Uganda: Regional Coordinator - Akina Mama wa Afrika

AKINA MAMA WA AFRIKA

An international development organisation for African women

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

REGIONAL COORDINATOR, AFRICA PROGRAMMES

A INFORMATION ABOUT AKINA MAMA wa AFRIKA (AMwA)

Akina Mama wa Afrika (AMwA) is an international, pan-African, non-governmental development organisation for African women established in 1985. AMwA’s headquarters are located in Kampala, Uganda with a UK/Europe regional office in the United Kingdom. It was set up by women from different parts of Africa, resident in the United Kingdom. Translated from Swahili, the name means ‘Solidarity for African Women’ signifying Sisterhood. AMwA was founded to create space for African women to organize autonomously, identify issues of concern to them and speak for themselves. AMwA coordinates local, regional and international initiatives, and builds the individual and organisational leadership capacities of African women through leadership development programs, networking, information and advocacy. AMwA is registered as an International NGO in Uganda by the NGO Registration Board as well as a Registered Charity in the United Kingdom (No.1041431), and a Company Limited by Guarantee (No.2958127). AMwA is an NGO in Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council at the United Nations.

AMwA envisions a world in which there is social, economic and political autonomy of African women. AMwA’s mission is to serve as a networking, information, advocacy and training space for African women to organize autonomously, identify issues of concern to them, speak and act for themselves. It builds female leadership capacities to influence policy and decision-making.

AMwA is governed by an International Executive Board of twelve women, which is chaired by the President. The organisation is led by an Executive Director.

In 2006, Akina Mama wa Afrika (AMwA) relocated its Head Office to Kampala, Uganda and is seeking a Regional Coordinator, Africa Programmes, who will oversee the Africa regional programmes.

B THE POSITION – REGIONAL COORDINATOR, AFRICA PROGRAMMES

Based in Kampala, Uganda, AMwA’s Regional Coordinator, Africa Programmes will work with the Executive Director to give overall direction to the formulation, leadership, achievement and programmes on the African Continent in line with the AMwA objectives and strategy. The Regional Coordinator, Africa Programmes will facilitate the identification, planning, development and implementation of policy advocacy and programme initiatives relevant to African women, within Africa, in line with AMwA’s mission and objectives. AMwA’s work is guided by feminist principles and values; we are therefore seeking a committed feminist activist for this position. The Regional Coordinator, Africa Programmes will be an innovator and a key player in the African women’s movement with experience of working in a leadership and management capacity in Africa. She will bring with her a proven track record in leadership, fundraising, organisational development, management, advocacy, networking, the ability to work with a variety of stakeholders and excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

C JOB DESCRIPTION FOR AMwA REGIONAL COORDINATOR, AFRICA PROGRAMMES

SUMMARY OF MAIN TASKS

Develop and coordinate national, sub-regional and Africa Wide leadership development programmes such as the African Women’s Leadership Institutes (AWLIs).
Implement effective policy intervention strategies on matters relevant to African women, in accordance with AMwA’s mission and objectives.
Identify, implement and support research initiatives at international and national level as well as document and share key learning within and without the organisation on policy advocacy initiatives and the achievement of AMwA strategic objectives.
Identify, develop, implement and coordinate policy and advocacy initiatives
Promote and uphold AMwA’s corporate image in Africa and ensure effective communications with all stakeholders
Facilitate the building of strong alliances, coalitions and networks of voluntary sector, civil society, and the public sector and inter governmental agencies for concerted advocacy efforts and greater participation in policy dialogue.
Write and disseminate timely reports on progress of the regional office’s work pertaining to the organisation’s monitoring and funding requirements.
Lead the development of annual plans and budgets for AMwA’s Africa- wide programmes.
Spearhead fundraising and resource mobilisation for AMwA’s Africa-wide programmes.
Provide line management support to staff and take responsibility for all related staffing matters for the Africa Programmes including recruitment, staff objective setting and appraisals, training and personnel development.
Pursue a professional leadership style, grounded in feminist principles.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential Requirements
Post graduate degree
Committed feminist activist /theory with a theoretical and practical understanding of feminism, gender, and development issues
Communication, interpersonal, and writing skills
Fundraising skills and experience
Experience of working with regional and international institutions
Africa Regional and international exposure as well as networking, lobbying, advocacy and campaign skills at a regional level
An understanding of the complex contemporary issues facing Africa and challenges facing the African women’s movement
Human Resource and Programme management experience
3 years working experience in a feminist organization(s)
Ability to facilitate team work, to work unsupervised, to organize workload, set priorities and meet deadlines
Attentive to detail with a desire to achieve work objectives
Integrity, confidentiality and ability to accomplish tasks promptly with minimum supervision.
Ability to work on own initiative, as well as part of a team, with minimum supervision, to organise workload, set priorities and meet deadlines.
Ability to organize and oversee the coordination of programs within Africa
Ability to perform well under pressure.
Mature personality, integrity and tolerance of diverse cultures and political opinions.
Fluency and knowledge of at least 2 African languages
Working knowledge of French
Ability to travel extensively as required, and willingness to work unsociable hours
Advanced public speaking skills, and ability to represent AMwA at high profile activities.

There is an attractive remuneration package of US$36,000 to US$40,000 Per Annum dependent on qualifications and experience. It also includes: medical insurance package; housing allowance and; a relocation package where appropriate.

D APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Those who meet the above requirements should:

Fill and send the attached application form.

A complete, up to date detailed Curriculum Vitae that should include three references (the names, addresses and telephone contact numbers), one of whom should be your present or most recent employer. We will not approach your employer without your permission.

A detailed statement showing how you meet the essential and desirable criteria. The statement should also include information on how soon you would be able to take up the position if you where offered the post. We advise that you pay attention to writing this statement carefully because it will play a key role in the short-listing process.

A passport-sized photograph.

Two samples of work you have written.

Short listed candidates will be invited for an interview in Kampala, Uganda not later than 3 weeks after the closing date. Deadline for applications is Monday 3rd December 2007. We expect the post-holder to assume her post in January 2008/ February 2008 or as per agreement.

Applications should be sent to:

THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR,
AKINA MAMA WA AFRIKA
HEAD OFFICE
PLOT 30 BUKOTO STREET,
KAMPALA
UGANDA, EAST AFRICA
P.O. BOX 24130 KAMPALA, UGANDA
Tel: +256 (0) 41 543 681 Fax: +256 (0) 414 543 683
Email: [email][email protected]

Closing date for applications is Monday 3rd December 2007