Secretary General At Ghana Red Cross Society

The Ghana Red Cross Society (GRCS) was founded in 1958. It has its headquarters in Accra. It is an independent, voluntary, humanitarian organisation established based on the Red Cross ACT of June 30th, 1958 [Law 1 No. 10 of 1958.]. Its primary objective is to provide humanitarian aid and prevent and alleviate human suffering. It is part of the world’s largest humanitarian network – International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies which helps millions of people whose lives have been devastated by disasters or crises every year.

The GRCS is the nation’s leading humanitarian organization, with branches throughout Ghana. To date, it has established 10 regional branches and over 150 district chapters spanning all over Ghana. It delivers its mandate through locally recruited members and volunteers and implements programmes in adherence to the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement – Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality – and eschews discrimination on the basis of nationality, race, sex, religious beliefs, language, class or political opinions.

The Ghana Red Cross is seeking to recruit qualified and competent Ghanaian citizen to fill up the post of the Secretary General.

Purpose

The Secretary General (SG) shall report to the Governing Board of the GRCS and implement the strategic goals and objectives of the GRCS. The Secretary General has the authority to carry out these responsibilities by the direction and policies established by the Governing Board. This includes the Ghana Red Cross Statutes and Rules of Procedure.

Key Responsibilities

The Secretary General is responsible for providing strategic and visionary leadership. She/he has full operational responsibility in developing, implementing and evaluating strategies to address emerging issues, risks and opportunities related to humanitarian actions. In addition, She/he is responsible for developing and overseeing sound management systems based on good corporate governance and best practices aimed at enhancing organisational effectiveness and achieving financial sustainability. Other duties include spearheading the implementation of strategic change management processes as well as reviewing the Society’s performance to ensure effective utilization of physical, financial, and human resources.

Key Competencies

• Strong leadership, team building, conflict resolution and ability to deliver the Society’s articulated vision for change create a sense of urgency around change and motivates staff to join change efforts.
• Broad knowledge of disaster management and humanitarian relief issues, trends and goals at national, regional and international levels aimed at preventing and alleviating human suffering.
• Ability to initiate and manage change and to recognise and adjust to rapidly changing conditions to align programmes to the strategic plan of the society.
• Demonstrated technical expertise in strategic management, project planning and budgeting, resource management, implementation ability, as well as programme monitoring and evaluation.
• Demonstrated competence in resource mobilisation, including implementation of effective fundraising strategies to increase resources through grant proposals and memoranda of understanding with development partners, donor agencies, foundations, NGOs, universities and private sector organisations
• Ability to influence and resolve differences across organisational boundaries, gaining support and commitment from others, resolving differences by determining needs and forging solutions that benefit all parties, promoting collaboration and facilitating teamwork across boundaries

Education and Experience

• Required: Minimum of a bachelor’s in development studies, social, business administration or a related field, or any professional degree.
• Preferred Master’s Degree in the development studies, social , business administration or related fields.
• Minimum fifteen (15) years of experience gained from preferably in non-profit sector.
• Preferred experience in relevant humanitarian relief organizations focusing on, but not limited to disaster management and organizational development.
• Preferred experiences in managing and leading private or public sector organizations.