AAWORD Vacancy Announcement
Executive Secretary

The Association of African Women for Research & Development (AAWORD) invites applications from suitably qualified African Women scholars/administrators for the post of Executive Secretary (ES). This position is the highest management post in the Secretariat and the successful candidate shall be responsible for the overall day-to-day management of the Secretariat and the affairs of the association.

Established in 1977 with its headquarters in Dakar, Senegal, AAWORD is a Pan African, Non-governmental and Non-profit making association of African women researchers and activists. Its membership is composed of twenty-two National Chapters with eight regions representing East Africa, West Africa (Anglophone and Francophone), North Africa, Central Africa, Lusophone Africa, Europe and America. The goal of the Association is to work towards the creation of value-driven, democratic and egalitarian societies in Africa, that recognize in their constituencies women's fundamental rights on the basis of the principle of equality of women and men and as individuals and as citizens.

The position of the Executive Secretary is strategic within the association both in the development of the programme mandate of AAWORD and the realisation of the strategic institutional objectives set by the General Assembly of its members. The successful candidate will:

• Take a lead role in designing and developing the Association's programme of work, schedule of activities, networking with National Chapters, maintaining communication with members of the Association and carrying out the tasks in according with existing constitutional rules and strategies.

• Be responsible for undertaking advocacy, public information and public relations roles in the interest of the Association
• Undertake fund-raising and mobilisation of other resources to secure the growth and sustainability of the Association.

• Implement the strategic plan of the Association for the realisation of the institutional mission and objectives; and
• Develop proposals for the funding of the work of the Association in liaison with the Executive Committee

QUALIFICATIONS Applicants must:

• Have a sound university education and at least 10 years of Post-doctoral experience in a research environment or 10 years experience in administration at a similar level.

• Have a good knowledge of theoretical and empirical debates concerning gender-related issues in Africa.

• Possess a demonstrable ability to mobilise and promote the work of the Association.

• Have a proven experience in fund-raising, resource management, proposal preparation and budgetary forecast.

• Have demonstrable skills in the management of personnel in a diversified, multi-cultural environment; and
• Be fluent in French or English and have a good working knowledge of the other language
• Knowledge of Arabic, Spanish or Portuguese will be an added advantage.

Applicants with the qualifications set out and wishing to spend sabbatical leave will be seriously considered.

WORKING CONDITIONS The salary level that will be offered will be attractive and comparable to those of similar posts in international NGOs.

HOW TO APPLY Please send a written application, detailed curriculum vitae describing your professional experience; three to four samples of scholarly work; and three references to:

The President AAWORD/AFARD Sicap Sacre Coeur 1 Villa No. 8798, B.P 15367 Dakar-Fann, Senegal Email: [email][email protected] / cc : [email][email protected] Fax No.: (221) 824 20 56 CLOSING DATE: July 20th, 2007