CHARITY JOBS IN AFRICA

Organization: Environmental Justice Foundation
Country: Sierra Leone
Closing date: 31 Oct 2014

The Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) is a UK-based NGO working internationally to address environmental security and associated human rights abuses. In West Africa, EJFs work has focused on preventing Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and safeguarding the livelihoods and food security of coastal communities. EJF has two offices in Sierra Leone that have been operating since 2009 and two offices in Liberia established in early 2012, with other offices being established across the region.

To help advance our work in West Africa, EJF is seeking to recruit an ambitious, extremely competent Freetown-based Sierra Leonean Country Representative with a proven track record in successful project management.

There will be considerable opportunity for career progression for a high achiever. The position is full time and will require travel across Sierra Leone and in the region.

The successful applicant will report directly to the Project Coordinator, based in London and work in close relationship with EJF’s other staff in West Africa and the London office. S/he will also be required to ensure that the organisations Executive Director is kept full informed and up to date on all aspects of their work.

In addition to other tasks and responsibilities to be defined over the time, the Country Representative will have primary responsibility to:

• Ensure the day to day implementation of EJF’s projects in Sierra Leone;
• Establish and maintain relationships with the Sierra Leonean Government, diplomatic missions and key stakeholders, representing EJF in relevant forums as directed by the Project Coordinator;
• Work with the Project Coordinator to ensure the most efficient and effective implementation of EJF’s work to establish Community Co-management programmes (with Government); establish and secure the effective management of Marine Protected Areas; support the implementation of EJF’s work to secure alternative livelihoods for low-income fishing communities;
• Ensure the smooth, efficient and timely execution of all administrative requirements related to EJF’s activities in the country (e.g. bank formalities, registration procedures, etc.);
• Track and record project expenses and prepare detailed monthly financial reporting to the London office;
• Establish and maintain relationships with the media, be responsible for the delivery of EJF’s communication needs in Sierra Leone, according to a formal programme, designed with the Prjoect Coordinator and approved by the Directors, also responding to press enquieries in coordination with the EJF Communication Coordinator and Project Coordinator in London;
• Gather and compile relevant data and information required to meet EJF’s reporting requirements and provide input for donor reports.

Required skills and experience:

• Ability to work independently, be proactive, maintain a high level of motivation and ensure that all tasks are executed to the highest possible standards;
• Superb inter-personal and communication skills, with an ability to negotiate effectively and deliver winning presentations in writing and verbally and maintain the highest standards of tact and diplomacy in all situations;
• Ability and willingness to learn and adapt as well as to respond calmly and effectively to difficult and rapidly changing situations;
• Fluent spoken and written English, along with computer literacy;
• Ability to write and present compelling proposals, reports, briefs and policy papers;
• Higher qualification/degree, preferably in the field of biological science, fisheries or a related field;
• Experience managing projects, delivering outputs as well as respecting timeline and reporting requirements;
• Good knowledge of project management cycle, from proposal writing, log frame development, M&E to final reporting;
• Experience managing staff.

Desirable skills and experience:

• Experience working with media organisations and managing media contacts and campaigns;
• Understanding of ecosystems-based approaches to community management of natural resources;
• Expertise in, or experience working on, natural resource conservation, fisheries or marine biodiversity;
• Experience developing, managing and reporting on a project budget;
• Basic experience in photography, video shooting and editing.

A basic health insurance package; 20 days paid leave (rising by 2 days each year plus all Sierra Leone national holidays); and a salary starting with US$20,000 p.a (with regular reviews for high achievers once in post) will be provided to the successful candidate.

How to apply:

If you are interested in applying for this position, please send a concise covering letter, explaining why you want this post and why you are the right person for it and a detailed CV in PDF format to Steve Trent at recruitment@ejfoundation.org with “Sierra Leone Country Representative” in the subject line of your email. Please name all files starting with familyname_firstname.

The deadline for the submission of your application is 31 October 2014. Initial telephone interviews and face to face interviews will take place during November 2014. Candidates must be able to assume the post before the end of January 2015. Please note that due to the high volume of applicants expected, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.