Executive Leader in Child Rights & International Development
Resume:
CURRICULUM VITAE
Contact Details Shairana Nazmin Nisha Ali
Chief Executive Officer
Save the Children Fiji (SC Fiji)
Phone: +679*******
Email: ********.***@***************.***
Available on Zoom and MSteams
Nationality Fijian
Date of Birth 29 October 1984
Educational
Qualifications
Bachelor of Arts, Double Majors. Major in Sociology and Major in English Language and Literature, University of the South Pacific.
Country Experience Indonesia, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Kiribati, Tuvalu, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Samoa, Tonga, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Cook Islands, Tokelau Languages Hindi (mother-tongue), highly proficient in English and Urdu; Proficient in reading Arabic; Basic knowledge of Fijian
Professional
Statement
I am an international development professional with over 16 years of progressive executive management and specialist technical experience in international development. I am passionate about child and adolescent development and well-being and have worked at renowned child rights organizations to improve child and family services in various countries. Work Experience 12 August 2019- Present
Chief Executive Officer
Save the Children Fiji
Key Responsibilities:
• Lead and develop a team in multiple locations, during a period of program transformation, and cultivate growth.
• Guide and supervise managers and their teams in implementing ongoing quality project activities in accordance with agreed approaches and timelines.
• Ensure working methods are as safe as practicable, securing and monitoring the implementation of child protection policies and processes and the security of Save the Children staff.
• Lead the change management transition strategy for the implementation of standardized systems, policies and procedures including training and capacity building of staff.
• Ensure Save the Children is appropriately accountable to children and the Government of Fiji, operating in full compliance with all relevant laws.
• Identify and effectively manage all key risks related to delivering the country programme and its impact.
• Responsibility for the overall quality assurance of programs, including monitoring of overall impact on children, that programming is evidenced-based on needs and in alignment with the strategic goals of SC Fiji and Save the Children International
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(SCI).
• Responsibility for all reporting (narrative and financial) to the SC Fiji Board, SCI, donors and any other key stakeholders as required. This includes the monthly monitoring and reporting on all grant’s management aspects including analysis of project budget variance reports, work-plan progress and revision, data collection and analysis and monitoring against indicators.
• Ensure Save the Children’s Child Protection Policy is understood by all staff and that it is integrated into every aspect of the Fiji Country Program.
• Conduct regular field visits to project sites including discussions with children and families.
• Strategically develop and manage Save the Children’s portfolio of program activities in Fiji to maximise our impact for children.
• Lead the review and implementation of the current SC Fiji Country Strategic Plan and Country Annual Plans (CAP’s), playing a significant role in the development of each thematic area.
• Ensure programming interventions are implemented in cooperation with targeted communities, and include the participation of children and communities in their design
• In collaboration with the SC Fiji Board and SMT, oversee the development of new projects, identifying the most appropriate programming interventions for meeting the rights of children based on assessment findings.
• Lead the development of concept notes and proposals with the Senior Management Team (SMT) and support the development of multi-sector proposals, in relevant thematic areas addressing beneficiary needs.
• Secure funding for new and existing programs from a diversified portfolio of donors, in alignment with the strategic aims of SC Fiji and SCI.
• Actively liaise with key international bilateral and multilateral donor agencies, including SCI members, private foundations and local government funding agencies, to identify and increase funding opportunities.
• Ensure timely start-up of new grants, in collaboration with the SMT, through grant opening meetings.
• Liaise with Fiji based businesses to raise funds for the country program and develop the SC Fiji public fundraising profile.
• In collaboration with the SMT, ensure an integrated approach to project implementation across thematic areas, with strengthened synergies and complementarities, and that program monitoring and evaluation tools are systematically implemented such as the implementation of baseline surveys, regular monitoring, review and evaluation is completed.
• Formulate strategies and plans collaboratively with the SMT for Disaster Risk Reduction programming, emergency preparedness and response activities.
• Ensure programme learning is documented and incorporate analysis and lessons learned into new strategies/activities and advocacy work.
• Ensure strong compliance with donor regulations and policies, M and E and quality control procedures are understood and entrenched in all projects.
• In collaboration with the SMT, identify suitable local partners for joint project implementation as appropriate, developing formal, long term relationships and documenting partnership agreements.
