Regional Representative – Africa

Organization: NEAR (Network for Empowered Aid Response), (Hosted by Adeso – African Development Solutions)

Reporting To: Membership Director

Duration: 12 months, with the possibility of extension

Starting Date: As soon as possible

ABOUT NEAR

NEAR (Network for Empowered Aid Response) is a movement of Global South civil society organisations with a bold ambition – to reshape the top-down humanitarian and development system to one that is locally driven and owned, and is built around equitable, dignified and accountable partnerships. NEAR’s vision is a world where local communities have the resources and agency to address the challenges that impact them. NEAR is currently hosted by Adeso, an African-based international development and humanitarian organisation. Adeso and NEAR both aspire to prevent and overcome situations that adversely affect community well-being by Influencing policy change and enacting systemic change through innovative solutions led by local and national actors.

POSITION PURPOSE

The Regional Representative leads NEAR’s work at the regional and local levels, focusing on Movement Building, Influencing, Solutions, and Learning. They co-develop and implement strategies to support the network’s goals to amplify the voice of local actors, and promote innovative solutions for localisation. The Representative helps position local actors as decision-makers in the aid system, supports learning, and drives change. They also lead movement-building, advocate for policy reforms, facilitate knowledge sharing, and ensure effective solutions while managing risks. The role involves working closely with leaders, members, and partners to advance NEAR’s vision of a global aid system that centers local leadership.

SPECIFIC ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Member and Partner Support/Engagement

• Increase NEAR member and partner engagement in programs at country, regional, and global levels.
• Lead the execution of NEAR’s membership and partnership expansion strategies and policies.
• Establish and maintain a membership directory, manage a relationship system, and regularly conduct member listening sessions.
• Support the creation of Country and Regional Labs, focusing on movement-building and strategy/work plan implementation.
• Facilitate capacity-building, exchanges, and solidarity for local and national NGOs (L/NNGOs) from the Global South to engage in the humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding sectors.
• Organize meetings, workshops, and exchanges for members and NGO forums in the region.
• Build relationships with NEAR members and allies at the country and regional levels.
• Collaborate with other regional representatives to organize and prepare NEAR’s Townhalls, Regional Summits, and General Assembly.

Influencing/Advocacy
In close coordination with the Influencing department, collaborate on:

• Nominate and support NEAR members’ participation in key internal and external events aligned with NEAR priorities.
• Represent NEAR at country and regional bodies and events, promoting member engagement.
• Work with NEAR members to develop forums and strategies to influence aid policies and practices, based on the collective voice and advocacy of NEAR members and partners.
• Collaborate with INGOs, donors, and UN agencies to advance localization initiatives and align on foundational principles of localization.
• Facilitate access for L/NNGOs to multilateral, bilateral, philanthropic networks, and private sector stakeholders.
• Support NEAR members’ engagement in global processes such as the Grand Bargain localization workstream, IASC, LPMF, Shift the Power, Pledge for Change, and other international allies.

Solutions
In close coordination with the Solutions department:

• Map and cultivate solutions tailored to regional needs, foster South-South solidarity, and collaborate with stakeholders to address barriers to localization.
• Support the scaling of initiatives (ie: Bulsho Fund, Core Fund, SSF) to advance localization commitments.

Learning

• Organize regional learning events, contribute updates to NEAR’s communication products (e.g., newsletters, briefs), and maintain a membership directory for better engagement.
• Facilitate learning exchanges among members to strengthen their leadership in localised responses.
• Amplify successful local solutions through partnerships, knowledge-sharing platforms, and targeted communications.

Other

• Share information and learning opportunities with members in the region.
• Contribute regular updates to NEAR communication products, including the newsletter, programme and learning briefs, website, and social media.
• Organize learning events tailored to regional needs.
• Collaborate with finance teams to develop annual regional budgets and workplans.
• Support NEAR resource mobilization efforts.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Advanced Degree in International Development, International Relations, Business, or its equivalent in relevant field.
• Knowledge of the international humanitarian sector including the major current humanitarian policy issues and trends (especially related to NEARs strategic priorities);
• Experience leading or supporting networks and managing diverse relationships;
• Knowledge of the major humanitarian settings in the region;
• Experience managing/supporting humanitarian and development programs across different countries in Africa
• Experience collaborating with local and national NGOS, as well as working on locally-led development initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience in engaging with political, humanitarian and development actors in the region, including those outside the UN and NGO sectors;
• Preferred experience working with national/regional-level NGO Networks/Fora;
• Excellent people management skills and good communicator;
• Able to work effectively in a multicultural environment;
• Proven ability to work in a team;
• Highly organized and self-motivated;
• Ability to work under high pressure and prioritize tasks;
• High standard of written and spoken English a must. Fluency in French is strongly preferred.