Head of Office – RVI South Sudan

About RVI

The Rift Valley Institute is an independent, non-profit organisation working in eastern and central Africa since 2001. The Institute works at the interface between research, policy and education. The aims of the Institute are to advance understanding of the region and its diverse communities, connect local knowledge to social and political action, defend freedom of information and promote social justice through action-oriented research, field-based training, and public information.

A UK-registered charity, RVI has offices in Nairobi, Juba, Hargeysa, Addis Ababa and London. RVI has worked in South Sudan since 2001 and is registered with the Southern Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Commission.

Our Vision, Mission and Values

Our Vision

Making local knowledge work for the benefit of the people of Eastern and Central Africa.

Our Mission

RVI is an independent research and educational organisation with a social mission: to create a better future for the peoples and communities of Eastern and Central Africa by advancing relevant knowledge of the region through collaborative research, education and training, public information and dialogues, and promoting culture and heritage. The Institute bridges development practice and policy, elevating local voices, knowledge and action.

Our Values

The following values guide and underpin our work:

Respect: We demonstrate respect for local knowledge and the partners and the communities we work with and those who work with us.

Independence: We are independent in our thought and action and produce research and deliver programmes free from external interests.

Integrity: We work with transparency and honesty to ensure accurate and open access to information, and we are accountable for our work and to those we work with.

Collaboration: We believe respectful partnerships are the basis for successful development and we are committed to long term, mutually beneficial collaboration between indigenous institutions, local researchers and international specialists.

Excellence: We strive to produce original work and to sustain our strong reputation for research, public information and training.

Head of South Sudan Office Overview

RVI has been working in South Sudan since 2001, undertaking research, training and mentoring early career researchers from South Sudan, and convening public discussion and debate on critical social issues and development. Our field-based research emerges from and seeks to respond to ideas generated by the communities and institutions with which we work. Our research is published and disseminated through in-person meetings and online. We work with and invest in long term partnerships, including the National Archives of South Sudan and the University of Juba and the Catholic University of South Sudan. Further information about RVI’s work in South Sudan can be found here.

The Role

The Head of RVI’s South Sudan Office is a key role in RVI, that supports the delivery of RVI’s development strategy by leading the development and management of RVI’s work in South Sudan, Sudan and some transregional projects. Central to this role is a commitment to original and ethical research, investment in African researchers, and promoting access to public information. The Head of the South Sudan Office deploys the resources of the Institute in a way that maintains RVI’s reputation for excellence and reliability as a partner in development with the people of South Sudan.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Head of RVI’s South Sudan has the following key responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership and Programme Development

The Head of Office leads RVI’s programme in South Sudan and is responsible for identifying how RVI’s distinct competence can contribute to making positive changes for the peoples of South Sudan. Monitoring and analysing the political, social, humanitarian and security developments and international engagement in the country is an important aspect of this role. The Head of Office leads a team of staff and consultants to develop RVI’s research, education and public information activities in ways that strengthen existing partnerships and develop new ones with organizations and individuals to further the aims of the Institute in South Sudan and elsewhere in the region. Key programmes include investing in the professional development of early career researchers, particularly women, social research on critical development challenges, promoting access to information through publications and public seminars and support to the development of the South Sudan National Archives. The Head of Office ensures RVI’s work is properly documented and promotes best practice and learning within the Institute.

Office, Personnel, and Financial Management

The Head of Office manages the Juba office and RVI’s presence in South Sudan, ensuring the Institute is legally registered and adheres to the laws and regulations of the country. The Head of Office ensures the Sudan office is staffed by skilled and experienced personnel who can effectively deliver work, supporting their professional growth through performance management and staff development processes. The Head of Office oversees the management of security for RVI staff and consultants in collaboration with the RVI security focal point in Nairobi. The role oversees the financial management of RVI’s operations in South Sudan in collaboration with finance staff in Juba and Nairobi.

Public and Donor Relations

The Head of Officerepresents the Institute in South Sudan. The role involves cultivating and brokering relationships with government, national institutions, donors, and international organisations. The Head of Office represents and disseminates the work of the Institute, with a view to maximizing its influence, and expanding funding to ensure sustainability and long-term impact.

The Person

Values

Commitment to RVI’s values, vision, aims and ways of working.

Knowledge & Qualifications

• Masters degree in international development or a relevant discipline
• Proven knowledge of the South Sudan operating context
• Proven knowledge of managing research projects

Experience

• Experience in senior management and leadership roles.
• Successful track record of managing large donor funded projects.
• Experience in a flexible and participatory approach to management
• Experience of prioritising a high workload and multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment with
• Track record of successfully working with national researchers and research institutions.
• Experience managing national and international consultants working in Juba and globally.
• Experience in mentoring and supporting the professional development of staff.

Skills & Abilities

• Ability to manage people through regular performance management.
• Proven ability to build positive and collaborative relations with consultants, partners, donors, academics, and communities in South Sudan.
• Create a positive, open working environment with room for growth for all the staff.
• Build positive, open communications with colleagues in other offices – seeks opportunities for cross-collaboration with other programmes in South Sudan and elsewhere.
• Ability to work in another regional language—French, Arabic, Somali, Amharic or Swahili—would be an advantage.
• Willingness to travel.

For details of the role please refer to the full Job Description here.

Summary:

Job Title: Head of Office – RVI South Sudan

Location: Juba, South Sudan

Employment type: Full-time, and permanent

Start date: As soon as possible.

Salary: According to organisational salary grading system and commensurate with skills and experience.

Benefits: Annual paid leave, health insurance and pension.