• Ensure that programming interventions are designed using rights-based principles and on an understanding of gender relations and that programs seek to support the different needs and opportunities of women, men, boys and girls.
• In collaboration with the SMT develop an advocacy strategy, with key messages, • 3
reflecting the strategic goals and objectives of SCI and the SC FIJI Country Program.
• Build strong relationships with relevant government bodies, donors
(particularly AusAID and NZ MFAT), I/NGOs, the UN, CSOs, SCI members and any other key stakeholders relevant to SC FIJI and SCI goals.
• Represent the SC FIJI Country Program at all levels, including media, and advocate Save the Children’s position and learning to influence the policy and practice of government, donors, I/NGOs, the UN and other civil society organisations.
• Approve all media and public information releases prior to circulation.
• Build relationships with emergency donors for Disaster Risk Reduction.
• Build relationships with the private sector in Fiji.
• Guide the SC FIJI program team in research and documentation efforts (evaluation design, documenting best practices, generating materials useful for representation, advocacy) particularly with regard to strategic value/direction
• Work with the SMT to develop plans for achieving priority advocacy objectives in both an emergency and development context. This should include guidelines on the meaningful and safe participation of children in advocacy and meet all global standards in emergency response.
• Ensure all staff performance reviews are carried out regularly and in accordance with designated timeframes
• Manage the performance and development of direct reports (SMT) to fulfil their potential, ensuring they have clear objectives and receive meaningful feedback regularly and achieve maximum impact from program implementation.
• Lead staff capacity building initiatives, address capacity gaps and ensure continuous improvement through external and in-house training, coaching, mentoring, learning-by-doing, supporting study opportunities, facilitating attendance at relevant professional fora as they arise, within budgetary constraints.
• Create and maintain a cooperative and positive working environment where staff have clear roles and responsibilities, participate in decision making and are supported in progressing towards their objectives.
• Develop a clear staffing structure, identify staffing gaps, oversee staff recruitment, and identify capacity building requirements in collaboration with the SMT.
• Ensuring optimal use of human resources, including promotion of team work and team spirit, and promotion of talented staff in accordance with SC FIJI human resource policies.
• Ensure the SC FIJI Child Protection Policy is implemented and observed by all staff.
• Report to the SC FIJI Board any violations of SC FIJI personnel policies, the Code of Conduct and the Child Protection Policy, seeking the assistance senior SCI Child Protection Focal Points as needed.
• Responsible for the overall development of program budgets, financial controls and accountability for financial reports to the SC FIJI Board, donors and any other key stakeholders as required.
• Ensure the efficient and proper use of funds and assets, securing and monitoring the implementation of Save the Children Fiji’s policies and processes for financial control and reporting, taking prompt action to tackle variances and control gaps.
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• Regularly monitor Senior Managers’ budget management performance.
• Facilitate and oversee the appropriately contextualized implementation of all SCI Management Operating Standards (MOS) and Standard Operating Procedures
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(SOP’s).
• Ensure all organizational policies and procedures are in place, reviewed as necessary, and being observed by staff at all times. This is inclusive of the Vehicle Use Policy, Per Diem Policy, Child Protection Policy, Financial Procedures Policy and Employee Terms and Conditions.
• Ensure all Save the Children offices are sufficiently resourced to function effectively.
• Ensure project budget variance reports appropriate measures are taken to address any over or under-spending, that grants are fully expended within the appropriate timeframe and in accordance with donor regulations.
• Ensure SC FIJI financial management systems, processes and controls are adhered to by all SC FIJI team members
• Ensure compliance to financial requests and reporting as required by the board, SCI members and donors including comparisons of budget vs actual expenditure, fixed asset registers.
1 November 2018- 11 August 2019
Program Manager
Save the Children Fiji
Key responsibilities:
• Supporting the implementation and development of the program portfolio
• Overseeing the completion of the design and start up phases of programs
• Ensuring strong donor compliance, Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) and quality control procedures are understood and entrenched in the new programs
• Identification and support of SC Fiji partners, developing formal, long term relationships
• Participating in the review and updating of SC Fiji’s Country Strategic Plan in line with the changing needs of children and SCI’s global objectives and approaches
• Supporting learning from relevant best practice internally and externally, monitoring implementation of relevant program approaches and standards, and assessing performance against agreed program objectives and indicators;
• Ensuring SC Fiji’s program demonstrates accountability to children and compliance with Fijian and international regulation and standards
• Overseeing the production and delivery of quality periodic reports to donors and the SC Fiji Board (through the CEO)
• Contribute to the mobilization of resources to support planned activities, and to make best use of resources available to maximise impact for children
• Ensure an integrated approach to project implementation across thematic areas.
