CEO RECRUITMENT PACK WE KINDLY REQUEST NO CONTACT FROM RECRUITMENT AGENCIES PLEASE Registered UK charity no. 326859
Dear Candidate I m delighted you have taken the step to find out about becoming the next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of AbleChildAfrica. AbleChildAfrica is the leading UK charity working exclusively with and for disabled children in Africa. We work with and alongside partner organisations in Africa to achieve equal rights for disabled children and young people - some of the world s most vulnerable. The case around the need to support disabled children in Africa is compelling and awareness is increasing all the time. However, at the same time the economic climate continues to make funding the charity a real challenge, with a lot of competition for ever-diminishing resources. To help us meet these challenges and to realise the massive opportunities that are out there, we are looking to recruit a Chief Executive Officer to help move the organisation to the next level. They must be an ambitious and passionate leader, who shares our vision of a world in which all disabled children are fully included as equal members of society and are able to achieve their full potential. Our current strategy focuses on continuing to develop and establish AbleChildAfrica as a leader in the field, both by striving to do what we already do well, even better and by expanding the ways in which we work to have an even larger impact. We are looking for someone who can lead our team of dedicated people and develop our reach and influence. I think this is an outstanding opportunity for someone who connects with our values and wants to make a lasting impact on those whose lives we aim to get back on track. Please take the time to read this pack and to find out more about AbleChildAfrica. I do hope that you are inspired to be part of our journey and look forward to receiving your application. Yours sincerely Claire Reichenbach Chair of the Trustees PAGE 2 OF 6
ABOUT AbleChildAfrica AbleChildAfrica is a UK registered charity that works to secure equal rights for disabled children and youth living in Africa and supports them to fulfil their full potential. This is achieved by working in partnership with locally registered and independent African organisations to provide direct services as well as by engaging in advocacy and influencing work in the UK and internationally. With over 30 years of experience, AbleChildAfrica is the leading NGO working exclusively with, and on behalf of, disabled children in Africa, some of the most marginalised children in the world. Vision A world in which all disabled children are fully included as equal members of society and are able to achieve their full potential. Mission To promote the realisation of equal rights for disabled children and their families in Africa and to facilitate their meaningful inclusion in all aspects of life. Values A rights based approach to development. The social model of disability. The empowerment of disabled children and their families. African led development. Collaboration with all those who share our vision. BACKGROUND TO ROLE AbleChildAfrica is at an important stage of its organisational development and our strategic plan sets out ambitious aspirations. Founded as the Uganda Society for Disabled Children in 1984, we became AbleChildAfrica in 2007 and began expanding our reach at that time. Despite a challenging economic environment, over the last 10 years AbleChildAfrica has experienced tremendous growth, both in scope and size. External opportunities abound with disability central to recent development agendas like never before in history. As the incoming CEO you should be prepared to consolidate and manage this recent growth responsibly and sustainably, in a challenging and changing external regulatory and donor environment, whilst staying true to our mission at all times. We are seeking a driven and passionate individual to support the delivery of our strategy, whilst managing the organisation to ensure both sustainability and quality. This is a great opportunity for a motivated individual with a passion for international development and child rights to lead an ambitious and collaborative small team. The right candidate will have the knowledge, motivation and skills to drive forward AbleChildAfrica s ambitious Strategic Plan within the wider context of the global disability movement. Working closely with the Board of Trustees, you will ensure AbleChildAfrica remains well governed and in the foreground of sector and regulatory changes. Alongside the Head of Programmes, you will maintain our reputation of excellence with high quality programmes and partnerships on the ground in Africa. You will live the values of AbleChildAfrica and at all times keep the best interests of the partners, children and families we exist to support at the heart of decision making. Your excellent leadership skills will ensure you are able to foster the strong self-reliant small team and established organisational culture within AbleChildAfrica, key to its success to date. You are someone who is able to see both the big picture long term goal alongside the detail oriented path you need to follow to get there. Results oriented, you thrive in a busy dynamic environment. JOB PURPOSE Deliver AbleChildAfrica s mission, vision and values by providing inspiration, leadership and cohesion in setting and implementing long term strategic and operational plans. Working alongside the Board of Trustees, manage the operations of AbleChildAfrica and ensure it meets governance and regulatory obligations. Ensure long term sustainability of AbleChildAfrica through strong management of resources, effective fundraising and high quality programme delivery. Drive forward and enhance AbleChildAfrica s impact and profile locally and internationally. CONTRACTUAL TERMS Location: Central London with travel overseas Hours: Full time- 37.5 hrs week Term: Permanent Reporting to: Chair of the Board of Trustees Salary: 60,000 Annual Leave: 25 days per annum Pension: Matching contribution to organisation s pension provider up to 5% PAGE 3 OF 6
