Executive Director Young Women in Action (YWA)

Young Women in Action (YWA) is a membership, youth-led, youth-focused organization that works to empower in and out-of-school girls and young women from the age of 15 to 35 years old in Zambia. The organization was founded in June 2002 and has empowered over 5,000 girls and young women through its programming. This is done through capacity-building, awareness-raising, network-building, advocacy and lobbying. YWA works to promote girls and young women’s enjoyment of Human Rights and also work to contribute to the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender equality) among other international Human Rights goals. YWA further works with men and boys as allies to advance gender justice and promote sustainable, progressive and safe society for all people.

YWA is looking for an experienced young woman to take up the role of Executive Director to oversee all operations, overseeing day-to-day activities, improving performance, developing organizational culture, supervising heads of departments, reporting on revenue, and directing organizational strategy. The successful candidate will be the face of the organization, responsible for giving the proper strategic direction in achieving the organization’s vision. The role is on full time basis with a two-year Contract with possible renewal based on performance.

Objectives of the role:

• Work closely with Board of Directors and committees, informing, assessing, and addressing issues that affect the organization.
• Oversee the daily operations of the organization, providing executive direction of all program strategy, compliance, quality assurance, and program efficiency.
• Identify and implement staffing requirements for efficient operations, maintaining a strong culture and work climate that attracts and retains staff, and drives the organization’s mission.
• Represent the organization and increase awareness by being the spokesperson and liaison with local and international media as well as actively participate in external events, both increasing visibility, credibility and developing strategic partnerships in order to increase community awareness and YWA footprint.
• Develop an actionable plan for fundraising and managing monthly cash flow.
• Comply with all federal, state, and local legislation.

Roles and responsibilities:

• Spearhead organizational programme planning and design.
• Provide oversight on financial operations.
• Facilitate and coordinate capacity building of all departments.
• Oversee the contracting of YWA consultants.
• Develop and implement strategies aiming to promote the organization’s vision and mission.
• Coordinate the organizational advocacy and lobbying programmes for the attainment of set programme goals and objectives.
• Build an effective team of leaders by providing guidance and coaching to subordinate managers
• Manage a culturally diverse staff, stakeholders and communities YWA serves.
• Ensure adherence of the organization’s daily activities and long-term plans to established policies and legal guidelines.
• Direct and oversee and local fundraising efforts.
• Forge and maintain relations of trust with donors, shareholders, partners and external authorities.
• Act as the public speaker and public relations representative of the organization in ways that strengthen its profile.
• Review reports by subordinate managers and ensure timely reporting to donors and stakeholders
• Devise remedial actions for any identified issues and conduct crisis management when necessary.

Requirements:

• Young women between 23 and 32 years old.
• Experience in developing organizational strategies and plans.
• Strong public relations and fundraising experience.
• Dynamic and charismatic team player who enjoys being the public face of an organization.
• Proven success working with a Board of Directors.
• In-depth knowledge of leadership and best management principles related to non-profits.
• An analytical mind capable for “out-of-the-box” thinking to solve problems.
• Excellent communication (oral and written) and public speaking skills.
• Proven experience in managing teams.
• Candidate should be able to travel within and outside of the country when required.
• Have no criminal charges.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Arts Degree in Development Studies, Sociology, Project Management or related field.
• At least 3+ years of senior management experience, preferably with a non-profit national or international organization.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in working with people from diverse backgrounds/cultures.
• A master of Arts Degree is an added advantage.