Executive Director, ActionAid Sierra Leone 86 views0 applications

POSITION PROFILE: Executive Director – ACTIONAID SIERRA LEONE (AASL), Freetown, Sierra Leone**

About ActionAid Sierra Leone

ActionAid Sierra Leone (AASL) in its current Country Strategic Paper (2018) focuses on three (3) Programme Priorities:

• Engage the structural causes of violence against women and girls and promote the recognition, reduction and redistribution of unpaid care work for economic justice,
• Improve public accountability for the provision of responsive basic public services
• Advance responsive humanitarian action prioritizing women and girl’s safety, participation, leadership in emergency preparedness, response and prevention.

Since 1988, ActionAid has been operating in Kambia, Bo, Bombali, Kono, Moyamba, Tonkolili and the Western Area. Using a feminist lens, we closely assess the causes and consequences of the inequality in power relations between men, women and other oppressed genders, and advocate for the transformation of all social relations that oppress, exploit or marginalize any groups of people. ActionAid believes people facing poverty and injustice hold the key to solving these problems, as they face them every day. ActionAid is deeply rooted in the communities it works with. We act alongside people at all levels, connecting communities across countries and continents to hold decision makers to account and build just, equitable and sustainable alternatives to the systems and structures behind poverty and injustice. AASL, as an Affiliate Programme and Member of the Federation, joins other member countries in this democratic structure to drive the federation forward.

The Position & Leadership Opportunity

ActionAid Sierra Leone(AASL), is seeking a dynamic leader with the passion and leadership skills to head this independent chapter of a highly respected international nonprofit organization. The ideal candidate will have expertise in human rights and international development as well as experience raising resources and building strategic partnerships to advance a mission-based organization. Toward these ends, the Board of AASL has outlined the following priorities for the first 12-18 months of the Executive Director’s tenure:

1. Establish a firm understanding of AASL’s strengths, opportunities and future direction, and foster a strong working relationship with staff, board, key stakeholders and AAI leadership; develop a leadership profile within the global AAI federation.
2. Understand and embrace the AAI and AASL Strategies, advancing these strategies to ensure organizational sustainability.
3. Come up to speed on the current portfolio of AASL policy issues and be prepared to act as a spokesperson for the organization when high-profile public opportunities arise.
4. Support the Fundraising team to continue growing the various and significant revenue source for the organization, to expand programme implementation with our partners.
5. Develop an action plan to elevate AASL’s visibility in Sierra Leone and broaden its programme and policy work.
6. Engage with ActionAid International’s leadership teams, the other heads of country offices, the GS, and international allies to collaboratively lead the federation.

Reporting & Responsibilities

Reporting to the AASL Board of Directors, the Executive Director provides day-to-day internal and external leadership for AASL. As an Affiliate member of the ActionAid federation, AASL aligns with AAI strategies, policies and practices. There is an expectation of “dual citizenship” whereby all Executive Directors advance their national organizations and the federation at large.

The ED will:

● Provide visionary, strategic, feminist leadership to the organization and work within and outside the organization to combat exclusionary power.

● Provide leadership and vision to AASL’s fundraising program, in partnership with the development team and board, to ensure that the organization meets or exceeds its fundraising goals.

● Develop and maintain relationships with strategically important individuals and organizations, particularly individual donors and foundations, public officials and decision-makers in multilateral institutions.

● Collaboratively work to translate that vision into specific strategies and concrete actions that advance the mission; be accountable for the achievement of the organization’s objectives.

● Champion the mission of AASL and AAI and serve as the spokesperson for both organizations.

● Build strong relationships with stakeholders and international staff, board and partners.

● Play a leadership role in the AAI Federation, representing Sierra Leone. but also building strong collaboration and working relationships with all of its members in other countries.

● Support and provide leadership to AASL’s policy development efforts, in partnership with the policy staff.

● Oversee the internal operations, human resources, finances, fundraising and programs to preserve AASL’s status as a well-managed, fiscally-sound, highly respected organization and highly rated nonprofit.

● Supervise the Senior Management Team and support their leadership growth to ensure that they are fully equipped to lead their respective teams.

● Support the board of directors in its governance role, foster its ongoing development, and partner with it to achieve AASL’s vision and goals.

Ideal Candidates

The ideal candidate for this position will have a passion for the mission of working to end poverty and injustice, and:

● Possess the ability to align with ActionAid’s vision and be a credible, passionate spokesperson for rights-based development and demonstratable commitment to women’s rights

● Have substantial senior level organizational leadership and management experience, with a strong preference for having worked within an international organization; must have a global perspective on development issues.

● Have demonstrated success in leading fundraising managing complex financial grants and generating programs and broader experience in fundraising a definite plus.

Sound awareness of the political, social, economic and historic environment in Sierra Leone, proven linkages with CSO, donors and Government Ministry officials in the country are advantageous.

● Demonstrate extensive experience in representing an organization at the senior level of partners, government agencies, private sectors and donors.

● Be a gifted communicator, both verbal and written, with the ability to digest complex issues and make a compelling case that enrolls people into action and generates support.

● Have an inspiring collaborative leadership style that is sensitive to multiple cultures and contexts, feminist leadership coupled with a strong commitment to promoting ActionAid’s Sexual Harassment, Exploitation Abuse and other Safeguarding concerns (including child abuse and abuse of adults at-risk) is preferred.

● Demonstrate a successful track record of building an organization and supporting high- functioning teams.

AASL is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.

ActionAid encourages applicants of all abilities, ages, races, genders and national origins to apply, especially women who are currently underrepresented in the employment sector and senior positions. ActionAid Sierra Leone offers a comprehensive salary package and a superior benefits package that includes an excellent family policy, a variety of insurance plans, generous paid leave, and a flexible work environment, among others. Relocation allowance will be available for the right candidate. Salary is negotiable and commensurate with experience.

Local Terms & Conditions of service apply.