EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

RWANDA : RESIDENT DIRECTOR

 

The National Democratic Institute is seeking a Resident Director with strong political party experience and management skills to oversee the implementation of a political parties strengthening program in Rwanda . The Resident Director would advise leaders of political parties, implement program activities, and provide leadership to local staff. The Resident Director would be based in Kigali and serve as principal NDI liaison with political and civic leaders, program partners, and representatives of the international community. S/he would also be responsible for overall office management, to include financial and human resources. The Resident Director would work closely with Washington-based staff and would report to the DC-based Regional Director for Central and West Africa .

Background

On September 15, 2008, Rwanda will hold legislative elections - the country's second set of competitive elections in the last decade. The upcoming elections will provide an opportunity to gauge the strengths of the country's political parties and the obstacles that affect their development. The program will focus on three main areas: reinforcing efforts at interparty dialogue; strengthening the skills of political party leaders and activists to establish democratic and participatory internal structures; and building political parties' capacity to develop and communicate issue-based policy positions.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Design and implement political party strengthening programs;
  • Write and submit monthly program reports, monitoring and evaluation data, and other program related materials;
  • Manage in-country program budget, develop and maintain financial management systems, and ensure the submission of monthly financial reconciliation statements to the DC office
  • Provide day to day management and oversight of staff, and maintain office and personnel management systems;
  • Maintain professional relationships with key partners within political parties, various branches of government, civil society, and within the donor community;
  • Ensure adherence to both NDI and donor financial regulations;
  • Represent NDI and its program at public events and functions.

Qualifications

  • Bachelors degree or equivalent educational background; advanced degree in a field of study related to international development or management preferred;
  • Minimum of twelve (12) years experience working with political parties;
  • Proven political and election campaign experience;
  • Solid experience in program management, office operations, financial and human resources management;
  • Excellent inter-personal skills;
  • Strong communication and networking skills;
  • Demonstrated problem solving skills;
  • Strong oral and written communication skills in French and English;
  • Experience working in a multi-cultural environment, preferably in Africa ;
  • Ability to thrive in a challenging environment.
  • Familiarity with USAID and other funding agencies and their respective funding processes
  • Dedication to the universal principles of human rights and democracy building
  • Working knowledge of PC-based word processing and spreadsheet applications.

NDI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status or any other characteristic protected by law.