The National Director leads, manages and develops the National Association (NA) as its chief executive, ensuring effective delivery of programmes and services to children and young people, families and communities within the frame of the international SOS Children’s Villages organization’s vision, mission, values and strategy. Through seeking governmental subsidies and funding, international/national grants as well as through fundraising he/she maximises the financial self-sufficiency of the National Association (and the ability to financially support other National Associations) according to the potential in the country. In addition, the job incumbent ensures the effective overall direction, operations and performance of the National Association (NA), by developing and executing core programme and financial strategies that lead to the sustainability of the organization. Furthermore, the National Director leads and develops the NA with the support from leadership (Board and Management), to ensure effective delivery of programmes and services to programme participants.

Main Clients

• Board of Directors (or Trustees)
• National Management Team
• International Director
• CVI Representative
• Regional Office Function Directors

 Key performance areas and main responsibilities:

Strategic Direction and Governance

• Facilitates the strategic planning process under the direction of the board (or guided by the board), involving the national management team and other key staff in identifying priority areas and setting objectives.
• Review strategy regularly, proactively assess future needs and perform sustainability forecasts to ensure relevance and appropriateness of the NA;
• Follow up on reports relating to the development and/or deviation from the expected route by any programme / project within the NA.
• Presents plans, reports and proposals at board meetings. Ensures in cooperation with the chairperson legality of the national organization, complying with relevant national legislation. Ensures that board decisions are translated into clear actions.
• Communicate SOS-KDI policy at the National and Programme levels.
• Drive operational excellence by ensuring appropriate best practices, processes and technologies are in place.

Brand Development

• Applies the internationally agreed brand development concept in national strategy, planning and implementation.
• Provide strategic and tactical guidance to the NA marketing, branding- and communication strategies and initiatives, together with the Fund Development and Communications department.
• Maintain close contact with internal and external marketing and related stakeholders to build strategic relationships, solicit continual feedback on current initiatives, and understand market needs and perceptions.

HR Management and Organization Development 

• Ensures that the right people are employed for the right positions so that co-workers and external partners are always treated with the desired professionalism and according to the principles of the organizational culture
• Ensures an efficient performance management and human resource development system that guarantees the development of co-workers and the identification of talents. Besides, promotes accountability at all levels of the National Association
• Leads and manages the National Management Team, builds an effective National Office team, providing guidance and support as necessary.
• Assure stable employee relations by managing conflict and creating a positive working environment.

Programme Development, Management and Monitoring  

• Ensures that resources are focused on building strong programmes and services. Ensures review and evaluation of programmes to ascertain that agreed plans and policies are implemented and provides capacity building and technical support as needed
• Promotes interaction and exchange of relevant experiences between programmes

Finance and Funds Management

• Ensures planning and budgeting
• Implements and monitors the internal control system, reviews key figures & financial reports
• Ensures realization of annual financial statement and external audit report
• Oversee an efficient flow of funds to the programmes and projects

Fund Development and Public Relations

• Promotes long-term stability and financial self-sufficiency by pursuing support from government and private sources with the aim to maximise the fundraising potential
• Supports the development and implementation of sustainable fundraising strategies and grant applications.
• Supports public relations/marketing activities as necessary and ensures that an appropriate image of the organization is portrayed

Partnership building, Advocacy and Cooperation with external stakeholders

• Establishes sound relationships with relevant government authorities, ensures appropriate representation of the organization’s views and seeks government recognition and support for SOS Children’s Villages work
• Ensures a clear understanding of the NA role of children, young people, families, community
• Builds partnerships with non-governmental organizations who work for the rights of children without parental care or at risk of losing parental care

Cooperation and Reporting

• Fosters a professional relationship and maintains close cooperation with the Regional Office as well as with other units in the General Secretariat; receives guidance, support and monitoring with respect to international standards (from Regional Office); provides specified reports and acts on agreements

Child Safeguarding (CS)

• Responsible for implementation and management of SOS Child Protection Policy in NA and for reporting to the national Board
• Ensures that co-workers and programmes do no cause harm to children and young people and that they are not exposed to the risk of harm and abuse
• Responsible to report any concerns the organization has about children’s safety in its programmes and within the communities to the appropriate authorities
• Ensures that co-workers act within national law, Child Protection Policy, Code of Conduct and other child safeguarding requirements.