Term of Office: Three (3) years renewable, subject to satisfactory probation period, performance and availability of funds
Responsible to: Regional Director, World Scout Bureau – Africa Regional Office (WSB-ARO)
Responsible for: Manager, Adult in Scouting; Manager, Youth Programme; Manager, Messengers of Peace Programme; Manager, Development and Partnership Support
Background:
Based in in Nairobi, WSB-ARO serves as the Secretariat of the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) in matters related to sub- Saharan Africa. The purpose of the Movement is to contribute to the development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual potentials as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national and international communities. This is achieved through a value system based on the Scout Promise and Law and which helps to build a better world where people are self-fulfilled as individuals and play a constructive role in society.
The Africa Scout Region is comprised of 38 member national Scout Organizations (NSOs) and 9 potentials members. In an effort to work together with these NSOs to identify key priorities to work on, in line with WOSM and regional strategic priorities, has created this position that needs to be filled immediately.
Position Concept/Mission:
The successful candidate will lead a small team of professionals dedicated to improving the direct and logistical support provided to the 38 national member organizations which form the Africa Scout Region. The team’s focus is to work with volunteers and partners in the field to support the delivery of improved youth programmes in communities across Africa through the development of better qualified adult leadership in our member organizations. Organizational development and capacity strengthening are critical challenges to be addressed throughout our constituency and in candidate member organizations.
Keeping the team on track to reach its objectives, the Director of Operations is involved in planning, directing and coordinating activities regarding every aspect of our work from people to implementing policies, planning our use of materials and human resources toward maximising effectiveness and achieving desired results. The successful candidate will be expected to apply effective leadership, management and negotiations skills to every day challenges while combining operational practice and financial knowledge to achieve our organizational goals.
Exercising a degree of autonomy and reporting directly to the Regional Director, together with the Director of Finance and Administration, the Director of Operations is expected to play a leading role in improving the service delivery of the regional team, which comprises both professional staff and key elected volunteers at the regional level.
Results expected from filling this position:
• More systematically planned, monitored and coordinated work plans in place based on priorities: An operation team demonstrably more focused on achieving measurable results.
• A consistent reporting framework is provided with which to measure progress towards individual project milestones.
• More effective responses and workflow of tasks and assignments: Shorter time from receipt of requests from member organizations or others for assistance to provision of first-line response.
• Optimisation and streamlining of existing procedures and introduction of new ones where none exist or are not functioning.
• Improved internal coordination and knowledge sharing amongst the different portfolio managers.
• Adequate follow-up of Messengers of Peace projects and all other funded projects to ensure that they meet their objectives and goals in a timely and efficient manner.
Qualifications and Profile:
• Post-graduate degree in management or equivalent professional experience
• At least 5-year experience in similar positions
• Knowledge of world Scouting and commitment to the fundamental principles of Scouting
• Capable of working with Scout volunteers at national, regional and world levels
• Hands-on Management experience, including an innovative and flexible approach
• Strong understanding of the core of problems in the field and ability to look for best solutions to solve them under limited resources
• Knowledge of realities of African countries and ability and willingness to share knowledge with project managers in NSOs
• Ability to communicate effectively in English and French, both oral and written.
• Ability to work and cooperate within an international and multi- cultural framework
• Dynamic, trustworthy, open-minded with good understanding of socio-cultural dynamics and sensitivities of the region
• Available to travel throughout Sub-Saharan Africa
Compensation: Commensurable with experience
For more information visit: www.scout.org/africa
HOW TO APPLY:
Send application to: africa@scout.org by 31st May 2015 – Remember to quote the vacancy reference (WSBARO-DO/JP20141209-2). Only those shortlisted will be contacted.