Are you a visionary leader and at the same time a solid operational manager? Do you believe in learning and training as foundations for change? Are you eager to contribute to Actions Aid’s vision of just, green and feminist societies? 

Action Aid Denmark is looking for an experienced and visionary director to lead our Tanzania-based training and learning centre, MS TCDC, in Arusha. 

The right candidate will develop the centre’s profile further, within climate justice, and ensure high quality learning services and products to clients, donors and other stakeholders with sound operational practices including sustainable finances. 

MS TCDC plays a key role for MS ActionAid Denmark (AADK) by addressing the capacity needs of Action Aid country programmes and their partner organisations, as well as other stakeholders especially within Eastern and Southern Africa. MS TCDC also has a long-term partnership with Danida Fellowship Centre centered around learning activities. Apart from this MS TCDC provides training, consultancies and facilities for reflection and learning to civil society organizations, government actors and private individuals. In addition, TCDC hosts a well-known YouLead Africa programme. 

TCDC has a total of 30 permanent staff and more than 60 associate trainers. Many support functions are carried out by external service providers, e.g., transport and housekeeping. The Director reports to AADK’s International Director. 

For more information on MS TCDC website: http://mstcdc.or.tz/. 

Tasks 

The new Director must be an experienced change manager and a visionary leader who will be measured on two important parameters: that MS TCDC continues to grow its income and slim expenses to become more financial sustainable and that the new strategy for MS TCDC is implemented.  The needed changes must take place without compromising Action Aid values and with respect for the Action Aid Denmark strategy and MS TCDCs identity. 

A key expectation is that the Director will ensure continuous development of high-quality learning products and convening programmes, while ensuring financial sustainability through new partnerships and donor compliance. This means that the Director’s main tasks are to: 

• Develop MS TCDCs role within climate justice  
• Consolidate YouLead financially and programmatically 
• Further develop MS TCDCs role for AADK SPA II partner countries 
• Develop core and high-quality marketable learning products in line with the new strategy that are financially sustainable, adopting a test and invest approach 
• Seek and develop relevant partnerships in Tanzania, in the region and internationally, including solidifying close relationships with the relevant authorities in Tanzania 
• Strengthen a result oriented high performing team embracing the feminist leadership and maintaining a conducive organizational culture that embraces diversity    

An immediate task is to develop an administrative and financial growth strategy that should involve: 

• Increase sales of ‘venue packages’  
• Take measures on activities that are not providing a high enough surplus 
• Rethink use of physical premises with the view to optimize income   
• Attract funding to refurbish and develop the physical premises and green TCDC 
• Reduce costs to reduce the ‘fair share’ 
• Ensure donor compliance and alignment with AADK policies and standards (time registration, procurement, shea etc.) and optimal financial budgeting and reporting practices 

The job requires that you have:  

• Demonstrated capacity to strategically develop an organisation and at least 10 years experience at senior management level in an international organisation 
• Experience with international institutional donors, preferably Danida, including necessary administrative set ups for compliance 
• Sound financial understanding and able to pursue business opportunities 
• Good analytical skills and persistent character with a strong focus on results  
• Understanding of training and capacity building, and youth programming 
• Profound experience from African societies: you come from or have lived in Tanzania or another African country and has deep understanding of East African politics, culture as well as a good network
• Academic degree of at least master level in development studies or similar. 
• Full proficiency in English, it is an advantage if you understand Swahili 

We offer you: 

• 3-years appointment with a possibility of extension 
• Working full time 40 hours/week with no upper limits including approximately 5-6 weeks of travel/year
• A salary package including a beneficial pension scheme, housing, relocation allowances as well as a full group insurance coverage. 
• A family duty station where a spacious house is provided by AADK 
• A workplace with a purpose, working for creating political and social change 
• A lot of great, fun and dedicated colleagues  
• To be considered for this position, it is required that you have or will be able to obtain a business visa followed by a working visa in Tanzania

 
Interested?  

We would love to hear from you. If you have questions, please contact interim International Director Lisbeth Petersen on lpe@ms.dk or + 45 5056 1064 (WhatsApp or Signal).  
 
Application deadline: August 13, 2023, EOB. First interview August 22-23. Second interview August 28-29. Start date: January 2024.