Strategic Plan 2009-2011

29-30th October 2008

Management and Governance

“GeSCI’s corporate structures and management

arrangements were appropriate for its start-up phase, but are

unlikely to meet future needs... It is now time to revisit the

corporate structure and management processes as current

structures and processes are inadequate for GeSCI’s current

stage of development.”

Donor Evaluation – April 2008

Corporate and Legal Structure

Responsible for: Strategic direction and management control Donor relationships and administration of funding Management of Global and non-African activities Partnerships with global organisations and programmes Any country programmes or direct activities outside of

Africa. Specialist activities and GeSCI programme support Management of Finance & Operations Strategic direction and governance for GeSCI Kenya

Responsible for: All African programmes and projects including Country

Programmes, AKE and other Regional Programmes Where appropriate and in close coordination with GeSCI

(Ireland), receipt and management of donor funds for specifically designated projects in Africa

Ireland

Kenya

GeSCI

GeSCI’s Current Governance Structure

Board of Directors

CEO

Management& Staff

Members

Donor Advisory Group

Advisory Council

Corporate Governance

GeSCI is committed to reviewing and developing its governance structure further to ensure that it is fully compliant with its legal responsibilities, that it meets the requirements of its members and donors and that it reflects NGO best practice. 

In doing so, GeSCI will consult with all the key stakeholders and will prepare a Governance Proposal for their consideration and approval.   That proposal will include recommendations on:

Expanding the Board of Directors for GeSCI (Ireland) Formalising reporting by management to the Board Increasing the frequency of Directors’ meetings Establishing sub-committees in areas such as finance, audit and remuneration. Consideration of the Members of the company and the requirements of donors, and

clarification of the roles and responsibilities of the Advisory Council and the Donor Advisory Group 

GeSCI management will also further develop and implement formal governance structures for GeSCI Kenya, consistent with and harmonised with the structures for Irish headquarters.

Management and Organisation

CEO

Reg. Programme Manager (Africa)

Country programmes (Ruanda, Namibia, etc)

Office management and operations (Director of GeSCI INGO in Kenya)

African regional projects (AKE, advise,

consultation etc, )

Manager of Finances and Operations

Financial Management and Administration

Human Resource Management

Company operations and Corporate policies

Manager of Global Partnerships and Knowledge support

(Vacant)

Communication and Knowledge

Management

Thematic Areas Linked to Research and

Knowledge Tools development

Global partnerships and Advocacy

Asia and Latin America Regional partnerships

Programme Management

GeSCI’s management aim to manage resources effectively and efficiently ensuring relevance, a focus on results and sustainability of its work:

Planning and implementation of the programmes Logical Framework Approach (LFA)

Monitoring and reporting Monthly programme progress reports Quarterly financial statements Quarterly Donor and Advisory Council updates Annual Report

Assessment and evaluation of the programmes Situation Analysis/ baseline prior to country engagement Quarterly management reviews Programme Mid-Term review Self-assessment and internal programme evaluation prior to transition External independent evaluation of programmes

Financial Management

 External Reporting (AGM, Advisory Council, Donors) Reporting expenditure by programme Best practice – implementation of the Charities SORP  

Internal financial reporting Financial management to be aligned to activities (programmes and

projects) Each programme/project manager having budget responsibility Monitor performance against budget on a quarterly basis

Internal control environment GeSCI will continuously review and develop its internal control

processes and procedures to ensure that the assets and resources of the organisation are safeguarded and are used efficiently to further the objectives of the organisation.

Human Resources Management

GeSCI recognises that its greatest asset is its people.  In developing the organisation, GeSCI will:

Adopt a flexible staffing structure with a small core staff; with recruitment of other staff for the duration of specific long-term programmes; and with the sourcing of additional expertise (consultants, secondments from strategic partners) for short term programmes.  

Retain skilled, experienced and knowledgeable staff.

Establish clear processes and guidelines so that staff are treated in a fair and transparent manner across the organisation and particularly across different countries of operation.

Ensure that staff policies are consistent and reasonable when compared to other NGOs and organisations of a similar size.

Adhere to the legal requirements of all the countries in which it operates.