Job Opportunity: Canadian Field Director in Ethiopia
Terms of Reference
Canadian Field Director, Ethiopia
Draft- November 4, 2015
Target start date: anticipated January 2016 – two year term renewable for up to five years
CIRDI is recruiting a Canadian Field Director for an anticipated opportunity in Ethiopia
The Canadian International Resources and Development Institute (CIRDI) is a coalition of the University
of British Columbia (UBC), Simon Fraser University (SFU), and École Polytechnique de Montréal (EPM].
CIRDI’s mission is to improve, in a measurable way, the ability of developing countries to manage, and
benefit from their extractive sectors in order to catalyze sustainable economic growth and reduce
poverty. The Institute was established as a through a five year—2013-2018 – agreement with
Department of Foreign Affairs Trade and Development (DFATD) to implement projects that secure
opportunities for developing countries to improve fiscal and regulatory governance, integrated resource
management and livelihoods and employment. CIRDI works with all levels of government to develop
training, tools and approaches that address their unique circumstances and needs. CIRDI’s portfolio is
managed through its operational Headquarters (HQ), at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver,
The “Supporting the Ministry of Mines” (SUMM) in Ethiopia project is a five year, $15 million DFATD-
funded project lead by CIRDI. The project is designed to strengthening the capacity and organizational
management of Ethiopia’s Ministry of Mines at operational and strategic levels. The project’s ultimate
objectives are to improve resource governance and sustainable long-term management of the Ethiopian
The project aims to enhance data acquisition capacity of the Geological Survey of Ethiopia (GSE), and
strengthen mineral licensing and administration institutions of the MoM. Overall, the project aims to
design and implement priority capacity-building interventions, systems development and organizational
initiatives to support country-driven strategies to encourage increased revenue generation and
transparency, mitigation of negative environmental impacts and stimulation of sustainable economic
It is anticipated that during the inception phase and the development of the Project Implementation Plan
(PIP) the focus and priorities in these areas will be further refined.
The position is based in Addis Ababa with frequent travel to the Ministry’s regional offices.
The Field Director is responsible for the management of CIRDI’s externally funded $15M SUMM project.
The position is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The Canadian Field Director will have overall responsibility
and leadership of the project in the field and for achievement of results. He/she will represent the
Canadian Executing Agency at the highest level in Ethiopia. The position will involve working in close
partnership with the Ethiopian Strategic Advisor and Manager, project technical specialists, and
consultants as well as oversight of the project office. In addition to these management responsibilities
the Field Director may serve as a technical specialist undertaking work program tasks. This will be
addressed during the inception/ Project Implementation plan phase.
Organizational Status: The position, Canadian Field Director, SUMM reports to the CIRDI Director, Major
Projects, and works in collaboration with the Ethiopian Strategic Advisor and Manager, technical
specialists as well as CIRDI permanent staff.
Lead a multi disciplinary team of international and local mineral licensing, geoscience, institutional
strengthening, and gender specialists throughout implementation of the SUMM project:
o Guide the implementation of the project’s components to ensure they are coordinated, phased
and sequenced with regards to other donor activities and other Ministry of Mine activities.
o Review all specialists deliverables to ensure their complementarity with intended results and
ensure quality assurance is consistent with CIRDI, and DFATD quality standards.
o Contribute to Terms of Reference and participate in the selection of specialists and provide
o Provide senior level technical professional and managerial advise on all project matters to the
MoM, DFTAD and project personnel.
o Represent the CEA at the Project Steering Committee.
o Coordinate day-to-day management of Field Office operations in close coordination with
Strategic Advisor and Manager and project staff in Ethiopia.
o Ensure compliance with DFATD contract with regard to field activities.
o Sets up and manages field office including recruiting local staff or a HR provider and works closely
with the Ethiopian Strategic Advisor & Manager to ensure a smooth functioning Field Office.
o Provide inputs into all DFATD reports including the Project Implementation Plan (PIP), Annual
Work Plan, Annual Progress Reports; budgets using results based management approaches.
o Lead annual work planning process in cooperation with CIRDI HQ.
o In close cooperation with the Strategic Advisor and Manager, provide support for all project
management and administration activities including recruiting and contracting service providers,
o Establish an effective internal project monitoring system for results, monitor progress and ensure
overall coherence of project components and alignment with the MoM priorities.
o Oversee all financial and human resources, including supervision of accounting functions and
procurement in accordance with DFATD protocol.
o Monitor project risk, identify politically sensitive issues and challenges in project implementation
and implement corrective measures in collaboration with DFATD and the MoM.
