Chief Executive Offficer at Youth Agenda (YAA)

JOB DESCRIPTION

Contractual Details

Start Date:        1st July 2018

Salary:               Ksh 3,600,000- 5,200,000 annually and other benefits

The Youth Agenda, Kenya’s premier governance and development youth organisation is seeking a Chief Executive Officer who is under 35 years, and is an ambitious, creative, analytical and versatile professional committed to championing youth agenda. The successful candidate will be responsible for the following;

Job Summary  

To provide strategic leadership and direction in the management and implementation of all operational, administrative and financial functions of the Youth Agenda (YAA).

Duties and Responsibilities

1.    Strategic and Leadership Roles:

• Strategic Direction - In collaboration with the Board, provide leadership and strategic evolution and orientation of the organisation and the membership. Provide the vision and leadership to the strategic day-to-day program implementation of organization objectives.
• Strategy Development and Implementation- Responsible for implementation of the organisation Theory of Change Strategy, programmes and projects as well as guiding and supervising the development of strategy, strategic plans and proposals for specific programmes. 
• Strategic Partnerships and Networks – Identify, pursue, establish and develop collegial, fiscal, and partnership relations with like-minded organizations and individuals, both locally and internationally.  
• Board Secretary – The CEO is the secretary to the board, taking instructions from the board and is the interface between the Board and staff.
• Periodic and timely conferring with the Board on all major decisions that the YAA has to take.
• Monitoring and Evaluation- Travelling as needed, to provide oversight, assistance and evaluation of YAA‘s field projects
• Policy and System Management -Identifying and recommending to the Board, new opportunities, systems, procedures and processes as well as improvements in operations.  
• External Relations and Advocacy - Influencing, through advocacy and other means, the response of stakeholders (county leaders, donors, government, CSOs) to youth issues in county
• Response to emerging National Youth Issues -- Guides  the organization in responding to emerging youth  issues in Kenya or of interest to Kenya.

2. Operational and Financial Management roles:

• Budgeting, fundraising and maintaining adequate funding levels for effective implementation of the organization‘s strategic plan, programmes and projects
• Effective planning, allocation and control of the organization‘s financial resources in meeting the mandate and strategic objectives of the organization
• Oversee the preparation of financial reports in line with donors funding requirements and protocol
• Oversee sound organizational financial structure and ensure that all accounting and finance operations, functions and reporting processes conform to donor standards.
• Overseeing effective financial and programmatic audits according to laid down organizational, donor requirements and the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
• Ensuring total compliance with local regulations in respect of financial and related matters including taxation, labour laws, auditor‘s recommendations and other statutory requirements.
• In charge of all major procurements and management of organization assets, inventory and services implementing operational improvements as may be directed by the Board from time to time. Financial probity in management of all YAA assets for organisational gain.

3. Human Resources Management and other Administrative roles:

• Ensuring implementation and review of staff contracts and job description
• Supervising key management staff to ensure that all programmes, projects and operations run efficiently and effectively.  
• Reporting regularly to the board, providing timely updates of all situational and project developments
• Designing and implementing continuous staff capacity building programmes
• Assisting the Board in identifying talent and charting career paths for staff so as to ensure that YAA maintains a quality human resource supply pool
• Conducting regular effective management staff performance evaluations and ensure the implementation of the same for other staff cadres
• Conducting and chairing regular staff meetings and consultations in order to instil discipline and teamwork among staff.  
• Scheduling regular Board meetings and accounting to the board on organization activity and financial status  
• External and Internal Communications-collaborate and lead in effecting positive communication within and among all affiliate organizations, structures, programs, partners, and with member organisations
• Performing any other duties as assigned by the board so as to effectively and efficiently manage the organization.

Critical Technical Skills and Competencies

• Significant experience in working and leading youth programs/Organisations and an understanding of relevant current youth issues
• Demonstrable understanding of and commitment to youth programs.
• Deep interest in governance and socio-economic development of the youth in Kenya and beyond.
• Significant experience in resource mobilisation from income generation activities, private sector and donors
• Good understanding of fundamental financial, human resources and administrative policies and procedures and/or proven record of effective management of people and resources, including planning and organizational skills
• Strong report writing and editing, presentation and programme development skills
• Strong analytical and strategic planning skills
• Excellent negotiation and advocacy skills
• Strong representational skills and experience of bringing about demonstrable change through external networking.
• Sensitivity to cultural differences, and the ability to work in a wide variety of cultural contexts Proficiency in computer skills (Linux and other Open source applications as well as in Word, PowerPoint and Excel etc)

Other desirable skills and aptitudes

• High capacity to network at various levels including good networks with the donor community
• Good teamwork and leadership skills, interpersonal, communication and multi-cultural skills
• Good personal organization skills, accuracy and attention to detail required
• Highly effective multi-tasking skills, with ability to coordinate, prioritize, and organize workload, meet deadlines and work under pressure
• Capacity to take initiative, demonstrate good judgement and work under minimal or no supervision

Education

• Minimum of first degree in relevant fields such as law, political science, social sciences, commerce or business administration etc
• Postgraduate qualifications in relevant field is an added advantage

 Languages

• Excellent command of both written and spoken English is mandatory
• Fluency in Kiswahili language is an added advantage

Work experience

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in programme/project design, planning and management in a non­-profit organization or private sector organization in a multi-cultural environment;
• Demonstrable experience in leading teams and managing projects.
• Experience in implementing financial control systems in a busy non-profit organization is desirable
• Previous work in youth organizations, youth serving organizations or related field is an added advantage.
• Excellent communication skills demonstrable through print or digital media.
• Proficient computer literacy skills