Country and Project Director At World University Service of Canada

POSITION TITLE: Country Director – EUMC Mali

Project Director – Project to support the education of girls in Mali

POSITION LOCATION: Bamako, Mali

REPORTS TO: Director of Francophone Africa

TERM OF CONTRACT: Fixed duration

LANGUAGES: Bilingual French and English

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: June 28, 2024

CONTEXT

WUSC (World University Service of Canada) is a Canadian non-profit organization working to create a better world for all young people. We bring together a diverse network of governments, civil society organizations, training institutions, private sector partners, students and volunteers who share this vision. Together, we develop solutions in education, economic opportunity and empowerment to overcome inequality and exclusion of young people around the world, particularly young women and young refugees. The EUMC currently works in 25 countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America, with an annual budget of approximately 40 million Canadian dollars.

Global University Service of Canada (WUSC) is currently implementing education projects in Africa and Asia, with funding from Global Affairs Canada, the FCDO Girls’ Education Challenge (GEC) and private foundations. WUSC believes in supporting education across the continuum, from early childhood development to higher education, and we place particular emphasis on the senior cycle from primary to secondary school, when many children – especially girls – are most likely to drop out. EUMC’s education initiatives work with many conflict-affected populations, particularly refugees and refugee girls.

PROJECT TO SUPPORT GIRLS’ SCHOOLING IN MALI (PASCOFI)

EUMC is implementing an education project in Mali that aims to reduce disparities in the learning and academic performance of vulnerable girls affected by armed conflict in the Mopti and Ségou regions. The project mobilizes communities in favor of girls’ education by involving parents, community leaders and religious leaders to reduce the risks of dropping out of school or access to school linked to factors of insecurity or socio-cultural behaviors. To improve the quality and consideration of gender in the education system, the project supports the efforts of the Ministry of National Education to train teachers and deploy a new school curriculum that promotes inclusive and gender-conscious teaching approaches. reduction of inequalities between girls and boys.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to the Director for Francophone Africa of EUMC Programs, and working in close collaboration with the Senior Program Officer at EUMC Ottawa, the Country Director of EUMC Mali will be responsible for :

Strategic Direction

Provide strategic direction for PASCOFI project implementation and coordination with implementing partners and key stakeholders;
Represent EUMC and the project in Mali, establish and maintain effective relationships with relevant national and regional stakeholders, regional organizations and related international programs;
Coordinate activities with other agencies working in the education sector;
Liaise with the AMC funder on a regular basis to keep its field representatives informed of the overall direction of the project, including challenges; and inform the AMC representative on high-level interactions, if applicable;
Lead EUMC’s participation and strategic management in the Project Steering Committee, Project Advisory Committee and other committees/working groups as appropriate;
Manage project offices and coordinate with appropriate government authorities in the country regarding EUMC registration, tax-exempt status, ensuring all facilities are operational;
Represent EUMC in the country by establishing and establishing good working relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, partners and government;
Ensure that the EUMC is compliant with all requirements of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the government, as well as registration, reporting, audits and transparency regulations in the country;
Identify visibility opportunities to expand its reach and impact in the country, focusing on the theory of change and thematic priorities of the EUMC;
Maintain an ongoing relationship with EUMC Ottawa, with regular updates with the Director for Francophone Africa of EUMC Programs and ongoing exchange of information and collaboration with EUMC Ottawa project staff and other technical advisors, as appropriate.

Technical direction and project management

Provide technical and management advice to the project, in accordance with the expected project results and EUMC policies and procedures;
Develop key project planning deliverables (the project implementation plan, annual work plans, annual reports and other reports) while using results-based management approaches and tools;
Develop specific strategies for cross-cutting themes (capacity building, gender equality, private sector engagement, environmental sustainability) for the project;
Maintain open and effective communication between strategic partners and members of the project team in Canada and Mali;
Oversee the coordination and daily execution of project activities in collaboration with staff, technical advisors, volunteers and partners;
Convene and coordinate project steering and advisory committees at regular intervals and as needed.

Monitoring and evaluation

Oversee the establishment and effective implementation of a results monitoring system for the project in accordance with EUMC best practices and procedures;
Regularly monitor progress towards results, ensuring flexible management based on results;
Work with team members to produce regular reports for key stakeholders;
Maintain regular communication with WUSC Canada to ensure appropriate support.

