Executive Director at Kakenya’s Dream

Job Description

Reports to: President/Founder

Type of contract: One year renewable contract

Location: Although this position is based in Nairobi, it is expected that during the first two months, you will need to spend approximately 50% of your time in Enoosaen to build relationships with the board, staff, and community leaders. After that, you will be expected to spend 15-25% of your time each month in Enoosaen depending on monthly needs/events.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

The primary responsibility of the Executive Director is to lead the successful high-level execution of the strategic plan, manage the staff in Nairobi (2) and Enoosaen (7), oversee two separate campuses, and serve as the chief in-country fundraiser. This position reports to the President based in the US.

• Program Leadership and Management:
  • Develop and implement annual and long-term plans in consultation with the President.
  • Oversee and manage the program and administrative staff in the Nairobi and Enoosaen offices (currently 9 full-time employees).
  • Articulate the vision and mission of KD to stakeholders, staff, partnering organizations and the larger Narok County.
  • Maintain sound relationships with donors, the community, the Kenya Government and interest groups.
  • Develop new initiatives to support the strategic direction of the organization.
  • Develop and implement long-term goals and objectives to achieve the successful outcome of programs.
  • Ensure that programs activities operate within the policies and procedures of the organization.
• Fundraising:
  • Research, cultivate, solicit and develop a portfolio of corporate donors, including in-kind donations to support the expanding of our facilities and programs.
  • Serve as the lead representative when donors visit our schools or programs.
• Program Quality:
  • Ensure that the programs operate within the approved budget.
  • Monitor cash flow projections and report actual cash flow and variance to the COO on a regular basis (monthly/bimonthly).
  • Manage all project funds according to established accounting policies and procedures.
  • Ensure each designated project has a clear plan for execution. Ensure each Program Officer is able to fully understand the outcomes of the project and the targets needed to be achieved.
  • Lead regular planning and reflection sessions with the relevant Program Officers to ensure best practice are being followed and that adjustments are being made based on monitoring and evaluating the results of the programs and stated goals.
  • Human Resources:
  • Establish and implement a performance management process for all program staff, ensuring that each member of staff has yearly goals that tie into the strategic plan for the organization.
  • Ensure that all program staff receive an appropriate orientation to the organization and the programs.
  • Supervise and evaluate program staff by providing direction, input and feedback.
  • Communicate with clients and other stakeholders to gain community support for the program and to solicit input to improve the program.
• Financial Management:
  • Oversee creation and management of the annual operating budget and all required financial reporting.
  • Ensure that financial management is in accordance with legal requirements and generally accepted accounting principles.
• Board Management:
  • Serve as the primary staff liaison for the Nairobi board. Includes conducting quarterly meetings and additional conference calls as needed, developing agendas, supporting documents, and meeting notes.
  • Oversee the program manager’s management of the Enoosaen board.
• Monitoring and Evaluation:
  • Ensure information regarding program activities and beneficiaries is regularly captured, stored and analyzed, and communicated with the board and US office.
  • Ensure technical deliverables and monitoring and evaluation plans are designed, agreed and match individual project requirements and ensure all project information and benchmarks are achieved.
  • With program staff, ensure that monthly, quarterly and annual program statistics are compiled, analyzed, and used for both documentation and also program learning.
• Coordination and Representation:
  • Participate in relevant NGO activities and develop relationships with like-minded executive directors of similarly focused NGOs.
  • Raise the profile, brand, and visibility of KD in the county and country as a whole.
  • Attend and represent the organization at community forums and meetings.
  • Identifying opportunities for new engagement of stakeholders.
  • Support the maximum visibility of the organization within the community.
  • Track the activities of similar types of organizations.

Other duties as assigned:

This position will require occasional work on the weekends during relevant events, and early morning or later evening calls with the US. Depending on programming and needs, the position may also require international travel once a year.

Minimum requirements

• Degree in Project Management, Social Sciences or related fields.
• At least 3 years working experience in leadership position with responsibilities for overseeing project planning and management, resource mobilization and reporting.
• Must have knowledge and experience in developing systematic collaborative partnerships with key stakeholders.