Senior Program Officer, Africa

Program Overview:

AJWS’ Grants Department supports non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and community-based organizations (CBOs) undertaking grassroots community development and human rights initiatives in select countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. In the context of the communities where we work, grassroots refers to the organized poor, who undertake the planning, implementation, and evaluation of projects and mobilize to seek access to power and resources for their own development.

AJWS supports organizations working in the areas of agriculture, economic development, education, and health. We prioritize organizations comprised of, or working on behalf of, vulnerable and marginalized communities. This work includes advocacy efforts that link local struggles for development to wider cultural, economic and social rights struggles.

The Senior Program Officer for Africa will be based in New York and responsible for shaping and implementing the strategic direction of AJWS’ grantmaking in Africa and directly managing grants in Southern Africa. S/he will represent AJWS’ Africa program at international forums as well as AJWS Board and donor meetings. S/he will manage the work of the two Africa Program Officers and consultants in the field. S/he will also work as part of a closely knit Grants Department and with other AJWS programs including advocacy, volunteer programs, and communications.

Responsibilities:
1. Refine and implement a strategic plan for AJWS grantmaking in Africa that incorporates relevant and current regional human rights and development issues.
2. Manage two Program Officers and in-country consultants in East and West Africa.
3. Manage existing grants in Southern Africa and deepen AJWS’ funding relationships in the region.
4. Extensive travel throughout Africa conducting site visits for evaluation and relationship buildin—approximately 8 weeks in the field per year.
5. Develop and monitor the Africa department budget in conjunction with Grants Administration team.
6. Collaborate with all Grants Department staff on articulation and implementation of overall grantmaking strategies and practices.
7. Remain up-to-date on issues, strategies, and funding within the international human rights and development communities.
8. Work with grantees and resource people to conduct evaluation and technical assistance programs benefiting African grantees.
9. Coordinate with the Senior Program Officer for Emergencies and Conflicts on all disaster response and preparedness efforts in Africa.
10. Represent AJWS at key conferences, grantmaker affinity groups and donor meetings; write abstracts for panels and workshops featuring AJWS’ work.
11. Coordinate with AJWS’ Development and Communications Departments to provide content for fundraising, PR Initiatives and the organization’s website.
12. Coordinate with AJWS’ Service Department to develop African host sites for AJWS volunteers.

Requirements:
• BA/BS required, Masters strongly preferred;
• Minimum of five years of experience working at a foundation, international development or human rights organization;
• Strong writing and analytic skills; experience writing or reviewing grant proposals; strategic planning and other organizational development skills a plus;
• Minimum of 2 years living and working in an African country;
• Ability to work in and with diverse communities;
• French or local Southern African local language proficiency preferred;
• Minimum two years of staff management experience;
• Familiarity with the UN human rights system, development theory and social movement building;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Self starter and independent thinker;
• Strong interpersonal skills and team player; and
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.

Additional Qualifications:
• Flexible work style and an interest in being a part of a dynamic and evolving team and organization;
• Commitment to social justice and human rights;
• Experience with social change efforts preferred;
• Commitment and passion for the work of AJWS.

How To Apply:
For immediate consideration, please forward your resume and cover letter to [email][email protected] and indicate your name and "Senior Program Officer, Africa" in the subject line.