Right To Play- Jobs Career Opportunity

Job Title: Regional Operations Director

Company: Right To Play

INGO that works in both the humanitarian and development context, using specially designed sport and play programs to build life skills in children in disadvantaged areas affected by war, poverty and disease.

Closing date: 11 Feb 2011

Location: Uganda - Kampala

ORGANIZATION PROFILE:

Right To Play is an international development organization that uses specially-designed sport and play programs to improve health, build life skills, and foster peace for children and communities affected by war, poverty and disease. Working in both the humanitarian and development context, Right To Play has projects in more than 20 countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and South America. Right To Play is a global-scale implementer of Sport for Development and Peace programs and takes an active role in driving research and policy development in this area and in supporting children’s rights.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Regional Operations Director will assume operational management of the East and Southern Africa Region for a nine month limited term. The EASA Region includes operations in six core countries. This is a key part of the plan to assess the capacity and needs in the Region as the incumbent Regional Director moves into a new Program Strategic Advisor role to complete the remainder of her term concluding in September 2011. A recruitment plan will be established at a later date for a new Regional Director to commence in late 2011.

Reporting directly to the Senior Director International Programs at Right To Play HQ in Toronto, Canada, the Regional Operations Director is accountable for the effective management of the operations of Right To Play in East and Southern Africa, including effective program operations, staff management and HR, program and financial compliance, security assessment and planning. This position will assess the composition and output of the team to assure effective delivery of the programs, while complying with policies, in a safe and productive employment environment. The position will also facilitate cross-functional collaboration within the Region and with HQ and National Offices. The Regional Operations Director should have the full range of administrative and managerial skills required for such a position, including team leadership, performance management, cross-cultural communication, financial management and security planning.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

#1: Staff Management and Performance Evaluation

- Directly manage a team of regional office staff with technical expertise and a team of country managers with direct program management responsibility;

- Conduct an initial assessment of staff skill sets and performance and make immediate short-term recommendations on how to structure the team;

- Implement a staffing plan, including job restructurings, layoffs or new hirings as necessary;

- Establish a performance culture in the region and set clear expectations;

- Provide effective leadership to the entire regional staff and assure a conducive environment for performance;

- Develop the skill base of key staff within the region to meet requirements;

- Review, measure and assure the capabilities of regional and country teams to become strong managers and program implementers;

- Provide a recommendation on the recruitment process for a new Regional Director.

#2: Safety and Security Planning and Response

- Conduct a rapid safety and security audit within the region;

- Conduct a rapid assessment of the safety and security context of the Regional Office in Uganda and support structures;

- Make recommendations for new systems and protocols that need to be implemented for safety and security planning and response;

- Ensure that Country Managers have established appropriate country safety and security plans that are implemented;

- Assess and recommend the appropriate mix of roles and responsibilities for the Regional Office;

#3: Operational and Financial Management

- Oversee budget management for the entire Region and ensure coherence with organizational policies, donor agreements and other guidelines;

- Monitor spending to ensure expenditures, activities and deliverables are within project scope, budget and timeline;

- Review activities and workplans to assess progress against targets and enforce accountability of program managers;

- Coordinate and manage the activities of the Regional Office to deliver operational and financial management and support.

#4: Policy Compliance

- Ensure the implementation of standard operating procedures and practices in all countries and projects;

- Ensure compliance with financial guidelines and the implementation of financial controls;

- Implement HR practices according to policy;

- Follow-up on internal audit recommendations and continue to collaborate with internal audit group;

- Conduct audits as necessary in collaboration with HQ.

#5: Program Management and Implementation

- Assure the implementation of programs according to grant and contract deliverables and budgets;

- Coordinate the internal reporting on program implementation and ensure full collaboration with colleagues engaged in reporting;

- Manage the activities of the Regional Office to provide support to country staff in program implementation;

- Provide guidance to HQ and countries on appropriate restricted revenue opportunities.

EDUCATION / TRAINING / CERTIFICATION:

Master’s degree in International Development, International Business, Political Science or a related field with strong experience.

Other international development and child development certifications an asset.

EXPERIENCE:

Required (must have):

- 10 to 15 years experience in international development, field operations management or related field;

- Direct working experience in Africa or countries in conflict for a minimum of three years;

- 10 years direct staff and budget management experience;

- Experience in developing and managing budgets;

- Fluent in written and spoken English;

- Experience in operational planning and results based management;

- Experience in safety and security planning and response.

Desired (asset):

- A second or third language relevant to the region;

- Experience in child and youth development;

- Experience in sport and play programming;

- Experience in particular thematic areas relevant to the Region.

COMPETENCIES / PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES / TECHNICAL SKILLS:

- Strong operational and compliance capabilities.

- A high level of team leadership, cross cultural communication skills and emotional intelligence.

- A strong results orientation and effective at multi-tasking.

- Good knowledge and skill in all areas of human resource management, particularly as it relates to international programs and working in developing countries.

- Clear understanding of development programming.

- High level of field operational skills.

- Understanding of results based management, program design, and implementation.

- Strong financial analysis and management skills.

- Excellent oral and written communication.

- Understanding of Sport for Development and Peace (asset).

GENERAL:

We offer a very competitive salary and benefits package. The contract is of nine months’ duration. The employment start date is as soon as possible. This position is located in the Regional Office in Kampala, Uganda. Up to 30 to 40% travel may be required.
How to apply
If you are interested in applying for this position, please send your resume and cover letter as soon as possible to: hr1@righttoplay.com and kindly include the job title in the subject line. Please indicate your salary expectations in the cover letter. While we thank all applicants for their interest, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.


Closing date: 11 Feb 2011