Director of the SADC - Groundwater Management Institute

Director of the SADC-Groundwater Management Institute

The SADC Groundwater Management Institute (SADC-GMI) is a newly established regional center of excellence on groundwater hosted by the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein, South Africa on behalf of and under the strategic guidance of the SADC Secretariat, Directorate of Infrastructure and Services - Water Division, in Gaborone, Botswana.

The vision of the SADC-GMI is to ensure the equitable and sustainable use and protection of groundwater, as well as being a center of excellence in the areas of groundwater management and management of groundwater dependent ecosystems in the region. The role of the GMI will be to:

Promote sustainable groundwater management and solutions to groundwater challenges in the SADC region through building capacity, providing training, advancing research, supporting infrastructure development, and enabling dialogue and exchange of groundwater information.
Conduct and support SADC Member States in groundwater research, and serve as a focal interlocutor with national, regional and international groundwater initiatives.

SADC GMI is established as a not-for-profit company under South African law and a business plan was prepared as part of the establishment process and outlines the task, responsibilities and long term development plan of the Institute. For the coming 5 years the SADC-GMI will act as the implementing agency of the Sustainable Groundwater Management in SADC Member States Project funded by the World Bank (through the support of the Global Environment Facility and the Cooperation in International Waters in Africa trust fund). During this period the SADC-GMI is expected to secure long term funding to become a sustainable center of excellence and groundwater expertise in the region providing research, training and advice to public and private sector clients.

The SADC-GMI is guided and supervised by a Board of Directors with representatives of the SADC Secretariat, SADC Member States and the University of the Free State.

The Board of Directors of SADC GMI hereby invites applications from suitably qualified candidates to fulfill the position of:
Director of the SADC-GMI

Key Responsibilities

Provide leadership, vision and operational management for the SADC-GMI
Lead the strategic and effective partnership with the hosting entity, the University of the Free State
Drive the functional and organisational development of the SADC-GMI
Develop and maintain the relationships with the SADC Secretariat and SADC Member States representatives (through SADC Subcommittee on Hydrogeology)
Manage the activities of the SADC-GMI and provide internal leadership
It will be the task of the director to appoint the SADC-GMI team in consultation with the board of directors.
Plan and implement the Sustainable Groundwater Management Project in SADC Member States
Act as a custodian of the corporate governance for the SADC-GMI
Develop the SADC-GMI brand and its public image as center of excellence and SADC institution
Manage the organizational and individual performance of SADC-GMI staff
Raise funds for long term SADC-GMI operational and program activities so that SADC-GMI will be financially self-sustainable after the initial five year term.
Manage the finances of the GMI

Required qualifications and experience:

A minimum of Master's Degree from a recognized institution in institutional and business management, water related field or other relevant field
At least 15 years' of work experience, of which 10 years is progressive experience in management at international level
Experience in working in similar fields in the SADC region will be an added advantage
Personifying an agency that enables cooperation at national, regional and international levels
Proven experience in operationalising institutions, including management of staff and programme
Performance, strategic and business planning and sustainable financial management and fund raising
Experience in working in both a development and a research organization will be an added advantage

Personal Attributes

National of one of the SADC Member States will have an added advantage
Fluency in English is required and working knowledge of Portuguese or French will be an advantage
Shares knowledge and experience and is a good communicator and facilitator
Approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
Is willing to travel frequently as required by the job and to support the SADC Secretariat and
Member States
Demonstrates evidence of the following: critical thinking and problem solving, planning and organization, decision making, communication skills, negotiation skills, multicultural sensitivity and delegation

Terms we offer

The SADC-GMI offers a dynamic working environment with a competitive salary and employment conditions
The contract term is Five years subject to proven good performance, with an initial six months' probation period; with the possibility of re-appointment for a further term should SADC-GMI be financially sustainable.
The duty station of the SADC-GMI Director is Bloemfontein in South Africa
Applications from well qualified women are especially encouraged

How to apply

Candidates are invited to learn more about the SADC-GMI and the position of the Director by accessing the website www.sadc.int/water/groundwater.sadc.int or to contact Ms Barbara Lopi of the SADC Water Division (blopi@sadc.int ) for the access to web-based information on the SADC Water Sector.
Interested candidates should forward a Word-processed application letter and detailed Curriculum Vitae to Chairman of the Board of SADC-GMI e-mail pramoeli@sadc.int with copy to jphiri@sadc.int on or before 8th April, 2015.
Only shortlisted applicants meeting the above requirements will be contacted.