Accountability within GOAL

• A commitment to GOAL values and GOAL’s integrity framework is critical to working with GOAL. Any candidate offered a job with GOAL will be expected to adhere to the following key areas of accountability: 1) Comply with GOAL’s policies and procedures with respect to safeguarding, code of conduct, health and safety, confidentiality, do no harm principles and unacceptable behaviour protocols; 2) Report any concerns about the welfare of a child or vulnerable adult or any wrongdoings within our programming area; 3) Report any concerns about inappropriate behaviour of a GOAL staff or partner.

• Safeguarding - Children and vulnerable adults who come into contact with GOAL as a result of our activities must be safeguarded to the maximum possible extent from deliberate or inadvertent actions and failings that place them at risk of abuse, sexual exploitation, injury and any other harm. One of the ways that GOAL shows this on-going commitment to safeguarding is to include rigorous background and reference checks in the selection process for all candidates.

Qualifications and Experience

The Regional Director (RD), is expected to have significant management and international experience in senior management positions (minimum 7 years), including having previous experience as a Country Director.

The RD is expected to be a very strong communicator and with a proven track record in leading diverse teams in multiple locations. Expectations include:

• 7-10 years in country management roles with an international NGO.

• Post-graduate qualification or equivalent relevant experience in a relevant discipline.

• A diverse background in both humanitarian and development programmes at a senior level, strong analytical skills, and the ability to respond and adapt quickly.

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate and work with diverse teams, local government, community leaders, partners (local and international) to work effectively to deliver agreed goals.

• Proven track record in representation and negotiations.

• Ability to manage security and safety issues in fragile and emergency contexts.

• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills with proven ability to lead, manage and inspire multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, often remotely.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently with limited supervision.

• Strong understanding of the mission and values of GOAL and a deep commitment to adhering and leading the commitment to living those values.

• Commitment to regular travel is essential.

How to Apply

• Register using THIS LINK