National Director

Position Description

Department: Administration / Finance / Operations

Location: Ladysmith, South Africa

Position title: National Director

Reporting to: Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director

Classification: Full-time

Supervises: Program Director, Finance Manager, and Case Managers

Academic Req: Master’s Degree in Social Work, Business, or a Human relations field.

Certifications: N/A

Work experience: 5+ years of experience working in non-profit, public, or private social services settings in administrative roles; working knowledge of local and international laws and policies regulating child protection; experience in advocacy, fundraising, grant development and compliance with regulatory statutes. Demonstrated ability to initiate and develop new programs and funding.

Critical Action Items & Measurable Deliverables

1. Monitor and evaluate CERI’s overall country operations and establish quality assurance mechanisms.

2. Investigate and advise CERI’s headquarters and the South Africa team, regarding governmental stipulations; monitor and follow local legal requirements pertinent to the program.

3. Lead in-country advocacy efforts to improve and reform the child protection system by sharing global best practices, training, coaching, and networking with governmental and non-governmental agencies.

4. Research relevant issues and develop ideas and proposals for new legislation, in line with CERI’s global advocacy strategy.

5. Build relationships with legislators and community leaders to ensure CERI’s reputation is established, and our voice is heard on critical issues.

6. Participate in meetings with legislators to discuss proposed bills, regulatory issues, or other topics pertinent to CERI’s mission.

7. Create and disseminate educational materials to inform stakeholders about the
CERI’s advocacy goals, the issues it addresses, and the impact of its work. This could include policy briefs, fact sheets, and other resources.

8. Conduct regular capacity building and coaching of peer organizations
(governmental and non-governmental agencies) on the topics for which CERI has expertise, experience, and knowledge.

9. Work with the Marketing and Development team to design and implement strategic communications that promote matters or legislation that align with
CERI’s mission.

11. Ensure that proper documentation is filed with local authorities on time, all local regulations pertaining to activities conducted by CERI (e.g., foster care, humanitarian aid, etc.) are followed, and CERI is compliant with employment law, fiscal law, and other relevant laws.

12. Work with affiliated orphanages, towns, churches, schools, and other related entities to identify, establish, support, and monitor the agency objectives.

13. Supervise and facilitate the program admission and/or discharge processes, and the appropriateness of the applicant families.

14. Ensure that children’s physical, spiritual, and therapeutic needs are being met and that their basic human rights are being protected and documented.

15. Meet regularly with staff to discuss children’s progress, provide training, consulting, oversight, and intervention as needed; review plans of service, and ensure the stability and appropriateness of all CERI-funded placements.

16. Intervene in crisis situations as needed (assisting with a combative child, potential suicide attempts, runaways, angry families, etc.)

17. Assist staff with issues such as appropriate intake and discharge dates, college preparation services, after-care living skills, after-care employment, etc.

18. Coordinate the activity and provide for the needs of visiting individuals and/or groups who are sent to the country to conduct mission service, summer camp support, or are chaperoned as V.I.P. partners of CERI.

19. Collect data and provide periodic reports as requested (including numbers of children receiving specific aid or services, types of aid received, etc., as well as human interest stories which would promote the mission of CERI).

20. Recruit, onboard, train, and supervise additional staff members, as the budget allows it and with the approval of CERI’s headquarters.

21. Maintain an amicable, responsive, and appropriate relationship with all program participants, staff, and partners.
- Measurable Deliverables_

1. Provide regular and consistent supervision of program and staff, via weekly Case
Review meetings and monthly Case Audits.

2. Ensure the agency’s fiscal and employment compliance with local legislation.
3. Ensure the financial and programmatic reporting requirements are met.
4. Ensure the needs of clients, staff, partners, and volunteers are met.
5. Keep track of expenses not to exceed budgeted amounts.

7. Use the agency-approved software to submit all the required reports on time.
8. Ensure the advocacy and community level deliverables are met monthly.

Other Responsibilities:
1. Observe and implement all agency policies and procedure