Executive Director, Women’s Opportunity Center at Women for Women International 423 views1 applications

Overview:

In countries affected by conflict and war, Women for Women International supports the most marginalized women to earn and save money, improve health and well-being, influence decisions in their home and community, and connect to networks for support. By utilizing skills, knowledge, and resources, she is able to create sustainable change for herself, her family, and community.

Since 1993, Women for Women International has helped nearly 429,000 marginalized women in countries affected by war and conflict. We directly work with women in 8 countries offering support, tools, and access to life-changing skills to move from crisis and poverty to stability and economic self-sufficiency.

The Women’s Opportunity Centre (WOC) is a community center in the heart of Kayonza, Rwanda, which promotes the social and economic empowerment of women in Rwanda. The center is a combined social enterprise, with development and commercial activities led by both International NGOs and the local community to support marginalized women.

Responsibilities:

Purpose

The Executive Director, Women’s Opportunity Center serves as chief-executive of the WOC and is responsible for building a successful social enterprise that serves the community and marginalized women. The Executive Director has over-arching accountability of the three priorities of the WOC: driving revenue growth, building partnerships with public and private partners, and enhancing the capacity of marginalized women through the vocational skills and other training offered at the WOC.  This position reports to Chair of the Board of the WOC LLC (WfWI-HQ VP of Programs) and has a dotted line reporting relationship to the WfWI-Rwanda Country Director.

Responsibilities

Management:

• Create and support the development and implementation of the WOC’s strategic direction, annual operating plans, annual budgets, and outcomes.
• Responsible for thorough and regular reporting to the Board of the WOC LLC and the WfWI-Rwanda Country Director and the principle donors of the WOC.
• Communicate regularly and effectively with the existing Country Director of WfWI-Rwanda, and relevant WfWI-HQ staff, to enhance programming offered at the WOC.
  

 

Relationship Development and Marketing:

• Lead the marketing strategy of the WOC and identify new market opportunities for growth.
• Maintain existing and create new business partnerships to grow the WOC’s capacity to meet its strategic priorities of increasing revenue of the WOC and creating economic opportunities for WfWI participants and graduates.
• Establish partnerships with commercial and governmental agencies which will enhance the reputation and sustainability of the WOC.
• Represent the WOC to external audiences, media and stakeholders, including but not limited to: community, governmental, and private organizations.

Business and Financial Development:

• Build a consistent trajectory-of-growth for the WOC, with the aim of building a sustainable operation.
• Work closely with WfWI-Rwanda to ensure the most relevant and appropriate programs are offered to support the growth and viability of the WOC.
• Champion new opportunities which are aligned with the WfWI vision and mission, while continuing to grow the financial portfolio of the WOC.
• Ensure WOC expenses are controlled and utilized in the most efficient and effective manner.

Qualifications:

• Master’s level degree or equivalent qualification in Business Studies, Management, or related field;
• At least 10 years relevant work experience in management of complex operations;
• Must have strong entrepreneurial and operating skills;
• Experience working in a matrixed management structure;
• Fluency in English and Kinyarwanda required (verbal and written);
• Excellent presentation and communication skills;
• Must have experience of working in a for-profit and business focused environment;
• Computer skills including working with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Email; and
• Experience in the tourism and/or hospitality industry is also considered a plus.

** This position is contingent upon completion of the Women’s Opportunity Center LLC registration. Registration is under way and anticipated to be concluded upon completion of the candidate selection process.