National Director SOS-Kinderdorf International

National Director
SOS-Kinderdorf International
Child Care and Protection in 132 countries worldwide
Closing date: 25 Jun 2009
Location: Nigeria - Lagos

Established in 1949, SOS Children’s Villages is a dynamic social development organisation, working globally in over 132 countries worldwide to meet the needs and protect the interests and rights of orphaned and vulnerable children. We are represented in Nigeria since 1973 and we are working now in three locations (Isolo-Lagos, Owu-Ijebu, Gwagwalada-Abuja), with many programmes and facilities (Children Villages, Youths Facilities, Kindergartens and Schools, Families Strengthening Programmes, Social and Medical Centres). The Regional Office for West and Central Africa, based in Cameroon, is in process of recruiting a new National Director to lead and develop SOS Children’s Villages programmes in Nigeria.

Position summary:

Under the direct supervision of the Regional Director for West and Central Africa, the National Director leads, manages and develops SOS Children’s Villages in Nigeria as its chief executive, ensuring effective delivery of programmes and services to children and youths, families and communities within the frame of the organisation’s Vision, Mission & Values. Through seeking governmental subsidies and funding, international/ national grants as well as fundraising, the successful candidate is expected to maximise the financial self-sufficiency of SOS Nigeria according to the potential in the country.

General aim of the position:

* Lead the strategic planning of SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria to ensure sustainability and relevance of the work.
* Ensure the operational effectiveness of all programmes and guarantee a child-care quality according to the organisation’s defined standards.
* Ensure the effective and sustainable management of the organisation’s financial and other resources.
* Build the human capacity of the country to ensure its long-term growth and stability.
* Ensure relevant policies, processes and procedures are in place to guide the employees in all functional areas.
* Ensure strong local rooting by promoting the organisation’s local integration and by building recognition
* Implement an efficient performance management and human resource development system that guarantees the development of all co-workers and the identification of talents. Promote accountability at all levels of the organisation.
* Promote and manage an appropriate image of the organisation both internally and externally, using our values, standards and guidelines as the basis for shaping the brand.
* Promote long-term-stability and financial self-sufficiency by pursuing support from government and private sources with the aim of maximising the fundraising potential in the country.
* Establishe sound relationships with relevant government authorities, ensure appropriate representation of the organisation’s views and seek government recognition and support for SOS Children’s Villages work.
* Build partnerships with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) who work for the rights of children without parental care or at risk of losing their parental care. Pursue advocacy objectives within NGO child rights forums.
* Monitor and report on programme implementation outcomes in SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria and coordinate monitoring, evaluation and quality assurance processes, in accordance with set standards and procedures.
* Ensure the implementation of agreed SOS-Kinderdorf International standards.


Qualifications, Competencies and Skills:

* Master in Management, Education or Business Administration.
* Minimum 5 years of leadership experience at a senior management/executive level in a larger or complex organisation, preferentially within the NGO or public sector.
* Prior experience in one or more of the following functional areas: human resource management, finance, marketing, social services provision, education management, community development.
* Working knowledge in the area of Child Rights, Child protection, Child development and Family and Community development.
* Intercultural, gender and diversity sensitivity; able to bridge different national or organisational cultures and to work effectively in a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic environment respecting diversity.
* Excellent and high level written and verbal communication/presentation skills; ability to communicate effectively with partners and staff at all levels; ability to represent the organisation externally.
* Ethical standards, integrity, objectivity, confidence; able to state views openly and act in line with beliefs. Maintain the organisation’s values, maintain deadlines, commitments; able to gain the trust and respect of peers and supervisors.
* People development: driven to improve others; track-record in coaching & mentoring staff, delegation skills, giving/ receiving feedback and identifying development opportunities of co-workers.
* Leadership: able to build effective teams, motivate high performance, and generate commitment to organisational goals.
* Experience in fundraising and marketing.
* Good analytical and organisational skills and negotiation skills.
* Fluency in English and some majors’ local languages (Ibo, Haoussa, Yoruba, ect…) is required. The knowledge of French will be an asset.
* Hands-on computer software skills (Word, Excel, Power Point etc.).
* Readiness to travel nationally and internationally as required.


In accordance with the organisation’s child protection policy, all employment is subject to applicable background checks, including criminal record checks where possible.
How to apply
Interested candidates should submit, via mail exclusively, their applications (a Covering Letter and detailed Curriculum Vitae with three traceable references) to the following address:

E-mail: [email protected]


Only short listed candidates will be contacted.