Regional Director at International Potato Center

The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking a highly motivated Regional Director to provide strategic direction and implementation of CIP’s research and/for development portfolio of country led projects in the region.

About the role

This position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya and will report to the Director General. The successful candidate will lead the regional strategy planning, while ensure CIP Country leadership is delivering quality research projects on time and within budget. The Regional Director will be responsible for overall regional project implementation, donor/government relations, communications, financial deliverables, strategic partnering, and resource mobilization. S/he will act as the CIP spokesperson in the region to represent CIP with local media, partners, governments and funders.

Key responsibilities:

• Strategic Planning and Regional Management: Lead the creation and implementation of regional strategy in coordination with key leaders at CIP; Ensure quality project implementation though compressive country-specific reviews of project portfolios, cross learning opportunities, and lessons learned; Lead and manage the regional strategic alliance and partnerships.
• Fundraising and representation: Develop and drive forward fundraising plans for the region, according to the program business plans, trends and needs; Pursue strategic alliances with collaborative partners to develop CIP as a partner of choice for major local and international donors; Maintain a high level of understanding of donor priorities, country plans and planned funding initiatives; Represent CIP at the regional and country level with donor, and partners in order to support CIP’s institutional interest; Informs and supports communications and marketing at the regional level; Participate in proposal development when relevant.
• Financial and Operational Management: Lead the execution of CIP’s operations in the region; Monitor country level projects including annual and multi-year budgets and forecasts; Ensure the implementation and monitoring of financial and operational policy and procedures at the country and regional level; Report to headquarters about the financial state of the country and regional offices; Accountable for compliance according to the donor agreement and delegation of authority assigned to this position.
• Safety, Security and Risk Management: Oversee the implementation of the regional security guidelines and security management plan; Implement the H&S policy at the regional level and the compliance at the country level; Support Country Leaders in preparing and managing risks to guarantee proper CIP operations.
• People Management: Lead CIP efforts to recruit, manage and develop high performing regional and country based staff; Develop a positive work environment for all staff across the region; Manage and coach the country managers to ensure the effective talent management processes, contribute to their performance reviews and identify succession and development plans.

What we are looking for?

• Advance degree (PhD or Master) in Administration or science discipline.
• From 12 years of working experience, with at least 5 years working as a Regional Director/ Country Manager in a development or international organization, preferably in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Extensive management or leadership experience, preferably leading high-level scientific talent, to enable the creation of appropriate regional strategies.
• Proven expertise of leading large funding initiatives and manage large/complex proposals in region.
• Solid financial management skills and metrics-based management accountability expertise.
• Demonstrated people management and team building skills.
• Proactive approach, with ability to find creative ways to solve problems or exploit potentials.
• Superb written and oral communication skills in English.

 What are we offering?

• Great career opportunity in an international organization.
• Salary will be internationally competitive, paid in US dollars, and commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive international insurance coverage.
• Attractive retirement plan.
• Three-year term contract with the possibility of renewal.
• Work in an equal and diverse workplace.