GLOBAL RECRUITMENT SPECIALISTS

Title: Sudan (Khartoum): Resident Director

Client: National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) (http://www.ndi.org )

Location: Khartoum, Sudan

GRS ID#:  632

Job Description

The National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) seeks a democracy and governance expert with strong program management and relationship-building skills to oversee its program in northern Sudan.  Competitive applicants would have at least 12 years of experience working on civic participation and elections programs, particularly in challenging political environments.  The Resident Director would advise civic leaders, oversee the implementation of program activities, manage grants, and provide leadership to a team of expatriate and local staff.  The position is based in Khartoum, Sudan and would require frequent travel within the region.  The Resident Director would serve as principal NDI liaison with political and civic leaders, program partners, donors, and representatives of the international community. A high degree of professional judgment, political analysis, creativity and maturity are essential to the successful leadership of NDI in northern Sudan.  This position works closely with Juba-based staff who run program activities in southern Sudan and with Washington-based staff who manages the day-to-day communications and provides support for field activities. The Resident Director reports to the DC-based Director of Sudan Programs and the Regional Director for Southern and East Africa. The position is available in September 2009.

Background

The National Democratic Institute (NDI) began working in Southern Sudan in 2002 and is currently establishing offices and launching programmatic activities in Northern Sudan. The Institute conducts civic education programs and focus group research.  This year, the Institute will focus primarily on preparing citizens for the April 2010 elections.  With support from USAID, NDI will focus on civic education programming; implement a voter education program; and seek to establish a domestic observation network.

Required Skills

·     Manage the implementation of all NDI programs throughout Northern Sudan;

·     Provide day-to-day management, oversight and evaluation of local and expatriate program staff;

·     Establish and maintain collaborative relationships and serve as principal liaison with Sudanese political leaders, international and local NGOs, the National Elections Commission (NEC), the Ministry of International Cooperation (MIC) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), other government officials and members of the international, diplomatic, and donor community, the media, the U.S. government and other organizations engaged in democracy programming;

·     Monitor and analyze the political environment and respond accordingly;

·     Adjust representational and programmatic activities based on changing political circumstances and in response to needs articulated by local partners and program stakeholders;

·     Oversee the submission of regular written reports to the D.C. office that monitor and measure program results and political developments in Sudan;

·     Contribute to NDI board memos, briefing memoranda, reports to donors, and other reporting requirements as needed;

·     Monitor in-country programs to determine that programmatic goals are achieved and that operational and reporting requirements are followed;

·     Collaborate with and build the capacity of NDI staff to play a substantive role in program development and implementation;

·     Create opportunities for NDI representatives to speak and participate in meetings, workshops and conferences; and

·     Work in tandem with the Finance Director to oversee the NDI Sudan budget, financial management and the submission of a monthly financial reconciliation to the Washington, D.C., office.

Required Experience

·     Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in International Relations or related subject. Masters Degree preferred;

·     Minimum twelve (12) years management experience overseeing international development programs, preferably in governance/civil society/election observation;

·     Substantial program management, proposal writing and financial management experience, including experience in initiating and managing sub-grants;

·     Substantial work experience in democratic governance development, preferably with civil society organizations, parliaments, the executive branch, and local governments, preferably in Africa or the Middle East;

·     Exceptional interpersonal, communication and networking skills and cultural sensitivity to effectively interact with and build relationships with all levels of staff, senior political and civic leaders, U.S. and foreign government personnel and policy makers, and members of donor organizations;

·     Ability to motivate and inspire a diverse group of professionals in a challenging environment, instilling a strong sense of mission and a teamwork approach 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 processes and actors in Sudan preferred;

·     Strong oral and written communication skills in English are required;

·     Proficiency in spoken and written Arabic is preferred;

·     Experience living and working overseas, preferably in the developing world in a non-English speaking multi-cultural work environment, and an ability to work in a highly challenging environment; and

·     Working knowledge of PC-based programs such as MS Word, Power Point, Excel, Outlook and internet.

Comments

This unaccompanied post is based in Khartoum, Sudan, with travel throughout the north, to Juba, Sudan and Nairobi, Kenya and requires at least a one year commitment. 

NDI offers a competitive salary, based on experience, and a generous benefits package. NDI will cover the cost of transportation to and from the posting, as well as housing, local travel and all other business-related expenses. Further details will be made available to selected candidates.

NDI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status or any other characteristic protected by law.

To Apply:  Please email cover letter expressing interest and attached resume/CV to:

Patrick Shields, Search Manager

Global Recruitment Specialists
501 Westport Avenue, Suite 285

Norwalk, CT 06851, USA

Telefax: 203-899-0499

E-Mail:  Shields@globalrecruitment.net

Web: Http://www.globalrecruitmemnt.net