Job Description
The Country Director will report to the Managing Partner, and will be responsible for the overall management of staff and the portfolio of activities being undertaken by the company in Africa. Specifically, the duties of the Country Director include:
Description of Main Duties:
Serve as the lead contact for Vision Quest and manages relationships with clients and partners including government bodies, donors, UN agencies, NCOs, private sector enterprises and civil society associations.
Develop, implement and deliver VQ research project strategies, under the guidance of the Managing Partner.
Submit monthly internal reports to the Managing Partner on achievements, projects, problems encountered, pertinent developments and strategic needs.
Attend meetings with current and potential clients, major planning meetings and other cluster government meetings as required.
Introduce innovation and best practices to enhance research programs and operational performance
Provides analysis, interpretation, reporting, coordination and management of the administrative and operational structure of the research department, including the development of project proposals, professional service agreements and research billing compliance.
Contribute to the creation of a positive image and overall credibility of the organization, notably through the application of the organizations Code of Conduct, ethics, and values with regard to internal and external actors.
Ensure adequate mechanisms are in place for budget monitoring and review and minimize significant expenditure variances.
Provide leadership support to Area Programme staff and promote best practices in human resources management.
Oversee adequate implementation of the performance management system including performance objectives and planning, review, appraisal and staff development.
Oversee and monitor efficiency and fairness of recruitment processes across all programs.
Education requirements:
Master’s degree in any of the social sciences (sociology, anthropology, psychology, economics, or related field.)
Relevant Work Experience:
Minimum of 5 years’ professional experience at the management working in research or M&E.
Experience living and working in Africa is a must.
Minimum 5 years demonstrated working experience in program development, implementation and evaluation; 2 of which should be at senior management level.
Progressive experience of programme management (at least 5 years) in the INGO/private sector in Africa with a proven track record as a senior manager and leader, including experience in developing and implementing strategic plans.A demonstratable network of contacts and high standing in his/her profession with problem-solving, proven record of building and managing effective partnerships and strategic alliances.
Strong People and financial Management skills.
Skills Required:
Demonstrated initiative and creativity; and substantial experience of strategic thinking, including identify problem-solving and responding to opportunities and challenges and the ability to translate these into practical plans of action.
Good knowledge of financial management and accounting and budget holding principles.
Strong management and organizational skills, including comfort in delegating authority.
Supervision: Works independently under the supervision of the Managing Partner
Decision Making: Has full responsibility for decisions at country level in line with approved policy.
Responsibility for assets: Overall responsibility for the Country budget, all organizational resources and assets.
Responsibility for Staff: All Country staff and consultants
Well established and practised organizational and planning skills; and extensive knowledge and experience of project cycle management including using project planning and management key tools (e.g. Logical Framework analysis, Gantt chart, etc.)
