ROLI Africa – Division Director CGP

The American Bar Association (ABA) was founded on a commitment to advance the rule of law in the United States and beyond by providing practical resources for legal professionals, conducting law school accreditation, developing model ethics codes and more. Today, the ABA remains a member-based organization that works to ensure access to justice for all, a fair legal process, and respect for the rule of law at home and across the globe.

The ABA is committed to service and refining the standards that guide the legal profession. ABA staff are provided multiple types of continuing education and career development opportunities. Your work will help eliminate bias, enhance diversity, and advance the rule of law throughout the US and around the world.

The ABA recognizes the value staff contribute to our success through a generous benefits package that protects their health and their financial security. The ABA’s wide array of benefit offerings include 401(k), medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, health spending accounts, supplemental life and disability insurance, prepaid legal programs, and a complimentary membership to the American Bar Association, which offers additional benefits.

Flexible/hybrid work arrangements may be available for residents of CA, DC, IL, IN, IA, MD, MI, MN, TX, VA, and WI. Residency requirements may apply. ABA employees are eligible to apply for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

The American Bar Association’s Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) is seeking a strategic leader with proven management skills to join us as the Africa Division Director at the Center for Global Programs (CGP). As part of the Senior Leadership Team, the incumbent will lead the Team and oversee programs across the African continent. As the Division Director, the incumbent will play a crucial part in shaping strategy for the Africa Division and CGP and will be leader in the organization’s mission to promote rule of law.

Strong Division Director candidates will demonstrate knowledge and hands-on experience with international development program design, budget formulation, and monitoring, evaluation, and learning. Moreover, strong candidates will have a track record of acquiring talent, organizing offices, and coaching—creating incentives, fostering collaboration, and enforcing professional discipline. Prior experience implementing office management systems is strongly preferred.

Knowledge of the African continent, its history, and cultural and linguistic diversity is important. Fluency in one of the major languages—in addition to English—is preferred. Prior field experience in the region is ideal. Qualified candidates will ideally bring knowledge and experience with local partner organizations in the democracy and governance area.

Provides strategic leadership, management, and oversight for the Center for Human Rights or assigned ROLI Division. As a member of the Senior Management Team, contributes to implementing and realizing the Center for Human Rights or Rule of Law Initiative’s mission, vision, values, and strategy.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities

• Participates as a member of the senior staff at the Center for Global Programs in the American Bar Association and in that capacity contributes to the achievement of overall organizational goals and strategic vision and assists in the development and implementation of overall organizational policies and procedures.

• Provides leadership, technical direction, and management oversight for all program activities across the Center for Human Rights/ROLI division and ensures that targeted results are achieved.

• Provides management and oversight for the implementation of programs in the Center for Human Rights/ROLI Division, including ensuring timely implementation of activities and deliverables, approval of periodic performance data and reports.

• Ensures work plans are developed for each regional program with input from staff and stakeholders and oversees the work plans’ implementation directly or through delegated authority.

• Establishes and ensures a strong risk and compliance management plan for the region and field teams, focused on financial, compliance and performance monitoring and reporting processes are implemented in adherence to ABA policies and practices. Oversees the indirect funds pool for the region, monthly and annual program spending, and financial health. Is accountable for monitoring and reporting on Division’s and financial performance. Takes corrective actions throughout the fiscal year to achieve programmatic and financial goals.

• Leads a high-performance team based in the Washington D.C headquarters and across field offices in the region.

• Oversees the recruitment and staffing of the regional division and its associated field offices. Responsible for providing leadership, feedback, coaching, performance appraisal, discipline, and, when warranted, termination of staff.

• Leads growth of Division through strategic business development, in coordination with the Business Development team at the Center for Global Programs. Provides technical expertise in formulating theories of change for new and strategic interventions.

• Certifies accuracy of periodic reports in DevResults, as needed. Has deep understanding of ABA ‘s outcomes in substantive technical areas across the region.

• Provides strategic leadership and oversight on value and use of evaluation in program planning and implementation. Contributes to the institutional learning agenda and evaluation strategy.

• Interfaces with domestic and foreign government officials and other public and private donors on a routine basis to influence current and future programmatic support and to ensure grantor satisfaction.

• Represents and builds partnerships with current and prospective donors and ensures that donors expectations are met.

• Represents Center for Global Programs at American Bar Association in both public and private presentations and briefings to donors, government officials, law practitioners, other ABA entities, and public audiences, both within and outside of the U.S. Leads efforts to project ABA expertise with respect to rule of law development and the promotion of human rights and to garner positive publicity for Center for Global Programs’ programs.

• Serves as the staff liaison to the ABA Center for Human Rights Board/ROLI Regional Program Council and works with them to regularly convene the Board/Council, update it on Global Programs work and otherwise garner involvement and support from ABA members. Routinely presents updates and progress reports to the Associate Executive Director.

• Liaise with ABA members in developing and sponsoring new policies for adoption by the ABA House of Delegates.

• Performs other related duties as required.

Required Education, Qualifications, Experience

• Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school or master’s degree and at least fourteen (14) years of program management experience, OR bachelor’s degree and at least sixteen (16) years of program management experience. NOTE: If law degree is from a non-U.S. law school, the degree program may not be required to be from an ABA-accredited law school.

• At least 10 years of int’l development or human rights experience at the managerial level.

• Previous experience managing U.S. Government or other similarly funded programs which must have included responsibilities for supervision of a team, financial management and compliance.

• Relevant experience, knowledge, and understanding of budgeting, financial principles and performance monitoring of similar programs.

• At least 10 years of previous supervisory experience which must have included providing performance feedback to direct reports.

Preferred Education, Qualifications, Experience

• Strong time management skills and ability to work under tight deadlines and to prioritize/manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

• Experience overseeing the development of organizational systems to maintain effective communication and coordination across a large portfolio of diverse programs.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with a diverse group of stakeholders.

• Ability to lead by example, positively motivate others and be an effective team player.

• Significant representational experience with key stakeholders, including donors, high level USG and local government officials, and peer organizations.

• Previous experience in the field of international development/ human rights with an emphasis on the rule of law, democracy, and/or governance.

• Language proficiency, if not fluency, in one or more other languages in addition to English.

• Prior engagement with key donor agencies including (USAID, U.S. State Department, UK FCO, DFID, World Bank, UN and others).

The American Bar Association is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with the American Bar Association, please call 312-988-5188.

Other details

Apply Here