Executive Director (ED) at Twaweza, January 2025

Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya are home to the regional civil society organization Twaweza East Africa. In our ideal society, information and ideas flow freely, everyone participates, and the government serves the interests of the people. It is based on the human drive to change the world.

Established in 2009, our approach is to advance democratic norms in ways that improve the status and voices of East African women, men, and children. In order to do this, Twaweza supports civic space and civil liberties, encourages citizen participation and government efficacy and responsibility, and offers research and crucial insights into the lived experiences of East Africans. This includes a strong dedication to promoting women’s leadership at all levels and gender equality. To achieve this, we pursue three interconnected missions: a) encouraging inclusive citizen agency and government responsiveness to foster trust; b) producing evidence for improved citizen and government decisions and actions; and c) bolstering the civil society sector to increase its legitimacy and influence.

Over the course of more than 15 years, Twaweza has contributed to the development of learning outcomes, health care delivery, sanitation services, citizen voice and action, alleviation of food insecurity, and equitable taxation. We believe that East Africa can show that transparent, inclusive, and responsible administration produces measurable results for and with people, acknowledging that economic growth and poverty reduction are essential to the achievement of democratic governance.

Overall Responsibility

• Provide strategic leadership for the entire organization.
• Guide, motivate, support, and hold accountable the leadership and staff of Twaweza.
• Ensure delivery on the organization’s mission consistent with its policies and values.
• Oversee organizational systems and practices to ensure they are effective, efficient, transparent, and accountable.
• Represent the organization to external actors in a manner that furthers Twaweza’s objectives.
• Play a critical role in Twaweza’s fundraising by cultivating relationships with global and regional partners.
• Work with the Twaweza Board and Members to safeguard and renew the organization’s vision, strategy, effectiveness, and sustainability.

Key Qualities:

• Trustworthy character, integrity of convictions, and credibility within civil society and government communities.
• Adaptable to diverse tasks, from washing dishes to discussing strategy with heads of state.

Core Qualifications and Experience

1. A master’s degree in the social sciences or a related discipline.
2. Tanzanian-born, seasoned executive with at least ten years of experience in senior management, policy involvement, and program development
3. Strong understanding of East African political economy, development, and governance, especially the connection between state efficacy and citizen participation.
4. Outstanding English and Kiswahili writing and speaking abilities, as well as media and public speaking abilities, will raise Twaweza’s well-established reputation and profile.
5. A history of successfully managing and growing a staff team and organization that is performance- and outcomes-based
6. Someone with integrity of character, independence of thinking, and contributions to the area that make them a respected leader.
7. A leader who has proven to be capable of inspiring and managing teams that are inclusive of all genders.
8. The capacity to interact with high-level civil society and government leaders combined with a demonstrated ability, gravitas, and sophistication to work in cross-sectoral, non-traditional partnerships that bring together philanthropy, business, government, human rights organizations, faith organizations, and other civil society entities.
9. Demonstrated expertise serving as the accountable CEO while collaborating with a board and its members.
10. Demonstrated capacity to obtain long-term, flexible finance in order to achieve strategic objectives.

How to Apply

Twaweza is an equal opportunity employer committed to gender equality and to promoting women’s leadership and encourages all qualified applicants to apply.

Please include the following in your application:

1. A two-page or less cover letter explaining why you want to apply and why you are qualified for the Executive Director position at Twaweza.
2. A four-page CV that highlights accomplishments, duties, and relevant jobs.
3. An example of your writing for the general audience (blog post, article, or opinion piece)
4. An example of a presentation deck, audio (podcast), or video presentation/interview that you have previously given.
5. Names, positions, and contact information for three references (who will not be contacted without your prior approval)

The deadline for applications is midnight EST on February 6, 2025. The complete application should be sent by email to EDRecruit@twaweza.org.

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