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES Deliver AbleChildAfrica s Mission, Vision and Values by providing leadership in setting and implementing long term strategic and operational plans. Develop and deliver against AbleChildAfrica s strategic and operations plans; Lead AbleChildAfrica s team, including oversees partners, in understanding AbleChildAfrica s long term mission, living its values and achieving its strategic objectives; Establish and monitor key indicators of AbleChildAfrica s impact and operations; Working alongside the Programmes Team, advance AbleChildAfrica s partnership model and approach; support the capacity building of AbleChildAfrica s partners through direct regular communication, trainings and mentoring of skills development; Champion the advancement of AbleChildAfrica s Youth Council and our African Advisory Council as key mechanisms for listening to the voices of AbleChildAfrica s beneficiaries; Foster a working environment that facilitates learning, collaboration, ambition and excellence; Champion AbleChildAfrica s established organisational culture based on inclusivity, trust, transparency and empowerment. Work alongside the Board of Trustees to ensure that the charity is well managed and meets its governance obligations. Build effective working relationships with the Board of Trustees and in particular with the Chairs Subcommittee; Ensure the Board of Trustees has regular access to accurate and transparent information to allow it to fulfil its legal, statutory and regulatory responsibilities; prepare reports for the Board and its Subcommittees; Prepare and monitor AbleChildAfrica s annual budget, ensuring delivery against spend and income targets set by the Board of Trustees; Monitor key changes in the sector and external environment, ensure Trustees have up to date information to meet their governance responsibilities, identify risks and capitalise on opportunities; Working alongside the Board of Trustees, lead on the identification and mitigation of key risks to the organisation; Working alongside the Board of Trustees, set and comply with AbleChildAfrica s policies, financial controls and procedures; ensure the compliance of others; Ensure AbleChildAfrica meets its responsibilities in collecting, storing and using donor/beneficiary data; Ensure the timely preparation and submission of annual audited accounts, annual report and annual filings with regulatory bodies; Manage the relationship with partner organisation US Friends of AbleChildAfrica. Ensure long term sustainability of AbleChildAfrica through strong management of resources, effective fundraising and high quality programme delivery. Ensure the proper and effective management of AbleChildAfrica s resources, both human and financial; provide the necessary accountability for their use; Establish sustainable and scalable core operational systems and procedures; Be accountable to Trustees and donors for the overall financial health and stewardship of the organisation; Develop, advance and deliver against an ambitious unrestricted fundraising strategy; build relationships and increase sustainable income from individual and corporate sources in particular; Implement AbleChildAfrica s HR policies and procedures; ensure quality recruitment, management and development of staff through leadership to SMT and line management of direct reports; Working closely with the Head of Programmes, oversee a sustainable restricted funds pipeline to deliver against strategic objectives and financial targets; Working closely with the Head of Programmes, oversee AbleChildAfrica s programme quality, including partner relations and project delivery; Carry out from time to time, other duties as required for the advancement of AbleChildAfrica. Drive forward and enhance AbleChildAfrica s impact and profile locally, regionally and nationally. Ensure a culture of, and be accountable for, monitoring, evaluation and learning throughout AbleChildAfrica; Develop and maintain strong strategic relationships with AbleChildAfrica s key donors and stakeholders; Drive existing advocacy strategies and identify opportunities to increase AbleChildAfrica impact through strategic advocacy and influencing; Develop and promote AbleChildAfrica s public communications strategy, activities, brand and external image; As the primary external face of AbleChildAfrica, act as an ambassador at key external events, meetings, conferences and publicity opportunities; Contribute to key working groups, advocacy networks and consortia in which AbleChildAfrica engages; Travel overseas as required (approx. 4-6 weeks per year) to support and advance existing projects or for the development of new projects or partnerships. PAGE 4 OF 6
