Job Description
Farm Radio International (FRI) has been working since 1979 to harness the power of radio to meet the needs of small-scale farmers and rural citizens at more than 780 radio stations in 40 sub-Saharan African countries. In the past year alone, FRI estimates it has reached 20 million people with life-changing information. With a staff of 20 in Canada and close to 100 in its offices in 10 African countries, FRI provides radio resources and training, innovative digital solutions and approaches, as well as targeted radio projects to obtain and sustain results. With a volunteer Board of Director of 15 members and an annual budget of $5-6 million, FRI holds the 4-star Charity Intelligence rating and was identified as one of Canada’s top ten international charities by Money Sense magazine in 2019.
Based in Ottawa, Farm Radio International is seeking its inaugural Head of Corporate Services (HCS) who will have overall responsibility for the development and management of the following areas: finance, human resources, risk management, information management and other shared services. Reporting to the Executive Director, the HCS will work closely with the team to provide strategic direction and oversight, create “best in class” policies and procedures across the organization and in so, define the function of this position. The HCS will serve as a lead staff member with the Board’s Finance, Audit and Risk (FAR) Committee, and work with the Treasurer to support the Board in meeting its fiduciary responsibilities and manage risk. The HCS will also maintain regular communication and coordination with colleagues in Canada and Africa, and will be willing to travel overseas as needed.
As an ideal candidate, you are an experienced financial and organizational management leader with a post-secondary degree, and ideally an MBA or CPA designation. You bring proven experience at the senior management level with financial, budgeting, administration and risk management, reporting, and operational strategy. You have a track record of achieving results in a non-profit environment, with demonstrated success in developing policies, procedures and processes, and building systems and tools to support a dynamic, creative, decentralized, results-driven organization. Entrepreneurial and a builder, you are adept at solving problems, finding efficiencies and developing effective systems. With unquestioned integrity, you create a culture of collaboration and collegiality through open discussions and transparency while always considering the perspectives of the broad range of stakeholders engaged. An exceptional communicator with outstanding interpersonal skills, you demonstrate a flexible and diplomatic style with an affinity to mentor, coach and train others.