Cameroon: Program Manager - Africa

The Obakki Foundation is searching for a highly committed and capable individual to take on the role of Program Manager for our Africa projects. This position will require the selected candidate to reside in Africa, primarily in Cameroon with travel to South Sudan.

Information about the organization

Founded by Treana Peake in 2009, the Obakki Foundation (OF) is a non-profit dedicated to providing clean water and education to developing communities in need. OF strives to meet these needs immediately, so projects are chosen for their potential to make an impact quickly, but also sustainably. The Obakki Foundation is supported by Obakki Designs, allowing 100% of donations to go directly to the projects.

An important aspect of our work is building and maintaining relationships with the communities we work with. We have a hands-on approach that we feel results in greater impact. We take pride in learning from and listening to the communities and people we work with in order to maximize our efforts and ensure the projects are meeting the targeted needs. We respect local customs and Governments, and all Humanitarian Principles.

Our operations in Cameroon have historically been in providing support to orphanages and schools assisting vulnerable populations, such as a school for the deaf. Currently, we are expanding our presence in Cameroon through the implementation of two vocational training schools, one in agriculture and the other in tailoring. In South Sudan we primarily drill new boreholes and rehabilitate existing, under-functioning hand pumps. Previously we have installed solar-powered water systems and supported community horticulture initiatives, and we continue to assist these communities.

We are looking for candidates who are flexible; share the organization’s passion for helping others and creating impactful change, and who are comfortable taking on a diverse set of roles.

Information about the role

Overview of responsibilities:

· Implement, monitor and report on all OF projects in Cameroon and South Sudan

· Design new projects as requested or as opportunities are presented

· Evaluate project progress and effectiveness, and offer improvement advice

· Manage local human resources

· Perform financial management, payments, and reporting

· Represent OF in meetings with Governments, partners, donors, peers, communities, and during all activities in operating countries

· Partnership development and donor reporting

Cameroon – Responsibilities & Requirements:

· Pilot new projects and move them from design to implementation (hiring, procurement, etc.)

· Continue to support and manage relationships with partner schools and orphanages

· Manage staff and volunteers

· Manage and monitor all projects while exploring new opportunities and potential for expansion

· Develop strong relationships with all partners, stakeholders, youth, and the community

· Excellent project management skills

· Experience in agriculture, teaching, or business an asset

South Sudan – Responsibilities & Requirements:

· Periodic 2 – 4 week visits to Rumbek, South Sudan to assess ongoing projects, their impact, and to monitor progress

· Conduct assessments for new drillings

· Liaise with Government officials, drilling companies, suppliers, NGOs, and communities

· Travel to partner communities to gather data for donor updates

· Support national staff, providing direction, training, and skills development, as needed

· Submit reports to Head Office documenting observations, concerns, successes, and recommendations from visit

· Assist in developing future project plans and budgets

Work location and travel requirements:

· Based in Buea, Cameroon

· Periodic travel to South Sudan, primarily around Rumbek Town

· Additional travel as required (ex. Kenya, Canada)

Requirements (experience, qualification, skills and personal attributes):

· Post-Secondary Degree in International Development, Project Management, Operations Management, and/or related field or experience

· 2 - 5 years managing development projects

· Experience working in developing nations required; conflict affected regions an asset

· Ability to work independently while managing multiple, diverse roles and responsibilities

· Ability to work in high pressure environments and be highly flexible

· Problem solving, analytical and critical thinking skills

· Strong leadership and decision-making skills

· Strong team and stakeholder management skills

· Ability to listen well and take outside opinions into account

· Exceptional cultural sensitivity and respect

· High risk tolerance level and ability to remain calm under pressure

· Comfortable in rugged living conditions

· Knowledge of small-scale horticulture techniques and working knowledge of drilling boreholes and hand pump installation an asset

· Willing to learn to ride a motorcycle required

· Valid driver’s license and ability/willing to learn to drive manual vehicles

· Fluent English Required, French (Cameroon) or Arabic (South Sudan) an asset

· Willing to commit to minimum 2 years with the organization

Remuneration:

· Salary, $40,000 CA annually

· Benefits package

· Insurance coverage while abroad

· 5 weeks vacation, per year

Please submit your resume and cover letter to JBind@obakki.com with the subject line “Application – Program Manager – Africa” by February 26, 2016. You can learn more about our work at www.obakkifoundation.org.

While all applications are appreciated, only those candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted.