The National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) seeks a Resident Director to oversee and direct the day to day implementation and management of NDI’s multi-million dollar programs in Liberia. The Resident Director will oversee all aspects of programmatic, staff and office management in Liberia, including financial and personnel-related matters. The successful candidate will possess strong staff and program management skills, as well as legislative development, elections and political party experience. The Resident Director will provide leadership and development to a team of talented national staff and will be NDI’s principal liaison with the donor community, representatives from the Liberian government, local political and civil society organizations, the US Embassy and State Department. Close coordination will be expected with NDI-Washington, including day-to-day communication with the DC-based staff.
This is a partially accompanied (adult dependents only) post and is based in Monrovia, Liberia. The position is contingent upon funder approval.
Background
NDI has supported democratization efforts in Liberia since 2006. NDI is currently implementing a U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded program that supports the modernization and development of Liberia’s legislature and enhances the credibility of the 2011 election process. NDI’s legislative support includes developing sustainable systems and institutional practices that improve the effectiveness of the legislature. NDI’s program for the 2011 electoral process includes supporting domestic election observers who will collect, analyze and disseminate information about the electoral process, and facilitating issue oriented legislative candidate debates during the campaign period.
Programmatic
• Oversees and supports the day to day implementation and management of NDI’s programs in Liberia by providing overall structure and guidance for all program and activity concepts, design, strategy, objectives, results and indicators.
• Develops new programmatic strategies and activities, as appropriate, based on changing political conditions and in response to needs articulated by partners and/or funders.
• Identifies national staffing and consultant assignments in support of all initiatives.
• Works with DC-based staff on the development of proposals and concept papers.
• Directs the drafting of field-based reports, work-plans and other written materials.
• Ensures the timely submission of monthly program reports and monitoring and evaluation data.
• Serves as main point of contact with funders on all program matters and fosters relationships with potential donors to identify new program opportunities.
• Builds and maintains relationships with key partners, including the leadership and members of the legislature and other branches of government, civil society representatives, donors, other stakeholder groups and individuals.
• Provides regular updates to DC-based team on political/security situation and other program related matters.
Financial/Administrative
• Holds regular meetings with the Resident Director of Finance and Administration regarding program budgets and adherence to financial systems and policies.
• Reviews and approves monthly financial reconciliation statements in consultation with the Resident Director of Finance and Administration before submission to the DC office, ensuring accurate posting and description of all costs.
• Ensures compliance with both NDI and donor financial regulations and the enforcement of procedures that guarantee the integrity of all financial transactions.
• Ensures the utilization of sound financial, office and personnel management systems.
• Serves as primary bank signatory for finance approvals, wire transfers, checks and cash, along with Director of Finance and Administration.
Personnel Management
• Engages staff in short-term and long-term goal-setting for appropriate program areas.
• Assigns and guides staff in overall areas of programmatic responsibility to ensure full utilization of staff capacity and talent.
• Identifies professional development opportunities for collaboration and cross-training for national staff, as appropriate.
• Actively includes staff in all phases of planning, implementation, assessment, reporting and recommendations processes.
• Actively identifies and facilitates external experiential opportunities for staff.
Requirements:
• Bachelors degree in International Relations or related subject; master’s degree preferred. Additional years of relevant work experience may be substituted for educational requirement.
• Solid legislative background with a minimum of 14 years experience in all aspects of program management, including office operations and fiscal and human resources.
• Familiarity with and/or experience implementing democracy and governance programs, as well as USAID, European, or other bi- and multi-lateral funding mechanisms.
• Experience working in a multi-cultural environment, preferably in Africa, and the ability to operate in challenging political environments.
• Knowledge of, comparative experience in, and/or experience developing and implementing legislative programs.
• Experience in program design, strategic planning and monitoring and evaluation.
• Proven ability to manage budgets and to lead and manage a multi-national staff effectively.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and networking skills, and a demonstrated ability to build and maintain professional relationships.
• Outstanding ability to effectively transfer skills and experience to others as a trainer, advisor, and consultant.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and resolve problems with flexibility and patience.
• Strong oral and written communication skills in English.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity to effectively interact with all levels of staff, US and foreign government personnel, members of donor organizations, funders, and policy makers.
• Excellent oral communications skills to effectively present information, respond to questions, and communicate skills and experience to others as a trainer, advisor and consultant.
• Strong negotiating and managerial skills.
• High degree of organization and attention to details.
• Demonstrable effectiveness in program, financial and personnel management.
• Ability to analyze political work, define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions and the ability to think innovatively.
• Seasoned budget and accounting skills.
• Working knowledge of PC-based word processing and spreadsheet applications.
• Ability and willingness to travel to locations which are often remote and difficult to reach.
• Proven dedication to the principles of universal human rights and democracy building.
• Working knowledge of PC-based work processing and email technology.
NDI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Please apply directly at:
http://hostedjobs.openhire.com/epostings/submit.cfm?fuseaction=app.dspjo…
