Purpose of Job

The Executive Secretary of the African Humanitarian Agency (AfHA) is responsible for the overall management and will provide strategic leadership in operationalising the Agency, ensuring it becomes a responsive, effective, and sustainable institution at the forefront of humanitarian responses across the African continent. Under the leadership of the Commissioner in charge of Humanitarian Affairs, the incumbent will coordinate with AU Member States, RECs, partners, and humanitarian actors to deliver on AHA’s mandate. This includes providing leadership and guidance for effective and rapid responses to humanitarian crises across the continent. The role involves leading and coordinating efforts related to humanitarian early warning systems and crisis prevention, as well as spearheading the adaptation and resilience-building in collaboration with Member States (MSs) and Regional Economic Communities (RECs). The Executive Secretary represents the AfHA at high-level global and continental platforms, advocating for a stronger African voice in the global humanitarian agenda.

Key responsibilities include: 

• Leading partnership development and resource mobilisation efforts to ensure the effective operation and sustainability of the agency. 
• Addressing the root causes of humanitarian crises and coordinate responses to emergencies across Africa. 
• Implementing directives from the Board and the African Union Commission as applicable and preparing program, financial, and operational reports 
• Overseeing the preparation and defending AfHA's budget, activity reports, rules of procedure, and Plan of Action for approval by the Board and the African Union Policy Organs. 
• Attending Board meetings and serving as Secretary to the AfHA Board and ensuring the effective governance of the Agency. 
• Leading the collection, analysis and dissemination of data and research on patterns and trends in forced displacement across Africa.
• Ensuring proper functioning of the Agency and its Regional Centres including managing the development production and publication of the AfHA's periodic bulletin
• Coordinating and supporting VERT Emergency Teams in responses efforts 
• Performing any other functions as assigned in alignment with the objectives of the AfHA.
  

Main Functions

• Leadership and Strategy Development: Providing visionary leadership and setting the strategic direction to ensure the organisation’s mission and objectives are achieved, particularly during emergency responses.
• Operational Oversight: Ensuring the efficient management and delivery of humanitarian programs, services, and activities, with a focus on responsiveness and adaptability in emergency contexts.
• Resource Mobilisation: Overseeing resource mobilization efforts, including fundraising, donor relations, and securing necessary financial and material support to sustain operations.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Representing the Agency in external forums, building relationships with donors, governments, international agencies, and other partners to enhance visibility and support.
• Financial and Budget Management: Ensuring sound financial management, including budget preparation, monitoring, and resource allocation, ensuring funds are used effectively and in line with organisational priorities.
• Team Leadership and Staff Development: Leading and managing the senior leadership team, ensuring staff are motivated, supported, and aligned with the organisation’s goals, while fostering a positive work culture.
• Policy and Advocacy: Advocating for policies and practices that promote the organisation’s mission, including influencing relevant humanitarian policies and practices at local, national, and international levels.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Ensuring proper monitoring, evaluation, and reporting systems are in place to measure the impact and effectiveness of the organisation’s programs.
  

Specific Responsibilities

• Developing and Implementing Strategy: Lead the development of the organisation’s strategic plans, ensuring alignment with its mission, vision, and values. This includes identifying long-term goals and setting priorities, especially in response to humanitarian emergencies.
• Organisational Growth: Identify opportunities for organisational growth, both in terms of geographic expansion and programmatic development, ensuring sustainability in the long term.
• Program Management: Oversee the implementation of humanitarian programs and emergency response initiatives, ensuring they meet organisational standards and address the needs of affected populations effectively.
• Crisis Management: Provide leadership in emergency situations, ensuring rapid and efficient deployment of resources and personnel to areas of need.
• Quality Assurance: Ensure that all programs and activities are effective, impactful, and in line with established best practices and guidelines.
• Donor Relations and Fundraising Strategy: Develop and execute a comprehensive resource mobilization strategy, identifying potential funding sources (e.g., governments, foundations, private sector) and fostering strong relationships with current and prospective donors.
• Fundraising and Grant Management: Oversee fundraising activities, including grant writing, donor stewardship, and developing strategic partnerships to secure resources for the organisation’s operations.
• Budget Development and Oversight: Develop, manage, and approve the annual budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources across programs and operations while adhering to financial guidelines.
• Financial Accountability: Ensure that the organisation’s financial resources are used responsibly, with transparent tracking and reporting in line with donor requirements, legal regulations, and internal controls.
• Financial Reporting: Provide regular financial reports to the board, donors, and stakeholders, ensuring financial transparency and accountability.
• Building a Strong Leadership Team: Lead the senior management team, providing guidance, support, and mentorship to ensure that departmental leaders and staff are effective in their roles.