Human Resource Management

Manage the project team in Mali, including its project offices in Bamako and Ségou;
Supervise, guide and evaluate the work of project staff and consultants;
Oversee human resources management matters such as employment policies and practices and subcontracting, are in compliance with local laws and regulations;
Work with colleagues and partners to ensure effective mobilization, orientation and supervision of volunteers and technical advisors

Financial and office management

Lead the planning and execution of the overall project budget in accordance with EUMC policies and procedures and in accordance with donor requirements;
Establish and oversee a financial management system for the project in close consultation with the EUMC finance team;
Ensure that the project complies with local taxes, bank controls and the labor code;
Under the direction of the Finance team at EUMC Ottawa, regularly update, monitor and report the project budget at the national level to ensure regular reporting to funders by EUMC Headquarters;
Supervise operations in the project offices in Bamako and Ségou;
Maintain required administrative and project infrastructure of staff, field offices and equipment.

Risk Management and Security Preparedness

Actively evaluate and monitor the project risk profile; identify specific risks and appropriate mitigation strategies;
Ensure the application and relevance of EUMC security policies, procedures and preparedness within the operational context of the project.

Liaison and coordination with donors

Establish a solid working relationship with the donor and its representative(s) at the Canadian Embassy in Bamako, including on strategic planning and information sharing;
Coordinate with the AMC and project staff, as necessary, in collaboration or consultation with EUMC Headquarters;
Coordinate regularly with other development actors to ensure harmonization and synergy with similar initiatives;
Ensure AMC approval of official communications vis-à-vis press releases, on social networks, on the radio or via other media in Mali.

Communications and promotion

Represent the project in official communications in Mali;
Develop and implement a communications strategy in Mali in consultation with the EUMC communications team at headquarters;
Develop appropriate promotional materials for distribution or use in Mali.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

Education

Master’s degree from a recognized university in a related field and/or a combination of relevant studies and experience

Experience and skills

7 years of professional experience managing complex donor-funded projects (preferably AMC);
5 years of demonstrated experience and proven experience in a senior project management role;
5 years of demonstrated experience delivering education projects in complex programming environments;
3 years of continuous field experience in a developing country, preferably Mali;
Proven and demonstrated experience in project leadership, including experience with donor results-based management policies, financial reporting requirements, as well as partnership-based project delivery;
Proven experience managing complex financial controls and management systems, experience managing human resources in an office setting;
Availability to travel (local, regional and international), sometimes on extended missions and in difficult conditions;
Has a solid base of knowledge and experience in project design, management, monitoring and evaluation, preferably with AMC-funded projects;
In-depth and up-to-date knowledge of educational development concepts, methodologies and techniques;
In-depth knowledge of participatory approaches, as well as project planning, monitoring and reporting using results-based management and/or logical framework analysis;
Ability to communicate highly effectively and work in a collaborative setting with exceptional ability to provide written and verbal communications;
Ability to build strong supportive relationships with partners and staff members;
Proven skills in managing multi-stakeholder projects in a complex regulatory environment;
Skilled networking ability and experience in building partnerships and working collaboratively with Southern partner organizations, the private sector, governments and donors;
Excellent negotiation and communication skills, including a demonstrated ability to handle highly sensitive matters diplomatically and tactfully;
Strong leadership and management skills;
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills;
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in French;
Sense of curiosity, enthusiasm, ability to adapt and eager to innovate

Languages

Perfect command of spoken and written French is required
Ability to communicate effectively in English

WHY WORK WITH THE EUMC?

Join us. Our work is important, cutting-edge and fast. We encourage curiosity, innovation and flexibility.

EUMC offers a dynamic international work environment with a diverse, cross-cultural workforce. We offer our employees exciting opportunities to practice their skills and gain experience while making a difference in the lives of young people around the world. WUSC employees work hard to create lasting change in education, economic opportunity and empowerment.

CANDIDACY

EUMC activities aim to balance inequalities and create sustainable development worldwide; The work ethic of our staff, volunteers, representatives and partners must align with the values and mission of the organization. EUMC encourages responsibility, respect, honesty and professional excellence and we will not tolerate harassment, coercion, sexual exploitation or abuse in any form. Successful candidates will be required to undergo a thorough criminal background check, where applicable. Applications from women are strongly encouraged.

EUMC is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request for applicants participating in all aspects of the selection process. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.