Seeking a Dynamic and Resourceful French Speaking Deputy Country Director for Innovation: Africa’s Israel Office
Background
Innovation: Africa (iA) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose team of dedicated problem solvers work together to bring solar and water technologies to rural communities in Africa. We use solar energy to pump clean water and provide schools, orphanages, and medical clinics with light and refrigeration to store vaccines and medicines. iA has completed over 1000 solar, water, and agricultural projects, providing light, clean water, food and proper medical care to more than 5.2 million people in Ethiopia, Tanzania, Malawi, South Africa, Uganda, Cameroon, Senegal and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Job Summary
The Deputy Country Director will be joining a growing international team of change makers, helping to implement solar electrification and water technologies across rural Africa. Based in Israel, this position requires someone to be strong administratively and detail-oriented, as well as great relationally as they will be a representative of Innovation: Africa both to the partner communities and to relevant stakeholders. The Deputy Country Director will be responsible for helping the Country Director manage the local teams in Africa and oversee the logistics throughout the project implementation process requiring communication between local and international donors as well as the international iA team.
Reports To
Country Director
Responsibilities
- Support the Country Director to oversee the implementation of the organization's projects in the country, ensuring that they are delivered effectively, efficiently, and in line with the organization's values
- Assist the Country Director in the selection, implementation and monitoring of projects in rural Africa
- Alongside the County Director, manage the organization's staff in the country, ensuring that they are recruited, trained, and managed effectively. This may involve overseeing the development of job descriptions, conducting performance appraisals, and providing support to staff as required.
- Support the development and implementation of strategic plans for the country’s operation, ensuring that they align with the organization's mission and objectives
- Provide support in running all project operations including but not limited to the timeline, budget and reporting
- Assist in the management of the country’s finances, ensuring that budgets are prepared and adhered to, financial reports are produced via Odoo or any other platform the organization decide to work with, and that appropriate financial controls are in place
- Report on the organization's activities in the country, ensuring that progress is monitored and reported to the organization's headquarters and donors as required
- Maintain iA project database, tracking tools, finance software, file and organize documents
- In the field: assist in preparing for donor trips, take field notes, oversee project implementation, meet with local contractors, visit prospective projects, meet with relevant stakeholders and ministries, accompany international guests on project visits
- Commit to regular monthly traveling to the field – up to two weeks of every month
- Represent the organization, developing and maintaining relationships with stakeholders such as government officials, other NGOs, and the media. The Deputy Country Director also advocates for the organization's mission and objectives in the country.
- Ensure that the organization complies with local laws and regulations, as well as the organization's own policies and procedures
Qualifications
A seasoned and charismatic professional with the necessary managerial experience to get the job done while inspiring confidence in the local teams and relevant donors. As such, all candidates must be results-driven, with proven experience in project management, administration and coordination.
The ideal candidate is a problem-solver, detail orientated, flexible with strong communication skills. Exposure to working with municipal offices, negotiating/vetting contractors, experience in working in rural communities under an international humanitarian aid and development setting, and effectively reporting to international counterparts is preferred. Must be a fluent English and French speaker or have advanced proficiency in reading, writing and speaking.
Compensation
Commensurate with experience. Health insurance and other benefits included.
Requirements/Other
Proficiency in the French language is required, preferably as a native speaker.
This job requires regular travel to project sites in Africa.
As an international organization, our team is spread out between NY, Israel and Africa, and team members are constantly on the move. We strive to use technology solutions to keep our staff in close contact despite our travel schedules, and are all frequently on the phone, Zoom, Slack and more. This position requires the ability to keep up with this fast-paced environment, and to be comfortable working with colleagues across time zones and continents.