Country Director

Deadline of this Job:19 July 2020  

Duty Station: Within Uganda, Kampala, East Africa

Position Title: Country Director, Uganda

Start Date: As soon as possible

Location: Kampala, Uganda

Contract: Two years renewable/negotiable

Background

War Child Canada works with war-affected communities to help children reclaim their childhood through access to education, opportunity and justice. War Child Canada has over 20 years of experience working in communities in conflict and post-conflict zones. All work is implemented in direct partnership with local communities, local NGOs and other stakeholders using a child-centered approach. War Child Canada currently works in Uganda, Sudan, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Afghanistan and the Middle East, and is a registered Canadian charity based in Toronto.

Context

War Child Canada in Uganda provides critical support to children and their families affected by violence and conflict, primarily to refugees from neighboring countries seeking refuge in Uganda and the Ugandan host communities.

War Child Canada plays a leading role in refugee education, particularly in the secondary education sector, providing accelerated education programs to those who have not had access or the opportunity to complete their schooling. Additionally, War Child Canada is aiming to strengthen the transition between secondary education and vocational training opportunities, in order to significantly increase the take-up of meaningful employment by young people.

Additionally, as a registered law firm in Uganda, War Child Canada provides legal protection services for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence and child abuse through direct legal representation, community outreach and capacity building of legal actors.

Position summary

The Country Director has overall responsibility for leading and managing War Child Canada’s strategy in Uganda, providing directional oversight of programs and operations. The Country Director will actively seek opportunities for fund development and representation among key networks in Kampala to ensure the sustainability of the program and expand the scope of services to families. The Country Director will also emphasize the strengthening of management systems and procedures, in order to establish a strong foundation upon which the country program may be further scaled up.

Responsibilities

Leadership and Management of the country program (30%)

• Lead the management and scaling up of War Child Canada’s Uganda program.

• Develop annual plans and provide support and direction for implementation and oversight of service delivery and partnerships.

• Strengthen management systems and processes, including leadership and capacity building of the Senior Management Team.

• Oversee the fulfillment and contractual obligations of all donors.

• Oversee the development and implementation of its Country Strategic Plan, in close collaboration with Head Office and field staff.

• Provide oversight of War Child Canada’s programs.

• Provides oversight to field offices to ensure effective structure and quality standards, staffing, management and financial accountability systems.

Fundraising (30%)

• Build War Child Canada’s program across existing and in to new sectors and geographic areas through donor engagement, project design and proposal development, in collaboration with HQ.

• Responsibility for in-country fundraising with institutional donors.

Financial Management (15%)

• Overall responsibility for in-country budget and financial management, including reporting to Head Office.

• Maintain efficient financial controls, accountability standards, procedures and records.

• Prepare country budgets, oversee project budgets and monitor budget spending.

Maintain network of contacts and representation (10%)

• Initiate and engage in collaboration and consultation with local and central authorities, INGOs, national NGOs and local communities.

• Ensure appropriate communications, information exchange and sharing with local partners and with HQ.

• Represent War Child Canada in meetings and coordination platforms in Kampala.

• Human Resource Management (10%)

• Responsible for the oversight of all War Child Canada staff in Uganda.

• Oversees the recruitment of local staff as necessary.

• Security Management (5%)

• Maintain internal and external contacts with relevant parties and authorities related to security

• Monitor the security context of the country to manage and mitigate security risks.

Regularly update and implement War Child Canada’s security procedures and plans in coordination with HQ.

Skills and Abilities

• Fluency in written and verbal English.

• Demonstrated leadership abilities.

• Detail-oriented, strong organizational, analytical and strategic planning skills.

• Effective time-management skills with the ability to multi-task and manage multiple time-sensitive priorities.

• Team oriented with strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with individuals from a range of backgrounds.

• Strong writing and project management skills.

• Able to work sensitively in challenging and insecure environments.

Salary and benefits

A highly competitive salary and benefits package will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. Comprehensive benefits include travel to and from duty sites, generous vacation, accommodation, comprehensive insurance and an Expatriate Employee Assistance Program as per War Child Canada contractual standards.

For candidates outside of Uganda, War Child Canada is willing to host remote working arrangements until it is possible to enter Uganda, in accordance with COVID-19 regulations.

Qualifications

Knowledge

• Master’s Degree or equivalent in International Development, Social Sciences, International Relations, Law or related subject

• Minimum of 5 years senior management experience including experience in strategic planning processes.

• Knowledge and experience of long-term development approaches aligned to War Child Canada’s work in Uganda (gender equality, refugee response, primary and secondary education, legal protection and gender-based violence.

• Experience of systems strengthening and capacity building.

• Demonstrated track record in successful fundraising and donor engagement and development strategies.

• Experience in project, financial and HR management, including mentoring of national and international staff.

• Experience managing security in a conflict affected environment.

Previous relevant experience in Uganda is desirable.

 

Job application procedure

INTERESTED APPLICANTS ARE INVITED TO SEND A CURRICULUM VITAE AND AN ACCOMPANYING COVER LETTER ELECTRONICALLY TO:

Email: jobswarchild.ca  

Please ensure your application email has the subject heading of ‘Country Director, Uganda – [insert your name]’

Deadline for applications 19 July 2020. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be notified. No phone calls please.

War Child Canada is committed to providing a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. Final candidates will be vetted in accordance with War Child Canada’s Child Protection Policy, including appropriate reference and security checks.

For more information about War Child Canada, please visit www.warchild.ca