GBLCAREERS

OSISA is a growing African institution committed to deepening democracy, protecting human rights and enhancing good governance in the region. It‘s vision is to promote and sustain the ideals, values, institutions and practices of open society, with the aim of establishing vibrant and tolerant southern African democracies in which people, free from material and other deprivation, understand their rights and responsibilities and participate actively in all spheres of life.

In pursuance of this vision, OSISA‘s mission is to initiate and support programmes working towards open society ideals and to advocate for these ideals in southern Africa. Established in 1997, OSISA works in 10 southern Africa countries: Angola, Botswana, DRC, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe. OSISA works differently in each of these ten countries, according to local conditions.

ROLE OVERVIEW

The Cluster Team Leader will provide leadership to the Democracy and Governance cluster. The incumbent will be responsible for building and managing the clusters team. He/she will develop and align the cluster’s strategy with OSISA’s overall strategy. The Cluster Team Leader will play a key role in building strategic partnerships with external and internal stakeholders. S/he will be responsible for overseeing and managing staff within the Democracy and Governance cluster. The incumbent will oversee the management of a portfolio of grants within his/her cluster, ensuring adherence to policies and procedures. S/he will ensure integration and synergies within and across programmes, contained within the Democracy and Governance cluster. He/she will oversee the development and implementation of the Democracy and Governance cluster strategies and work plans. S/he will oversee the management and delivery of the Democracy and Governance cluster’s budget. The incumbent will also be responsible for managing at least one programme within the Democracy and Governance cluster.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Programme Initiation

• Provide strategic direction to the programmes within the Democracy and Governance cluster.
• Oversee and direct the OSISA response to programme opportunities in the region.
• Oversee the development of sustainable long-term research initiatives to support OSISA’s work in the relevant cluster area.
• Facilitate the research and investigation necessary to maximise programme development and/or initiation within the Democracy and Governance cluster.
• Oversee programme formulation.

Programme Implementation

• Oversee programme implementation including development of programme strategies, budgets and work plans.
• Work closely with other Cluster Team Leaders, the Team Leader will identify emerging trends and establish thought leadership, while managing the integration of all programmes within the Democracy and Governance cluster and across the organization.
• Oversee the financial and administrative management functions of programmes within the Democracy and Governance cluster.
• Ensure compilation of budgets in accordance with budget policy and regulations.
• Ensure the Democracy and Governance cluster’s compliance with organizational policies and procedures.

Programme Impact

• Ensure that programme management and reporting frameworks and support tools are in place to consistently and accurately report on programmes.
• Regularly analyse the impact of programmes across the Democracy and Governance cluster and make recommendations to improve where required.
• Ensure learnings within and across programme units contained in the Democracy and Governance cluster.
• Conduct suitable and sufficient risk assessments for programmes in the Democracy and Governance cluster, record the findings and recommend initiatives to reduce risk.

Grant Making

• Supporting the Grants office, the Democracy and Governance Cluster Team Leader will oversee the management and tracking of grants as well as the compliance and reporting requirements.
• Ensure capacity building of grantees to become effective in managing their own grants.
• Oversee the timely and accurate financial and narrative reporting from grantees.
• Ensure the accurate and effective use of the Grants Management System (GMS).

Communication and Advocacy

• Where required, serve as a spokesperson for the organization in dealing with external stakeholders on thematic issues relating to his/her programme.
• Ensure regular and efficient communication within the Democracy and Governance Cluster.

Work Environment and Staff Development

• Ensure a conducive working environment, which promotes staff development, wellbeing and productivity.
• Promote teamwork, collegiality and effective communication within and between programmes and operational units.
• Integrate the organizational values into the performance of tasks within and across programmes.
• Ensure consistent standards of excellence within the programme.

• REQUIREMENTS:

• A post graduate degree in Social Science, Law, Human Rights or related fields.
• 5 years experience in leading programmes related to democracy promotion and good governance, human rights, rule of law, socio-economic development and access to justice in a multi-lateral, intergovernmental, civil society or regional organization setting.
• Experience in leading programmes in at least two thematic programme areas.
• Demonstrated experience in successfully building and leading teams.