General Manager

Save the Children is the world’s leading independent organisation for children. We work in 120 countries. We save children’s lives; we fight for their rights; we help them fulfil their potential.

We work together, with our partners, to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives.

We have over two million supporters worldwide and raised 1.9 billion dollars last year to reach more children than ever before, through programmes in health, nutrition, education, protection and child rights, also in times of humanitarian crises.

Following a major transition, our international programmes are now delivered through a merged operation with c15,000 staff, managed through seven regional hubs and reporting to a relatively small, central office. We’re changing to become more efficient, more aligned, a better partner, a stronger advocate, a magnet for world-class people and relevant for the 21st century.

Contract length: Open Ended

The role

The General Manager of Save the Children Colombia will be accountable for the delivery of SCI’s on-going programming (development and humanitarian) in Colombia in order to achieve ambitious breakthroughs for children. This post will implement high quality programmes, including advocacy for children, growing the scale and breadth of the portfolio, and serving members & their donors. He/she will lead the evolving and growing presence of Save the Children in Colombia by overseeing new remit areas such as revenue generation, brand development, advocacy and external relations and direct management of a strong national organization.

As ‘Prospect Member’ Colombia is part of the next way of new member development, which focusses on strengthening and localizing our voice for children in strategic middle income countries. Colombia was authorized by member ballot to start fundraising locally, and did so at the end of 2014, as a first step towards building a financially sustainable local organization. Future work will also involve developing a strong local governance structure and building key partnerships with local government, the private sector, local civil society among others. Success of the pilot phase will set the Colombia on a pathway to full membership.

Qualifications and experience

• Experienced leader with a considerable years of experience in setting up and/or leading a national Country Programme.
• Demonstrated strong ability in strategic, communications and relationship management skills combined.
• Strong networking and resource generation skills resulting in securing new opportunities for the organisation.
• Experience of working with large, complex donors to secure and/or manage new large-scale and/or competitive funding.
• Highly international, comfortable operating in a culturally diverse organisation and in developed and less developed countries of the world.
• Strong track record in building high performance teams & future successors/leaders.
• Experience of managing a crisis situation requiring quick changes to priorities and rapid action to respond.
• Strategic, intellectual, conceptual and analytical skills as well as the necessary level of sector knowledge (including an understanding of the opportunities and challenges that face the organisation) in order to develop effective plans for achieving goals and shape the vision and strategy of Save the Children Colombia.
• Experience of leading change in an organisation which has led to considerable results for the organisation and its stakeholders.
• Experience of building personal networks at a senior level, resulting in securing new opportunities for the organisation.
• Leadership experience with a collaborative, team-oriented, enthusiastic and motivational style, able to create an open, respectful, accountable, non-threatening feedback culture.
• Experience of solving complex issues through analysis, definition of a clear way forward and ensuring buy-in.
• Good understanding of programme, financial and operational management processes.
• Good understanding of key trends in international and humanitarian development.
• Strong cultural awareness.
• Attuned political acumen and sensitivity.
• Fluency in speaking and writing in English and Spanish is a must.
• Experience in managing safety & security needs.
• Committed to Save the Children’s mission and recognises the importance of Save the Children becoming a learning organisation.
• Highly motivated self-starter who brings a business-like achievement and management orientation to the role.
  
  
  We need to keep children safe so our selection process reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.

To see a full a job description, please visit our website at www.savethechildren.net/jobs

Please apply in English using your CV and covering letter as a single document, including your salary expectations for this role.

Application Email: Please apply with a covering letter and up-to-date CV to: lgarcia.78744.4810@savethechildrenint.aplitrak.com