Regional Consortium Coordinator (RCC), July 2024

Start Date: As soon as possible

Contract Type: One-year renewable contract

Duration: 40 HRs per week

Location: Kampala, Uganda

ABOUT SIHA

The Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA) is a civil society coalition bringing together grassroots women’s rights organizations from Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Somaliland, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Uganda. It was established in 1995 by a collection of women’s rights activists with the view of strengthening the capacity of women’s rights organizations in the Horn of Africa. SIHA aims to contribute to unlocking the massive potential of women’s rights movements in the Horn of Africa by improving the capacity of local organizations and building a strong network of grassroots civil society members who can interact and support one another in advocating for effective change.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

We Cannot Wait is a 5-year initiative ending in 2025 funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Power of Women grant. Led by a Southern-led consortium, it focuses on women’s empowerment in the Greater Horn of Africa (GHoA). The consortium, including SIHA Network (Lead), Musawah, EWLA, FIDA-Uganda, and NAGAAD Network, empowers women to define the political, socio-cultural, and economic agenda through a gender lens across Uganda, South Sudan, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Somalia. The program, currently in its mid-year, addresses the interconnected challenges of gender equality in the Global South by collaborating with women’s rights activists and organizations to lobby and advocate for gender equality in the GHoA. It engages diverse women, activists, and organizations to promote and practice the gender equality agenda. The program strengthens women activists, organizations, and feminist movements by equipping them with advocacy skills and tools, linking them with other groups to set shared agendas, and facilitates access to advocacy platforms to create a more enabling environment for women’s equality, including their political and economic participation.

THE ROLE

SIHA seeks a qualified and dedicated Regional Consortium Coordinator (RCC). The RCC is a senior post within SIHA, and the candidate should have a demonstrated passion for gender equality and women’s rights in the region in line with the program’s aims. Under the supervision of the Regional Programme Manager (RPM) and Regional Director (RD), the RCC will oversee the WCW Consortium, facilitate member engagement and information sharing, act as a liaison between the Partners, Members, and Country Staff, as well as lead and guide the collective planning and implementation of activities and providing support to partners as required. The RCC will work closely with the SIHA Programme Unit to build synergies with other SIHA projects and regional interventions in collaboration with the regional team.

KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY:

In close cooperation with consortium partners, the RCC ensures that consortium projects are implemented according to the approved proposal and in accordance with the rules and regulations of the donor. The RCC facilitates close and effective coordination and collaboration between consortium partners to ensure high-quality project activities and results documentation.

1. Program Implementation and Coordination:

Coordinate with Consortium members to ensure high-quality implementation of activities, compliance with donor and consortium rules, and accountability to beneficiaries.
Lead on harmonized program implementation and coordination across partners against the strategic vision of the consortium and in line with planned timescales.
Review and improve systems for tracking and reporting against the agreed program plan and effectively problem-solve deviations from the plan.
Organize periodic meetings with consortium partners and other program staff to discuss and track program progress against plan, record, and follow up on action points.
Work with the M&E team to provide briefs, reports, and updates on the program.
Regularly update the management committee on the status of project implementation and make recommendations based on findings.

2. Knowledge Management and Communication:

Responsible for coordinating knowledge management and communication systems and tools to maintain up-to-date project documentation and effective working methods within the consortium.
Work closely with the Regional Advocacy and Communications team to plan and oversee the implementation of advocacy and communication activities.

3. Grant and Financial Management:

Responsible for all aspects of grant management, including but not limited to submitting high-quality financial and programmatic reporting, partnership agreements, and sharing grant information (reports, proposals, agreements) with consortium members.
Ensure effective coordination among finance/support teams across partners, donors, and other stakeholders to promote the achievement of consortium objectives.
Accountable for compliance in relation to grant management and project cycle management processes.

4. Personnel Management and Technical Support:

Recruit, hire, and manage consultants, subgrantees, and sub-contractors as needed to carry out activities.
Provides technical support to SIHA project staff at the regional office and across the country offices.
Ensure compliance and adherence to SIHA policies, guidance, and procedures.

5. External Representation:

Provide external representation on behalf of SIHA and the consortium.

6. Other Responsibilities:

May be assigned projects outside the consortium project and or any other work assigned by the Supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS

The candidate for this position should have strong knowledge/awareness and understanding of the Horn of Africa context, including the political situations and the status of women and girls. S/he should be highly adaptable, creative, and passionate about women’s rights. The ideal candidate should have a strong record of project and programme management, mainly related to civil society or human rights work, and a proven track record in quality assurance to be considered for the position. SIHA will be particularly interested in female applicants committed to grassroots civil society and women’s movement and their essential role in improving conditions for women and girls across the Horn of Africa.

Experience and Skills:

4 – 6 years leading complex projects and/or programs, including three years of project management, and with at least two years of managerial experience.
Significant experience in consortium program management in human rights and/or gender equality, preferably within civil society human rights NGOs context.
Experience in award management, narrative, and financial reporting on complex projects.
Proven ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, influencing change at operational and strategic levels, organizing representation, and coordination.
Strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills, computer literacy, team skills, self-motivation, adaptability, networking, advocacy, communication, and negotiation skills.
Sensitivity to cultural diversity and understanding the political, contextual, and ethical issues in assigned areas, articulation, and professionalism.

Education: Bachelor’s degree or International Equivalent in Women’s Rights, Human Rights, Political Science, Human Development, International Development, Social Sciences, or Related Field; Master’s or other advanced degrees and project management certification preferred.

Travel: Greater than 20%

Interested candidates are requested to email their updated CV and cover letter, detailing their motivation and relevant experience, to [email protected] by September 15, 2023, with the subject line “Application Materials: SIHA Regional Consortium Coordinator”. Due to the urgent need for recruitment, SIHA may contact shortlisted candidates before the deadline. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Thank you for your interest in SIHA!

NOTES: This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed as a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time. SIHA encourages potential competent women candidates with relevant experience to apply for this position. SIHA is committed to offering fair remuneration based on qualifications and experience.

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