Tanzanian Children’s Fund (TCF) is looking for a compassionate, committed, dynamic, and experienced partner to help lead operations at the Rift Valley Children’s Village (Children’s Village) in the Karatu region of northern Tanzania.
The Tanzanian Children’s Fund provides a loving and permanent home to 102 marginalized children living at the Rift Valley Children’s Village. They range in age from 2 to 25 years. Founded in 2003, the organization has been expanding its programming to provide the broader community with high-quality primary and secondary education, access to health care, and new economic opportunities. Our multi-pronged approach to addressing systemic poverty is catalyzing real and lasting change in the area and is widely recognized as an innovative model.
The Children’s Village is a vibrant, self-sufficient community located on the slopes of Ngorongoro Crater, a UN World Heritage Site. The Karatu region of northern Tanzania is rural, approximately 3-4 hours by car from the city of Arusha.
Position: Director of Operations
Reporting to: Executive Director
Location: Karatu Region, northern Tanzania
Website: www.tanzanianchildrensfund.org
As Director of Operations, you will be a member of TCF’s senior leadership team. Peter Mmassy, Executive Director and co-founder of the Children’s Village will be responsible for strategic vision and expansion of existing programs. Under the direction of the Executive Director, you will be responsible for assisting in the day-to-day management of the staff and the welfare of the children at the Village. In support of the Executive Director, you will be a critical communication liaison between the Village, TCF’s US Managing Director, and TCF’s US Board Chair. You will also play an important role in ensuring the responsible use of donor funds and cultivating donor and volunteer support.
Compassion, enthusiasm, and optimism; respect for cultural norms and differences
Ability to act as a role model, mentor, and guardian for children of all ages
Ability to provide strong leadership to ensure a positive climate/culture and to be attentive and welcoming to all members of the RVCV/TCF family including volunteers and donors
A team player who is able to listen, be flexible and display humility, and who understands the importance of transparency and follow through with staff both in TZ and the US.
Feels comfortable engaging with and cultivating relationships with new people (volunteers and visitors)
Understands and is comfortable with the limitations of a lifestyle set in a remote and rural area
Manage day-to-day operations at the Children’s Village, with primary responsibility for helping foster a loving, safe, and supportive family environment for the children who live there as well as for the adults overseeing their welfare
Support and assist the Executive Director with the management of a staff of 120+ full and part-time Tanzanian employees
Supervise and mentor select members of senior staff
Run “morning meetings” with senior staff when the Executive Director is not present encouraging dialogue and input
Keep the Executive Director informed on all critical issues to facilitate efficient decision making
Prepare an annual budget, a quarterly and monthly audit of accounts, and quarterly narrative report for the Board of Directors
Work closely with the Executive Director on organizational strategy and long-term project planning
Communicate effectively and regularly with TCF’s senior leadership team, including regular calls with the TCF US Managing Director, monthly calls with the US Board Chair, and participate in full Board calls on a quarterly basis
At the direction of the Executive Director, send timely notices informing the US Managing Director and US Board Chair of unexpected events or challenges.
Coordinate with TCF’s US office to provide data for campaigns, grant applications and other reports in order to support ongoing development goals
Engage and interact with volunteers and visitors to ensure they are feeling welcome, appreciated and recognized for their contributions to our community
This includes, but is not limited to, daily lunch, volunteer gatherings and other informal gatherings
Follow core principles and model for children, colleagues and volunteers; encourage long term relationships between them and TCF
Ensure that day to day supervision and disciplinary parameters are consistent and clear throughout the village
Track record of working effectively with children and adolescents in education or social services sector
Strong communications skills–written, verbal, and collaborative
2-3 years of management experience
Commitment to financial responsibility; expense tracking skills
Understanding of development and fundraising
Experience relevant to non-profit management and operations
Experience working in the developing world
English fluency; knowledge of Swahili preferred
Ability to commit to a 2-year renewable contract
Bachelor’s or advanced degree
Ability to thrive living in a beautiful but very rural and isolated setting
The Director of Operations will be provided with the following salary and benefits:
Annual salary based on experience
Housing in a three-bedroom house located on the Children’s Village campus
Housekeeping support, meals, Internet, local phone
Health insurance, including for all accompanying family members
A yearly travel allowance
Paid vacation/family leave time
Use of organization’s vehicle