Regional Engagement Coordinator – Africa At Geneva Call

About Geneva Call

In situations of armed conflict, Geneva Call, as a neutral, impartial, and independent international humanitarian organization, endeavors to strengthen the respect of humanitarian norms and principles by armed non-State actors, to improve the protection of civilians, while supporting local communities in their efforts to enhance their own protection. Geneva Call is a Swiss Foundation, not-for-profit established under Swiss law in 1998.

Mission

Lead the Africa strategy for fundraising and resource mobilization to support country offices and regional desk.

Role

The role assumes primary responsibility for GC positioning, advocacy related activities and fundraising effort across all Geneva Call locations in Africa. The person will be part of the Global Engagement Unit (the line manager is the Head of Global engagement supervising teams in Geneva, New York and Brussels).

Overall activities

Lead development and implementation of regional and country specific resource mobilization strategies to ensure the financial sustability of Geneva Call’s work in Africa Region.
Bring fresh thinking to the organisation in how to influence new audiences, with the insights from existing partnerships to help meet ambitious, long-term goals as outlined in GC strategy.
Ensure GC work is understood and appreciated by partners, donors both in political missions and in the field, the media and the charitable and philanthropic sector in the African context (currently Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, South Sudan, Sudan and DRC).
Take initiative, navigate ambiguity and prioritise competing demands in response to a changing external context.
Embracing the digital transformation, provide innovative ideas and tools to enhance Geneva Call’s profile and capacities to influence in the region.
Represent the organisation in Africa related key forums and relevant humanitarian settings, allowing GC positioning as a unique NGO in its field.
Participate and support the Heads of Region and Country Directors in maintaining effective and positive relationships with regional and national donor representatives. Whenever needed, directly involved in the drafting, reviewing of regional or country focused proposals.
Support the Head of Regions and Country Directors in the development and implementation of regional and country specific stakeholder engagement strategies to promote the positioning, recognition and partnerships of Geneva Call in Africa.
Support and develop innovative field-based communication campaigns and tools to support country offices in the region.
Develop the strategy, aims and business plan for Advocacy and Communications work to support the achievement of Geneva Call’s mandate and fulfil funding targets.
Develop a compelling narrative that positions Geneva Call and it’s thinking at the forefront of innovation within the Humanitarian sector.
Act as the main knowledge point for intelligence on donors, ensuring Geneva Call is kept up to date with the latest developments, opportunities and initiatives of relevance (e.g. donor trends, new funding initiatives on thematic areas announced by international donors, donors announcing regional funding, strategic partnership opportunities)
Provide quality assurance for all aspects of donor engagement, ensuring that all interactions with, and correspondence and submissions (e.g. concept notes, proposals, disbusements requests, interim and final reports) to potential and exisitng donors adher to Geneva Call’s resource mobilisation policies and procedures, and are in compliance with donor requirements.

Education and experience

Master’s degree in international relations, Communication, Journalism, public relations or closely related field.
5 to 8 years of experience combining resource mobilization, advocacy and outreach, communication and programme management, ideally in the humanitarian context, preferably at a regional level with an INGO working in conflict settings.
Experience in proposal writing and editing.
Experience in advocacy activities humanitarian communication campaigns.
Proven experience in identifying, negotiating, and managing funding from governmental and multilateral sources.
Proven experience managing relationships with senior external stakeholders.
Experience working in Africa an asset.
Project management certification an asset (e.g. PRINCE2).

Technical skills

Experience of a range of campaigning and advocacy techniques and approaches.
Experience in influencing government, donors, and other organizations through representation and/or advocacy.
Demonstrable creative ability in accessing new opportunities, expertise and ideas.**
Demonstrable track record of leading change which has led to significant results for the organization and their stakeholders.
Familiarity with the geopolitical priorities and donor landscape in West Africa.

Languages

Proficiency in French and English.

Personal skills

Demonstrated ability to thrive in a matrix management environment.
Excellent communications skills (both written and verbal) at a level appropriate for high level external representation and ability to tailor communications to different audiences.
Developed interpersonal skills including influencing, negotiation, and coaching.
A strong team player and facilitator of effective teamwork.
Ability to produce high quality outputs under pressure and to tight deadlines.
Organized, attentive to details, and with a positive and professional demeanour.
Be dynamic and innovative.
Willingness and availability to travel.

Conflict of interest

Any candidate affiliated to, or openly supporting, one or more interest groups opposed to the Foundation’s principles and values, or whose previous position could engender safety issues for co-workers at Appel de Genève / Geneva Call, will be excluded from this selection process.

The employee will be accountable for the responsibilities and the competencies, in accordance with the Geneva Call Performance Management guidelines. The following documents will be used for performance reviews: