Head, External Relations

Sudan’s Policy Advisory Group (SPAG) is an independent, voluntary-based, and non-partisan group of Sudanese experts who provide an essential practitioner perspective on emerging social, political, and development contexts. SPAG offers advice on maximising the contribution of policy advocacy and research in policymaking, toward building a new strategic roadmap for the Republic of Sudan.

Sudan Vision 2030 is a policy-based project for a multistage national strategic vision that represents Sudanese people’s aspirations for a better future. The vision aim at creates the needed shift to transform Sudan into a leading country in Africa by the year 2030. From the economy to governance, and the rule of law to repositioning Sudan on the global agenda, Sudan Vision 2030 demonstrated a solid commitment and a national passion for change and development.

Vacancy code: VA/SV-PMO/S0013
Position Title: Head, External Relations Unit
Department/Unit: Department of Strategic Support (DSS)
Duty Station: Khartoum, Republic of Sudan
Contract type: Voluntary Service (VS) Part-time
Duration: 2 Years with a possibility of extension

 

The role

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Manager of Strategic Support, the Head of External Relations will provide technical support to the development and management of Sudan Vision’s strategic partnerships, resource mobilization, advocacy, and communication strategy. She/he will implement, manage and monitor its External Relations Strategy in order to enhance the effectiveness of its day-to-day communications to the general public, as well as to develop further its capacity to engage with key partners and stakeholders.

The head will aim to build the capacity of the DSS to develop a regular and transparent communication mechanism with key stakeholder groups and strategic partners, underscoring inclusivity and broad support for the vision advocacy and outreach opportunities.

 

Responsibilities

As delegated by the Manager, Department of Strategic Support, the Head of External Relations will work to perform the following tasks and duties:

• Prepare and deliver key presentations and public information materials to donor, partners and stakeholders, as required.
• Organize high-level meetings for the DSS Director with national and international counterparts.
• Lead the content development of the vision external website, ensuring the site is continually updated as necessary, in collaboration with Corporate Communications Unit.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with potential partners in the Republic of Sudan.
• Design, develop, and implement partnerships and outreach/advocacy strategies, and integrate communication, advocacy and outreach strategies into proposals for project/programmes and other initiatives to maximize collective impact.
• Monitor and oversee strategic partnerships, bilateral agreements with partners.
• Manage, mentor and coach external relations team of personnel and conduct performance assessment where relevant.

Qualifications

Desired Skills and Experience

• Experience in results-based project implementation and management.
• Experience in managing teams and promoting their capacity development.
• Prior experience with international development and/or non-profit organizations, and/or working in a start-up business environment is required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, networking, and presentation skills (in English).
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex tasks and prioritize competing demands in order to meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

 

Personal Characteristics

The successful candidate will be:

• Committed to, and enthusiastic about the mission and vision of Sudan Vision 2030.
• A strategic thinker who is adept at multi-tasking in a fast-paced environment, able to plan, prioritize, and organize individual and group activities and processes.
• Outgoing, straightforward, and creative.
• Able to work independently and take initiative.
• Results-oriented.
• Team-focused, enjoy working as part of an active group of highly engaged individuals, sharing information readily with co-workers, and listening to and respecting others; able and willing to assist co-workers in the development of their own professional skills in order to ensure the team’s success.
• A person who presents a high degree of maturity, honesty, trust, sophistication, and integrity and cultivates these qualities in others.

 

Competencies

• Professionalism
• Planning and Organizing
• Communications skills
• Client orientation

 

Functional Competencies

• Shares knowledge and experience, actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more practice areas, acts on learning plan, and applies newly acquired skills.
• Ability to administer and execute administrative processes and transactions.
• Ability to extract, interpret, analyze data, identify and resolve operational problems
• Ability to perform work of confidential nature and handle a large volume of work.
• Ability to supervise and train support staff.
• Focuses on results for the client and responds positively to feedback.
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.
• Remains calm, and in control even under pressure.

 

Education

Advanced university degree (or equivalent), preferably in development studies, economics, international relations, political science, other social sciences, and development-related fields.

 

Language

Fluency in spoken and written Arabic and English is essential for this position.

Additional Information

Applications received after the closing date will not be considered, and only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.

Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

The incumbent is responsible for abiding by security policies, administrative instructions, plans, and procedures of the Sudan Vision 2030.