ICS Area Manager, Maasai Program

A better future for children in Africa and Asia. That’s the goal of ICS. A prosperous social environment is essential for that. Not only in the family, but also in the community. To achieve that, child protection and social entrepreneurship are pivotal aspects in the work of ICS. Children growing up in an economically flourishing environment have more chance of education, economic opportunities and a prosperous future. That is why ICS initiates, supports and invests in socio-economic initiatives that create value in their societies.
Since 2007 ICS is involved in the OMASI initiative in Simanjiro Disctrict in Northern Tanzania. OMASI consists of several companies and community organizations that aim for social, economic and environmental change for the local (predominantly Maasai) communities. ICS’ main role is to improve the initiative’s linkages with the local population, optimizing the interface and mutual benefits of communities and companies. A few examples of ICS activities are a community livestock improvement program, investments in the quality and relevance of education and the support of a number of grassroots organizations.
Function Profile
For our program in Simanjiro District we are looking for an entrepreneurial Area Manager who is in the lead of designing, managing and integrating our activities in the area. (S)he plays an important role in connecting viable business cases to socio-economic opportunities for local community members, making sure our activities achieve maximum social impact while being economically viable. (S)he provides technical assistance to our program partners and stimulates them to adopt a business-mindset. If required (s)he facilitates linkages to relevant market actors (within or outside OMASI) and (credit) service providers. The Area Manager seeks to integrate child protection activities within our social business approach. In addition, (s)he contributes to fundraising on both national and international level.
The Area Manager provides leadership and motivates our program staff, while effectively managing program resources. (S)he attends to long-term planning and includes sufficient flexibility to react adequately to changes. Frequent contact with the other OMASI entities and key institutions is crucial to ensure synergy between different projects and to create a support-base for co-operation. The Area Manager is under the overall supervision of the ICS program manager in our regional office in Nairobi, while also closely cooperating with our Netherlands office.
Job Requirements
The candidate for the position of Area Manager should be an ambitious manager with strong leadership skills, an entrepreneurial mindset and strong communicative and networking capacities. (S)he should have a proactive attitude in initiating and managing relationships with program partners and stakeholders. In addition, the ideal candidate has:
· At least a bachelor in (business) economics, agri-business, commerce/marketing or another relevant field; a Master degree in business administration, entrepreneurship or another relevant field is an advantage.
· At least three years of experience with managing socio-economic development or similar programs (including financial management).
· Vast knowledge of socio-economic development issues in Tanzania, preferably in the field of livestock improvement, rural (value chain) development and/or education; experience in a pastoralist environment is preferred.
· Excellent communication skills, both orally and written, in Swahili, English and preferably Maasai.
· Comfortable in working with MS Office software packages; experience with online management systems is an advantage.
The Area Manager will be based in Arusha, but frequently traveling across the program area. Further information on the position or the application procedure can be obtained with John Otini, program manager at ICS Africa (john.otini@icsafrica.org; +254202063015). Applications, including a motivation letter and CV, should be sent by e-mail to john.otini@icsafrica.org before Thursday April 12^th, 2012.

With kind regards,

Israel H. Macha

Group Human Resources Manager
OMASI Group Management Ltd (OMASI)
P.O. Box 12785 Arusha - Tanzania
Phone: +255(0)732-978609
Cell: +255(0)784-616267