An exciting new post of Deputy Director of the Royal African Society (RAS)based in Bloomsbury London. SalaryRange £40k - £50k

Job Description

The Society is looking for an experiencedmanager and a good knowledge of Africa who is committed to its future. The post holder will

  • manage a small team and report to the Director.
  • be responsible for developing and delivering the Society’s events, projects and programmes,
  • be company secretary of the Society
  • assist the Director in planning and delivering new funding streams for the Society

The post holder will be a results-orientated, experienced manager who can consolidate and build on the Society’s recent development, extend its partnerships and membership, and identify new sources of funding for the RAS programmes. Based in the RAS offices at the London International Development Centre (LIDC) in Gordon Square, the post holder will be expected to work with RAS partners in the African diaspora, businesses, NGOs and think tanks, government and civil service, universities and others. Occasionally travel to Africa and elsewhere to strengthen links with partner institutions.

The Royal African Society

The RAS is Britain’s prime Africa organisation. Now more than 100 years old, its in-depth, long-term knowledge of the continent and its peoples makes the Society the point of contact for anyone wishing to know more about Africa. Hosted by the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) at LondonUniversity, it is based at the LIDC. Through our programmes:

  • We foster a better understanding of Africa in the UK and throughout the world - its history, politics, culture, problems and potential
  • We disseminate knowledge and insight to make a positive difference to Africa’s development
  • We celebrate the diversity and depth of African culture

KEY REQUIREMENTS

  • Effective communication and organisational skills to work collaboratively with the diverse range of people and organisations who work in partnership with the RAS.
  • Knowledge of and commitment to Africa
  • Management experience which demonstrates an ability to work constructively with a team
  • Prepared to work flexible hours especially evenings

RESPONSIBILITIES

The post holder will work with and report to the Director and is required to deliver on the following key outcomes:

  • Meet RAS objectivesby effective managementand co-ordination of RAS staff
  • Maintain and extend relationships with members, partners and other key stakeholders
  • Provide operational and strategic planning
  • Prepare and oversee budgetsand assist in fund-raising
  • Prepare reports for the Executive Committee and Council
  • Help develop, find funding for and oversee the administration of the Africa Asia Centre (AAC)
  • Oversee the administration of the Africa All Party Parliamentary Groupat Westminster
  • Oversee the development, coordination and updating of the RAS, AAC and African Arguments websites
  • Oversee the maintenance and updating of the RAS database
  • Initiate, organiseand effectively deliver RAS events. These involve a diverse range of partners and participants and include:
  1. The RAS Business Breakfasts –at least eight a year with high level speakers focusing on topical issues affecting business in Africa. There will also be associated lunch and dinner events.
  2. The Annual Lecture –the focus is to highlight a new, misunderstood or under-reported aspect of Africa.
  3. More than 50 meetings a year in various formats: single high profile speaker, panel of speakers, seminars and workshops.
  4. A variety of cultural events including film and music

Person Specification

Qualifications / Essential / Desirable
  • Graduate level or equivalent academic or professional qualification
  • Right to live and work in the United Kingdom
/ YES
YES
  • In depth knowledge of Africa, political, economic and cultural
  • Senior operational management experience,
  • Experience of planning and managing a budget over £300k per annum
/ YES
YES
YES
  • Highly developed communication skills both written and oral
  • Ability to work with a small team, enabling others to perform and work well together and willing to take and share responsibility
  • Ability to liaise with a variety of partners in the UK and elsewhere including businesses, government, NGO’s, academic departments and others working in Africa.
  • Be sensitive to cultural and political issues
  • Proactive, flexible and willing to take initiatives
/ YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
  • Experience of preparing reports for board meetings
  • Must be computer literate and proficient with Microsoft word, excel and PowerPoint
/ YES
YES
  • Willingness to travel occasionally outside UK
/ YES

People of African origin are urged to apply

Applicants should write to The Director, Royal African Society, describing:

  • knowledge and experience of Africa
  • experience of management
  • experience of activities involving Africa in Britain
  • other relevant experience
  • why you want to work at RAS and what qualities you can bring to the post
  • how your skills and experience are specifically relevant to the Person Specification

Closing date: July 17th 2010

Email to receive an application form and return it to:

The Director

The Royal African Society

36 Gordon Square

London WC1H 0PD

Or by email to:

Please note that we do not accept CVs and cover letters.