West Africa Regional Director

TechnoServe Background: 

Everyone deserves the opportunity to build a better future. This simple idea has been at the heart of work around the world for over 50 years. TechnoServe is a pioneer in leveraging the power of businesses and markets to create sustainable pathways out of poverty.

The low-income communities in which we work are full of enterprising people. Their small-scale farms and businesses are the keys to economic development. But they face many challenges: low literacy, lack of access to jobs and markets, unpredictable political dynamics and, increasingly, the effects of climate change. For many women and young people, the challenges are even more daunting. Working with TechnoServe staff, people around the world are lifting themselves out of poverty. The results are amazing...when incomes increase and living conditions for families get better, they are able to access health care and education previously out of reach. Communities and even whole countries are better off. 

Job Summary:
The West Africa Regional Director (RD) oversees the design, development and implementation of our programs in the West Africa Region. The RD is responsible for ensuring a steady pipeline of new business opportunities through proactive relationship building with key donors, and the quality and compliance of all operations. The RD reports to the Chief Program Officer and serves as a member of TechnoServeâs global senior management team.

The RD is expected to have significant management and international experience, a passion for economic development, relevant language skills, and be capable of thoroughly understanding and successfully leading program teams and operations across multiple countries. S/he is expected to be an outstanding communicator and team leader. Previous experience working with organizations of TechnoServeâs size and scope is important and private sector experience is highly desirable. The RD embodies TechnoServeâs values of Lasting Impact, Collaboration, Entrepreneurial and Accountability.

Key responsibilities include:

Strategy and Leadership

Oversee the design, development and implementation of programs across West Africa and drive strategy for the region as a whole Hold responsibility for West Africa $20M annual regional operating budget Support country and regional program directors to develop strategies, platforms and budgets Ensure country programs meet quality standards and integrate project monitoring, learning and evaluation into decision making and work planning Provide sound financial management and ensure contractual and donor compliance reporting

New Business Development

Generate regional new business, leveraging existing relationships and expanding the range of TechnoServe opportunities Support corporate new business efforts for current and new programs in the region and maintain donor relations Develop winning proposal strategies: organizing resources, contributing to or authoring proposals and negotiating agreements

Talent Management

Recruit, retain, supervise and coach country directors and regional team members Enable cross-cutting learning, partnership and collaboration between teams Support and encourage knowledge sharing and professional development among staff Manage regional human resource matters in partnership with the global human resources team

Representation

Represent TechnoServe to public and private donors of significance globally Support country directors in West Africa to effectively manage relationships with stakeholders such as local and district governments, donors, nonprofit organizations and others Represent the region internally, updating the Senior Management Team, Program Office and Board of Directors as appropriate of significant developments in the region

Basic Qualifications:

A minimum of ten years of leadership experience, preferably in strategy consulting, business, finance or international development A minimum of three years of work experience in one or more developing countries A bachelorâs degree and preferably a post-graduate degree such as an MBA, MPP or MIA Fluency in English

Preferred Qualifications:

Demonstrated ability to lead and manage multicultural and geographically dispersed teams in complex working environments Proven track record in successful business and program development design and authoring/overseeing winning proposals Strong foundation of knowledge in one or more of the following: economic growth, value chains, private sector, agriculture, entrepreneurship and/or SMEs French language skills preferred

Travel: Up to 50% regionally and internationally

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

An effective and inspiring communicator and negotiator with strong oral and written skills Demonstrated passion for TechnoServeâs mission and a desire to work in a dynamic environment Demonstrated ability to motivate, retain and develop staff

Supervisory Responsibilities: Approximately eight direct reports including Country Directors and Program Managers.

This position will be based in one of the countries where TechnoServe has operations in the West Africa Region â Nigeria, Cote dâIvoire, Benin or Ghana. National and international candidates are welcome to apply. All applications must be submitted in English for further consideration.

We encourage all qualified individuals who share TechnoServe's vision of improving the lives of others through proven business solutions to apply.

With our commitment to diversity, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and and do not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, HIV/AIDS status, protected veteran status, disability and all other protected classes.

We are also proud of our commitment to protecting staff, partners, and beneficiaries from abuse and exploitation and thoroughly vet all final candidates through rigorous background and reference checks.