Resident Director Job Opportunity in Uganda at National Democratic Institute

Job Title: Resident Director (217281-851), Kampala
Closing Date: Friday, 09 December 2011

The National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) seeks a Resident Director with excellent management skills and extensive experience leading political party, elections, and civil society assistance to oversee the implementation of its democracy and governance programs in Uganda. Experience supporting political parties and civil society organizations to develop skills in consensus building, policy and political analysis, advocacy, management and leadership is strongly preferred. The Resident Director would advise civic and political party leaders while overseeing the implementation of program activities in all sectors, and provide leadership to a team of expatriate and national staff. This position also would be responsible for overall office management , to include financial and human resources. The ideal candidate will have at least 14 years of experience in the management of complex international programs in challenging settings and will possess proven communication and negotiation skills. A high degree of professional judgment, political objectivity, and creativity are essential to the successful leadership of NDI's programming in Uganda. The Resident Director would be based in Kampala and serve as principal NDI liaison with political and civic leaders, program partners, donors, and representatives of the international community. This position works closely with Washington-based program staff that manages the day-to-day communications, providing support for field activities. The Resident Director reports to the DC-based Regional Director for Southern and East Africa.

Background

NDI has worked in Uganda since October 2003, supporting parliamentary caucuses to develop a new electoral framework and encouraging greater collaboration between women's CSOs and women members of parliament. The Institute also provides technical assistance to local NGOs monitoring elections and increasing citizen participation. Most recently, NDI's work to strengthen multi-party democracy in Uganda has included directly assisting political parties to better organize their caucuses in Parliament as well as supporting civil society organization's capacity to engage in advocacy, communications, and policy making.

Responsibilities

* Oversee and contribute to the design and implementation of all of NDI's programs in Uganda;
* Provide day to day management and oversight of local and expatriate program staff in the Kampala office and develop and maintain office and personnel management system;
* Design and conduct training workshops and consultation to civic and political party leaders on topics including: organizational development , volunteer recruitment, issues research, platform development, public outreach, coalition building, and the political participation of women and youth;
* Implement NDI's programs in collaboration with in-country field staff and pro-bono trainers or short-term consultants;
* Build and maintain collaborative working relationships with key partners to include members of parliament, senior political party leaders, and senior civic society leaders;
* Represent NDI and its program at public events and functions;
* Serve as principal liaison between NDI and its donors, Ugandan government officials, political party leaders, local nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and the media;
* Manage in-country program budget, develop and maintain financial management systems and ensure the submission of accurate monthly financial reconciliation statements to the DC office;
* Ensure adherence to both NDI and donor financial regulations, and respect of procedures that guarantee the integrity of all financial transactions;
* Oversee the writing and timely submission of bi-weekly program activity reports, monitoring and evaluation data, periodic updates on political/security developments, and other program related materials;
* Monitor programs to determine that programmatic goals are achieved and that operational and reporting requirements are adhered to;
* Adjust programmatic activities based on changing political circumstances and in response to needs articulated by local partners and program stakeholders;
* Develop fundraising strategies with local and international donors to help raise additional funds in coordination with the NDI Washington staff; and
* Build the capacity of NDI staff to play a substantive role in program development and implementation.

Experience Required

* Bachelor degree, preferably in International Relations or related subject; graduate degree preferred;
* Minimum fourteen (14 ) years substantive experience as a political party trainer or working for the legislature, executive branch or political parties ;
* Solid experience in all aspects of program design and management, including office operations, financial and human resources management ;
* Proven ability to effectively communicate skills and experiences to others as a trainer, facilitator, and advisor;
* Demonstrated ability to engage in strategic planning and conduct and apply sophisticated political analysis to programmatic activities;
* Exceptional interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity to effectively interact with all levels of staff, policy makers, US and foreign government personnel, members of donor organizations, and funders;
* Excellent managerial, interpersonal and networking skills, as well as the ability to establish and maintain professional political relationships;
* Knowledge of USAID and other funding agencies and funding processes;
* Proven ability to manage budgets;
* Strong oral and written communication skills in English;
* Experience living and working in East Africa is strongly preferred;
* Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team and to promote staff development; and
* Working knowledge of PC-based word processing, spreadsheet applications, and e-mail technology.

Comments

A generous benefits package is provided, including in-country housing allowance.

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.

How to Apply:

Please apply online at: http://ndi.silkroad.com/epostings/submit.cfm?fuseaction=app.dspjob&jobid..

Closing Date: Friday, 09 December 2011