• Ensure that programming interventions are implemented in cooperation with targeted communities, including children.
• Regular field visits, to project sites including discussions with beneficiaries.
• Ensure the Save the Children’s Child Protection Policy is understood by staff and that it is integrated into all aspects of the team’s work.
• Document programme learning, and incorporate analysis and lessons learned into new strategies/activities and advocacy work.
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• The job duties and responsibilities as set out above are not exhaustive and the Post holder may be required to carry out additional duties within reasonableness of their level of skills and experience.
• Manage SC Fiji programs during humanitarian response programming
• In collaboration with the CEO, oversee the development of new projects (in line with the strategic aims of the organisation).
• Actively liaise with bilateral and multilateral donor agencies to identify funding opportunities.
• Identify the most appropriate programming interventions for meeting the rights of children based on assessment findings.
• Lead on the development of concept notes and proposals for additional programming, and support the development of multi-sector proposals, in the areas of relevancy.
• Lead on situation analysis/needs assessments in the areas of strategic relevance and ensure that all proposals address beneficiary rights.
• Incorporate analysis and lessons learned into new strategies/activities.
• Identify suitable local partners for joint project implementation as appropriate.
• Ensure that programming interventions are designed using rights based principles and on an understanding of gender relations and that programmes seek to support the different needs and opportunities of women, men, boys and girls.
• Ensure that programming interventions are designed in cooperation with targeted communities, including children.
• Line-manage members of the Senior Management Team (SMT), ensuring they have clear objectives and receive meaningful feedback on their performance regularly.
• Create and maintain a cooperative and positive working environment where staff have clear roles and responsibilities, participate in decision making and are supported in progressing towards their objectives.
• Support staff structure, contribute to staff recruitment processes, and identify capacity building requirements in collaboration with the SMT.
• Lead on capacity building of staff through coaching, mentoring and training, including facilitating the attendance of staff to capacity building opportunities as they arise.
• Build strong relationships with relevant government bodies, donors, I/NGOs and Save the Children International members.
• Represent the SC Fiji at all levels (excluding media) and advocate Save the Children’s position and learnings to influence policy and practice of government, donors, I/NGOs and other civil society organisations.
• Ensure that all organisational policies are being followed by the program staff. This is inclusive of the Vehicle Use Policy, Per Diem Policy, Child Protection Policy, Financial Procedures Policy and Employee Terms and Conditions.
• Ensure that project budget variance reports are being tracked regularly including proper management of project over and underspends.
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15 July 2015- 15 July 2016
Adolescent Development and HIV and AIDS Specialist United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) Indonesia
Key responsibilities:
• Timely sectoral analysis, input, support and collaboration to the Situation Analysis, with consistent integration of sex-disaggregated data, and its periodic update made for effective project planning, development and management for HIV/AIDS and Adolescents programme at the field office level and within the UN Joint Programme for the Highlands.
• Knowledge management effectively promoted through drafting/finalizing key HIV/AIDS and Adolescents sectoral programme documents and reports, sharing good practice, lessons learned, and knowledge/information exchange, especially the sharing of good practices in the field office
• Quality of rights-based HIV/AIDS and Adolescents programmes effectively promoted, and coherence, synergy and value added to project management process through results-based management.
• Sectoral work plan and activities formulated, implemented and monitored, ensuring alignment with the defined project strategies and approaches and integration with gender mainstreaming across sectors within the Education and Adolescent Development Cluster in the Field Office.
• Project delivery, evaluation and reporting carried out efficiently, rigorously and transparently in compliance with the established guidelines and procedures.
• UNICEF’s global goals effectively promoted through advocacy and policy dialogue in the Adolescents and HIV/AIDS sector, focusing on the contributions of gender equality in achieving these goals at the field office level.
• Proper and timely UNICEF and Government accountability ensured regarding supply and non-supply assistance as well as disbursement of programme funds for the HIV/AIDS and Adolescents programme.
