Regional Director (Africa) Precision Recruitment

Overview
Please note that only Zambian candidates will be considered.
Also, candidates with past government experience or government liaison at senior level will have an added advantage.

Our client, an International non-profit organisation founded on the belief that good governments are the foundation of flourishing, prosperous communities and nations are looking for a Regional Director (Africa) to join the team be based in Zambia.

The organization supports governments globally to develop capabilities, through training programmes, governments projects and partnerships, and knowledge creation.

The organization is practitioner focused and internationally oriented. They are managed by former public service leaders from across the world and draw upon a wealth of practitioner experience and knowledge from their global network of experts. They have worked with governments in countries spanning three continents, including Costa Rica, Zambia, Kenya, Malawi, India, the Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam.

About the Opportunity

There is growing interest in and traction for the organizations work amongst governments in Africa. Our partnerships on the continent have been steadily growing in both number and quality.

The Regional Director (Africa) to establish the organization’s Africa Office, and to deliver on its outcomes. The Regional Director will be based in Africa and have the following responsibilities:

(A) Engagement and Partnerships in Africa
1) Research and environmental scanning and insight into developments in the organizations priority countries within Africa, so as to support continual refinement of the organizations engagement strategy for key countries in Africa

2) Identify, cultivate and maintain the organizations relationships with its organisational partners in Africa, with the objective of identifying work opportunities for the organization in Africa, in line with the organizations organisational objectives, mission and internal capabilities.

3) Identify, cultivate and maintain the organizations networks with key individuals in Africa. This includes: a. A network of government practitioner experts (current and former), to support the organizations ongoing work in Africa.
A network of influential public sector leaders (current and former), who can support and amplify the organizations impact and reach in Africa.
(B) Implementation of the organizations training programmes and projects with Government Partners in Africa
1) Lead the implementation of the organization’s projects with government partners in Africa. This would involve initial project scoping, continual engagement with relevant partners, and conducting delivery of specialised activities (e.g., facilitation of workshops with government partners) to ensure that project milestones are adhered to.

2) Support the implementation of the organizations training programmes with government partners in Africa. This could involve initial needs assessment, identification of suitable experts and supporting programme management and delivery on the ground.

3) Oversee the logistical and administrative aspects of programme and project implementation within Africa.

(C) Administration of Africa Office
1) Establish the organizations office in Africa. This could include conducting due diligence and performing the administrative, legal and operational tasks associated with establishing the office.

2) Oversee the day-to-day administration and management of organizations Africa office, including budget and human resource management.

Reporting to the Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director of the organization (who are currently based in our Singapore office), the candidate will be expected to work independently, but closely consult and align with the organization’s senior leadership on strategic and operational matters, where relevant.

Experience & Aptitudes

The candidate must understand public service and be able to engage effectively with public sector leaders. As such, the ideal candidate should have 10 or more years of public sector experience. In addition, the candidate should also demonstrate experience to work and engage effectively with governments in Africa.

As a representative of a Singapore-based institution, it would be preferred (although this is not necessary) if the candidate is familiar with and able to speak about public policies and government systems in Singapore.

In terms of aptitudes, the candidate should possess:

Good situational awareness and respect for different cultures and nationalities.
Strong communication and engagement skills (written and spoken)
Strong project management skills, and ability to work under time pressure and tight deadlines
Ability to think creatively when solving challenges
Strong managerial skills, to effectively manage the administrative and logistical aspects of running an office, and to coach and mentor staff
Flexibility and willingness to travel frequently for work, and/or relocate within Africa (for applicants based outside Africa)
Please apply for this position if you are passionate about the importance of capable and effective government, staunchly committed to the organizations mission, aligned with our organisational culture, and resolute in pursuing key goals and priorities with determination and creativity