Centre Director, Africa

We are recruiting a Centre Director for the SEI Africa Centre. The overall purpose of this role is to deliver SEI’s mission of bridging science and policy. Thus, the Centre Director is responsible for the production of relevant research as well as for management and administrative competencies at the centre.

The role of the Centre Director is threefold. One part relates to the development and delivery of SEI's global strategy and implementation for the Africa Centre. This involves setting the direction of the SEI Africa Centre, planning and implementation of all organizational issues at the Centre, as well as full responsibility for the financial sustainability and administrative efficiency of the Centre.

The second part is about leading and supporting the Centre employees through engagement, involvement and direction. This role shall provide Centre leadership and initiate and lead the planning and implementation of all organizational, management and employee-related issues, consistent with and in support of SEI's philosophy, mission, strategy and goals.

Thirdly, this role entails a relationship-building and representation dimension. As Centre Director, you will build and nurture contacts and relationships with partners, clients, and funders. This role will therefore require the Centre Director to attend and participate in seminars and conferences to promote and strengthen SEI and the Centre’s network. You will need to work actively to promote frequent interaction with policy- and decision-makers as well as current and potential funders.

This role is part of the SEI global management team and reports directly to the SEI Executive Director.

Qualifications

We are looking for a candidate that has at least 10 years of leadership experience including people management responsibilities and a natural ability to lead people through engagement and empowerment, clear direction and delegation with a trust-creating leadership. You have solid experience and understanding from a knowledge-based research organization, preferably 10 years, including at a minimum a Master’s degree in an area relevant to SEI, and a strong international reputation with active engagement in scientific and professional networks in at least one area of research central to SEI’s strategy.

Excellent spoken and written English language skills; knowledge of at least one other language common in Africa is required together with comprehensive experience in the region.

As a person, you have a genuine interest in leadership and a natural ability to develop and improve the organization. You are a strong communicator and have excellent relationship-building skills.

You enjoy representing SEI in different settings and have experience of and proven success in strategic fund raising.

How to apply

We are reviewing applications on an ongoing basis so please submit your application soon, however not later than the 7th of January, 2018. Please apply through the SEI website and include:

• Cover letter highlighting relevant qualifications, experience and reasons for applying; and
• Curriculum vitae.