The Sahel Region is witnessing a multifactorial crisis with increasing fragility and insecurity over many years. In this light, the donor platform Sahel Alliance was founded in 2017 to better coordinate the actions of its members (to date: 27 both bilateral and multilateral donors) in the Sahel countries Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, Niger and to jointly develop more appropriate answers to the ongoing crisis. The platform aims to support the development efforts of Sahelian partner countries through strengthened coordination amongst its members, a focus on key sectors, improved and more efficient procedures, innovation and enhanced accountability of development aid. A strong focus is put on political dialogue with partners. Since the withdrawal of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso from the G5 Sahel, this regional political partner is no longer available for the Sahel Alliance political dialogue with partners. The fact that four out of five countries are led by military governments, makes the political dialogue even more challenging for Sahel Alliance, while members strongly confirm their continued engagement for the population. The Coordination Unit (secretariat) of Sahel Alliance is managed as part of a BMZ commissioned regional project, financed by BMZ with contributions from Canada, EU, France, Italy, Luxemburg, Spain and West African Development Bank. The secretariat is implemented by GIZ and based in Brussels. As Head of Sahel Alliance secretariat, you will lead an experienced team that facilitates the networking and coordination amongst members at headquarter and field level. You manage these services following the Sahel Alliance governance structure: the General Assembly (GA) impulses the strategic and political orientations of the Alliance while the Operational Steering Committee (CPO) steers the priorities, activities, and agenda, whereas the secretariat coordinates the action of its members and the implementation of decisions of the GA and the CPO.

• You will represent the donor-network vis-à-vis political partners and donors, following the orientations of the Sahel Alliance governance bodies
• You will provide high-level political and strategic advise (at ministerial level) to the President of the General Assembly (GA) and to the Chair of the Operational Steering Committee (CPO) on how the objectives of the network can best be achieved
• You will coordinate and support high-level meetings among members of the Sahel Alliance political partners and other relevant stakeholders in the Sahel countries and in the region
• You will constantly liaise with the representatives of the governance organs and members of Sahel Alliance to propose ways how to maintain dialogue with political partners in challenging settings
• You will manage the staff in your section (7 professionals located in Brussels) in accordance with GIZ’s understanding of leadership and will cultivate appreciative leadership with a view to support the implementation of the governance organs decisions
• You will accompany, upon request by the governance organs of Sahel Alliance, high level missions to the partner countries and participate in high level events as representative of Sahel-Alliance
• You will implement the decisions of the Alliance’s governance bodies, ensuring the effectiveness and compliance of operational activities with the Alliance’s strategic orientations, with special emphasis on the priorities of the acting presidency
• You will represent Sahel Alliance in coordination meetings with other international platforms relevant for the region (e.g. Coalition for the Sahel, Partnership for Stabilization and Security in the Sahel) and position and advocate development issues and stakes within this framework

• Master’s degree in economics, political science, development studies or in a comparable subject
• Many years of experience in personnel management and leadership of diverse teams with demonstrated experience in operating in complex, multicultural environments
• Excellent knowledge of the cultural, political and economic context of the Sahel region
• Many years of experience in international cooperation and development, particularly in coordinating and harmonizing donors
• Ability to create and lead professional networks, to grasp and anticipate the political scope and implication of interventions and to maintain close relationships with a broad range of public, private and civil society stakeholders
• Create confidence in relations with members, build consensus and act on behalf of Sahel Alliance as a network of members with/ despite of their different interests and ambitions
• Think and act strategically and analytically and able to grasp new concepts rapidly and prioritize key topics
• Dedicated, reliable team player with excellent diplomatic and intercultural skills and a sound awareness of gender issues.
• Business fluent in French and English; Fluent German is an asset

This position is allocated to salary band 6 and is suited to a full or a part-time position.

The willingness for frequent business trips is required.

Please observe the provisions of the country-specific vaccination regulations for entry and work in the country of assignment.

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