Executive Director

About ROWAD

ROWAD mission is to create a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Yemen. A mission that requires introducing the different pillars of the ecosystem to the Yemeni Scene starting from creating awareness around the importance of Entrepreneurship to Yemen’s economy, providing structures and channels that local and international investors and Venture Capitalists (VCs) could trust and work with, creating success stories and support networks, as well as engaging the government to create startup-friendly policies. 
Founded in 2013 in Sana’a, Yemen; ROWAD was started by a number of Yemeni entrepreneurs who saw the need for serious efforts to engage Yemen’s young businessmen/businesswomen and entrepreneurs in a constructive way to create an encouraging and productive Entrepreneurship Ecosystem in Yemen. Since then, ROWAD grew to be one of the most active, and most effective organizations working in the business development and entrepreneurship areas in Yemen. 

ROWAD Foundation is based in Sana’a, and our activities cover the whole country

Summary

The Executive Director position main responsibility main function is to lead the foundation towards effective implementation of its vision, mission, and strategy; this includes Planning, Program Development and Fundraising, and Financial/Administrative Management. The position will lead in the formulation of the organization’s Annual Plans, policies, and the preparation of the periodical financial and narrative Reports. Other key duties include fundraising, marketing, and community outreach. The Executive Director will work closely with and report to ROWAD Board of Trustees. 

Essential Functions

Governance

• Reports to and works closely with the Board of Trustees to seek their involvement in policy decisions, fundraising, and to increase the overall visibility of the Organization throughout Yemen.
• Develop a vision and strategic plan for the Foundation in conjunction with the ROWAD Board.
• Inform the board of internal and external challenges affecting the Foundation.

Mission and Programs:

• Responsible for strategic planning to ensure that the organization can successfully fulfill its Vision.
• Develop programs and projects to ensure that the Foundation's mission is being properly executed.
• Develop resources necessary to support the organization’s mission i.e., constantly looking for opportunities to bring funds / projects to the organization.

Financial Management

• Responsible for the financial integrity to include submission to the Board a proposed annual budget and monthly financial statements, which accurately reflect the financial condition of the organization.
• Responsible for financial management that generally anticipates operating within the approved budget, ensures maximum resource utilization, and maintenance of the organization in a positive financial position.
• Develops resources sufficient to ensure the financial health of the organization

Administrative and Operations Management

• Establishes employment and administrative policies and procedures for all functions and for the day-to-day operations.
• Responsible for the effective administration of all operations.
• Responsible for the hiring, development, and retention of competent, qualified staff.
• Lead and motivate the non-profit's staff members and volunteers.
• Foster effective teamwork and spirit among staff and volunteers.

Partnerships & Representation

• Serve as the face of the Foundation in public relations matters and represent ROWAD at community events and activities.
• Approve official correspondence concerning the Foundation, such as press releases or annual updates.
• Seek to expand the non-profit's community presence and public awareness of the Foundation's services and efforts
• Responsible for the enhancement of the organization’s impact by working closely with other professionals, civic and private organizations (i.e., Working with other national Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) as well as local and international NGOs).
• Establishes and maintains relationships with various organizations throughout Yemen and utilizes those relationships to strategically enhance the organization’s Mission.
• Build and maintain effective alliances and operational collaboration with public and private partners.
• Coordinate with other relevant governmental and non-governmental entities to facilitate the implementation of the activities in the best way possible.

Competencies

• Leadership & Decision Making
• Communication & Collaboration Skills
• Problem Solving / Analysis
• Strategic Thinking
• Financial Management
• Time & Stress Management

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work: Full time

Required Education and Experience

• Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Social Sciences, International Development, or related field. 
• 5 years of experience in senior management, program management, or leadership positions with preference to experience in Development, and Non-profit organizations.

Qualification:

• Passionate about entrepreneurship and its important in Yemen’s development and in addressing major local and global challenges
• Proven experience in staff supervision and strong team spirit
• Proven experience in financial management and monitoring tools and systems
• Solid budget management skills, including budget review, analysis, decision-making, and reporting.
• Strong Project Operational Management experience including planning, delegating, program development, and task facilitation.
• Proven organizational abilities including the ability to handle HR, procurements, finance, and logistics.
• Knowledge of fundraising strategies and donor relations in the nonprofit sector.
• Strong written and oral communication skills (both in Arabic and in English).
• Strong problem-solving skills with attention to detail and a structured way of approaching tasks
• Ability to adapt and respond to programmatic sudden changes
• Ability to adhere to deadlines, manage multiple competing priorities and work under pressure
• Ability to plan ahead and results-oriented (pro-active)

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.