PACIFIC REGIONAL DIRECTOR JOB DESCRIPTION

Transcription

1 REGIONAL DIRECTOR JOB DESCRIPTION

2 REGIONAL DIRECTOR JOB DESCRIPTION Reporting to Accountable to Staff reporting to this post Total Workforce Annual Budget activities) Location Oxfam New Zealand Program Director (interim) Oxfam Global Program Director (once appointed) Chair of the Pacific Governance Group Country Directors of Papua New Guinea, Fiji- Polynesia/Micronesia cluster, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu Pacific Policy Advisor (with 2-3 more Pacific hub staff to be appointed by end of 2015) Approximately 70 staff working across five countries Approximately US$10m (may vary depending on humanitarian response Suva, Fiji (an alternative Pacific regional base will be used/agreed with the postholder while Oxfam s registration in Fiji is completed) Pacific regional context Oxfam is a world-wide development organisation that mobilises the power of people against poverty. In the Pacific, Oxfam has offices in Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. We also support partner organisations in Fiji, Samoa and Tonga and work in partnership with local and international actors. This includes civil society, community-based, private sector and faith-based organisations. Oxfam supports grassroots development programs and advocates for changes through public campaigns at the national and regional level. Oxfam has four regional priorities in the Pacific: Sustainable livelihoods We seek to build on the region s existing strengths by supporting the development of sustainable rural livelihoods, through community based agriculture and by linking rural households with domestic and overseas buyers. We currently have livelihoods programs in Tonga, Samoa, Vanuatu and PNG, and are working with communities in PNG on rights issues in relation to natural resource projects on their land. Access to safe water and sanitation is equally critical to sustainable development. Oxfam is therefore supporting water, sanitation and hygiene education (WASH) programs in two countries where access to clean reliable water is a significant issue - PNG and Vanuatu. Working through local partners we have helped to build infrastructure in rural communities, and influence governments to be more accountable to communities for the delivery of water and sanitation services. Climate Change Adaptation / Disaster Risk Management Pacific Island countries are among the most vulnerable to natural disaster in the world. Oxfam has supported recovery efforts following major disasters in the Pacific, including flooding in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, cyclones in Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu and the 2009 tsunami in Samoa. Oxfam has focused on the rehabilitation of water and sanitation services, emergency food and with re-establishing the livelihoods of some of the most vulnerable amongst affected communities, particularly women. Oxfam has also worked with Pacific governments and communities to prepare for and reduce the impact of future disasters. Taking a holistic approach to climate change adaptation and natural disaster preparedness, Oxfam has worked in different ways to help Pacific communities build resilience and support Pacific island civil society and governments in international climate negotiations. We have also worked effectively in alliance with other 2 February 2015

3 organisations to amplify the Pacific voice and we continue to advocate for a fair, ambitious and legally binding global agreement that will ensure a safe climate for all. Gender Justice Pacific women face unique and substantial challenges - under-representation in decision-making and governance structures, denial of access to basic services and high levels of violence. Working with communities and women s rights organisations, Oxfam has sought to challenge gender stereotypes, change attitudes, beliefs and behaviours, advance the rights of women, strengthen women s participation in decision-making and improve economic opportunities for women and girls. Recognising the high levels of violence against women in Papua New Guinea, Oxfam supports local partners who provide non-medical crisis services for women and children affected by violence. In the Solomon Islands we also support family counselling services and community programmes that challenge the beliefs that perpetuate gender-based violence. Governance, Leadership and Accountability Oxfam aims to support healthy and vibrant civil societies and enable marginalised people to exercise their civil and political rights, particularly women. We have provided direct support and mentoring to partner organisations to help them effectively represent community voices in national policy debates, and in development planning and decision-making. We seek to improve civil society representation in regional policy making by ensuring civil society voices are heard in political decision-making, for example, at the Pacific Islands Forum and within regional technical agencies like the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) and the South Pacific Regional Environmental Programme (SPREP). Oxfam s influencing strategies for achieving poverty reduction are grounded in our development work and are guided by regular policy research in the Pacific region. As a global organisation, we are also able to link our work in this region to international campaigns, to leverage greater influence. Oxfam s GROW campaign is an example of this. By seeking to influence domestic audiences, decision makers and current government policies in the Pacific and around the world, we seek to directly support smallholder farmers and change the policies that underpin our broken global food system. This has included asking Australian banks and global food brands to respect the land rights of indigenous communities in the Pacific and elsewhere. Oxfam also supports Pacific networks that influence decision-makers around key issues such as avoiding dangerous climate change, monitoring the impacts of mining, controlling guns and small arms, and fighting to make trade fair. The Pacific Regional Director has a key role in taking forward these priority goals, to achieve even greater impact whilst also fostering greater Pacific representation, ownership and leadership. Job Purpose Co-create, together with members of the Oxfam network, a vision, organizational structure, identity and culture for Oxfam in the Pacific. With support of Oxfam s regional governance group, provide leadership in implementing the strategic direction for all Oxfam s work in this region. Lead on Oxfam in the Pacific s engagement both within the Oxfam global network and to external stakeholders in the Pacific region, and shape Oxfam s influencing strategy through advocacy, brokering and networking, coalition building and media. Together with Oxfam partners and country leadership teams in the Pacific, develop and deliver context specific and locally responsive advocacy and campaigning, public fundraising and communications initiatives, and be the voice and face of Oxfam s campaigns in the Pacific region and globally. 3 February 2015

