Mission of the position: The primary role of the Assistant Village Director is to assist the Village Director in administrative activities inside and outside the Village. In addition, he also acts as male role model to each SOS child and family. He takes an active part in the growth and development of each child, ensuring their physical, emotional, social and spiritual welfare. He supports the Mothers and other staff in working towards the best interests of the child. The below tasks may be specified and delineated more clearly with the Village Director.
Key performance areas and main responsibilities:
Acts as the “right hand” of the Village Director
Maintains the SOS philosophy and ensures that all staff are familiar with the history, philosophy, principles and policies of SOS.
Ensures that the SOS Children’s Village and all its projects operate in accordance with the policies and procedures of SOS-Kinderdorf International.
Participates in regular meetings with all staff to discuss current activities, problems, concerns, and new ideas, in order to ensure open communication and cooperation.
Assists as much as possible the Village Director in all administrative activities, including construction, maintenance, personnel administration, finances, sponsorship and child admissions.
Acts as Additional Male Role Model to the Children
Assists the Village Director in ensuring the health, welfare and development of all children, serving as a role model and playing an active part in their lives.
Promotes and supports family relationships by spending quality time with individual children and their families.
Provides compassionate discipline and counsel to children whenever necessary. Provides advice, guidance and support to children on personal and social issues.
Provides Support and Guidance to the SOS Mothers
Creates a secure, positive and motivating environment for SOS mothers, in order to encourage their long-term commitment to the children.
Holds regular meetings with SOS Mothers to discuss new ideas, problems and concerns, and to promote open communication and cooperation.
Spends quality time with individual Mothers, acting as their friend, supporter, counsellor and confidant. Supports Mothers with day-to-day challenges such as child discipline.
Encourages recreational and sporting activities for Mothers to promote their health, confidence and motivation.
Guides the Educational Development of the Children
Ensures that the educational needs and abilities of each child are addressed through continuous monitoring and reviewing of each child’s progress.
Works in cooperation with pedagogical staff to plan educational programmes geared to the individual needs of each child. Conducts regular reviews of such programmes.
Creates a stimulating learning environment in which academic progress is encouraged through the provision of guided homework sessions, remedial classes etc.
Prepares holiday programmes ensuring that sufficient educational and recreational activities are offered to the children to prevent boredom and monotony.
Arranges cultural activities to educate the children in local culture and custom.
Plays a Key Role in Building a Committed and Effective Staff Team
Assists the Village Director in the selection, training, appraisal and development of staff, to ensure that only the best staff are employed, and that they are developed to reach their full potential.
Provides advice, guidance, support and leadership to all Village staff, motivating them to work as a ‘family’ in pursuit of the best interests of the children.
Ensures comprehensive communication to all Village staff.
Upholds the rights and responsibilities of each staff member, ensuring that a positive degree of discipline is maintained, and that a healthy relationship exists at all times between SOS staff and children.
Gives an example of integrity and lives the SOS values.
Develops Good Relations with Sponsors and the Community
Assists in public relations activities from time-to-time to further the ideals and reputation of SOS.
May provide a link with schools, community groups, civic associations, service groups, and other community based bodies and organisations.
Maintains good relationships with local and international sponsors through ensuring prompt correspondence and providing regular updates on child progress.
General
Protects the children in our care from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse.
Handles all SOS property appropriately, including the financial resources of the organisation.
Performs any other reasonable duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor.
Qualifications Required:
At least university degree
At least 5 years of continuous work experience, including responsibility of running major projects, experience in leadership and facility administration
Skills and Competencies:
Proven leadership, communication and organisational skills
Knowledge of finance
Good English speaking and writing skills
Identification with the values of the organisation and willingness to contribute to its aims
Hard-working, dedicated and able to work under pressure
Direct supervisor:
Village Director