COUNTRY DIRECTOR - NIGERIA

Save the Children is the world's leading independent organisation for children. We work in 120 countries. We save children's lives; we fight for their rights; we help them fulfil their potential.

We work together, with our partners, to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives. We have over two million supporters worldwide and raised 1.6 billion dollars last year to reach more children than ever before, through programmes in health, nutrition, education, protection and child rights, also in times of humanitarian crises.

Following a major transition, our international programmes are now delivered through a merged operation with c14,000 staff, managed through seven regional hubs and reporting to a relatively small, central office. We're changing to become more efficient, more aligned, a better partner, a stronger advocate, a magnet for world-class people and relevant for the 21st century.

Contract length: Open Ended

The role

As a member of the West and Central Africa Senior Leadership team, you will have shared accountability for Save the Children's international development and emergency programming in the region of approximately $120 million in 2014 through an organisation of nearly 1500 people. To achieve our ambitious goals and breakthroughs for children, the leadership team will, in collaboration with Save the Children Members and in conjunction with the other regional organisations, aim to drive growth to $2 billion by 2015.

The Country Director will lead the transformation of the country to a new operating model, whilst also delivering Save the Children's strategy within the country through:

• Delivering quality programmes, including advocacy, for children; and
• Serving Members and their donors

Required qualifications and experience:

• Experience of working with large, complex donors to secure and/or manage new large-scale and/or competitive funding
• Experience of building, leading and developing a team of senior staff with different backgrounds and expertise
• Experience of managing a crisis situation requiring quick changes to priorities and rapid action to respond
• Experience of leading change in an organisation which has led to considerable results for the organisation and its stakeholders
• Experience of building personal networks at a senior level, resulting in securing new opportunities for the organisation
• Experience of solving complex issues through analysis, definition of a clear way forward and ensuring buy-in
• Good understanding of programme, financial and operational management processes
• Good understanding of key trends in international and humanitarian development
• Experienced leader who has held senior positions in complex/high profile/ multinational organisations
• Demonstrable ability to recruit, lead and develop high calibre specialist senior staff with a range of backgrounds and expertise
• Strong track record in building high performance teams and future successors/leaders
• Experience of leading a large, highly complex organisation through significant change with clear business benefit
• Strategic thinker who is comfortable with developing highly ambitious business strategies at scale and the track record of delivering on these
• Ability to manage and motivate self and others to respond to a significant and complex crisis situation in extraordinary circumstances, requiring swift action and rapid changes in priorities
• Evidence of identifying and building strategic and effective business networks at a very senior level, which have resulted in clear business benefit for the organisation
• Innovative approach to solving a range of highly complex issues and galvanising buy-in to the solutions at all levels
• Highly developed political acumen and ability to navigate through complex political situations
• Strong and nuanced cultural awareness
• Commitment to the Save the Children values

We need to keep children safe so our selection process reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.

To see a full job description, please visit our website at www.savethechildren.net/jobs

Please apply in English using your CV and covering letter as a single document, including your salary expectations for this role.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Find out more about this role by downloading the job description here  Job description

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Location: Abuja, Nigeria

Permanent - Full-Time

Closing date: Thursday 16 January 2014

All jobs close at midnight UK time on the date specified

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New Business Manager, West Africa

Reporting Unit/Supervisor: Regional Director for West and Southern Africa (WSA)
Location:  Based in West Africa (Abidjan, Accra or Abuja) with travel up to 50% of the time
Travel:  Willingness to travel regionally and internationally up to 50% of the time

I. TECHNOSERVE BACKGROUND:

TechnoServe works with enterprising people in the developing world to build competitive farms, businesses and industries. We are a nonprofit organization that develops business solutions to poverty by linking people to information, capital and markets. Our work is rooted in the idea that given the opportunity, hardworking men and women in even the poorest places can generate income, jobs and wealth for their families and communities. With more than four decades of proven results, we believe in the power of private enterprise to transform lives.

II. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

To lead and support the development of new business and design of new programs that will result in increased revenue and increased impact in TechnoServe’s West Africa division.

