Horn of Africa: Associate Director

Nov 3, 2015 | Center for American Progress
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The Associate Director position requires deep policy knowledge of the region and experience in team leadership. The Associate Director will carry out and lead research and impact strategy on the conflict dynamics in the region and related U.S. government and international policy for Enough’s policy papers, briefings, and advocacy efforts. The Associate Director will be responsible for leading the Enough Project’s policy and advocacy work on political, economic, and conflict dynamics in Sudan, South Sudan, and the Horn of Africa in collaboration with the Founding Director and under the direction of the Director of Policy. This is a position that requires research and report-writing experience, a strong understanding of conflicts in the Horn of Africa and the two Sudans, and an ability to lead and manage a team of policy analysts. The Associate Director will also be expected to represent Enough in the media and with U.S. and international policymakers.

Responsibilities: 

• Conduct original research and policy analysis on the subjects, both in Washington, D.C., and in the field.
• Work collaboratively to lead the implementation of a research agenda for the subjects.
• Co-author, author, and edit policy reports, memos, and other policy documents on the subjects.
• Help formulate original policy recommendations and encourage adoption by senior policymakers within the U.S. government, the African Union, and the United Nations.
• Bring and build relationships with officials in the U.S. government, international organizations such as the United Nations, the European Union, the African Union, and other key players to gather timely—and occasionally, rapid-response—information for conflict analysis and report writing. Expand Enough’s network of contacts within the policy community and deepen Enough’s relationships with policymakers and influential actors in the United States and overseas.
• Work in consultation with the Founding Director and Directors of Policy and Communications to plan, develop, and contribute regular content for the Enough communications and media efforts that is dynamic, original, thoroughly grounded in policy expertise, and accessible to a broad audience.
• Work collaboratively with Enough’s Financial Forensic Investigation team, focusing on Sudan and South Sudan and the broader region.
• Assist the Advocacy and Impact Strategies team to help shape subject-related campaign messaging.
• Represent Enough in the media through interviews and regular publication of op-eds and articles in publications of note.
• Represent Enough at subject-related meetings and events, both in and outside Washington, D.C.
• Participate in and inform the budget process of the team.
• Collaborate with the Development Director to inform and examine development and fundraising opportunities, review fundraising materials, and reports to donors.
• Other duties as assigned.

The role of Associate Director has the following additional supervisory and management responsibilities: 

• Work with the Founding Director, the Director of Policy, and other colleagues to implement the policy and research agenda for Enough’s work on the subject and manage a team in its implementation.
• Regularly liaise with and manage subject-area and field consultants for alignment with strategic and policy agenda, publication, and communications priorities. Articulate appropriate work plans and deliverables, assure timely receipt of deliverables, and work with appropriate staff to assure contract administration.
• Supervise and provide regular performance feedback and review to direct reports, and work with the Director of Policy and the Managing Director to assure staff needs are met.
• Coordinate with other team leaders and senior staff and advise on core function needs to support field staff and consultants.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements and qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Substantial professional experience related to the core issues in this job description.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the subject and ability to provide in-depth analysis and write professionally on the issue area.
• Strong understanding of the policymaking community and the potential implications of various advocacy and policy approaches.
• Academic background or work experience in the prevention of atrocities, human rights, conflict prevention and resolution, and the responsibility to protect.
• Demonstrated excellence in written and oral communication.
• Adept team player with good interpersonal skills.
• A strong commitment to human rights and conflict resolution and to Enough’s mission to end genocide and mass atrocities.
• Superb organization and time-management skills, including the ability to manage numerous tasks simultaneously, work under pressure, and meet deadlines.
• Strong staff management skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team setting.
• Ability to keep calm and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Good humor and general problem-solving skills.

Preferred:

• Substantial previous field experience in the Horn of Africa, Sudan, or South Sudan.
• Master’s degree strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of French or Arabic an asset.

American Progress provides a competitive compensation and benefits package.

American Progress is an equal opportunity employer; women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.