National Director

Mission of the position:
The National Director leads, manages and develops the National Association (NA) as its chief executive, ensuring effective delivery of programmes and services to children and young people, families and communities within the frame of the international SOS Children’s Villages organisation’s vision, mission, values and strategy.

The National Director is a member of the local Child Safeguarding* committee.

*Child safeguarding includes all activities that the organisation undertakes to ensure that its co-workers, operations, and programmes do no harm to children and do not expose them to the risk of harm and abuse; appropriate responses and effective management of child safeguarding concerns are in place; any concerns the organisation has about children’s safety in its own programmes and within the communities they work in are reported to the appropriate authorities.

Key performance areas and main responsibilities:

Strategic Planning

Facilitates the strategic planning process guided by the board, involving the national management team and other key staff in identifying priority areas and setting objectives  

Communicates and monitors plans to ensure efficient implementation

Governance Structure and Development

Presents plans, reports and proposals at board meetings. Ensures in joint cooperation with the chairperson legality of the national organisation, complying with relevant national legislation. Ensures that board decisions are translated into clear actions

Brand Development

Applies the internationally agreed brand development concept in national strategy, planning and implementation 

HR Management and Organisation Development  

Ensures that the right people are employed for the right positions so that co-workers and external partners are always treated with the desired professionalism and according to the principles of the organisational culture

Ensures an efficient performance management and human resource development system that guarantees the development of co-workers and the identification of talents. He/she promotes accountability at all levels of the National Association

Leads and manages the National Management Team, builds an effective National Office team, providing guidance and support as necessary

Programme Development, Management and Monitoring   

Ensures that resources are focused on building strong programmes and services. Ensures review and evaluation of programmes to ascertain that agreed plans and policies are implemented and provides capacity building and technical support as needed

Promotes interaction and exchange of relevant experiences between programmes  

Finance and Funds Management

Ensures planning and budgeting

Implements and monitors the internal control system, reviews key figures & financial reports

Ensures realisation of annual financial statement and external audit report

Fund Development and Public Relations

Promotes long-term stability and financial self-sufficiency by pursuing support from government and private sources with the aim to maximise the fundraising potential   

Supports the development and implementation of sustainable fundraising strategies and grant applications.  Supports public relations/marketing activities as necessary and ensures that an appropriate image of the organisation is portrayed

Partnership building, Advocacy and Cooperation with external stakeholders

Establishes sound relationships with relevant government authorities, ensures appropriate representation of the organisation’s views and seeks government recognition and support for SOS Children’s Villages work

Ensures a clear understanding of the NA’s role regarding children, young people, families and community    

Builds partnerships with non-governmental organisations who work for the rights of children without parental care or at risk of losing parental care

Pursues advocacy objectives in child safeguarding forums and in partnership with other NGOs joining together to bring our mission for children and young people to life

Cooperation and Reporting

Fosters a professional relationship and maintains close cooperation with the Regional Office as well as with other units in the General Secretariat; receives guidance, support and monitoring with respect to international standards (from Regional Office); provides specified reports and acts on agreements

Represents the organisation towards government authorities and other external stakeholders

Position requirements:

Must criteria

Ü  University degree in business administration, education, social science discipline or similar

Ü  Minimum 5 years leadership experience at a senior management/executive level in a larger or complex organisation   

Ü  Prior experience in one or more of the following functional areas: fundraising, marketing, human resources, finance/budgeting, social services provision, community development, education

Ü  Experienced in strategy development, change management, driving innovation

Ü  English language fluency in addition to the national language

Competencies – knowledge, skills, abilities

Ü  Strategic orientation and entrepreneurial attitude: able to think globally, high-level analytical and conceptual abilities; able to identify opportunities for growth and develop organisational strategies

Ü  Integrity: able to state views openly and act in line with beliefs, maintain the organisation’s values, ability to gain the trust and respect of stakeholders. Resilient personality

Ü  Cooperation: Working experience in an international or complex organisation to be able to understand and live cooperation within a federation

Ü  Collaboration: driven to work with others, able to build partnerships and networks

Ü  Leadership: able to understand what drives and motivates others, able to build and lead high performing teams committed to organisational goals

Ü  People development: driven to grow him/herself and to develop others; identifying and supporting development opportunities of co-workers; track-record in coaching, delegation skills, conflict resolution

Ü  Communication: high-level written and verbal communication and presentation skills; strong in negotiations and influencing others