Call for Applications: Innovation Prize for Africa 2013
The Innovation Prize for Africa (IPA) honors and encourages innovative achievements that contribute toward developing new products, increasing efficiency or saving cost in Africa. The The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the African Innovation Foundation (AIF) are currently accepting applications for the IPA 2013.
The 2013 IPA recognizes innovative breakthroughs that unlock new African potential in the following five priority areas: Agriculture/agribusiness; Environment, Energy and Water; Health and Wellbeing; Information Communications Technologies (ICTs); Manufacturing and Service Industry.
Only innovations by Africans for Africa are eligible to enter. Africans in the Diaspora can also apply if their innovations are of significance for Africa.
The 2013 IPA will consist of three Prizes, which will be given following the criteria outlined below:
A. The first Prize of USD100,000
B. The runner-up Prize of USD25,000
C. The special Prize for Social Impact Innovation of USD25,000
D. Nominees: This is a group of the IPA finalists who will be invited to the final face-to-face interview and to the Award ceremony. All nominees will receive certificates, and the IPA team will work with them to mobilize in-kind support to facilitate next steps for their innovation.
DEADLINE: 31 October 2012.
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The IRRI Board of Directors seeks an energetic, collaborative, and experienced Interim Managing Director (IMD) to oversee current activities and guide the organization through a healthy leadership transition over the next 6 months.
BACKGROUND ON IRRI
Founded in 2004, IRRI’s mission is to promote human rights in situations of conflict and displacement, enhancing the protection of vulnerable populations before, during and after conflict. IRRI grounds its advocacy in regional and international human rights instruments and strives to promote policy solutions that will be effective at the local level. With bases in Kampala and New York, IRRI works with networks of advocates to identify key challenges facing vulnerable communities and collaborates to advance changes in law, policy and practice.
OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION
Reporting to the Board Chair, and working closely with a small staff in Kampala and New York and several part-time staff and contractors, the IMD will be responsible for the following:
· Overseeing the organization’s day-to-day operations in Kampala and New York
· Ensuring successful completion of long-term planning initiatives
· Providing guidance to structure IRRI for optimal impact and efficiency
· Overseeing IRRI’s finances and fundraising initiatives
· Ensuring a successful transition to a new management structure
The IMD will ideally be based in Kampala, although there is flexibility as to location. It is envisioned that the IMD will initially begin as a part-time position (20-30 hours/week). Depending on progress against established performance metrics, and assuming required financial resources are available, the IMD may evolve to a full-time, permanent Managing Director position.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The IMD will focus on the following activities:
I. General Management
· Day-to-day management of the core administrative functions in Kampala and New York, including human resources, accounting, finance, fundraising, communications, facilities management, compliance, risk management, and IT
· Manage staff and contractors, including development of work plans and deliverables
· Provide a coordinated system of services to program staff to ensure that IRRI satisfies existing grant obligations
· Develop personnel, financial, risk management and other policies as required
· Complete other tasks as assigned by the Board Chair.
II. Organizational Planning
· Facilitate the completion of IRRI’s long-term program strategy, business plan and financing strategy
· Provide guidance to ensure optimal alignment of organizational focus, strategy, capacity and structure
· Assist with recruitment of a full-time Executive Director/new management elements.
III. Financial Management
· Oversee IRRI’s finance and accounting functions
· Develop operating budgets and monthly financial reports
· Ensure that financial best practices and legal requirements are met.
IV. Fundraising, Communications and Networking
· Direct fundraising targeted to international and U.S.-based funders
· Prepare grant proposals and reports
· Collaborate with program leaders to maintain effective donor relations
· Expand the reach, influence and public recognition of IRRI
· Oversee development of IRRI’s web site and social media strategy
· Oversee networking and outreach initiatives, including relationships with international and US-based partners and organizations, NGOs, and the United Nations
· Distribute and promote IRRI’s research and publications.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
The IMD should ideally possess the following professional qualifications and personal attributes:
· Demonstrated international nonprofit/NGO management and operations experience (preferably in Africa), business acumen, and a proven record of leading organizational change
· Ability to analyze complex programs and meet organizational needs in a fluid operating environment
· Strong financial management abilities
· Demonstrated international fundraising experience and success
· Presence, judgment and personal capabilities to interact effectively with senior-level funders and partners
· Personal creativity and an ability to listen to others and learn from their best ideas
· Bachelor’s degree required; Masters or MBA or equivalent preferred
TO APPLY
Applicants should send a cover letter addressing qualifications for the position, a resume, and three references to Raymond Brown, Chairman of the Board, at the following email address: raymond.brown(at)refugee-rights.org.
COMPENSATION
Compensation will be commensurate with experience. The IMD will be paid as an independent contractor. While we thank all applicants for your interest, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.
DEADLINE: 15 August 2012