Job Vacancies Shelter for Life, May 2012

Job Vacancies Shelter for Life
Position: Chief of staff -  No relocation assistance provided
Location: United States of America ( The )
Closing Date: Tuesday, 31 July 2012

Shelter For Life International (SFL) is a Christian Relief and Development organization with over 27 years of history in providing humanitarian assistance to post conflict countries. SFL is currently operational in Afghanistan, Liberia, South Sudan, Senegal and Tajikistan. Our Headquarters is located in Minnetonka, MN. SFL provides support and assistance in the following areas:
Shelter and Population Settlement
Application of Microcredit
Agriculture Development and Food Security
Reconstruction of Physical and Market Infrastructure; i.e. farm-to-market roads, irrigation systems, and food storage, etc
. SFL’s mission is to Demonstrate God’s love by enabling people affected by conflict and disaster to restore their lives and rebuild their communities. You can learn more about us at: www.shelter.org.
We are currently seeking a Chief of Staff to be located at our Minnetonka, MN HQ.

Summary:
The Chief of Staff (COS) is responsible for development and enforcement of administrative policies and procedures which align with the mission of Shelter For Life, Intl and ensure compliance with donor guidelines. The purpose of this position is to implement a methodical and compliant operational process by liaising between the Finance and Administrative functions of SFL. Under the supervision of the SFL Executive Director, the COS will be responsible for HQ office administrative supervision and staff performance oversight. The COS works closely with the SFL Director of Finance on budgetary and financial oversight, operations planning and compliance. This includes the development and enforcement of monitoring and evaluation activities, scopes of work (SOW) for staff and consultants, performance management, logistics and procurement planning and oversight, and HQ staff evaluations. Other activities may be assigned by the Executive Director.

Areas of Responsibility:
Staff Support
As a member of the Executive Team, oversee and supervise HQ administrative activities (Communications, Human Resources, Interns and Volunteers) and liaise with field staff. Activities will include training and development of support staff to enhance job functions; advising the Executive Director on coordination of duties of other staff positions; communicating initiatives across different functions; and ensuring mission continuity in the absence of the Executive Director. Manage and prepare staff work schedules and assign specific duties. Help to determine staffing requirements, interview, hire and train new employees and provide input into personnel processes.

Planning Support
Support the Executive Director, the Country Directors and the Director of Finance in the development of the annual activity plans and country-specific strategic plans. Assist the Executive Director in development and enforcement of standardized tools, policies and procedures. As a member of the Executive Team engage in annual finance and operations planning.

Functional Excellence Support
Work closely with Country Directors and field operations personnel in Afghanistan, Liberia, Senegal, S. Sudan, and Tajikistan to oversee monitoring and evaluation and track accomplishments of required milestones. Liaise with the Director of Finance to align operational progress and compliance according to the program agreement. In partnership with human resources develop, execute, enforce and supervise security guidelines and codes of conduct. Direct and coordinate activities of functions concerned with the progress on international humanitarian aid programs, including purchasing, supply chain, logistics. Apply project management principles to standardize HQ functions. Supervise the preparation and editing of monthly, quarterly and final stakeholder reports, and submit stakeholder reports as required. Review financial statements, activity reports, and other performance data to measure productivity and goal achievement and to determine areas that need cost reduction and functional improvement.

Compliance Support
Apply project management principles to develop and enforce project work plans that meet all of the objectives and deliverables that were outlined in the program proposals. Using project management principles establish and implement policies, goals, objectives, and procedures, conferring with the Executive Director and Finance Director, Human Resources, and staff members as necessary. Using project management principles provide technical assistance, guidance and support to the field operation teams in order to strengthen the administration, planning, logistics, and finance functions. Establish processes and procedures that identify and eliminate inefficiencies and reinforce SFL’s best practices, using the principles of LEAN and Six-Sigma, and/or other project management methodologies.

Logistics Support
Lead the logistics and procurement efforts of SFL. This may include HQ and field equipment such as material and vehicle purchases, and effectively representing management in relevant negotiations.

Communications Support
In partnership with the Executive Director, oversee the communications strategy and provide guidance on the development and dissemination of promotional materials, general and project specific past-performance, SFL website content, press kits, etc

. Perform other duties as assigned. Education and Experience Requirements:
Bachelors degree in business, economics, international development, or related field, and / or professional experience in the same areas (MBA, Masters Degree or higher preferred).
Management experience to include budget development and monitoring, staff development and supervision.
Proficiency in Project Management principles (PMI Certification a plus).
Understanding of cost accounting principles. Proficiency performing math-oriented tasks, such as budget development and monitoring, book-keeping and accounting functions, cost and expense calculations.
Demonstrated experience in reporting project progress as it relates to donor guidelines.
Project and administrative experience in a cross-cultural environment.
Prior experience in development work is a plus.
Proficiency with the use of Microsoft Word, Access, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook and MS Project Management.
Commitment to SFL’s Christian mission which is to demonstrate God’s love by enabling people affected by conflict and disaster to restore their lives and rebuild their communities.

Personal Skills & Abilities:
Christian leadership; including a professional, responsible, ownership mentality and role-model work ethic.
Ability to maintain a positive, engaged and professional work environment.
Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate in verbal and written English with staff, consultants, and outside contacts in a cross-cultural environment.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of job duties performed.
Capacity to work independently, prioritize and meet assigned deadlines.
Attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and demonstrated ability to hold oneself and others accountable.
Familiarity with Federal Government’s operations, financial and administrative rules and regulations.
Ability to travel domestically and internationally and attend weekend meetings as required.
Strong teamwork and listening skills combined with excellent interpersonal skills and cross-cultural sensitivity.
Ability to research, analyze, coordinate, & plan– both strategically and innovatively.
Ability to quickly assess complex programs and situations and make correct decisions.
Ability to work with a sense of urgency and operate successfully in difficult field conditions.
Willingness to adopt the use of locally appropriate technologies.
Ability to be flexible, persistent and diplomatic and to gain respect among staff, local community leaders as well as local government ministries and donor organizations.

Compensation: $ 50,000 – $ 60,000 annual salary. Benefits include Health, Dental and Life Insurance and Generous PTO package.
Apply: Please send your resume and cover letter to marguerite@shelter.org.

How to apply:
Please send cover letter and resume to: marguerite@shelter.og




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