Vacancy Announcement

Vacancy announcement

Foundation for Rural and Urban Transformation (FoRUT) is a national civil society organization. Our aim is to empower men, women and children to fight poverty, corruption, injustice and alcohol and drug abuse, through social mobilization, advocacy, capacity building, and provision of services for long term development. Our strategic objectives achieve results in Good Governance and Civil Society, Child Rights, Gender Empowerment, and Alcohol and Drugs. FoRUT works in the Western Area, Port Loko and Moyamba Districts, and at national level for advocacy initiatives. We work to ensure that the Government of Sierra Leone policies have a positive impact on men, women and children across the country, especially the poor and most vulnerable. We also empower and build capacity of community members to exercise their rights and fulfil their responsibilities. In so doing, we play a substantial role in shaping and enforcing national policies and laws that affect citizens and stakeholders.

Vacancy exists for the following positions with FoRUT:

Advocacy and Communications Officer (1 position)

The position requires an individual with a strong background in advocacy, public policy and communications. The job holder will be required to design and deliver on FoRUT’s advocacy strategies for policy review, formulation or legislative drafting/review on all its thematic thrust including but not limited to alcohol and drug abuse, anti-corruption issues, land rights, child rights, gender and health and environmental issues. In addition, the post holder will be required to provide analysis and advice on thematic issues to guide FoRUT’s engagement with civil society organisations, Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Parliament, research and academic institutions, and religious and community leaders. In addition, s/he will be required to support and stimulate right holders to engage duty bearers on all FoRUT thematic issues.

District Programme Managers (3 positions: one each for Western Area, Port Loko and Moyamba);

District Programme Managers will serve as the face and converging point where all FoRUT programme/projects get implemented at the district level. The successful candidates will be responsible for the effective implementation of FoRUT’s programmes and projects in their district of operation. S/he should be a team leader with the ability to implement all FoRUT projects in their respective districts.

2. Programme Director (1 position)

The Programme Director (PD) has the overall responsibility for fundraising, planning, implementing, monitoring and reporting on programme activities carried out to achieve the objectives of FoRUT programmes. The PD is Head of the Programme Department and a member of the Management Team.

Interested applicants can obtain full details for each vacant position through the following means:

Hard copies of detailed applications can be obtained from the security desk at FoRUT Headquarters, 24E main Motor Road, Congo Cross, Freetown from Mondays to Fridays between 9:00 and 5:00 each day.
FoRUT website: forut.sl/news/
Request for a soft copy of the detailed job description to: info@forut.sl

Deadline for the receipt of all applications is the 19^th December, 2018. However, applications will be assessed on a rolling basis, therefore early applications are encouraged. Late applications will be rejected. Shortlisted candidates will be required to take written test and only successful candidates will proceed to the oral interview stage.

FoRUT is an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate irrespective of race, ethnic background, sex, age, religion, political affiliation, marital status, sexual orientation and physical disability. However, in order to preserve FoRUT’s public image, employees are required not to undertake any political activity that will prejudice the organisation’s interests.

Job description: Programme Director (PD)

Position summary

Duties and key responsibilities

Plan programme activities and raise funds
Monitor programme activities, progress and results and prepare reports to FORUT’s main office in Norway on programme results.
Supervise programme staff, which includes regular visits to the Field Offices in Port Loko and Moyamba Districts.
Undertake socio-economic and political analysis in programme areas to ensure programme relevance
Represent FoRUT externally on programme issues and build relationships with relevant stakeholders such as government agencies, NGOs, and coalitions/networks
Promote and facilitate organisational learning, adapting and sustainability of FoRUT.
Participate in all meetings of the management team of FoRUT, with particular responsibility for the strategic long-term development of FoRUT’s programmes.

Education: University degree at minimum MA level, preferably in social sciences, social work, community development or related disciplines.

Experience: Minimum five years of relevant experience, of which minimum two years of experience in mid-level leadership, preferably in NGOs. Experience is required in results-based management (outcome mapping and LFA), and rights-based advocacy work. Experience in working on livelihoods, children and /women’s rights related issues is an advantage.

