National Director

Mission of the position:

The National Director leads, manages and develops the National Association (NA) as its chief executive, ensuring effective delivery of programmes and services to children and young people, families and communities within the frame of the international SOS Children’s Villages organisation’s vision, mission, values and strategy. Through seeking governmental subsidies and funding, international/national grants as well as through fundraising he/she maximises the financial self-sufficiency of the National Association (and the ability to financially support other National Associations) according to the potential in the country.

General aim of the position:

• Lead the strategic planning processes to ensure sustainability and relevance of the NA’s work

• Ensure the operational effectiveness of all programmes and guarantee child-care quality according to the organisation’s defined standards
• Ensure the implementation of child safeguarding principles in the NA
• Ensure the effective and sustainable management of the NA’s financial and other resources
• Build the human capacity of the National Association to ensure long-term growth and stability
• Ensure strong local rooting by promoting the association’s local integration and by building recognition at all levels in the country. Strengthen the affiliation to the international Federation by participation in and contributing to international processes
• Promote and manage an appropriate image of the organisation both internally and externally, using SOS Children’s Villages values and standards as the basis for shaping the brand
• Ensure the implementation of agreed SOS Children’s Villages International standards

Key performance areas and main responsibilities:

Strategic Planning

• Facilitates the strategic planning process under the direction of the board (or guided by the board), involving the national management team and other key staff in identifying priority areas and setting objectives  
• Communicates and monitors plans to ensure efficient implementation

Governance Structure and Development

• Presents plans, reports and proposals at board meetings. Ensures in joint cooperation with the chairperson legality of the national organisation, complying with relevant national legislation. Ensures that board decisions are translated into clear actions

Brand Development

• Applies the internationally agreed brand development concept in national strategy, planning and implementation 

HR Management and Organisation Development  

• Ensures that the right people are employed for the right positions so that co-workers and external partners are always treated with the desired professionalism and according to the principles of the organisational culture
• Ensures an efficient performance management and human resource development system that guarantees the development of co-workers and the identification of talents. He/she promotes accountability at all levels of the National Association
• Leads and manages the National Management Team, builds an effective National Office team, providing guidance and support as necessary

Programme Development, Management and Monitoring   

• Ensures that resources are focused on building strong programmes and services. Ensures review and evaluation of programmes to ascertain that agreed plans and policies are implemented and provides capacity building and technical support as needed
• Promotes interaction and exchange of relevant experiences between programmes  

Finance and Funds Management

• Ensures planning and budgeting
• Implements and monitors the internal control system, reviews key figures & financial reports
• Ensures realisation of annual financial statement and external audit report

Fund Development and Public Relations

• Promotes long-term stability and financial self-sufficiency by pursuing support from government and private sources with the aim to maximise the fundraising potential   
• Supports the development and implementation of sustainable fundraising strategies and grant applications.  Supports public relations/marketing activities as necessary and ensures that an appropriate image of the organisation is portrayed

Partnership building, Advocacy and Cooperation with external stakeholders

• Establishes sound relationships with relevant government authorities, ensures appropriate representation of the organisation’s views and seeks government recognition and support for SOS Children’s Villages work
• Ensures a clear understanding of the NA role of children, young people, families, community    
• Builds partnerships with non-governmental organisations who work for the rights of children without parental care or at risk of losing parental care
• Pursues advocacy objectives in child safeguarding forums and in partnership with other NGOs joining together to bring our mission for children and young people to life

Cooperation and Reporting

• Fosters a professional relationship and maintains close cooperation with the Regional Office as well as with other units in the General Secretariat; receives guidance, support and monitoring with respect to international standards (from Regional Office); provides specified reports and acts on agreements
• Represents the organisation towards government authorities and other external stakeholders

Child Safeguarding (CS)

• Responsible for implementation and management of SOS Child Protection Policy in NA and for reporting to the national Board
• Responsible for leading the CS team at national level
• Ensures that co-workers and programmes do no cause harm to children and young people and that they are not exposed to the risk of harm and abuse
• Responsible to report any concerns the organisation has about children’s safety in its programmes and within the communities to the appropriate authorities 
• Ensures that co-workers act within national law, Child Protection Policy, Code of Conduct and other child safeguarding requirements
• Makes sure that child safety is not compromised by activities in the area of fundraising or donor relations. All partners/donors are informed of CS approach and are asked to respect it
• Responsible to commission internal investigations upon need
• Takes decision to close all incidents managed by national CS team
• Ensures that CS incidents that fit to criteria for CS incidents where GSC gets involved are reported to International Office Region, CS responsible person