III. POSITION DESCRIPTION:

In support of Country Directors and Division Directors, the position is responsible for identifying funding opportunities; developing, leading and strengthening fundraising strategies and tactics; and responding to major contract/grant opportunities, from bi-lateral, multi-lateral agencies, national governments, private foundations and the private sector.  This will include implementing processes with public and private sector marketing initiatives, writing, organizing, and producing competitive proposals that would increase the organizations new program development in West Africa. 

Specifically, the New Business Manager will:

1. INCREASE REVENUES TO SUPPORT IMPACTFUL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES

This position will lead and / or support as needed fundraising efforts, including fundraising strategies, program design, and coordination and writing of proposals.

• Develop winning proposals in collaboration with local teams and TNS regional and/or development divisions; including management of the proposal process, writing of the proposal and (supporting) the development of budgets and recruiting of candidates.
• In coordination with the relevant staff of the Development Division, the Regional Director of the WSA Division and the Country Directors, liaise with public sector funding agencies, institutional foundations, corporations and other private donors to acquire and maintain an in-depth knowledge about their mission, organization, policies, procedures and key decision-makers;
• Coordinate the review and maintenance of project lead summaries, the new business pipeline, the new business resource prioritization matrix, new business opportunity assessments and other requirements of the new business process
• Provide leadership to the regional team and Country Directors in the design and implementation of comprehensive fundraising strategies and annual plans with specific targets;
• Lead and/or support opportunity assessments in selected new priority countries;

2. BUILD INTERNAL CAPACITY IN NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

In addition to leading and / or supporting new business development, the New Business Manager will work with the Regional Director and country teams to strengthen their capacity to fundraise.

• Develop the capacity of local staff and teams to independently design high impact value chain interventions; to develop viable concepts for target donors and to develop and write strong proposals.
• Continuously assess and update processes, structures and systems for fundraising as they relate to individual countries and contribute to the Corporate learning in these areas;
• Monitor external best practice in proposal development; monitor and evaluate the success of internal proposals, and disseminate best practices;

3. ENSURE HIGH-QUALITY START-UP OF CONFIRMED NEW PROGRAMS

In the case of programs which have been confirmed but where there is no local capacity to ensure successful transition from the proposal phase to project implementation, the Business Development Manager will work with the Regional Director and country teams to ensure high-quality program start-up, potentially engaging as a Mobilization Manager in the program start-up phase.

4. PERFORM OTHER TASKS AS DETAILED AS REQUIRED BY THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF THE WEST AND SOUTHERN AFRICA DIVISION

COMMUNICATIONS

• External and internal communications with all parties relevant to TechnoServe, this includes staff, volunteers, public/private sector donors; consultants, partner development organizations, the regional management committee and headquarters.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR MANAGING RESOURCES

• Direct reports on assignments may include TechnoServe staff, short-term consultants, and volunteer consultants.
• Responsible for managing funds invested in the development of new proposals as well as short-term ongoing fundraising consultants.
• Additional line management, budgetary authority and operational responsibilities may be assigned.

IMPACT

Contributes to achievement of annual revenue targets for the WSA country programs and the growth of TechnoServe’s footprint in the WSA region; responsible, along with the WSA team, for improving the quality and impact of TechnoServe’s fundraising efforts. Deliverables will include:

• Opportunity assessments (including donor scans, industry scans, proposal due diligence, mini-ISPs)
• Strengthened relationships with public and private donors
• Winning proposals (including documentation that covers the proposal, concept note, lead summary, logframes, teaming agreements and budgets)
• Capacitated local staff to win new business

IV. REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

• Proven track record in successful business or program development design, experience in the management consulting industry complemented by broad technical skills in one or more of the following areas: SME, agribusiness, and/ or industry development;
• Extensive experience in designing, developing, researching and authoring quality and winning proposals preferred;
• Outstanding interpersonal and communications skills in a multi-cultural environment;
• The ability to work on short-term assignments with tight deadlines while managing multiple tasks and projects;
• The ability to work independently, and function effectively as a member of a global team, and adhere to strict deadlines;
• Interactive skills especially with field staff, technical staff, consultants and home office support staff as necessary to complete proposals;
• Related work experience and knowledge of the West Africa economic, social and development context preferred;
• B.S. or B.A. degree in business administration, economics, marketing or related discipline, MBA preferred At least 5 years of post-graduate experience in analytical and strategic roles within the private sector and/or development spheres (ideally with a top-tier management consulting firm)
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Fluency in French required
• Willingness to travel regionally and internationally up to 50% of the time

V. APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Qualified and interested applicants should submit a Word-formatted single document consisting of cover letter, resume and salary history to jobs@tns.org. Please identify the position for which you are applying in the subject line.
Only applicants meeting minimum qualifications will be considered or contacted. No phone calls please

TECHNOSERVE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Country Director, Nigeria

Reporting Unit/Supervisor: Regional Director, West and Southern Africa
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Travel: Domestic up to 30%    

            

I. TECHNOSERVE BACKGROUND:

TechnoServe works with enterprising people in the developing world to build competitive farms, businesses and industries. We are a nonprofit organization that develops business solutions to poverty by linking people to information, capital and markets. Our work is rooted in the idea that given the opportunity, hardworking men and women in even the poorest places can generate income, jobs and wealth for their families and communities. With more than four decades of proven results, we believe in the power of private enterprise to transform lives.

II. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

TechnoServe has over a decade of practical experience in Nigeria. In the 1990s, the organization supported farmer organizations in developing aquaculture, livestock and other agribusiness opportunities. With operations officially re-established in Nigeria in 2010, TechnoServe is now implementing a number of programs to help raise farmer incomes and yields in the cocoa, cashew, cassava and other key industries.

III. POSITION DESCRIPTION:

TechnoServe seeks a dynamic, entrepreneurial leader to build on TechnoServe’s strong reputation and develop opportunities for pro-poor market-oriented development.   As a Country Director, you have the opportunity to develop a vision for the country and pursue it while drawing on the 40+ years of our experience around the world.  You will lead the establishment of the TechnoServe brand in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country.  You will collaborate with leaders in the Federal and State Governments and the Private Sector to develop and finance innovative programs with the potential to strengthen value chains, grow domestic production, build up entrepreneurs, establish industries and markedly improve the lives of impoverished Nigerians.  This role offers you an opportunity to make your mark in development in a dynamic and challenging environment. 

IMPACT

You will develop, present and implement the strategic vision, annual goals and objectives for the country program.  You will also oversee effective and efficient management of the client business portfolio; portfolio implementation, monitoring and evaluation, quality control, cost-effectiveness and day-to-day oversight.  You will also be charged with the responsibility of new business development (securing sufficient funding to continue and /or grow the country program); developing funding proposals; and cultivating and maintaining TechnoServe in-country partner and donor relationships.

PEOPLE

A key component of this role is the capacity to successfully champion local talent acquisition.  You will manage and develop a team; ensure mid-year and year-end performance evaluations are conducted with all staff; and recommend and implement all salary increases based upon performance evaluations.

MANAGEMENT

You will implement and manage the program budget while also managing relations with financial institutions, reviewing all financial information, monthly reports, business plans, etc. on a timely basis, ensuring proper acquisition, management and eventual disposition of all TechnoServe operational assets required for the program (vehicles, computers, furniture, etc.) and communicating internally and externally with employees, and home and regional/divisional offices.

EXTERNAL RELATIONS

Keen communication skills will be paramount when liaising with the media, public, local government and its agencies, as well as other NGOs, to ensure TechnoServe’s image is preserved. You will be communicating with bilateral and multilateral agencies and developing relationships that seek to promote TechnoServe’s mission and objectives.

IV. REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

• MBA or equivalent degree in related field
• Strong private sector strategy and management experience, including several of the following key skills areas: business development, consulting, training, financial analysis, marketing, business plan and proposal writing
• Strong interpersonal/people management skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong private sector experience and entrepreneurial orientation
• Strong financial analysis and management skills 
• Agribusiness experience preferred
• Fluency in English

VI. APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Qualified and interested applicants should submit a Word-formatted single document consisting of cover letter, resume and salary history to jobs@tns.org. Please identify the position for which you are applying in the subject line.
Only applicants meeting minimum qualifications will be considered or contacted. No phone calls please.

TECHNOSERVE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER