Programme Manager at African Women’s Development and Communication Network

Job Ref: FNT-PM 2018

Reporting to: Executive Director

Deadline: 18th September, 2018

We are currently seeking an exceptional, passionate, dynamic, and gender equality expert Programmes Manager (PM) to head our programmes. Reporting to the Executive Director, the PM coordinates the programmes and projects of FEMNET ensuring that the organisation takes advantage of the synergies that enhance the effectiveness of the Network’s Programmes.

The Programme Manager will contribute to the conceptualisation of the initiatives and projects to be undertaken under the three main strategic priority areas – Communication, Capacity Building and Advocacy. The holder of the position will work closely with diverse teams to formulate and implement the annual work plan for the Network in accordance to FEMNET’s contractual obligations and internal policies.

PM will ensure quality reports are done on a timely basis meeting necessary standards and responding to strategy. The position holder is also responsible to consult with the Executive Director on matters of programme staff and Board of Directors’ development and ensure the implementation of the agreed plans and monitor progress.

The Programme Manager will work closely with the Executive Director and Head of Finance and Administration to ensure that FEMNET has the resources required to meet the institutional and programmes’ related obligations.

General Responsibilities:

Mission, Strategy and Systems

• Provide strategic oversight, technical design and management of programmes to ensure timely delivery of high quality outputs.
• Works closely with ED in order to develop and fulfil FEMNET mission and strategic goals, including formulation and implementation of the next strategic plan (2019-2023)
• Support the establishment and compliance with systems, policies and procedures.
• Work with the Executive Director and programme staff and other departments to develop, implement and evaluate strategic plans and corresponding work plans in order to improve performance standards and organisational effectiveness.
• Lead and manage program trends analysis for agility and evolvement of programme strategies.
• In collaboration with the Head of Finance and Administration, support drafting and monitoring of program budgets and prepare budget amendments where necessary.

Management

• Provide management advisory role on all aspects of program support, including leading the core program team, and be a member of executive the management team
• Manage staff development through performance based management, leadership and job designs
• Support the Executive Director in duties relating to the Board including preparing and Organising the Board meetings
• Deputise and represent the Executive Director in her absence or as may be required.
• Support effective and efficient operation of the FEMNET Secretariat including: Organisational development, program support, technical assistance
• Managing the identified risks associated with programmes using generally accepted frameworks

Membership strengthening and movement building and Advocacy

• Support the recruitment and retention of a diverse and strong like-minded Organisations to join FEMNET network
• Facilitating effective collaboration between FEMNET Secretariat and the membership and among the broader women’s movement in Africa and globally.
• Ensure interlinkages and complementarity of the Secretariat’s work and that done by its members.
• Lead in initiating co-creation of programme activities with relevant stakeholders.

Monitoring Evaluation and Learning

• Lead Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning by ensure that all Program staff prepare their quarterly reports in line with the M& E framework of the organisation, and consolidation into annual narrative reports for internal learning and sharing with different stakeholders including the Board and Members.
• Ensure the timely preparation of narrative and financial reports for on-going programmes/projects according to FEMNET’s contractual obligations in collaboration with relevant project leads and operations department.

Resource Mobilisation and Sustainability

• Co-Lead and Coordinate resource mobilisation through development of programme/project proposals, identifying and building mutually beneficial relationships with potential partners and ensure that Grant agreements are adhered to accordingly.
• Ensure effective and efficient financial and resource management of all programs
• Responsible for enhancing FEMNET’s financial sustainability (FS) in order to strengthen FEMNET’s ability to realize its strategic goals in pursuit of the Organisation’s mission.

Specific responsibility to the (Financial Sustainability) above, include:

• Working closely with Board members and staff to secure and maintain long-term, flexible and diverse sources of funding to sustain FEMNET’s operations and programmes towards achieving its strategic goals.
• In line with the above maintain good and strong relationships with all FEMNET donors; ensuring accountability and delivery of high impact programmes and co-lead in implementing the Resource Mobilisation Strategy.

Communication and Public Relations

• Generally support improvement of the ability of programme staff involved in information provision to stakeholder, to ensure that all persons who need our services know how to access them.
• Support the development and maintenance of strategic relationship with key stakeholders in the women’s movement in Africa and globally including; CSOs, UN Agencies, African Union Institutions and Organs, Governments and progressive Private Sectors.
• Facilitate modelling of public relations in line with each key stakeholder segments.
• Facilitate innovative information and knowledge sharing internally and externally, using the most common and available traditional and modern channels.
• Represent FEMNET in in different fora a as may be agreed upon with the Executive Director

Person Specification

This role offers a unique opportunity for an individual with a genuine passion and commitment to work for the advancement of gender equality and women and girls’ rights by leading programmes of one of the largest and influential pan-African feminist network.

Experience, Skills competencies and qualifications:

• Candidates will be required to demonstrate at least 6 years’ experience, achievement and qualifications against the majority of the following areas:
• Demonstrate commitment and experience in gender and development and/or women’s human rights organising in Africa in all of its diversity—including a commitment to African women’s autonomy and choice and African Feminist Principles
• Experience working at the African regional level and international levels including working with African Union Institutions/Organs and UN Bodies.
• Demonstrate experience in programme/project management, including programme/project conceptualisation, development, resource mobilization, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
• Demonstrated training and/or experience in programme/project management, including programme/project conceptualisation, development, resource mobilisation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation;
• Proven experience in managing and leading staff and team building.
• Strong oral and written communication skills to a wide range of audiences at local, regional and international levels
• Must have Bachelor’s degree and Master’s Degree in a relevant field from a recognised university.
• Demonstrated capacity to communicate and work in both English and French.
• Must be willing to travel frequently within Africa and internationally