The Senior Resident Country Director/CoP will oversee and direct the day-to-day implementation and management for an anticipated Parliamentary Strengthening program funded by USAID, contingent upon award. The Senior Resident Director /CoP will also oversee all aspects of programmatic, human resources, and overall office management. This will include implementation of program activities, managing grants, ensuring compliance with NDI procurement and financial policies and procedures, and staff supervision.
The ideal candidate should have at least 15 years of experience working in the field of democracy and governance, particularly in the fields of elections and parliament strengthening. The position is based in Lilongwe, Malawi, and will require travel within the country. The Senior Resident Director will serve as principal NDI liaison with the Government of Malawi, political and civic leaders, program partners, donors, and representatives of the international community in Malawi. A high degree of professional judgment, political analysis and objectivity, creativity, and maturity are essential to the successful leadership of NDI in Malawi. This position works closely with Washington-based management who provide overall strategic guidance and support for field activities. The Senior Resident Director reports to the Regional Director for Southern and East Africa.
This post is contingent upon funding and work authorization from the Malawi government, as well as approval by USAID.
Responsibilities
Program Management
- Provide day-to-day management of program activities and office administration, and oversight and evaluation of Malawi program staff
- Serve as a resource for civil society leaders, government officials, and political party leaders in response to their specific questions and requests for assistance
- 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
- Work in tandem with the Finance and Administrative Manager to oversee the NDI Malawi budget, financial management and the submission of monthly program activity budgets and financial reconciliations to the Washington, DC, office. Make programmatic adjustments as necessary throughout the implementation cycle to avoid budget overruns
- Ensure program compliance with donor requirements with regards to work plans and performance monitoring plans, and respect of procedures to ensure the integrity of all financial transactions
- Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with Malawi political leaders, partners, government officials and members of the international, diplomatic, and donor community
- Serve as NDI’s representative at speaking engagements and at donor-related activities
- Develop fundraising strategies with donors to help raise additional funds in coordination with the NDI Washington staff
- Oversee the writing and timely submission of bi-weekly program activity reports, quarterly reports, monitoring and evaluation data, periodic updates on political/security developments, and other program related materials
- Collaborate with and build the capacity of NDI Malawi staff to play a substantive role in program development and implementation
- Coordinate and direct, in conjunction with Washington DC staff, the hiring of new local staff, as appropriate
- Bachelor’s degree, in international relations or a related subject. Graduate degree is preferred. Additional years of relevant work experience may be substituted for educational requirement on a one-for-one basis
- A minimum of fifteen (15) years program management experience overseeing international development programs, preferably in the field of democracy and governance, and at least five in a senior leadership role
- Substantial work experience in multiple disciplines of democracy development, including parliament strengthening (required), elections knowledge (desired), civic education, civic engagement and/or civil society development (desired), preferably in Africa
- Substantial experience overseeing and implementing programs, managing staff, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations, and operations and human resources, including experience in overseeing sub-grants to local partners
- Experience with managing U.S. government-funded projects
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with and build relationships with senior political and civic leaders, U.S. and foreign government personnel and policy makers, and members of donor organizations
- Substantial program design and management, proposal writing and financial management experience, including experience in initiating and managing sub-grants preferred
- Ability to motivate and inspire a diverse group of professionals in a challenging environment, instilling a strong sense of mission and team work to program implementation
- Ability to communicate skills and experience to others as a trainer, advisor and consultant
- Demonstrated ability to conduct and apply sophisticated political analysis to programmatic activities
- Knowledge of political context and actors of Malawi preferred
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English required to effectively present information, respond to questions and negotiate outcomes
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Windows, Excel and Powerpoint, Google products, social media, use of Internet
- Ability and willingness to travel to regional locations which may be remote and difficult to reach.
The physical demands and work environment that have been described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Comments
This accompanied post is based in Lilongwe, Malawi, with travel throughout Malawi.
NDI welcomes and supports a diverse, inclusive work environment. As such, our commitment is to promote equal employment opportunities (EEO) for all applicants seeking employment and NDI employees. NDI makes employment decisions based on organizational needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, personal appearance, military status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, political affiliation, educational status, unemployment status, place of residence or business, source of income, or reproductive health decision making. Additionally, harassment or discrimination based on these characteristics will not be tolerated at NDI. To perform the essential functions of this position, reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities and qualified individuals who have limitations due to pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical-related conditions.
To apply for this position, please visit the NDI website at: www.ndi.org/careers.
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