Twaweza is seeking a new ED!

Twaweza East Africa is a regional civil society organization operating in Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya. Our vision is of an open society built on the human impulse to make a difference, where information and ideas flow, all citizens engage, and government works better for people. 

Founded in 2009, our strategy seeks to promote democratic practices in ways that raise the voices and well-being of the women, men and children of East Africa. To do this, Twaweza promotes citizen engagement and government effectiveness and accountability, defends civic space and civil liberties, and provides research and vital insights about East Africans’ lived experiences. This includes a fierce commitment to advancing gender equality and women’s leadership at all levels. We do so through three integrated missions, namely a) promoting inclusive citizen agency and government responsiveness to build trust, b) generating evidence for better decisions and actions by citizens and governments, and c) strengthening the civil society sector to enhance its legitimacy and impact.

For over 15 years, Twaweza has helped bring about positive change for East Africa’s citizens, including strengthened citizen voice and action, improvements in sanitation services, health care provision, learning outcomes, and relief from food insecurity and unfair tax burdens. Recognizing that economic growth and poverty reduction are indispensable to the success of democratic government, we believe East Africa can demonstrate that transparent, inclusive, and accountable government delivers tangible results for and with people.

Overall Responsibility

The Executive Director (ED) provides strategic leadership for the entire organization, guides, motivates, supports, and holds accountable the leadership and staff of Twaweza to deliver on the organization’s mission consistent with policies and values. The ED ensures that organizational systems and practices are effective, efficient, transparent, and accountable and that they reflect the highest integrity. The ED engages with external actors and represents the organization in a manner that furthers Twaweza’s objectives and earns the organization’s respect. The ED plays a critical role in Twaweza’s fundraising by cultivating meaningful relationships with key global and regional partners to expand Twaweza’s work. The authority to lead Twaweza and serve its mission is based on trustworthy character, integrity of convictions and credibility with the civil society and government communities. The ED is a person who can wash dishes today and discuss strategy with heads of state tomorrow. The ED works with the Twaweza Board and Members to safeguard and renew the vision, strategy, effectiveness and long-term sustainability of Twaweza.

Core Qualifications and Experience

1. A Master’s Degree in social sciences or other relevant area.
2. Experienced leader rooted in Tanzania with at least 10 years of experience in program development, policy engagement and management experience at senior level
3. Strong knowledge of governance and development, and the political economy of East Africa, including the relationship between citizen engagement and state effectiveness. 
4. Excellent writing and speaking skills in English and Kiswahili, and the public speaking and media skills to enhance Twaweza’s solid credibility and profile.
5. A track record of effectively leading and scaling a performance- and outcomes-based organization and staff team
6. A leader who is respected for their contributions to the field, independence of thought and integrity of character.
7. A leader who has demonstrated capability to lead and motivate gender-inclusive teams.
8. A proven ability, gravitas and sophistication to work in cross-sectorial, non-traditional partnerships bringing together social movements and activists, philanthropy, business, government, human rights organizations, faith organizations and other civil society entities, with the ability to engage with high-level civil society and government leaders.
9. Demonstrated experience working with a Board and Members as the accountable executive.
10. Demonstrated ability to secure flexible, long-term funding to advance strategic goals. 

How to Apply

Twaweza is an equal opportunity employer committed to gender equality and to promoting women’s leadership, and encourages all qualified applicants to apply. 

Please include the following in your application: 

1. A cover letter of not more than two (2) pages, outlining your motivation to apply and why you are well suited for the role of Executive Director of Twaweza.
2. A CV of no more than 4 pages, sharing relevant positions, responsibilities held and achievements.
3. A sample of your writing for public consumption (op-ed, blog post, article) 
4. A sample of an audio (podcast), video presentation/interview or presentation deck you have delivered in the past.
5. Three references, names, positions and how you know them (who will not be contacted without your prior consent)

The deadline for applications is midnight EST on February 6, 2025. The complete application should be sent by email to EDRecruit@twaweza.org 

Read the full terms of reference (ToR) here.