Africa Director

Tech-savvy Director sought for Refugees United's African operations.

This is an opportunity for a person with world-class management skills to play a key role in helping separated families reconnect.

Refugees United (RU) is looking for an experienced candidate for the position of Africa Director. We're seeking a candidate with strong project and partnership management skills and a track record of leading teams in a challenging and fast-paced environment.

RU is a tech non-profit with the mission of helping separated families reconnect via mobile and web platforms. Operating as a lean startup and funded entirely through partnerships with tech companies, mobile operators and private foundations, we assist many of the world's 45 million displaced persons in finding their missing family members. Innovation, dedication, smart work and fun are all hallmarks of our mission. We play to win.

Currently helping more than 230.000 people in their search for loved ones across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Somalia, DRC, Egypt, and the world beyond, Refugees United operates the largest open database of missing persons separated due to conflict, political unrest and natural disasters. On average, 2,300 new refugees are assisted onto the platform every week. We achieve our mission through partnerships with companies and organizations like Ericsson, Safaricom, Vodafone, Vodacom, UNHCR, Red Cross, the Omidyar Network, the IKEA Foundation and others.

As our footprint continues to expand, we need a highly motivated and skilled manager to help bring our efforts to next level. The ideal candidate has 3+ years experience in leading teams, preferably within technology, and can demonstrate having set ambitious goals and reaching them.

The Africa Director role entails, but is not limited to, the following tasks:

• Strategy: Setting and implementing strategy for further expansion across Africa in collaboration with RU CEO

• Leadership and Management of the office: Managing our offices and teams in Africa, building, helping and motivating a fast-paced group of technologists, designers, refugee leaders and humanitarian workers to achieve world-class results

• Partnerships: Liaising with existing partners on a high-level, as well as foster new, creative partnerships with the private and NGO sector to help more refugee families reconnect

• Grow roster of humanitarian partners, big and small, to successfully use Refugees United's mobile tools in their field operations

• Strategy, Operating Plan and Long- and Short-Term Targets: Ensure there is a documented office strategy and operating plans with measurable short-term and long- term targets

• Compliance and Country Legal environment: Ensure the office complies to local legal requirements and standards

Following competencies are required:

• 3+ years of experience in leadership roles, preferably also experience working with remote teams

• Preferably experienced in working with technology in developing countries

• International work experience and an understanding of how to navigate multiple

cultures

• Ability to work and travel in the East African region, including to refugee camps and

other similar areas

• Strong partnership and negotiation skills

• Strong project management skills

• Self-driven and independent and with the ability to motivate and lead people

• High proficiency in English is required

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in management or social sciences

(advanced degree is preferred).

Besides from a proven track record of managing teams and delivering results, you will thrive in a start-up environment with all its challenges and opportunities. At Refugees United everyone is expected to chip in everywhere. We all take out the trash, we all dig in where and when needed, and as Director, you need to be comfortable wearing many hats.
The position is based in Nairobi, Kenya, the strategic hub for all our African operations. Travels within the East-African region and beyond should be expected.

We look forward to welcoming our next team member!

Find out more about Refugees United here

How to apply

Are you open-minded? Passionate? Can you handle setbacks as well as successes? And do you have a wish to help thousands of people find their missing family?
In short, are you up for the challenge, please send your application to:job@refunite.orgno later than November 4th 2013.

We are looking to fill the position as soon as possible.

You are welcome to write Christopher Mikkelsen at cm@refunite.orgif you have any questions regarding the job.