4 Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities Strategy Together with country teams, create and deliver approaches in Oxfam s development programs, humanitarian relief work, advocacy, campaigns and fundraising and communications that will increase Oxfam s diversity and Pacific ownership. Provide vision, strategic leadership and support to the Country Directors of Oxfam s program in the Pacific region. This includes Oxfam s humanitarian and long term development programs, advocacy and policy work. Formulate and deliver regional influencing initiatives, connecting and leveraging Oxfam s grassroots and community level programs and partnerships. Be responsible for aligning Country Program strategies towards the Oxfam 2020 Vision and enabling Oxfam in the Pacific through major transformational change, to shift towards more Pacific-led and grounded programs and partnerships. Be responsible for approving Oxfam Country Strategic plans, fundraising strategies, and annual plans and budgets in line with Oxfam s long term Strategic Plan. Ensure that countries take a One Program Approach in tackling poverty and inequality so that development, campaigning and humanitarian work is strategically aligned and balanced to maximise Oxfam s impact and influence. Accountability Be accountable to the ONZ Programme Director (and new Global Program Director once appointed) for the implementation of Oxfam s country and regional strategies. Be accountable to the Chair of the Regional Governance Group for the leadership, delivery, effective management and monitoring, evaluation and learning of the programs in all countries within Pacific Region against Oxfam s Strategic Plan (OSP), 2020 vision and achieving Oxfam standards. The Regional Governance Group will be composed of internal Oxfam stakeholders and independent leaders from the Pacific. Be accountable for the financial sustainability of Oxfam in the Pacific. This includes leading the regional team in delivering institutional and public fundraising initiatives, and overseeing relationship management with current and potential regional donors. Public Engagement and Influencing Represents Oxfam within the Pacific and globally. Work with internal and external audiences at the senior levels to influence and inform decision makers at the highest levels, and work collaboratively with leaders in Oxfam and externally by building alliances and networks within the anti-poverty and social justice movement. Work with civil society organizations, policy and decision makers at local, national, and regional level to influence and make progress on key issues such as climate change, sustainable livelihoods, humanitarian needs, food security, gender equality and trade negotiations. Help to meet public engagement responsibilities by ensuring that high quality content and stories are regularly provided to the wider Oxfam network that demonstrate the impact of Oxfam s work in the Pacific, and can be used to help Oxfam fundraise globally, ensure that Oxfam is well-funded, globally respected and a highly influential organisation. Contribute to the overall leadership of the Pacific Hub, ensuring that the voice of the Region is effectively heard, and influence the direction of Oxfam by actively contributing to and providing leadership within the region, as well as through organisation or region wide activities. Be accountable for ensuring that appropriate tools and technology are in place to allow a strong flow of positive and consistent program content that may be used to influence and communicate with internal audiences and external stakeholders, including government, media, donors, non-governmental sector and supporters. 4 February 2015