• Effective communication and networking achieved through partnership and collaboration, sharing UNICEF’s position on gender equality as useful. 12 May 2009- 12 March 2015
Adolescent Development and HIV and AIDS Program Officer United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) Pacific
Key responsibilities:
• Support governments of Pacific Island countries to develop plans to strengthen the Reproductive Health and HIV & AIDS response within their respective countries.
• Develop supportive policies, guidelines and standards to advance services for adolescents and young people.
• Support governments to have most recent data on reproductive health and HIV & AIDS that can guide their national response by planning and implementing surveillance surveys.
• Strengthen routine monitoring of programmes by developing monitoring tools and systems for government and civil society partners.
• Provide technical guidance to partners on proposal writing, design of programmes, life- skills based family life education, peer education initiatives and youth friendly health services.
• Support governments, civil society, community and faith-based organization’s to have and use sound strategic communication initiatives to be able to influence behavior change amongst youth so that their risks and vulnerabilities to sexual and reproductive health issues including STIs and HIV & AIDS is reduced. 7
• Sharpen focus on young key affected populations i.e. those who due to their background, and social and economic status are more at risk and vulnerable to STIs, HIV & AIDS.
• Support the re-establishment and strengthening of the HIV Global Fund Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) for Fiji and Solomon Islands.
• Create and maintain partnerships across sectors and with partners at various levels for example, within UN, with regional partners and national partners’ incountry.
• Provide regular monitoring updates and progress reports to Chief of the UNICEF Pacific HIV & AIDS Programme and with other programme colleagues.
• Draft updates and progress reports for sharing at regional level meetings (AIDS Team meetings)
• Develop funding concept notes and proposals.
• Prepare donor reports.
• Develop training curriculums and manuals to address adolescent sexual and reproductive health and HIV.
• Document HIV & AIDS Programme interventions and dissemination of results to partners.
• Lead design and dissemination of key HIV & AIDS documents.
• Generate HIV & AIDS content for social media
12 March 2008- 12 May 2009
Program Assistant
United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) Pacific
Key responsibilities:
• Carry out all programme related financial transactions in the Program Management System of UNICEF
• Support programme partners to draft request for funds and liquidate funds once activities had been completed in a timely manner
• Prepare and present regular financial updates to programme team
• Support programme officers, specialists and Chief of the HIV & AIDS program to carry out daily programmatic functions.
• Coordinate section administration and logistics for workshops and meetings.
• Draft correspondence to programme partners and donors 28 February 2006- 11 March 2008
Program Officer, Child and Adolescent Development
Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS)
Key responsibilities:
• Implement CDO (Capacity Development Organisation) project activities in close consultation with the relevant stakeholders.
• Assess proposals under the Pacific Regional HIV & AIDS Project (PRHP) National AIDS Committee (NAC) grant scheme and assess and put through recommendations to the NAC committee for approvals.
• Coordinate and facilitate project design and management workshops and monitoring and evaluation workshops in under the PRHP/CDO programme in close consultation with the Project Coordinator.
• Coordinate and facilitate the smooth running of all NAC grant projects approved under the PRHP /CDO Project.
• Coordinate and facilitate all national workshops under the CDO yearly work plan in close consultation with the Project Coordinator.
• Coordinate and participate in all PRHP/CDO/NAC reviews, meetings and workshops.
• Monitor and assist all NAC grant projects funded to date. 8
• Monitoring and evaluating the sustainability of HIV Programmes in communities and its impact through collection of Most Significant Change stories.
• Assist in the preparation of all NAC Grant financial and narrative reports and report to PRHP.
• Integrate programmes on HIV & AIDS in programmes such as Child Care, HelpAge & Promoting Adolescent Life Management (PALM) programmes.
• Prepare CDO Quarterly narrative reports to PRHP and Draft donor proposals for funding
References
Ms Lorraine Reiher
Save the Children Fiji Board Chair
Phone: +679*******
Email: ********@*****.***
Ms Iris Low
Former Supervisor and CEO
Save the Children Fiji
Phone: +679*******
Email: *******@*****.***
Dr Annefrida Kisesa Mkusa
Former Supervisor at United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) Phone: +234(0)803-***-****
Email: *******@******.***
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