Zimbabwe: Executive Director - ZWRCN

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ZWRCN is an information-based organization with a focus on research, collection, analysis, processing and dissemination of information on gender and development. The organization’s strategic interventions aim to empower women, strengthen inter-organizational networking of gender and development agencies and promote the women’s movement in Zimbabwe. ZWRCN’s programmes are aimed at reducing gender inequalities and promote gender sensitive national policies and programmes for the improvement of the welfare of women and girls in Zimbabwe.

The Zimbabwe Women’s Resource Centre and Network (ZWRCN) is seeking a competent, experienced, motivated and dynamic individual for the position of Executive Director.

* The Executive Director has the overall function of ensuring that the organization executes its mandate. The Director will be responsible for the overall leadership, management and co-ordination of all administration, human resources and programme work of the organization. This job requires managing effectively and efficiently the implementation of the Gender and Economic Policies and Public Finance Programme, the Gender, HIV and AIDS Programme as well as the Gender & Information Programme.

The competencies required for the job include;

Professionalism: Expert knowledge and understanding of the key issues on gender and development at the national, sub-regional, regional and global level; gender equality and women empowerment; proven ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues; ability to review and edit the work of others;

Planning and organizing: Proven ability to plan and organize work, requiring an in-depth understanding of the Centre’s strategic direction.

Communication: Proven excellent drafting ability and communication skills, both oral and written; ability to defend and explain difficult issues with respect to key decisions and positions to staff, senior government officials, development partners, and other stakeholders; ability to prepare written reports that are clear, concise and meaningful.

Leadership: Proven track record of excellent management and technical leadership skills and ability to delegate appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority. Proven ability to provide strategic direction, to plan and establish priorities, and to ensure an effective work structure to maximize productivity and achieve goals. Proven record of building and managing teams and creating an enabling work environment, including the ability to effectively lead, supervise, mentor, develop and evaluate staff and design training/skills enhancement initiatives to ensure effective transfer of knowledge/skills. Capacity to deal honestly and openly with issues and staff. Demonstrated flexibility in leadership by performing and/or overseeing change initiatives including the analysis of complex human resources, budgetary, financial or administrative management policy and programmatic issues.

Managing Performance: Ability to lead and supervise staff. Ability to coach, mentor and develop staff. Capacity to motivate staff and encourage good performance, to coordinate and monitor the work of others. Vision - Ability to identify key strategic issues, opportunities and risks; clearly communicate links between the Organization's strategy and the work unit's goals.

The key performance areas include:

* Overall programme, financial and human resource management;
* Communication of the organization’s vision;
* Development of programmes and areas of work in line with the organization’s vision;
* Quality control of ZWRCN’ operations;
* Editorial direction and guidance;
* Development and implementation of a fundraising and sustainability strategy;
* Building strong partnerships to advance and grow ZWRCN’s work and profile;
* Enhance the organization’s visibility;
* Service the board and subsidiary committees.

The ideal candidate must be able to work in a fast paced environment and will have experience in managing complex programmes, be innovative, flexible, results driven and a proven leader. The individual should posses a master’s degree in a relevant field, at least 10 years of proven experience in gender and development, excellent computer skills, good communication skills and the ability to motivate staff are a requisite. Experience in information management and gender budgeting is desirable.

Education
Master's degree or equivalent in the social sciences or related fields. A first level university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Additional advanced training or specialization in one or more of the Centre’s programme thrusts is desirable.
Work Experience

At least 10 years of proven progressively responsible experience in gender and development, programme implementation and management as well as supervision of a team of programme officers. Experience in building advocacy and educational campaigns at national and regional level, monitoring programme progress and fundraising is essential

ZWRCN is offering a competitive package that is commensurate with qualifications and experience. Applications with certified copies of certificates, CV and other relevant documents must clearly state the position applied for and should be submitted no later than 22 May 2009 to:

By email to: [email][email protected]

By post to:
The Chairperson,
ZWRCN, 288 Herbert Chitepo Avenue
Harare, Zimbabwe
Tel/Fax: +263 4 252 389/390 or 792450/707483