Person specification/preferred skills:

Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to network and form partnerships with institutions and individuals and establish a relationship of trust with other stakeholders
Ability and willingness to learn from experience to promote a culture of learning in the organisation
Analytical skills and ability to develop and implement new approaches to development programmes
Personal dedication to human rights and development, in particular children and women’s rights
Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, including fund-raising, presentations and reporting.
Ability to work under pressure and co-ordinate a large number of actors and activities.
Excellent leadership skills as well as being a good team worker
Excellent computer skills, particularly in use of MS Word,PowerPoint and Excel
Understanding of results based management (e.g. LFA) and experience with M&E systems is required

Apply: Interested candidates should submit a letter of motivation, CV to info@forut.sl with Programme director in the subject line. Deadline for the receipt of applications is the 19^th December, 2018. However, applications will be assessed on a rolling basis therefore early applications are encouraged. Late applications will be rejected. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

FoRUT is an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate irrespective of race, ethnic background, sex, age, religion, political affiliation, marital status, sexual orientation and physical disability. However, in order to preserve FoRUT’s public image, employees are required not to undertake any political activity that will prejudice the organisation’s interests.

For more information, call telephone no: 078 544125.

Job description: Advocacy and Communication Officer (ACO)

Position summary

The position of Advocacy and Communications Officer requires an individual with a strong background in advocacy, public policy and communications. The job holder will be required to design and deliver on FoRUT’s advocacy strategies for policy review, formulation or legislative drafting/review on all its thematic thrust including but not limited to alcohol and drug abuse, anti-corruption issues, land rights, child rights, gender and health and environmental issues. In addition, the post holder will be required to provide analysis and advice on thematic issues to guide FoRUT’s engagement with civil society organisations, Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Parliament, research and academic institutions, and religious and community leaders. In addition, s/he will be required to support and stimulate right holders to engage duty bearers on all FoRUT thematic issues.

Duties and key responsibilities

Research on and submit discussion papers, briefing notes and submissions for advocacy and policy engagements with diverse stakeholders on all programme/project and institutional thematic areas;
Develop & co-ordinate the delivery of both community and national advocacy events and stunts for FoRUT and partners;
Monitor the output and outcomes of all FoRUT public events, produce and disseminate news items for the new media and regularly update organisation’s website;
Lead in the implementation of FoRUT’s communications and advocacy strategies at local and national levels;
Ensure that communication and advocacy strategies contribute to the policy and legislative change objectives of FoRUT;
Liaise with District Programme Managers of FoRUT to prompt local communities, CSOs and CBOs on People Power Approaches (PPAs) to engage with public officials, their elected representatives in parliament, district and local councils and chiefdom authorities on land rights, women’s rights, the environmental, governance processes and anti-corruption issues at the district and national levels;
Organised periodic engagements with MDAs, Parliament and CSOs for the formulation/review of policies and legislation on all programme/project and institutional thematic areas or interests;
Collate information for reporting, monitoring and evaluation purposes that would contribute to the achievement of advocacy and policy outcomes of FoRUT thematic areas or interests;
Any other duties as may assigned by the Executive and Programme Directors of FoRUT as and when required;

Education: A Degree in public policy, public health, human rights, sociology, social work, international development, journalism or related fields from a recognized University;

Experience: Minimum of four years of relevant professional experience in advocacy, human rights, public policy or communications and journalism is required.

Person specification/preferred skills

Strong analytical and research background;
Knowledge of public health policy formulation and implementation;
Proven ability to work independently with minimum oversight;
Good communication (written and oral) skills;
Good organizational, multi-tasking, and time-management skills;
Experience in making oral presentations to local and international audiences;
Computer literate and proficient in preparing Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents;
Strong background on alcohol and drug abuse, child rights, gender and health;
Experience working with public officials in MDAs, international organisations and CSOs on policy or legislative issues on public health with focus on alcohol and drug abuse;
Experience with grassroots or community organizing and coalition building with CSOs;

Apply: Interested candidates should submit a letter of motivation, CV to info@forut.sl with Advocacy and Communication Officer in the subject line. Deadline for the receipt of applications is the 19^th December, 2018. However, applications will be assessed on a rolling basis therefore early applications are encouraged. Late applications will be rejected. Shortlisted candidates will be required to take written test and only successful candidates will proceed to the oral interview stage.

For more information, call telephone no: 078 544125.

Job description: District Programme Managers (one each in the Western Area, Port Loko and Moyamba Districts)

Position summary

District Programme Managers will serve as the face and converging point where all FoRUT programme/projects get implemented at the district level. The successful candidates will be responsible for the effective implementation of FoRUT’s programmes and projects in their district of operation. S/he will the team leader with the ability to implement all FoRUT projects in their respective districts. District programme Managers report to Programme Director (PD).