5 Actively engage with communities and Pacific leaders across the Region, with the aim of increasing mutual understanding and awareness of Oxfam s work and the requirements and cultural norms at the community level. Program delivery Work closely with partners in country and within the Region in order to develop and deliver high quality programs. Play an active role in drawing on learning from across Oxfam and from external sources, and by sharing evidenced based learning with others. Ensures the Pacific Region meets agreed standards in disaster preparedness, mitigation and management, including all humanitarian response activities. Ensure that programs are appropriately monitored and evaluated. Play an active role in ensuring the sharing of good practice and learnings with others, including members of the Oxfam confederation and externally, and utilise the results to inform program decisions and enhance institutional knowledge. Work closely with the relevant affiliates involved within the Region, actively maintaining excellent relationships to ensure the development and delivery of effective Country and Regional Programs. (Currently, the primary stakeholder affiliates in the Pacific are Oxfam Australia and Oxfam New Zealand.) Develop appropriate strategies to seek out and maintain appropriate funding sources for Oxfam s activities in the Region. Together with Oxfam s business development team, act as a promotor and fundraiser for Oxfam s programs in the Region. Be responsible for anticipating and managing risks that could threaten Oxfam s reputation, operational viability and security. Be responsible for managing security in line with Oxfam Policy. People management Be responsible for remotely line managing five geographically dispersed Country Directors within Pacific Region and up to 3-5 staff operating within a Pacific Regional Office / Hub. Lead the development of an Oxfam in the Pacific Staff Development Plan (capability, capacity, retention and leadership). Ensure Country Directors operate in accordance with Oxfam s policies and procedures, including but not limited to the Code of Conduct, Performance Management, Security, Health and Safety policies and procedures, and local legislation. Create and supports an environment which results in strong partnerships, influence, knowledge sharing and innovation. Demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting representation from Pacific Islanders in determining Oxfam s development objectives and approaches to development in the Pacific Skills, Experience & Knowledge Geographical, Political and Regional knowledge Understanding and knowledge of the politics, economics, cultural dynamics and political context of the Pacific Islands within the region Ability to manage the development of and contribute to high level analysis of factors driving poverty, inequality and vulnerability in the country contexts within the Pacific region, including the ability to think politically by understanding motivations, pressures and challenges faced by colleagues, partners and other actors Well-developed understanding of gender issues and of how these should be addressed in Oxfam s programs in the Pacific An appreciation and understanding of Pacific values and culture 5 February 2015

6 Management and Leadership Significant senior leadership experience in managing and motivating multi-disciplinary, multicultural, geographically remote teams A record of senior level management success and achievement (including in the Pacific region) Experience of developing and delivering impactful long term programs and humanitarian strategy, either with partners or directly, in multiple challenging contexts Significant experience of leading and managing complex change processes and relationships, involving a wide range of both internal and external multi-cultural stakeholders, across a variety of disciplines and geographical areas A high degree of self-awareness and understanding of how to drive and support excellent team performance and individual development Ability to act as a role model and demonstrate exceptional leadership in line with Oxfam s values A track record of managing regional programs and setting regional priorities together with the management / co-ordination of the respective leads Strategic analysis Proven analytical skills and ability to manage and take calculated risks based on evidence based assumptions Ability to think strategically, show adaptability and agility, and encourage forward thinking, new ideas and learning from experience beyond a local country or programming context, while acting within a regional or global framework A track record or driving program quality improvements through evidence based learning. A focus on outcomes and accountability that enables countries to build on learning, and effectively share and manage knowledge within an organisation and externally Finance and Funding Competent financial and asset management experience, and use of IT and how new developments in technology can positively contribute to the aims of an INGP Ability to provide high level oversight and influence over multiple country and regional budgets e.g. of budgets totalling approximately US$10m across Oxfam s current Pacific Program Ability to mitigate and control financial risks, including managing donor funding and relationships across a large number of countries and programs Ability to maximise fundraising opportunities and to maintain sustainable sources of funding Risk management Experience of managing security, risk and legal compliance, preferably within an INGO context. This includes the ability to anticipate risks that could threaten an organisation s reputation, operational viability and/or security Ability to take calculated risks based on evidence-based assumptions, and proven success in making sound judgements in uncertain and pressurised situations, including experience of crisis management leadership Ability to continually assess and analyse the external context of an organisation, enabling the development of realistic strategies, as well as sound judgement on when to stop as well as start new initiatives Representation and communication Proven track record of advocacy, and representation at the highest level. This includes an understanding of and experience with media. Excellent written and verbal communication skills Ability to motivate, influence, and negotiate within complex, multi-dimensional and multi-cultural settings - with decision makers in government, INGOs, the Private Sector, media and with pivotal figures in society 6 February 2015

