ICA Vacancies

ICA AFRICA REGIONAL DIRECTOR

CANDIDATE BRIEF FOR THE POSITION OF ICA AFRICA REGIONAL DIRECTOR JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. BACKGROUND
As the cross sector representative organisation for co­operative enterprises in the African Region of the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA), ICA Africa’s purpose is to expand the co­operative economy by promoting and developing co-operative enterprise. It is also a representative body whose membership spans the co-operative movement in Africa. ICA Africa is one of the regional offices of the International Co-operative Alliance which serves, unites and represents ICA's member organisations in Africa. ICA Africa promotes and strengthens autonomous and viable co-operatives throughout the region by:

• Serving as a forum for exchange of experience and a source of information on co- operative development, research, and statistics;
• Providing technical assistance for co-operative development;
• collaborating with United Nations organisations, and African regional organizations.

Its activities include:

• Capacity and institution building;
• Policy development, advocacy, lobbying, representation and networking;
• Knowledge management;
• Rural finance;
• Agricultural marketing;
• Promotion of women in co-operative development.

For more information go to www.icaafrica.coop and www.ica.coop

2. APPOINTMENT & ACCOUNTABILITY

The ICA Africa Regional Director is appointed by, and accountable to, the Director-General of the ICA and the Regional Board of ICA Africa. The Regional Director will be responsible for ensuring that the business of ICA Africa is carried out in accordance with the Values and Principles and the Statutes of the International Co-operative Alliance.

3. MANAGEMENT ROLE

The Regional Director will be responsible for:

• The appointment and management of staff;
• Carrying out work plans to fulfill the strategic objectives set by the Regional Board in accordance with the ICA strategic objectives;
• The development of the organisation to meet the needs of its members;
• Maintaining the independence and impartiality of the organisation in dealings with and between its members;
• The production of an annual budget and ensuring sound financial practices.
• Ensuring that the highest standards of governance are in place that will be exemplar for the African co-operative movement;
• The organisation of the ICA Africa Regional Assembly of its members;
• Maintaining and developing the relationship between ICA Africa and the other components of the ICA, being part of the senior management team of the global ICA

4. REMUNERATION
Salary, terms and conditions according to the relevant experience and skills for a senior level post.

5 LOCATION
The role is based in Nairobi, Kenya. There is a requirement for African and overseas travel.

6. SKILLS DESCRIPTION
The post of Regional Director requires an unusual breadth of skills. The Board is looking for someone who has most if not all of the following attributes:

• A close understanding of the co-operative movement – its values, strengths and potential.
• A commitment to expanding the co-operative economy in Africa, and to defend and promote the seven co-operative principles and the co-operative business model.
• Proven organisational, commercial, financial and leadership skills – sufficient for understanding and engaging with members who range in size from small to large co­operative organizations.
• Political and presentation skills – appropriate to a high profile role which involves engaging
  with politicians, business people and the media at ministerial and African region level.
• Be acquainted with a multicultural work environment, with a languages capacity that includes French and English.

APPLICATION PROCESS AND RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE
Interested applicants should forward a copy of their CV with a covering letter outlining how their experience and skills match the key requirements of the post by June 30, 2011 to:
gould@ica.coop or by post to:
Mr. Charles Gould
Director-General
International Co-operative Alliance 15, route des Morillons
1218 Grand-Saconnex,
Geneva, Switzerland.