BACKGROUND

Right To Play is a global organization that protects, educates, and empowers children to rise above adversity using play. By harnessing play, one of the most powerful and fundamental forces in a child’s life, we helped 2.3 million children last year to stay in school and out of work, to prevent life-threatening diseases like HIV and malaria, and to stay safe from exploitation and abuse. We are the only global development organization focused exclusively on using play to transform the lives of children and youth impacted by poverty, war, disease, and inequality.

Established in 2000, Right To Play is headquartered in Toronto, Canada, and has operations in 22 countries across North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

With a shared passion for our mission, our Culture Code guides how we act and interact based on five core pillars:

Accept Everyone – Be intentional about inclusion

•  Make Things Happen – Seek opportunities to lead and innovate
• Display Courage – Act with integrity
• Demonstrate Care – Look after yourself and one another
• Be Playful – Have fun at work

Please visit our website to learn more about who we are and what we do, and watch this video to find out about the five pillars of our Culture Code.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Country Director reports directly to the Global Director, Country Operations, providing high-level oversight, strategic guidance, and technical support to the Country Office. The ultimate goal of the position is to manage and grow the organization’s programming, to increase the quality, efficiency, and long-term impact of the program; and to promote and advocate for sustained high-level engagement of government and civil society.

The position is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with field visits, however, some travel within Africa and internationally may be required.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Job Responsibility #1: Program Strategy Development and Implementation (20% of Time):

Develops the strategic vision and direction of the program(s) in line with the strategic direction

of RTP

• Develops and manages the portfolio of program activities of the country in line with RTP strategic country plans and region and global vision
• Ensures accountability of RTP activities at all levels through efficient and transparent use of program resources
• Develops concept papers and proposals as necessary for the expansion of new and existing programs, taking into consideration local conditions, donor knowledge, and existing talent
• Keeps abreast of the social-economic and political changes in the environment and undertakes a timely strategic review of the RTP program strategy ensuring continued relevance within the area of focus
• Maintains close communication with Global Program Unit in relevant factors and changes in environment Coordinates the production of timely quality programme reports in line with the RTP and donor Requirements
• Supports and oversees programme delivery, gender responsive play based learning, and quality projects
• Provides leadership for the dissemination of ‘One Right To Play’ vision’, RTP’s Values and Mission at the Country Level.

Job Responsibility #2: Leadership, Coordination, Communication and Representation (20% of Time):

• Serves as the main local contact for all external stakeholders; develops and maintains links with relevant senior government officials and with country representatives in donors, UN bodies, academia and other international NGOs
• Facilitates donor visits, donor meetings, round table discussions and evaluations as necessary
• Ensures strong working relationships and collaborations with current and new partner organizations through regular correspondence, engagement, reporting and meetings
• Develops and strengthens relationships with local organisations and networks and establishes national strategic relations and alliances with partners and civil society
• Articulates concepts of play-based learning with confidence and authority articulates RTP strategic focus and drives impact in four key outcome areas; quality education, child protection, girls empowerment, health and well-being
• Promotes RTP organizational identity to all stakeholders and partners, and ensures RTP remains relevant to the changing needs of most vulnerable people in the country
• Supports preparation and hosting of strategic donor and RTP HQ visits and workshops
• Ensures that Right To Play regularly has its local registration as an INGO renewed, complies with statutory requirements and is updated to reflect changes in local policies Represents RTP in strategic meetings, conferences, forums and other public events and contributes towards consolidating and raising the profile of RTP
• Represents the organization in local media, promotes knowledge of RTP programs, mandates and values amongst all stakeholders, potential partners and general public.

Job Responsibility #3: Donor Stewardship and Fundraising (20% of Time):

• Assesses potential partners and partnerships; secures and stewards local funding opportunities and builds the relationships on the grounds that are needed to support donor cultivation
•  Keeps abreast of the trends within the donor environment in-country and internationally
• Leads proposal development for prioritized funding opportunities, facilitates participation by key team members to produce winning submissions
•  Leads the development of proposals for expansion of new programs and the continuation of existing ones through coordinated efforts with the RTP Program Office team, HQ Global Program Partnerships, and National Offices
• Represents RTP to current or potential donors to secure and sustain funding, including government/institutional donors, corporate sector, and foundations

You can get a full description of the advert from the link below 

Job Posting Country Director Ethiopia - March 2021.pdf

Job Requirements

EDUCATION/TRAINING/CERTIFICATION:

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Social Sciences, Development studies, or another related discipline.

EXPERIENCE:

• 10 years’ experience in a leadership role within a large or international organization working on strategic planning, quality improvement, project planning, and implementation, monitoring and evaluation, human resources, and financial management

COMPETENCIES/PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:

• Strategic planning skills
• Leadership, influencing and managerial skills
• Ability to gain trust and secure donor funding
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills to build rapport with staff, partners, government officials, donors and community leaders
• Creativity and problem-solving skills
• Strong presentation skills
• Superior organizational skills and ability to multi-task
• Ability to work under pressure meeting deadlines

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS

•  Proven knowledge of program management tools and procedures
• Proven knowledge of budgetary control and financial management, including the ability to read and understand financial data
• Proven experience in proposal development and report writing
• Demonstrated computer skills especially in MS Office packages
• Understanding of country laws and regulations.

LANGUAGES

•  Fluency in spoken and written English a requirement. Working knowledge of French also required

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong understanding of financial analysis
• Education, Child Protection, Sport and technology industry experience

WHO YOU ARE:

You are highly driven, results-oriented, highly collaborative and well-rounded leader with a passion for working with children and youth. You are an exceptional communicator with excellent networking skills. You have a good understanding of the cultural dynamics in Ethiopia and can build the team’s confidence to excel in their various roles. You are thrilled at the opportunity to make an impact in Ethiopia and you love building partnerships and alliances.

WHAT YOU’LL GET:

The opportunity to work with a passionate, innovative and collaborative team where you have the ability

to make things happen. You will gain experience working for a globally recognized organization with a healthy culture premised on our Culture Code (accept everyone, make things happen, display courage, demonstrate care & be playful). In addition, we offer a competitive salary and benefits package.

How to Apply

  If you are interested in applying for this position, please click here to upload your resume and cover letter.

Shortlisting of applications will begin immediately.

While we thank all applicants for their interest, only those selected for interviews will be contacted. Right To Play provides equal employment opportunities to employees regardless of their gender, race, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation or marital status and in compliance with local legislative requirements. Women are encouraged to apply for this position. We are a child-centered organization. Our recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to the safety and protection of children in our programs. The successful candidate will be required to provide a satisfactory police record check as a condition of employment.