Executive Director, Women’s Opportunity Center at The Urugo Women’s Opportunity Center (WOC): (Deadline 16 March 2022)

Executive Director, Women’s Opportunity Center at The Urugo Women’s Opportunity Center (WOC): (Deadline 16 March 2022)

JOB DESCRIPTION

Overview:

The Urugo Women’s Opportunity Center (WOC) is a social enterprise of Women for Women Rwanda (WfWR), a national NGO supporting women and girls in Rwanda to break the vicious circle of poverty and promoting increased social inclusion by enabling them to become more economically and socially capable. The WOC is a multi-purpose community center in the heart of Kayonza, housing a number of business and vocational activities which employ graduates of the WfWR program and provide access to market, community and continued support beyond graduation from the program. This includes an eco-lodge, event venue, conferencing facilities, restaurant, coffee shop, dairy production unit, handicraft gift shop and cultural tours. The WOC is registered as a Limited Liability Company (LLC) of Women for Women International (WfWI) – WfWI EC LLC.

Purpose:

The Executive Director has overall responsibility for shaping the vision and strategy of the Center, and for achieving its commercial success and social impact. This includes strategic responsibility for planning, financial management, sales and marketing, fundraising, personnel management and operational management at the WOC. Additionally, she/he works closely with the Executive Director and staff of WfWR to achieve the holistic mission of developing stronger women and a stronger nation. The Executive Director supervises the Finance and Administration Manager of the WOC, as well as staff responsible for implementing various areas of operations. The Executive Director reports to the Board of the WfWI EC LLC.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Oversight and Management 

• Provide strategic leadership and planning for the WOC, and lead the annual business planning and budgeting of the social enterprise
• Be accountable for the proposal to the Board and successful implementation of the WOC’s strategic direction, business plans, and annual operational plans and budgets
• Coordinate closely with WfWR management to ensure smooth delivery of programmatic and training activities at the WOC

Board Management and Communications

• Prepare for and follow-up on Board meetings, including setting the annual Board meeting calendar, liaison with the Board Chair for preparation and circulation of agenda and supporting documents, recording of minutes and follow-up of action items

• Be responsible for thorough and regular reporting to the Board of the WfWI EC LLC and the WfWR Executive Director, as well as principal donors and partners of the WOC
• Supporting the identification, recruitment and onboarding of new Board members

Outreach and Fundraising

• Manage partner and stakeholder relationships of the WOC, including with WfWR
• Cultivate relationships with funders to secure and expand recurring revenue streams and build excitement for work performed by the WOC
• Design strategic fundraising plans and identify new market opportunities for growth and ensure follow up occurs on all opportunities
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with local and international partners, relevant government agencies, international and local NGOs, and business partners in Rwanda to enhance the reputation and sustainability of the Center
• Coordinate regular meetings of the WOC District Advisory Committee and community groups as needed
• Represent the WOC to external audiences, media and stakeholders, including but not limited to: community, governmental and private organizations

Business Development and Sales

• Build a consistent growth trajectory for the WOC and its various revenue streams, with the aim of building a sustainable operation, including the development of an expanded client and retail base for products to be sold throughout Kayonza district and beyond
• Champion new opportunities which are aligned with the vision and mission, while continuing to grow the financial portfolio of the WOC; create innovative and cost-effective ways to develop the site and expand activities and services offered at the WOC with the objective of increasing profitability
• Manage all sales and marketing activities to increase the client base and revenue of the WOC
• Manage the on-line bookings and customer correspondence, as well as manage key client accounts
• Ensure the highest levels of quality and customer service are being delivered at the WOC
• Lead marketing, advertising and public relations initiatives to promote the WOC, increase the client base and maximize revenue generation
• Build networks and linkages with other businesses in the hospitality and tourism industry
• Manage existing vendor relationships for optimal operations and sales processes
• Promote the center as a location for hosting meetings, conferences and events, thereby increasing revenue
• Ensure compliance with licensing laws, health, hygiene and safety regulations and other statutory requirements
• Work closely with WfWR management to ensure the most relevant and appropriate activities and programs are offered to support the growth and viability of the WOC

Operations and Staff Management

• Ensure the day-to-day operations of all revenue-generating activities at the WOC are well implemented to the highest standards
• Manage the WOC staff to ensure efficiency and effectiveness among the team for the sustainability of the WOC
• Plan daily and weekly work schedules for individuals and teams, as well as creating systems for optimal staff efficiency
• Conduct annual performance review processes for staff of the WOC, as well as providing coaching and mentoring as needed
• Work closely with women cooperatives to improve the quality of their products, vocations and businesses to make them marketable both locally and internationally

Financial Management

• Ensure WOC expenses are controlled and utilized in the most efficient and effective manner
• Identify opportunities to improve financial and operational systems and cost effectiveness
• Lead the development and revision of financial policies as needed and the annual financial audit

• Identify and manage risks at the WOC and ensure compliance with required standards, regulations, and established policies and procedures

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Minimum Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent qualification in Business Management, Administration, or related field.  A Master´s level degree is an added advantage
• At least 5 years’ management experience  in the private sector –tourism or hospitality related industry preferred.
• Excellent entrepreneurial skills and business acumen with demonstrated experience in business plan development, marketing, and management of complex operations
• Excellent presentation and written communication skills
• Understanding of the development context, barriers and opportunities facing women’s empowerment in Rwanda
• Demonstrated ability to  work  with diverse groups of  stakeholders and to develop consensus and a positive team environment
• Fluency in Kinyarwanda and English required; French language skills an added advantage
• Strong computer skills including working with Microsoft suite and internet tools
• Citizen of Rwanda or legal resident with valid work permit

Interested Candidates must send their documents on info@urugowoc.com not later than 16th March 2022