Accountability Lab Mali supports active citizens, responsible leaders and accountable institutions in Mali. We support creative change-makers to develop innovative, positive ideas for integrity in their communities. By building diverse coalitions to generate the knowledge, skills and networks needed for accountability, we unleash positive social and economic change. 

Accountability Lab Mali has done everything from launching the 1st TV show and campaign in Mali to celebrate honest government officials (Integrity Icon Mali); to running the 1st film-school for women around accountability issues; to building an incubator for civic activists (Accountability Incubator). Accountability Lab Mali is a registered non-profit organization based in Bamako and is part of a larger translocal network of Accountability Labs around the world.

Position Description

The Country Director (CD) leads the organization. S/he provides strategic guidance, oversight and management, leads fundraising and outreach efforts, builds relationships and reports directly to partners. The CD works in partnership with other staff in Mali and with support from the Accountability Lab network team. The CD reports to the Accountability Lab Mali Board of Directors directly; and to the Executive Director of Accountability Lab Global, separately.

What We’re Looking For:

Accountability Lab Mali is a dynamic fast-paced civil-society organization that is growing quickly. The right candidate needs to be able to ask questions, be willing to learn and adapt, show experience managing teams of volunteers and professional staff, and have boundless energy and the ability to multitask. S/he will develop and hold the vision for the organization locally while also playing a role in growing the organization globally, with significant support from an amazing team around the world. The position requires excellent leadership and management skills, the ability to operate in difficult contexts, the capacity to build long-lasting relationships with a variety of stakeholders over time and the capacity to deliver on grants to donors, including the US Government. The CD will also need to be able to support and motivate a small but dynamic and culturally diverse team, embodying the organization’s commitment to accountability, transparency and equity. We seek a demonstrated record of assuming significant professional responsibility and delivering on management goals with integrity and humility. This is the perfect position for someone that wants to roll up their sleeves, grow an organization and learn continually while doing it.

What We Provide:

This position provides an exciting opportunity to develop creative solutions to challenges in Mali. It builds upon the work the Accountability Lab has done to date; but also provides significant room to shape the agenda, programs and team going forwards, especially after the coronavirus pandemic. We provide an exciting work environment that focuses on local problems but with international linkages, support and opportunities. If you are looking to engage with the individuals and communities building a better Mali, are deeply committed to positive social change and are ready for new responsibilities, this is for you.

Responsibilities:

Vision and Strategy Development

• Set overall vision and strategy for the organization, matched to plans and programs in Mali;
• Develop organizational goals and work to match these goals with available resources and capacity;
• Liaise with and report to the Board of Directors and other partners on strategy and plans and adapt and refine approaches as necessary

Programmatic Outreach, Design and Implementation

• Develop and scale ongoing Lab programs in Mali;
• Provide structured oversight for the Lab’s curricula, trainings and events, including strengthening systems to plan and coordinate implementation;
• Lead the Lab’s work in key working groups and policy discussion processes;
• Develop relationships with policy and advocacy partners such as universities and advocacy organizations;
• Design and lead outreach events for the Lab;
• Integrate Accountability Lab Mali into key global policy networks.

Operations, Oversight and Risk Management

• Overall responsibility for operations and risk management of the organization and delegation of operational tasks in ways that ensure effectiveness, transparency and timeliness;
• Overall responsibility for the effective functioning of the organization from a strategic, process, human resource and financial perspective;
• Understand, develop and monitor internal controls and systems to ensure compliance with best practices, international norms domestic laws;
• Manage all hiring, appraisal and disciplinary processes;
• Oversee efforts to mentor, train, and invest in the professional growth of Accountability Lab Mali staff and network members.

Fundraising and Donor Engagement

• Overall responsibility for raising the funding needed for the operations and growth of the organization;
• Continual identification of, and relationship building with, possible donors and other partners and systematic tracking of fundraising opportunities and funding flows.

Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in Public Administration, Journalism, International Relations, Management, Business, or related social science field and 5-8 experience in relevant roles or  8-10 years demonstrable experience in a similar position;
• Experience managing programs and/or teams in Mali and/or Sub-Saharan Africa in compliance with the highest international standards;
• Experience fundraising for projects and working with/within donor organizations or other partners, particularly US and European government donors. Familiarity with donor reporting systems, requirements, timelines and structures;
• A visionary leader, communicator and team player;
• Adaptable, resourceful, self-motivated and able to prioritize in fast-moving environments;
• Highly organized and willing to travel for work related duties both across Mali and internationally;
• Ability to problem-solve both big picture and day-to-day issues;
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, and the ability to communicate with clarity and professionalism to all relevant stakeholders (staff, board, donors, regulators and partners);
• Commitment to the Accountability Lab’s values of integrity, innovation, humility, practicality, and collaboration;
• Written and oral fluency in French and English, and oral fluency in Bambara.

Duration: Ongoing

Reports to: Accountability Lab Mali Board of Directors

Location: Bamako with extensive travel across Mali and internationally as needed.

Compensation: Competitive, commensurate with skills and experience.

 To apply, please send your CV and salary expectations to [email protected].

Application closing date is 31 January 2022

Sheena Adams