Duties and key responsibilities

Lead to implement all project/programme activities at the district level and to ensure that all program deliverable are achieved;
Develop district annual and operational plans based on approved programmes/projects and manage its implementation as may be approved;
Design and conduct sensitization/community awareness raising activities of all FoRUT programmes/projects;
Collate, review and maintain data and information on all program/project activities implemented in the district and periodically assess programme/project deliverable and outcomes;
Work with other District Managers to ensure crosscutting and multi sector programme planning and capacity.
Coordinate advocacy campaigns in consultation with the Advocacy and Communication Officer on all FoRUT’s thematic areas and monitor the effectiveness and change impact on the beneficiaries in the district of operation;
Engage and collaborate with CSOs, CBOs, traditional and religious leaders to provide a united front to progressively eliminate harmful practices and stereotypes that undermine the dignity and rights of women and girls, and also reduce harm from alcohol that impede development and rights in the operational district/communities;
Coordinate support to promoting children’s rights to, and in schools and improving school governance that ensure safe, quality and child centered school environment
Develop strategies and support child-led initiatives and platforms for engaging their parents, duty bearers, school and community authorities on their rights, duties and responsibilities, and on community development;
Monitor all civil works including construction of water wells, schools and latrines and submit progress to the Programme Director on the progress of such works;
Liaise with colleague District Programme Managers to develop uniform strategies for women and other marginalized groups to take the lead to demand for their rights including right to participate in democratic and governance processes from duty bearers at the community and district levels, and to fight corruption;
Engage District Health Management Teams (DHMT) to increase access to quality health services in health facilities and community health care support systems especially to pregnant women, lactating mothers and children;
Monitor the Family Support Unit (FSU) of the SLP, MSWGCA, and other government machinery and structures, and lobby/collaborate for effective policy and programmatic response to women and children’s rights.
Collaborate with CSOs to advocate for the provision of holistic support for survivors of rape and other forms of Gender Based Violence (GBV) at community and district levels;
Support community-led initiatives and actions, and collaborate with stakeholders and partner CSOs to promote and protect women and children’s rights including to monitor report and advocate on Sexual and Gender Based Violent (SGBV) issues.
Support community led advocacy initiatives on good governance and anti-corruption, including to engage elected and appointed representatives for the formulation/implementation/review/enforcement of policies or laws, including on the rights of women and girls;
Ensure all programmes meet technical standards, are aligned with government priorities and standards.
Coordinate livelihood support projects that include agricultural production and agri-business/entrepreneurship, microenterprises, youth skills development and employment, and monitor their effectiveness on the economic and social conditions of especially women, youth and children.
Liaise with procurement and logistics officer on effective procurement planning on all programmes/projects.
Produce and submit timely periodic updates and case studies on successful beneficiaries/farm families in all project locations;
Supervise and discipline staff in accordance with the Personnel and Human Resources Manual of FoRUT;
Other duties that may be assigned from time to time by the PD

Education: Bachelors Degree in Agriculture, Community Development Studies, Business Administration, Economics, Gender Studies or related discipline from a recognised university;

Experience: Four (4) years or more of progressively responsible work experience in program development and management, community/rural development, education, or livelihood issues in Sierra Leone

Person specification/preferred skills

Knowledge of alcohol and drug abuse, child rights, gender, good governance and livelihood issues in Sierra Leone;
Strong organizational skills that reflect ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks;
Excellent communication skills with the ability to deliver trainings and presentations
Proven abilities in the effective management of people and resources;
Proactive & entrepreneurial mind-set to develop innovative approaches for beneficiaries;
Understanding of community mobilization and empowerment principles and approaches;
Proven ability to coordinate across sectors and/or work in alliance/networks
Ability to manage multiple tasks and work under pressure;
Proven experience in integrated programme management;

Apply: Interested candidates should submit a letter of motivation, CV to info@forut.sl with District Programme Manager stating the district for which you are applying (Western Area, Port Loko or Moyamba) in the subject line. Deadline for the receipt of applications is the 19^th December, 2018. However, applications will be assessed on a rolling basis, therefore early applications are encouraged. Late applications will be rejected. Shortlisted candidates will be required to take written test and only successful candidates will proceed to the oral interview stage.

For more information, call telephone no: 078 544125.

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