Communication and Stakeholder Relations
o Liaise and maintain strong relationships with all key stakeholders including Ethiopia Canada
Cooperation Office (ECCO) in Addis, the Ministry of Mines, and other DFATD projects in Ethiopia
o Make presentations on an as needed basis to the Minister and senior staff at the Ministry, World
o Contributes to the Project communication strategies including the project website, newsletter,
o Ensure professionalism, accuracy and consistency for all project related and diplomatic
communications between relevant agencies.
o Any other task that may be required related to project management.
This position is critical to the success of the Project, building its profile and credibility, achieving
sustainability, and ensuring the ultimate outcome is achieved within desired timelines.
The position is responsible for dealing with complex confidential information where consequence of error
is high. Errors in judgment could result in serious impact to the operational activities of the Institute,
UBC, coalition universities, and the federal government. The Project operates within the high-profile
Institute and a politically sensitive environment.
The position is a critical point of contact and is expected to make decisions and recommendations
impacting the overall program of the institute. Incorrect interpretation or communication of university
policy and procedures or lack of tact, diplomacy or sensitivity in dealing with stakeholders could
potentially result in damaged relationships and credibility, leading to the potential irreparable damage
for the coalition Universities, including their relationships with funders and the federal government.
CIRDI will have significant reputational benefits to UBC and its coalition members. Mismanagement of
this portfolio would have significant reputational consequences for faculty and schools associated with
the Institute, for the Presidents of the coalition universities, and for DFATD and the federal government
Mismanagement of funds or inaccurate tracking of significant in-kind commitments from coalition
universities and strategic partners could result in a significant financial loss to the Institute, to UBC and to
The Field Director works under senior administrative and policy direction of CIRDI’s Director, Major
Projects. Reports to CIRDI’s Director, Major Projects. The Field Director is required to work
autonomously and exercise considerable judgment and initiative in duties and responsibilities. Results
Responsible for managing up to seven core international and/or Canadian specialists, local consultants
and local staff. Interacts with DFATD in Ethiopia, donor agencies and senior leadership of the Ministry of
Mines, Ethiopia. Indirectly interacts with the senior leadership level of CIRDI and all three coalition
Proven leadership in the implementation and management of complex, large scale capacity
Technical knowledge/expertise in one of the areas of focus ie. cadastre systems, mineral
licensing, geological surveys advantageous.
Minimum of 15 years professional experience advising and developing the capacity of host
country beneficiaries on matters related to mineral sector development.
Experience identifying technical assistance needs in partnership with host country beneficiaries.
Involvement in developing terms of reference (TORS) for short term technical assistance
Skilled in managing and overseeing the delivery of assistance and capacity building by experts to
host country beneficiaries, particularly in Africa.
Experience working with senior government officials and diplomatic engagement.
Understanding of the mineral development context in Ethiopia desirable.
Familiarity with overseeing the work of specialists.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
Prior work experience in Ethiopia and /or East Africa desirable.
Demonstrated knowledge of DFATD reporting requirements including RBM.
Demonstrated ability to lead, supervise and mentor multidisciplinary teams and facilitate
Familiarity with technology platforms commonly used in the mineral sector.
Master’s degree in geology, engineering, or other applicable field is required.
This position will be posted on the UBC website shortly, https://www.ubc.ca/. In the interim, interested candidates should forward their CV to Mairi.murchison@cirdi.ca. Only short listed candidates will be contacted. |
