Deputy Regional Director for Senegal and West Africa
Responsibile to: Regional Director
Contract: 1 year, renewable
Working Hours: Full time (37.5 hours per week)
Special conditions: Frequent international travel may required
CONTEXT
ARTICLE 19 is the leading international NGO that promotes and protects freedom of expression and access to information across the world. Through our focus on developing and enforcing international standards and domestic legislation, the empowerment of civil society and practical actions on the ground, we deliver a unique contribution to the protection of human rights, democratisation and development process.
ARTICLE 19 Senegal and West Africa regional office was established eight years ago in Senegal to adequately respond to the local and regional needs and to provide timely and relevant support and contribute to strengthening national capacities and building and/or reforming institutions and policies to protect freedom of expression and the free flow of information. With the many security crisis and challenges in some parts of the region, civil liberties and civic space continue to shrink; human rights defenders and journalists are the main targets for repression. With the changes in many parts of the region from repressive regimes to democracy and the opportunities provided by political transitions, the organisation is working to support reform agenda that include freedom of expression and access to information.
ROLE PURPOSE
Reporting to the Regional Director, the Deputy Regional Director is responsible for the development of existing programs operated by the Regional office. In this capacity s(he) will also be responsible for identifying and developing new programmatic opportunities that will further the work and mission of ARTICLE 19 Senegal and West Africa. As a member of the Regional management team, the Director of Programmes actively supports expansion and sustainability of the Senegal and West Africa regional office, participates in strategic planning and budgeting initiatives.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Oversee the management and implementation of regional and country programmes and relevant projects
- Identify new programmatic opportunities that further the work and mission of ARTICLE 19 Senegal and West Africa regional office, including by supporting the establishment of the Gambia office and similar initiatives in other countries,
- Strengthen and mainstream gender into all programmes
- Support the implementation and revision of strategic and operational plans of ARTICLE 19 Senegal and West Africa regional office
- Provide oversight and guidance over projects development and projects implementation; conduct regular assessments of regional programmes and agree corrective action where necessary in order to meet ARTICLE 19’s expectations and external stakeholder agreements
- Ensure and support the development and implementation of effective quality control, M&E and performance measures
- Support the development of a high-performing, accountable and collaborative team in the Senegal and West Africa regional office as well as strengthening the culture of collaborative working in order to ensure effective global cooperation across the international and regional offices
- Set and assess the performance of direct reports and take action to ensure focus is in line with organisational priorities and monitored against agreed performance measures in line with ARTICLE 19 compliance and Monitoring and Evaluation practices
- Support the Regional Director to ensure compliance with human resources policy requirements are discharged in a timely and effective manner
- Oversee the development and implementation of fundraising strategies and plans for the financial sustainability of the regional/country programs in collaboration with the fundraising team
- Develop and maintain relationships with donors to secure funding in line with the overall ARTICLE 19 fundraising strategy
- Engage with policy-makers on urgent freedom of expression and access to information issues
- Conduct regular meetings with key partners, regional human rights and political bodies to strengthen ARTICLE 19 Senegal and West Africa’s operational and programmatic work
- Represent ARTICLE 19 Senegal and West Africa regional office, in the media, at public forums and conferences
- Provide timely and quality support to existing partners and build further partnerships with community based organisations and other organisations to advance the mission and accelerate the growth of ARTICLE19 Senegal and West Africa office
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Experience:
- Substantial experience in managing and implementing regional/country programmes and human rights projects
- Substantial experience in developing field offices and capacity building of operational and programmatic staff. Demonstrable experience working with advocacy/campaigning organisations
- Substantial experience of strategic planning, fund raising and financial management
- Proven programme management experience to ensure targets are set, compliance with grants are met, and ongoing assessment of development impacts (M&E) is achieved
Skills and abilities:
- Demonstrable coordination skills in an international organisation setting
- Ability to motivate others and to deliver tangible outputs
- Ability to multi task working quickly and effectively
- Ability to work on own initiative and to play a leadership role within an organisation.
- Ability to work under pressure and manage time effectively
- Ability to recognise talent with commitment to the professional development of staff.
- Excellent written and spoken English and French. (fully bilingual)
- Practical understanding of how to promote shared learning and innovation across diverse regions
- Good interpersonal and advocacy skills with a range of actors
- Knowledge of politics and societies in West Africa
Knowledge
- Educated to degree standard.
- Knowledge of human rights and/or key freedom of expression issues, international human rights law and awareness of regional and international mechanisms for the protection of human rights
- Knowledge of systems for quality control, performance management, administration and financial management
Other Requirements
- Commitment to work within ARTICLE 19’s philosophy and objectives
- Cultural sensitivity and commitment to equal opportunities and non-discrimination
- Willingness to work outside normal working hours including weekends and evenings
- Must already have or be able to obtain the right to work in the Senegal or any ECOWAS country
Closing date for applications is 30 June
Female Candidates are encouraged to apply.
Submit your application here