To ensure effective governance of GWP/WA by adhering to the network and institution’s policy instruments (through the GWP/WA Board) and to support the strengthening of Country Water Partnerships on programme development, governance, network operations, communication and knowledge management.
The ES is responsible for efficient operational systems and financial integrity of GWP/WA and as the overall manager of GWP/WA - manages the Secretariat staff to develop and implement relevant programmes, ensure compliance with legal, governance, contractual and financial frameworks to achieve significant outcomes and impact in the West African region.
The ES is responsible for:
- providing leadership to GWP/WA and driving GWP/WA strategies;
- managing the GWP/WA Secretariat staff to ensure effective development of and efficient delivery of the GWP/WA and Africa programmes as well as to ensure a high quality professional service to the Partnership and outside;
- ensuring development of relevant programmes, effectively conduct programming, planning and budgeting with the GWP/WA staff, co-ordinate, manage, administer, monitor implementation and provide quality assurance for delivery of the GWP/WA’s programmes, strategies and work plans ensuring relevance and impact. Also, responsible for regional contributions to global GWP strategy development and reporting;
- effective and efficient budget development and financial management oversight (including financial audits) of GWP/WA to ensure compliance and accurate reporting to the GWP/WA Board, GWPO and donors, as well as ensuring GWP/WA’s financial integrity;
- regional fund raising for the GWP/WA and supports coordination of fund raising for Africa programmes (working with Secretariat team, GWP/WA Technical Committee, GWP/WA Chair, GWPO (Stockholm team), GWP in the other sub regions in Africa and Strategic Partner organisations);
- ensuring effective network functioning and linkages for sound operations, good governance and effective programme planning and delivery through operational, institutional, knowledge management and communications and technical programme development, support and delivery for CWPs in West Africa.
The ES must possess:
- a Masters’ degree preferably in any natural resource / environmental related and /or development field;
- extensive experience (at least 10 years) with an established reputation in the natural or social sciences related to land and water resources in the West African region and a broad understanding of African and global issues and policy processes;
- senior management and institutional development experience (at least 5 years) in a regional or international developmental institution, to ensure GWP/WA is effectively structured, administered, staffed and funded to meet the goals and mission of the multi-partner IWRM and development organization;
- experience and skills in leading and managing teams at national, regional and continental levels;
- demonstrated project management, M&E and reporting experience – emphasizing outcomes and impact;
- demonstrated capacity to develop partnerships with strategic organizations (socio-political and technical), work collaboratively and have experience serving on partner organization boards and Steering Committees;
- at least ten years of fundraising experience working with international donor funded programmes and demonstrated success and good relationships with the relevant donor community;
- eloquence - with an excellent command of the English and French languages, also with strong written communication and presentational skills;
- a working understanding of Portuguese would be an asset;
- excellent knowledge of relevant GWP/WA and GWPO administrative and operating protocols and policies;
- ability to manage complex situations and facilitate the establishment of multi‐stakeholder platforms & processes; and have a very good service approach;
- citizenship of one of the 15 ECOWAS member states.
Other requirements:
- familiar with the implementation of the West Africa and Africa wide programmes and multi-stakeholder processes at multi-levels, within a multidisciplinary, multicultural setting; and understands the core business and modes of operation of GWP/WA;
- working knowledge and experience working with River Basin Organisations, ECOWAS and other RECs, familiarity with key regional and pan-African institutions such as, WAEMU, CILSS, AMCOW (and ANBO) is necessary and knowledge of necessary protocols;
- ability to deal with discretion on sensitive issues and to respond positively to challenges;
- flexibility, creativity and effectiveness in working collaboratively in a multi-cultural network environment;
- ability to work independently and give direction as well as accept guidance and criticism from others where appropriate;
- ability to manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously;
- flexibility in fast paced environment of ambiguity, rapidly changing priorities and tight deadlines; and ability to manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously;
- must have very good personal organization and priority setting abilities to meet deadlines;
- a willingness to work non-standard hours and/or occasional weekends;
- frequently travel internationally.
Application package:
Applications should consist of:
- A full CV (including at least 3 references – names and full contact details);
- A self-motivational letter clearly indicating why she or he believes they should be considered for the GWP/WA Executive Secretary position (addressed to the GWP/WA Chair).
Closing date & time:
31, July 2017 (4.00 p.m. GMT).
Late applications will not be considered.
Applications should be submitted to GWP/WA Chair at email:
Secretariat: gwp.wewtafrica@gwpao.org or secretariat@gwpao.org
Only short-listed candidates will be informed of the outcome of the first phase of the application process.