VSF- Belgium is looking for a new General Director
The General Director has a confirmed track record in animal health and production projects in the tropics with a clear focus on One Health issues. As a confirmed expert in this domain, he/she takes the lead and represents the VSF-Belgium on a national, regional and international level.
The General Director (GD) fully endorses the objectives of Vétérinaires Sans Frontières/Dierenartsen Zonder Grenzen Belgium (VSF-Belgium) and is responsible for ensuring the success of the organization, the good relationship between the different departments and regional/ local offices and works closely with the international and local partners of VSF-Belgium.
With energy, enthusiasm and leadership, the GD leads by example, inspires and motivates the staff of VSF-Belgium and its partners.
Our organization
VSF-Belgium is an international NGO whose vision is « healthy animals, healthy people, healthy environment ».
VSF-Belgium aims to strengthen the capacity of disadvantaged pastoralist communities in the South to improve their condition. In case of crisis due to natural or man-made disasters, VSF-Belgium ensures that humanitarian aid is provided to pastoralist families.
VSF-Belgium is currently active in five countries in West Africa (Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Niger) and four countries in the Great Lakes region (Burundi, DR Congo, Uganda and Rwanda).
VSF-Belgium directly employs about 150 people in the countries where we run projects and about 20 people at our headquarters in Brussels.
VSF-Belgium is a member of the international non-profit organisation VSF International.
Responsibilities
1. Leadership
• The GD leads and works at all times in close collaboration with the Direction Committee.
• The GD implements the vision, mission and objectives of the organization. Based on these he/she pro-poses the strategic orientations of the organization and proposes changes that fit an evolving geo-politi-cal and natural environment.
• The GD ensures that this strategy is translated into action plans for the Operations, Support Services and Communication and Fundraising departments; and is implemented throughout the whole organization.
• The GD actively ensures proper North/South coordination.
2. Financial and operational viability
• The GD ensures, in close collaboration with the Director of Support Services, the long-term financial and operational viability of the organization.
• The GD ensures that the organization has the appropriate structure and resources to meet its strategic objectives while keeping the organization financially healthy.
3. Representation and development of strategic relationships
• The GD embodies VSF-Belgium on the national and international scene. He/she represents – in close col-laboration with the Director of Fundraising and Communication – the organization on all fronts and de-velops relationships with national and global partners and the Media.
• The GD directly participates to international One Health advocacy efforts, both in a development and emergency perspective, in conjunction with other VSF organisations and the VSF-International Bureau. He/she develops and maintains strategic partnerships with relevant One Health actors, delegating the operational aspects to the Director of Operations.
4. Relationships with VSF International
• The GD represents VSF-Belgium in the General Assembly of VSF-International and actively contributes to the Strategy and other initiatives of VSF-International. The GD participates in strengthening the VSF net-work cooperation and governance and helps transforming VSF International as a key component of the network’s common strategy.
5. Relationship with the Board of Administrators
• The GD reports to the Board of Administrators. The GD proposes changes to the strategy to the Board for approval. The GD coordinates, in cooperation with the Secretary, the agenda of the Board meetings and the General Assembly.
Profile
Qualifications
• A university degree in veterinary medicine or agricultural engineering specialized in livestock is essen-tial.
• An additional MSc in One Health is an asset.
• An additional MBA also is an asset.
Knowledge and experience
• At least 10 years of professional experience, of which at least 5 years in leading international multicul-tural and multidisciplinary livestock development projects with particular reference to One Health.
• Knowledge of the South, and especially Africa where the organization operates.
• Familiar with, or willing to immerse in the Belgian cultural specificity and NGO context.
• Familiar with the key challenges within the development cooperation sector.
• Knowledge of or experience in the « social profit » sector is an asset.
• Proficient in English (oral and written) and French.
• Knowledge of Dutch is an asset.
Skills
• Good practical technical knowledge of the One Health concept, according to which animal health and production must be in balance with human health, animal welfare and the integrity of the environment and its biodiversity.
• Strong leadership and people management skills and demonstrated ability and experience to lead and motivate multicultural and multidisciplinary teams.
• Excels in performing in a dynamic environment and inspiring internal and external stakeholders and can engage them in a project in an enthusiastic way.
• Excellent internal and external communication skills.
• Excellent networker.
• Operates under stress and can cut through knots in a result-oriented way.
• Entrepreneurial spirit and innovator.
Attitudes
• Share the values (respect, transparency and sustainability), mission and vision of VSF-Belgium.
• Endorse and promote the Code of Integrity of VSF-Belgium.
• Show respect for others and for other cultures.
• Have an open and positive attitude that inspires confidence.
• Willingness to travel (approximately 30% of the time).
Our offer
VSF-Belgium is an organization that strongly promotes the development of its staff. We are a close-knit and committed team that places quality at the forefront of its mission, work and values.
VSF-Belgium offers a stimulating and international working environment with room for creativity and innovative ideas. We offer a full-time contract of indefinite duration, with a competitive remuneration package aligned with the sector and additional benefits. We strive to ensure a good work-life balance for our employees.
How to apply?
Are you our future colleague?
Please send your CV, covering letter and three references by 31/03/2022 to gd@vsf-belgium.org .
Selected candidates will be invited for an interview. Candidates must be eligible to work in the European Union.
More information: www.vsf-belgium.org