COUNTRY REPRESENTATIVE ( FULL TIME )

ARK (Absolute Return for Kids) is an international not for profit organisation whose purpose is to transform children’s lives. ARK maximises its impact by creating and managing innovative programmes which it rigorously researches, monitors and evaluates to ensure the work it undertakes is effective and sustainable. It works in education (UK, India, Uganda), health (Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe) and child protection (Eastern Europe).

ARK has recently partnered with PEAS (Promoting Equality in African Schools) on the Partnerships for Public Education (PPE) Programme. This aims to demonstrate a model of delivering affordable quality secondary education through public-private partnerships. ARK is now seeking a new Country Representative who is passionate about positively impacting children through helping to develop a growing network of high quality, sustainable secondary schools delivering a relevant education for children in rural Uganda, and using the evidence collected to improve secondary education at a national and later international level.

Main Purpose of the Job
The Country Representative will be responsible for the successful implementation of the Partnerships for Public Education (PPE) programme, together with the Managing Director of PEAS, our partner organisation. This person will:
• Provide leadership, guidance and strategic direction to the design and implementation of the programme
• Undertake programme management, including planning and budgeting
• Oversee programme monitoring, evaluation and reporting and research
• Build ARK’s profile in Uganda and buitd and manage relationships with key stakeholders
• Influence policy at a national level
• Manage the ARK team and, operations in Uganda
• Deliver ARK reporting requirements and communications
Over time, this role has the potential to look for future opportunities for ARK in Uganda, potentially to include our other themes of Health and Child Protection.

Qualifications and Experience
• An individual with excellent strategic thinking, a willingness to challenge the status quo and to bring innovative approaches
• Ability to effectively and rapidly build strong relationships at a senior level
• A strong minded, capable and results orientated individual who is able to develop and execute plans
• Proven track record of effective programme design and implementation with evidence of results
• Ability to communicate in a compelling and succinct way
• Experience of policy influencing preferable
• Evidence of passion for improving children’s Jives
• At least 5 years senior management experience in the development sector, preferably in the education sector

The post will be based in Kampala, with some travel to the project sites. There is a preference for national candidates. An attractive local salary will be offered dependent on experience.

To see the full programme and job description, please go to the ARK website at http://www.arkonlie.org/contact-us/work-for-ark. You will also find an application form, to be submitted alongside a CV (of no more than 3 pages). The deadline for all applications is Monday 28th May 2012, 11am (EAT). All applications should be returned to ark.recruitment@arkonline.org. Please include your name and the role title in your message heading. If you have not heard from us by 15th June, please assume that on this occasion you have not been successful.