7 Ability to successfully build and maintain relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders at all levels A strong command of written and spoken English. A working knowledge of one or more Pacific Island languages (or willingness to learn) is highly desirable Values Committed to a rights based approach, including an active commitment to putting the rights of women and other marginalized groups at the heart of all of Oxfam s work General Good level of IT skills/ literacy and an understanding of how new developments in technology can positively contribute to the aims of an INGO Ability to travel away from home for up to 15 weeks per annum in order to fulfil Oxfam responsibilities at the global level and regional level, which includes travel to remote program locations within the Pacific region Behavioural competencies Competencies Decisiveness Influencing Humility Relationship Building Listening and communication Mutual Accountability Agility, Complexity, and Ambiguity Systems Thinking Strategic Thinking and Judgment Description Ability to make decisions quickly and effectively in any given circumstance and make decisions that settle issues and produce a definite result. Capacity to have an effect on a person s character, development or behaviour of someone or something. The power to persuade, inspire and shape policy or treatment of someone, especially through status, contacts, or information. Ability to put we before me and place an emphasis on the power of the collective, nurture the team and play to the strengths of each individual. A lack of concern with hierarchical power, and the ability to engage with, trust and value the knowledge and expertise of others across all levels of the organization. Understanding of the importance of building relationships, within and outside the organization. The ability to engage with traditional and non-traditional stakeholders in ways that lead to increased impact for the organisation. Good listening and communication skills and able to see where deeper levels of thoughts and tacit assumptions differ. Messages to others are clear, and consider different preferences. Ability to explain decisions and how they have been taken, based on organizational values. Willing to be held to account for actions/ behaviour and hold others to account in a consistent manner. Actively scans the environment and able to anticipate changes, be comfortable with a lack of clarity and deal with a large number of elements interacting in diverse and unpredictable ways. Ability to view problems as part of an overall system, and in their relation to the whole system, rather than reacts to a specific part, outcome or event in isolation. Able to focus on cyclical rather than linear cause and effect by consistently practicing systems thinking, being aware of and managing well, unintended consequences of organisational decisions and actions. Ability to use judgment, weigh risks against the imperative to act, and make decisions consistent with organizational strategies and values. 7 February 2015

8 Vision Setting Self-Awareness Enabling Ability to identify and lead visionary initiatives that are beneficial for an organization, set highlevel direction through a visioning process that engages the organization and diverse external stakeholders. A high degree of self-awareness around strengths and weaknesses and individual impact on others. Demonstrated self-awareness to be able to moderate and self-regulate behaviors, and control and channel impulses for good purposes. Ability to empower and enable others to deliver the organization s goals by creating conditions for success. A willingness to invest in others by developing their careers, not only their skills for the job. Ability to provide freedom, demonstrate belief and trust and provide appropriate support. Key Selection Criteria Candidates will be appraised against this overall job description but in particular, the following key selection criteria: Strong understanding of Pacific politics, cultural and economic dynamics, and experience of working in one or more Pacific Island countries (highly desirable) High level interpersonal, influencing and communication skills and a proven track record of achievement in representing an organization at the senior level with partners, government agencies, private sector organizations, media and donors - nationally, regionally (preferable in the Pacific region) and globally Demonstrated success in leading, managing, empowering and supporting staff in complex crossfunctional, cross-cultural developing country contexts, and a commitment to promoting leadership amongst local staff Significant senior leadership and management experience, which includes the development and delivery of high quality programs, high level influencing and humanitarian strategy, working with and through partners or directly, in one or more locations Strong analytical skills and the ability to think strategically, including to think beyond the country program context and act within a regional and global framework Demonstrated skills and experience in leading budget planning and monitoring, including the development of funding frameworks Ability to maintain and further develop the Oxfam in the Pacific vision through a period of structural and operational change Demonstrated commitment to social justice, gender equity and good gender practice 8 February 2015