National Director SOS CV Eswatini

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT (EXTERNAL)

Re- Advertised National Director SOS CV Eswatini

(Job Ref: SOS CV NA 10/22)

SOS Children’s villages Eswatini is seeking a qualified and experienced professional to take on the role of National Director to be based in Eswatini.

Context of the Organization

SOS Children’s Villages International (SOS CVI) is a non-governmental and non-denominational organization working with communities, partners, and states to ensure that the rights of all children are fulfilled in every society. SOS CVI is a global federation working to protect and care for children who have lost parental care, or who stand at risk of losing the care. We respect all religions and cultures and work with trusted partners in places where we can contribute to social development. Everything we do is made possible through the generous support of sponsors and donors, institutional and corporate partners, and loyal friends worldwide.

Envisioning that every child belongs to a family and grows up with love, respect, and security, we exist to build families for children in need, we help them shape their own futures, and we share in the development of their communities. Everything we do is guided by the firm belief that no child should grow up alone and that we need to improve care for children who are at risk, enabling them to overcome precarious conditions and succeed in life. To achieve our mission, our strategy for the upcoming decade focuses on ensuring the best care for children, innovation, and effective collaboration with more partners. Our core values guiding who we are and what we do include the courage to take action, commitment to keep our promises, trust to believe in each other, and accountability to be reliable Partners.

Position Title:            National Director

Working location:     Eswatini

Supervisor:              SOS CV Eswatini/Board Chair Person/ with technical support from   SOS Children’s Villages International Representative

Region:                      East and Southern Africa (ESAF)

Job Summary

The National Director leads, manages, and develops the National Association (NA) as its chief executive, ensuring effective delivery of programmes and services to children and young people, families, and communities within the frame of the international SOS Children’s Villages organization’s vision, mission, values, and strategy. By seeking government subsidies and funding, international/national grants as well as through fundraising he/she maximizes the financial self-sufficiency of the National Association (and the ability to financially support other National Associations) according to the potential in the country. In addition, the job incumbent ensures the effective overall direction, operations, and performance of the National Association (NA), by developing and executing core programmes and financial strategies that lead to the sustainability of the organization. Furthermore, National Director leads and develops the NA with the support of leadership (Board and Management), to ensure effective delivery of programes and services to programme participants.

Main Clients

• Board of Directors (or Trustees)

• National Management Team

• International Director

• CVI Representative

• Regional Office Function Directors

Key performance areas and main responsibilities:

Strategic Direction and Governance

• Facilitates the strategic planning process under the direction of the board (or guided by the board), involving the national management team and other key staff in identifying priority areas and setting objectives;
• Review strategy regularly, proactively assess future needs and perform sustainability forecasts to ensure relevance and appropriateness of the NA;
• Follow up on reports relating to the development and/or deviation from the expected route by any programme/project within the NA.
• Presents plans, reports and proposals at board meetings. Ensures in joint cooperation with the chairperson legality of the national organization, complying with relevant national legislation. Ensures that board decisions are translated into clear actions;
• Communicate SOS-KDI policy at the National and Programme levels.
• Drive operational excellence by ensuring appropriate best practices, processes and technologies are in place.

Brand Development

• Applies the internationally agreed brand development concept in national strategy, planning and implementation;
• Provide strategic and tactical guidance to the NA marketing, branding- and communication strategies and initiatives, together with the Fund Development and Communications department;
• Maintain close contact with internal and external marketing and related stakeholders to build strategic relationships, solicit continual feedback on current initiatives, and understand market needs and perceptions;

HR Management and Organization Development

• Ensures that the right people are employed for the right positions so that co-workers and external partners are always treated with the desired professionalism and according to the principles of the organizational culture
• Ensures an efficient performance management and human resource development system that guarantees the development of co-workers and the identification of talents. Besides, promotes accountability at all levels of the National Association
• Leads and manages the National Management Team, builds an effective National Office team, providing guidance and support as necessary;
• Assure stable employee relations by managing conflict and creating a positive working environment.

Programme Development, Management, and Monitoring

• Ensures that resources are focused on building strong programmes and services. Ensures review and evaluation of programmes to ascertain that agreed plans and policies are implemented and provides capacity building and technical support as needed
• Promotes interaction and exchange of relevant experiences between programmes

Finance and Funds Management

• Ensures planning and budgeting
• Implements and monitors the internal control system, reviews key figures & financial reports
• Ensures realization of annual financial statement and external audit report
• Oversee an efficient flow of funds to the programmes and projects

Fund Development and Public Relations

• Promotes long-term stability and financial self-sufficiency by pursuing support from government and private sources with the aim to maximize the fundraising potential
• Supports the development and implementation of sustainable fundraising strategies and grant applications.
• Supports public relations/marketing activities as necessary and ensures that an appropriate image of the organization is portrayed

Partnership building, Advocacy and Cooperation with external stakeholders

• Establishes sound relationships with relevant government authorities, ensures appropriate representation of the organization’s views and seeks government recognition and support for SOS Children’s Villages work
• Ensures a clear understanding of the NA role of children, young people, families, community
• Builds partnerships with non-governmental organisations that work for the rights of children without parental care or at risk of losing parental care

Cooperation and Reporting

• Fosters a professional relationship and maintains close cooperation with the Regional Office as well as with other units in the General Secretariat; receives guidance, support and monitoring with respect to international standards (from Regional Office); provides specified reports and acts on agreements

Child Safeguarding (CS)

• Responsible for implementation and management of SOS Child Protection Policy in NA and for reporting to the National Board
• Ensures that co-workers and programmes do not cause harm to children and young people and that they are not exposed to the risk of harm and abuse
• Responsible to report any concerns the organization has about children’s safety in its programmes and within the communities to the appropriate authorities.
• Ensures that co-workers act within national law, Child Protection Policy, Code of Conduct and other child safeguarding requirements.

Required Knowledge, skills, qualifications, abilities, and behavioral competencies:

• Master’s degree in Development Studies, Public or Business administration, Public Policy and Social Sciences or in related fields.
• At least 10 years’ experience in developmental work of these at least seven years at senior management and leadership levels.
• A good understanding of child rights and child development issues in a developing country.
• Experience in developing, nurturing and implementing social development programmes and fundraising through the establishment of long-term partnerships with stakeholders.
• Strong influential and executive leadership style, be an articulate and confident manager able to spur confidence in the organization, working closely with the Board of Trustees.
• Notable success working with and building high performance and successful teams in a multi-cultural setting.
• Excellent networking ability, persuasive communication, marketing and fundraising skills.
• A successful record of accomplishment working with and building high-performance teams in a multi-cultural setting.
• Strong managerial and implementation skills.
• Strong strategic awareness, integrating environmental developments, future orientation and a pragmatic view into operational planning and day-to-day work.
• Proactive decision-making based on sound analysis and excellent communication skills.
• Fluent oral/written English skills required, Eswatini local languages preferred.
• Computer literate

**“**SOS Children’s Villages International holds strict child safeguarding principles and a zero-tolerance policy for conducts of sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse in the workplace and other places where the organization’s activities are rendered.  Parallel to technical competence, recruitment, selection and hiring decisions will give due emphasis to assessing candidates value congruence and thorough background checks, police clearance reference check processes”.

How to Apply

If you believe you are the right candidate for the above position, please send your application letter, detailed curriculum vitae (CV), and photocopies of academic certificates, and names and contact details of three referees.

Applications that are late, or do not have CV or certificates attached, will be disqualified. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Applications including at least three traceable referees should be sent electronically to ESAF.HROD@sos-kd.org or the ICIIMS LINK not later than 2nd November 2022.

Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.