Executive Director

Executive Director
 

The Executive Director reports to MEPI LAA President & Executive Board to ensure that the Programs/Projects activities operate within the grants requirements.
The Executive Director is responsible for the successful leadership and management of the organization according to the strategic direction set by MEPI LAA Board.
The Executive Director performs some or all of the following:

 
Leadership

Participate with the Board in developing a vision and strategic plan to guide the organization.
Identify, assess, and inform the Board of internal and external issues that affect the organization.
Act as a professional advisor to the Board on all aspects of the organization's programs and activities.
In addition to the President of the Board, act as a spokesperson for the organization.

 
Representation

Maintain an understanding of the full range of MEPI LAA publicly, in order to ensure informed representation of its activities to public donors, MEPI LAA Board, and other current and potential donors.
Regularly meet with representatives of strategic partner NGOs to discuss the evolving partnerships.
Responsible for local & regional offices donor reporting requirements and in conjunction with the Board.

 
Operational planning and management

Develop an operational plan which incorporates goals and objectives that work towards the strategic direction of the organization.
Ensure that the operation of the organization meets the expectations of its stakeholders, Board and Funders.
Oversee the efficient and effective day-to-day operation of the organization.
Draft policies for the approval of the Board and prepare procedures to implement the organizational policies; review existing policies on an annual basis and recommend changes to the Board as appropriate
Ensure that personnel, stakeholders, donor, members and alumni files are securely stored and privacy/confidentiality is maintained.
Provide support to the Board by preparing meeting agenda and supporting materials.

 
Program planning and management

Oversee the planning, implementation and evaluation of the organization's programs and services.
Ensure that the programs and services offered by the organization contribute to the organization's mission and reflect the priorities of the Board.
Monitor the day-to-day delivery of the programs and services of the organization to maintain or improve quality.
Oversee the planning, implementation, execution and evaluation of special projects.

 
Human resources planning and management

Determine staffing requirements for organizational management and program delivery.
Oversee the implementation of the human resources policies, procedures and practices including the development of job description for all staff.
Establish a positive, healthy and safe work environment in accordance with all appropriate legislation and regulations
Recruit, interview and select staff that have the right technical and personal abilities to help further the organization's mission.
Ensure that all staff receives an orientation to the organization and that appropriate training is provided.
Implement a performance management process for all staff which includes monitoring the performance of staff on an on-going basis and conducting an annual performance review.
Coach and mentor staff as appropriate to improve performance
Discipline staff when necessary using appropriate techniques; release staff when necessary using appropriate and legally defensible procedures.

Monitor stewardship of human resources and natural resources.
Lead staff in brainstorming and discussion to develop efficiencies in operations, ranging from conservation measures to organizational structure to improved policies and procedures.
 Encourage staff training opportunities and staff development.

 
Financial planning and management

Budget oversight:  Along with the Board, review expenditure reports to ensure that overall office is not overspending its budget; as required by evolving program needs, requests from Donors etc.
Work with the Board to secure adequate funding for the operation of the organization

Research funding sources, oversee the development of fund raising plans and write funding proposals to increase the funds of the organization
Participate in fundraising activities as appropriate.
Approve expenditures within the authority delegated by the Board.
Ensure that sound bookkeeping and accounting procedures are followed.
Administer the funds of the organization according to the approved budget and monitor the monthly cash flow of the organization
Provide the Board with comprehensive, regular reports on the revenues and expenditure of the organization.
Ensure that the organization complies with all legislation covering taxation and withholding payments.

 
Community relations/advocacy

Communicate with stakeholders and MEPI Alumni to keep them informed of the work of the organization and to identify changes in the community served by the organization.
Establish good working relationships and collaborative arrangements with MEPI Alumni, community groups, funders, politicians, and other organizations to help achieve the goals of the organization.
Coordination with other MEPI Local Alumni Chapters

 
Risk management

Identify and evaluate the risks to the organization's people (clients, staff, management, members, Alumni, volunteers), property, finances, goodwill, and image and implement measures to control risks
Ensure that the Board and the organization carries appropriate and adequate insurance coverage.
Ensure that the Board and staff understand the terms, conditions and limitations of the insurance coverage

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum 10 years of directly relevant professional experience in similar organization, preferably managing grants from multiple public donors, including USAID, MEPI etc;
Demonstrated management and supervisory skills;

Ability to transfer knowledge and skills formally and informally to diverse audiences; desire and ability to mentor staff;
Proven success in proposal writing and fundraising;
Knowledge of US Grant operations, policies, procedures;
Excellent communication skills, fluent in English (high standard of spoken and written English essential to job performance);
Proficient in MS Office Suite including Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point, etc;
Incumbent will be expected to develop and maintain a thorough understanding of MEPI LAA strategy, structures, and program activities.

Education

University degree in international relations, social sciences, business administration, or related field is required; Masters Degree in the related field is preferred.

Personal Competencies

Demonstrated strengths in relationship management; able to function effectively as part of a team; strong cross-cultural skills;

Able to work with a wide range of stakeholders including community based organizations, local NGOs, local government and officials, donors, and colleagues;
Diplomatic; able to manage conflict and move groups toward consensus;
Able to lead, manage, and motivate colleagues Self-motivated and able to work without close supervision;
Mature, responsible, and professional; able to manage in an unstable environment with potential for unrest;
Exercises good judgment and sound decision making;
Excellent organization and planning skills; able to be detail oriented as necessary;
Quick learner, agile, flexible, adaptable to different organizational cultures and operating environments;
Strong communication skills.
Fluent in English and Arabic.