PERSON SPECIFICATION EXPERIENCE Essential Degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience 5 or more years experience in a relevant senior management or organisational leadership roles in the NGO sector Proven experience at a senior level managing growth, organisational development and/or change Proven ability to lead teams to achieve results, including remotely Experience of building strong collaborative relationships across sectors with a range of stakeholders Track record developing and delivering strategies, operational plans and projects to time and budget. Experience supporting projects through the entire project lifecycle in a related field including aspects of; project design, planning, implementation, evaluation and learning Demonstrated success securing funding, through grants and/or corporate and/or high net worth individual engagement Desirable Masters or Higher Education Degree or equivalent experience 5 or more years experience in a relevant senior management or organisational leadership roles in international development within the NGO sector Experience driving change and/or growth at an organisational level Experience of serving as a Trustee or working closely with a non-executive trustee board or committees Experience of working in an organisation focusing on disability and/or other minority groups Experience of working in an organisation focusing on child rights and/or experience of working directly with children. Experience of having lived and worked/ volunteered in a developing country, preferably in Africa KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES Essential Proven ability to think laterally and creatively, balancing an eye for detail with big picture strategic thinking Proven ability to make and act on critical decisions A working knowledge of charity governance, administration and regulations Strong budgetary skills and ability to interpret financial data; competency in using Excel to manage financial tracking and reporting Excellent influencing and negotiation skills with diverse stakeholders Strong understanding of Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) in a related field Proven ability to thrive in a fast paced dynamic environment; excellent prioritisation, delegation and multi-tasking skills Strong knowledge of child safeguarding Good understanding of advocacy and its role in international development Ability to foster a productive and collaborative relationship with the Board of Trustees Strong management of stakeholder relations and ability to act in ambassadorial role Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to tailor these to different audiences Demonstrated ability to work in genuine and collaborative partnerships to deliver activities IT literate with good knowledge of Microsoft Office Desirable Knowledge and understanding of the issues affecting disabled children and young people in Africa Knowledge of one or more key programme areas including education, health, child participation, livelihoods, child safeguarding and community engagement Competency in using Quick Books or other bookkeeping programmes to manage finances Working knowledge of communications; ability to maintain a strong brand, create effective communication material and raise the profile of an organisation Knowledge of how to measure, understand, use and communicate impact at an organisational level, preferably in international development A strong understanding of donor compliance principles and expectations Competency in using Raiser s Edge or other CRM databases to manage donor information Strong understanding of advanced financial management concepts such cash flow, value for money, variances and foreign exchange Demonstrated ability to work in genuine and collaborative partnerships, at a distance, to deliver activities PAGE 5 OF 6
PERSONAL QUALITIES Essential An understanding of, and commitment to, AbleChildAfrica s vision, mission, values and approach Desirable Lived experience of being a disabled person. High level of personal integrity and commitment Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills, resilience and gravitas Tenacious and self-reliant approach; willingness to get involved in all areas of a small organisation An ability to foster positive working relationships with a diverse range of people; an empowering leadership style and enthusiasm for working with a small team Independent, self-motivated and adaptable Innovative, creative, critical thinker; a quick learner and action-oriented problem solver Self-reliance to work under pressure to prioritise and manage varied workload and competing deadlines; attention to detail Willingness and ability to travel for work purposes for up to six weeks per annum Willingness to work outside core hours, infrequently but as needed, to meet the requirements of the role HOW TO APPLY Your application should include a tailored CV and a supporting statement of no more than 2 sides of A4. Your statement should detail your relevant experience, ensuring this is in line with above job description and person specification and provide specific evidence demonstrating how you meet the person specification. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis as received and should be sent to jobs@ablechildafrica.org.uk by 9am on the 8th January 2018. Please follow the application instructions carefully; we will not be able to consider incomplete applications. First interviews will be held on the 10th and 12th January, please indicate your availability for an interview on those days, if shortlisted, in your covering email. Please note, given capacity of our small team, we are unable to offer feedback on unsuccessful applications. This is a UK-based post. We are keen to promote strong principles of equality and diversity and would welcome applications from all backgrounds. If applicable, please detail your visa status or need in your covering email. AbleChildAfrica is an equal opportunities employer and will not discriminate against any candidate on the basis of any characteristic protected by the Equality Act 2010. We particularly encourage applications from disabled people and people with direct experience of living or working with disabled children; all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria will be offered an interview. Additional information about the organisation is available at www.ablechildafrica.org WE KINDLY REQUSET NO CONTACT FROM RECRUITMENT AGENCIES PLEASE PAGE 6 OF 6