Job Description
The Country Director will report to the Africa Regional Director. He/She provides overall leadership and strategic direction for Kenya Country Program/Office, supervise direct reporting staff, lead in the management of Country Office Resources, oversee implementation of planned Country Office programs/projects in line with IIRR’s global strategy, fundraise to secure long term commitments with on-going/new funding partners and lead in efforts to respond to Requests for Applications (RFA), Calls for Proposals/Concepts, and other funding opportunities, and hence must have strong and competitive project design and proposals development skills. He/She will provide the link with the Africa Region and Headquarters (President/Board) and external donors and also establish and maintain collaborative relationships with host country government, other non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and representatives of bilateral and multilateral donors.
Key responsibilities
Provide daily management of the country program and supervise direct reporting staff, to optimize the quality and efficiency of their output, and to maintain a high degree of satisfaction with their jobs and professional development.
Oversee the development of a Multi-Year Strategic Plan, including resource diversification strategies to establish a coherent and realistic strategic direction (i.e., goals and process) for the Country Office.
Review and approve the final draft of operational plans, as well as concept papers and subsequent technical and cost proposals for individual projects.
Oversee Country Office efforts to secure institutional funding and also in-country funding partners from local individuals, businesses, governments, and other partners.
Develop a strategic funding plan in concert with IIRR Africa Region and Headquarters. Track funding opportunities with local representatives of funding agencies (e.g.: USAID, European Union, UKAID, Embassies, Foundations, etc.), and build these relationships as well as relationships with NGOs to form partnerships/consortiums for fundraising purposes.
Develop projects, secure funding for them and oversee the implementation of projects to ensure fundamental change that has a sustainable impact for the participants.
Visit project sites to assess the quality of projects and mentor staff and participants to ascertain progress and constraints and implement corrective measures.
Review and approve key project reports for timeliness and accuracy, and review project progress against the appropriate plans, and discuss needed responses with all interested parties.
Review project expenditures to ensure compliance with budget parameters, as well as monitor all data collected by project sectors to evaluate impact.
Oversee management of the financial resources entrusted to the Country Office by the donors, and resource allocation, to ensure that the donors’ and IIRR’s standards of accountability are met.
Review and monitor the Country Office annual budget approved by the board and all financial reports and significant transactions. Guarantee continuous flow of financial resources, and diversify funding base.
Establish and maintain relationships with host-country government and other NGOs and representatives of bilateral and multilateral international donors to secure cooperation and financial support. Monitor adherence/compliance and negotiate changes to basic country agreements.
Willingly participate in official networks and collaborative partnership meetings/functions and carry out public relations fundraising activities.
Maintain professional relationships with IIRR’s international partners, donor governments, embassies, etc.) to promote support for projects in Kenya to farther IIRR’s interests.
Maintain an up-to-date emergency preparedness plan as part of a multi-year strategic plan, to ensure timely evacuation and mitigation of harm to IIRR personnel and property.
Prepare and submit to Headquarters and the Africa Region risk assessment and management, financial, and grant pipeline reports quarterly.
Ensure staff capacity is strong enough to fulfill IIRR’s mission/vision in Kenya to achieve desired goals and other deliverables.
Conduct employee performance evaluations, monitor performance and provide performance feedback and coaching as needed.
Continuously promote accountability and ensure compliance with IIRR requirements.
Recruit and select senior national staff, and review all compensation packages to ensure competitiveness.
Assess Country Office training needs and solutions, as well as evaluate and update country office personnel policies as needed.
Ensure growth of IIRR business of capacity building to communities and their development partners through advertised or customized training opportunities in integrated community development.
May perform other job-related responsibilities as assigned.
Minimum requirements
Master’s degree in international development, agriculture-related field, social development, business administration, education, or a related field, plus five (5) years of related experience, particularly with leading and managing development programs in Kenya.
Fluency in speaking and writing English and proficiency in Swahili will be an added advantage.
Experience and commitment in gender equity, empowerment of vulnerable populations and education programming for marginalized and pastoral communities will be an added advantage
Most critical proficiencies
Strong budget development, management, and monitoring capacity.
Experience in and knowledge of project planning, monitoring, and evaluation.
Proven experience in partnership management and resource mobilization.
Skilled in designing community-led development projects.
Proven team leadership and supervisory skills with the ability to train and work cooperatively with diverse communities and staff, including field staff in several fragile environments/locations.
Experience with the NGO/PVO approach, and knowledge of global sustainable development essential.
Computer-proficient in word processing, spreadsheets, presentation tools, electronic mail software, and knowledge of accounting software.
Knowledge of human resource policies and procedures.
Knowledge of and compliance with local labor laws and practices in Kenya.
Strong organizational skills.
Essential job functions and physical demands
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively.
Preparing and presenting reports in a well-designed and attractive format with superior attention to detail.
Working independently with minimal supervision, including working outside of normal business hours.
Strong commitment to gender equity and the empowerment of vulnerable populations.
Demonstrated ability to use participatory management skills with junior and senior headquarters and field staff.
Proven interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to relate to individuals and groups diplomatically and tactfully.
Constant face-to-face, telephone and electronic communication with colleagues, domestic and international government officials, and the general public.
Demonstrated ability to work with headquarters leadership bodies; President and advisory or and governing boards.
Willingness to travel extensively, both within and outside of Kenya.
Working with sensitive information and maintaining confidentiality
go to method of application »
