Kenya: Executive Director - Urgent Africa Fund

Vacancy Announcement for Executive Director
Urgent Action Fund–Africa (UAF-Africa)

The Urgent Action Fund-Africa (UAF-Africa), based in Nairobi, Kenya seeks an Executiveb Director (ED) to take up the post by April 1 2009.

Guided by feminist principles, UAF-Africa advocates for women’s equality, not only as a matter of human rights, but also as a fundamental prerequisite for social justice, global security, and sustainable peace. UAF-Africa supports women activists in Africa through Rapid Response Grantmaking in three contexts: defense of rights in situations of armed conflict, escalating violence or repression; potentially precedent setting legal actions; and protection of women human rights defenders.

UAF-Africa also implements collaborative initiatives with other organisations including groundbreaking initiatives, research and publications- to deepen understanding on gender dimensions and implications of particular conflicts and marginalised sexual rights; providewomen with tools needed for strategic actions and policy advocacy and to encourage knowledge and information sharing in critical areas affecting women’s rights.

The Executive Director is a dynamic leader who ensures UAF-Africa’s strategic vision, mission and goals. S/he is responsible for the consistent and effective delivery of the organisation’s programmes. Supported by a team, s/he has experience at senior management level, knowledge of and commitment to feminist movements and women’s human rights issues, and a sophisticated ability to network with other organisations, funders and donors.

S/he must be willing to undertake frequent travel sub-regionally, regionally and internationally. S/he will have extensive knowledge of international donors. The ED reports to the Board of Directors. S/he has experience in fundraising and financial management, proven management of staff and volunteers, excellent communication including written and verbal skills. Respect for diversity and a collaborative working style are essential.
The Executive Director assumes the following responsibilities
1. In conjunction with the board of directors, provides overall leadership and strategic vision for the organisation
2. Supervises and ensures effective and efficient programme delivery and management of UAF-Africa’s systems and operations including collaborative initiatives with partner organisations
3. Ensures sound financial management of the organisation
4. Takes primary responsibility for UAF-Africa’s fundraising and ensuring that fundraising needs are fulfilled in order to maintain a sustainable organisation with a diverse funding base.
5. Ensures a participatory and healthy work environment, guided by approved policies governing the work of staff, interns and volunteers
6. Acts as the principal spokesperson for UAF-Africa in the public domain
7. Facilitates the effective functioning of the board of directors and UAF-Africa’s
advisory network.

Essential Qualifications, experience and aptitudes
Advanced degree in law or social science
7 – 10 years management experience
5-10 years working on women’s human rights in Africa
Proven aptitude for strategic thinking and planning
Proven ability to diversify funding sources
Excellent communication skills
Strong political analysis and knowledge of the African context in politics, conflict
and women’s rights
Aptitude to nurture organisations and people
Cross cultural competency
Established credibility in the management of public/not for profit institutions
Excellent English –other major African language skills desirable
Desirable Experience
Experience of the global and African funding context for women’s human rights
Activism background
Feminist organising
Work in Social justice philanthropy
Desirable Qualities
Innovative, visionary, gutsy
Dynamic, willing to think outside the box
Ability to lead new teams, promote and create new leadership

To apply:
Applicants are requested to email their CV’s with details of three references and a cover letter in support of their application to [email][email protected]

Short-listing and interview process: applicants short-listed for interviews will be informed by September 30 2009. Final interviews will take place in Nairobi Kenya on 30 October 2009.
The successful candidate will be expected to take up the post by April 1 2009.

Feedback: Unfortunately UAF-Africa is unable to respond to each application and therefore will only respond to candidates who are short-listed for interview. Deadline for applications is 8 September 2008. All applications will be confidential.