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

Educational level: Candidates must have a University Master’s Degree in Humanitarian Affairs, Peace and Security, Executive leadership, Public Administration, Development, Political Sciences, Law, International Relations or any related Social Sciences. A Ph. D is an added advantage.
Years of experience: Candidates must have fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible experience in international organizations working on humanitarian issues, including at least eight (8) years in managerial roles, of which five (5) years must involve direct supervisory responsibilities in humanitarian and/or emergency operations.

Required Skills

Leadership and Management Skills:

• Ability to guide teams and make strategic decisions.
• Strong team-building and motivational skills.

Financial Acumen:

• Expertise in budgeting, financial planning, and monitoring.
• Experience in fundraising and resource mobilization.

Communication Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Ability to represent the organisation to external stakeholders.

Crisis Management:

• Strong problem-solving skills in emergency settings.
• Experience in crisis decision-making and rapid response coordination.

Partnership and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Skill in building and maintaining relationships with partners, donors, and government agencies.
• Effective at managing external collaborations and partnerships.

Cultural Sensitivity:

• Understanding of and respect for diverse cultural and social dynamics in humanitarian settings.

Ethical Governance:

• Knowledge of governance structures and compliance frameworks.
• Ability to maintain transparency and organisational integrity.

Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking:

• Capacity to assess complex situations and implement solutions.
• Strong analytical skills for effective decision-making.

Strong Negotiation Skills:

• Ability to negotiate and resolve conflicts with stakeholders, donors, and partners.

• Leading partnership development and resource mobilisation efforts to ensure the effective operation and sustainability of the agency.
• Addressing the root causes of humanitarian crises and coordinate responses to emergencies across Africa.
• Implementing directives from the Board and the African Union Commission as applicable and preparing program, financial, and operational reports
• Overseeing the preparation and defending AfHA’s budget, activity reports, rules of procedure, and Plan of Action for approval by the Board and the African Union Policy Organs.
• Attending Board meetings and serving as Secretary to the AfHA Board and ensuring the effective governance of the Agency.
• Leading the collection, analysis and dissemination of data and research on patterns and trends in forced displacement across Africa.
• Ensuring proper functioning of the Agency and its Regional Centres including managing the development production and publication of the AfHA’s periodic bulletin
• Coordinating and supporting VERT Emergency Teams in responses efforts
• Performing any other functions as assigned in alignment with the objectives of the AfHA.

• Leadership and Management Skills
• Financial Acumen
• Communication Skills
• Crisis Management
• Partnership and Stakeholder Engagement
• Cultural Sensitivity
• Ethical Governance
• Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking
• Strong Negotiation Skills

• Educational level: Candidates must have a University Master’s Degree in Humanitarian Affairs, Peace and Security, Executive leadership, Public Administration, Development, Political Sciences, Law, International Relations or any related Social Sciences. A Ph. D is an added advantage.
• Years of experience: Candidates must have fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible experience in international organizations working on humanitarian issues, including at least eight (8) years in managerial roles, of which five (5) years must involve direct supervisory responsibilities in humanitarian and/or emergency operations.