AMERICAN CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL LABOR SOLIDARITY

FIELD STAFF ASSOCIATION POSITION
JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: COUNTRY PROGRAM DIRECTOR - NIGERIA
GRADE: I-A
STATUS: EXEMPT

This position will be based in Abuja, Nigeria.

Please note the following requirements:

• Strong knowledge of contemporary African political and economic issues;
  
• Trade union experience;
  
• Ability to aggressively fundraise and expand donor relations; and,
  
• Excellent writing and communications skills in the English language.

Experience highly desirable:

• Extensive experience in training, organizing and negotiating collective bargaining agreements;
  
• Excellent research skills and the ability to develop reports and briefing materials,
  
• Experience in programmatic work with the ILO, GUFs and other international organizations.

Summary of Position: The Country Program Director is responsible for the effective management of a field office and field programs. S/he is the representative of the Solidarity Center and the AFL-CIO in the country or region of assignment. S/he is thoroughly conversant with all aspects of regional program activities and current events relevant to the on-going political, economic, social and trade union developments in the country or region. The Country Program Director has sound judgment and a good political sense that facilitate decision-making, particularly for times when headquarters cannot be reached for consultation. S/he has a working knowledge of and experience in US Government regulations and procedures related to the funding and management of grants.

The Country Program Director designs and implements field programs. S/he draws on her/his experience to write persuasive concept papers and proposals and seek funding for programs that address the needs of the partner trade unions, the AFL-CIO, and the US strategy for the country or region. S/he monitors programs for progress toward expected programmatic results as well as compliance with budget targets. S/he keeps headquarters informed of significant developments in the country or region through periodic program reports and other forms of correspondence.

The Country Program Director works closely with AFL-CIO affiliates, the ITUC and its regional organizations, and the international trade secretariats, within approved communications guidelines, to facilitate their participation in Solidarity Center programs. The Country Program Director provides logistical support for visitors from the Solidarity Center, AFL-CIO, affiliates, GUFs, the donor agency and/or other organizations. S/he has the experience and presence necessary to represent accurately and effectively in public fora and in private meetings with donor organizations, partners, and other national and international organizations, the policies and programs of the Solidarity Center and the AFL-CIO. S/he may be required to travel extensively within the region and is able to fill in for other Country Program Directors on a temporary or indefinite basis.

The Country Program Director manages the operations of the field office and supervises the local-hire field staff. S/he ensures that the operations of the field office conform to the host country labor code and other pertinent laws.

The Country Program Director is responsible for compliance with Solidarity Center policies and US regulations governing grants. S/he is expected to develop and maintain positive relationships with the appropriate personnel at the USAID mission and the US Embassy, and keep them informed about the Solidarity Center's work in the country. The Country Program Director follows the evolution of country development strategies and ensures that USAID and the Embassy understand both the role of the labor movement in the development of the country, and the ways in which the Solidarity Center program contributes to and enhances their ability to accomplish their strategic objectives.

Basic Qualifications: A Country Program Director must have the ability to work independently and without supervision. S/he must have extensive knowledge of international relations and trade union and socio-economic and political developments in the U.S. and abroad. Previous trade union experience, and/or experience in the Center as a Program Officer III or Senior Program Officer are required. S/he must be capable of managing multiple assignments simultaneously and of making substantive decisions that have major effects on costs and completion of projects. S/he must have, at a minimum, a bachelor's degree in political science, international relations, labor relations or related fields and/or ten years equivalent work experience. Good communications and writing skills are a must. Computer literacy for word processing and simple spreadsheets is required. S/he must have the ability to work and interact easily with a wide variety of people. Fluency in a foreign language is a plus and may be a requirement for some Country Program Director positions.

Supervisor: Regional Program Director for Africa

Specific Duties:

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the field office;
  
• Recruit, select and supervise local hire staff;
  
• Ensure compliance of the office with Solidarity Center and AFL-CIO policies and procedures and applicable donor and federal government regulations;
  
• Design, develop and implement country or regional programs, which respond to the strategies, goals and objectives of the donor organizations, the AFL-CIO and the Solidarity Center's partners in the field.
  
• Initiate concept papers and program proposals and seek funding for same;
  
• Prepare timely, well-written reports in accordance with the deadline schedule;
  
• Monitor program performance and results; discuss substantive changes required with Program Officer/Regional Program Director;
  
• Monitor program expenditures to meet budget targets;
  
• Work closely with AFL-CIO affiliates to coordinate their participation in Solidarity Center programs, within approved communications guidelines;
  
• Manage the logistics for field trips by Solidarity Center, AFL-CIO and affiliate personnel;
  
• Develop solid relationships with US government personnel in country, and ensure they understand the role of labor in development and of Solidarity Center programs in the context of their country strategy;
  
• Share information on country conditions and labor issues as appropriate;
  
• Provide assistance and support for program evaluations or audits of field projects/offices;
  
• Travel on a TDY basis to conduct and/or oversee program development and implementation in other countries in the region;
  
• Develop coalition-building contacts with national and international labor, government and non-governmental organizations in the country or region;
  
• Perform other duties as assigned.

The duration of this position, as with all positions at the Solidarity Center, is contingent upon continued grant funding. Normally a field assignment is at least three years but not more than six years, with the expectation of transfer to another post at the end of the assignment.

Although this position is posted for Nigeria, overseas staff may expect to be transferred to other areas of the world.

If interested, please send cover letter and résumé to:

Lisa Humphries
Solidarity Center
888 16th Street, NW, Suite 400
Washington, D.C. 20006

E-mail: lhumphries@solidaritycenter.org
Fax: (202) 974-8266

The Solidarity Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and minority candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Only short listed candidates will be contacted for an interview.
Closing date of application: When filled.