The Role
The challenge of delivering better welfare on a global scale for millions of donkeys and mules is complex and ever changing. In order to affect change on a global scale the Donkey Sanctuary is looking to recruit a Regional Director for the Africa region.
As Regional Director, you will be the leading figure in the Africa region. You will be responsible for providing high level oversight to The Donkey Sanctuary’s operations for all key areas of performance. The Regional Director plays a pivotal role in the broadening of The Donkey Sanctuary’s presence through strategic partnerships. As the Regional Director, you will also be the driving force of external engagement with other regional actors, coalition building and advocacy at the regional level.
Overall Purpose
To provide strategic oversight and support in the development and implementation of the charity’s organisational strategy in Africa. The post holder will achieve this by working with internal and external stakeholders to develop innovative programmes; acting as our ambassador and strengthening relationships that advocate and raise awareness of our vital work; and building partnerships to pilot new ways of working and deliver effective donkey welfare programmes.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Work with colleagues in in the UK and across regions to ensure effective integrated delivery of donkey welfare strategies and campaigns.
Develop and implement strategy for the region.
Build strong programme partnerships ensuring partners deliver our programmes to the required standards;
Provide internal and external stakeholders with a range of reports assessing with impact of regional donkey welfare programmes;
Develop new fundraising channels, understanding, and responding to the needs of donors and ensure their compliance requirements are incorporated into the programme design process;
Collaborate with internal partners to develop programmes based on robust data and researched evidence;
Work with the Global Programmes Director and other stakeholders to build effective and mutually beneficial relationships with the organisations operating in the development and animal welfare sectors at global level;
Support the Global Programmes Director to engage with institutional networks to establish synergies, collaborative programming opportunities and strengthening the direct and indirect linkages between donkey welfare programmes and the humanitarian and development sector;
Work with the regional teams to determine programme priorities and to develop model projects in areas of high priority;
Inspire, motivate and lead the regional team to deliver a broad range of activities which are aligned to the business plan and strategy of the charity;
Cultivate a high-performing team culture that demonstrates the organisational values
Manage the region’s Global Programme Support budgets;
Stay informed of developments in the equid welfare field at global level to ensure that programme support activities are informed by, and in line with, wider emerging trends and developments;
Carry out any other reasonable duty as may be required.
These are full-time, permanent contracts and we seek to successfully appoint to these positions as soon as possible, so encourage early application.
The Donkey Sanctuary is a Disability Confident Employer. The Donkey Sanctuary is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable people (children and adults) and expects all staff and volunteers to undertake this commitment.
Person Specification
Essential
Educated to degree level or above (or equivalent experience);
Experience of working in international humanitarian/development/animal welfare sector;
An understanding of the needs, complexities and challenges associated with donkeys in the community and donkey welfare in the African context;
Substantial experience at senior leadership level including managing and motivating multifunctional and geographically dispersed teams;
Flexible and adaptable leadership style;
Experience of representing an organisation internationally;
Proven ability to build strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders and partners in particular international organisations, government agencies, academics and NGOs;
Excellent budget management skills;
Highly developed negotiation, influencing and presentation skills;
Experience of operational planning and strategy implementation;
Experience of programme portfolio oversight and the ability to grow and develop a diverse programme portfolio;
Competent IT skills, including MS Office;
Desirable
Experience of working with equines
Experience of applying monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning approaches to improve programme delivery;
Knowledge and experience of the international animal welfare sector (and its role in development);
Proficient in French, Swahili or Amharic
