Dawlaty – Executive Director

Introduction:

Dawlaty is a Syrian, independent civil society organization committed to gender justice, human rights, accountability and diversity. Dawlaty’s mission is to work with Syrian civil society partners, marginalized groups, and young men and women, to achieve democratic transition in Syria, creating a more inclusive narrative of the conflict in Syria and achieving justice and dignity for all Syrians. Dawlaty partners with a network of women- and youth-led groups and organizations across Syria and in neighbouring countries to build knowledge and capacity, amplify the voices and demands of marginalized groups and support their engagement in defining the future of Syria.

Summary of primary job functions

In a dynamic and challenging context, the Executive Director (ED) leads the development and implementation of the organization’s strategy and plans with staff, partners and the board. Oversee the development of Dawlaty’s programs, organizational policies and practices, as well as communications and advocacy, in a way that is participatory, gender-sensitive and context-relevant. The ED oversees the organizational structure and personnel management, ensuring the continuous capacity development of the team to take on greater responsibility within their areas of work and to grow within the organization. They develop and oversee implementation of policies ensuring operations are effective, accountable, transparent, gender-sensitive and inclusive. The ED takes responsibility to represent Dawlaty to regulatory bodies, community and civic organizations, donors, and the general public.

Reports to: Board of Directors

Manages: directly 5 positions, a team of 20 members in multiple locations.

Duties and responsibilities

Leadership

· Lead the development and implementation of strategy and plans in line with Dawlaty’s vision and values in a changing and turbulent context.

· Identify, assess, and inform the Board of Directors of internal and external issues that affect the organization, through regular reporting, development of proposed solutions and management of board agenda and meeting planning.

· As a spokesperson for the organization, representing the organization in written and oral interventions and submissions, as well as participating in events to enhance understanding of Dawlaty’s values, work, and positions amongst the community, donors, stakeholders and other interlocutors.

Operational planning and management

· Identify organizational development priorities and goals, develop plan and oversee its implementation to ensure Dawlaty is operating according to its values and principles.

· Oversee the efficient and effective day-to-day operation of the organization and ensure that they meet the expectations of beneficiaries, partners, Board and funders.

· Oversee review of existing policies and drafting of new policies for the approval of the Board and prepare procedures to implement the organizational policies;

· Identify and evaluate risks to organization’s people (beneficiaries, partners, staff and volunteers), property, finances, and image and implement measures to mitigate risks.

Financial planning and management

· Oversee fundraising strategies and plans for the operation of the organization, including identification, outreach and relationship maintenance with key donors.

· Work with staff and the Board to prepare a comprehensive budget and ensure the administration of funds in accordance with funding restrictions and Dawlaty’s policies. Oversee the adherence to sound bookkeeping and accounting procedures.

· Ensure that the organization complies with all legislation covering taxation

Program development and management

· Provide strategic and management oversight to the design and successful implementation of all Dawlaty programs, including gender-sensitive justice, memory work, civic engagement and youth programming.

· Work closely with senior staff on all aspects of programming to ensure efficiency and accountability and to develop innovative programmatic approaches.

· Provide support and oversight of Dawlaty’s knowledge production and learning, ensuring that it is reflected in our communication and advocacy.

· Lead strategic engagement with local and international partners.

Human resources planning and management

· Establish a positive, healthy and safe work environment and culture in accordance with all appropriate legislation and regulations and oversee the implementation of gender-sensitive and inclusive human resource policies, procedures and practices.

· Determine staffing requirements for organizational management and program delivery and oversee the recruitment and hiring of staff.

· Oversee performance management processes for all staff, ensuring clarity of roles, responsibilities and processes, maintaining a culture of accountability, timely and constructive feedback, direction and acknowledgement. Coach and mentor staff as appropriate to improve performance.

Qualifications

· Inspiring and motivational advocate for inclusive, victim-centred justice.

· A minimum of 7 years of progressive management experience preferably with NGOs

· Strong knowledge of Syrian context and current challenges and opportunities relating to the mission of the organization.

· Demonstrable understanding and experience of gender issues and proven commitment to addressing gender inequalities in all key areas of responsibility.

· Excellent leadership and management skills and demonstrated experience of managing diverse teams in a participatory and enabling style.

· Holds a postgraduate degree in a relevant field or experience in research & writing.

· Strong experience in financial management and program management

· Strong communication skills written and oral, including public speaking & interpersonal skills.

· Fluent in Arabic and English (spoken and written)

· Ability to travel in Europe and the Middle East (esp. Lebanon and Turkey) preferred

How to apply

How to apply:

Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply by sending the following applications:

• CV must include two employment references and full contact information
• Cover letter.

Terms and Conditions:

1- Applicants should include the following subject heading in their email Executive Director, and sending via email jobs@dawlaty.org by 15^th December 2020.

2- Applications received after the closing date will not be considered

3- Only Short-listed candidates will be contacted within a period of three weeks after the deadline, apologize for not sending messages to the rest of the applicants.

4- Projected start date 1^st March 2021.

5- Applications will be screened on a rolling basis and thus early applications are encouraged.

6- Candidates preferably based in Europe or the Middle East.

7- Due to Dawlaty’s low profile activities, shortlisted candidates are required to provide us with personal security reference

8- Qualified female applicants are especially encouraged to apply