Head of Programs at The Institute For Social Accountability

ROLE PURPOSE

• The Head of Programs leads, develops, and manages the entire program team at TISA. The role holder is responsible for operational management, which includes program development, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and reporting while ensuring performance and quality delivery in line with the TISA strategic framework. Additionally, the role is responsible for strategic planning and resource mobilization. The role also supports the National Coordinator in building and maintaining strategic partnerships and representing TISA among various constituencies.
• The position is responsible for providing leadership in the design, development, effective implementation and management of TISA’s strategies and programmes that are responsive to the organization’s vision, objectives and interventions. The individual also leads advocacy, research and studies, resource mobilization (with a drive towards stability and sustainability), building partnerships and networks, grants management, compliance, and reporting. Lastly, the individual is responsible for program performance and quality, effectively monitoring and evaluating program activities and ensuring programmes provide capacity building, learning and sharing.
• A member of the senior management team. The individual supports the National Coordinator in overall leadership and day-to-daymanagement of the organization, building and maintaining strategic partnerships and ensuring effective representation of TISA among various constituencies.

Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership and Strategic Management

• Lead, coordinate and provide oversight in the implementation of TISA’s strategic plan.
• Spearhead development and oversee implementation of programs and projects activities ensuring vision, mission, values, thematic areas and approaches are incorporated andpracticed.
• Facilitate development and implementation of internal protocol, standards, policies and procedures that support programme work.
• Designated Deputy to the National Coordinator; has delegated authority to support leadership and management at TISA, including supervision, coaching, mentoring, and motivation of management organs and staff.

Program Development, Implementation and Management

• Lead and support program teams in developing results-based program and management, monthly budgets, implementation and work plans, targets, activities, performance measures and reporting, and ensure delivery of desired results.
• Ensure program strategies incorporate thematic areas, Public Accountability, and Inclusive People Economies, and program activities respond to TISA’S program focus areas.
• Coordinate the implementation of programme/project work plans and track program/project progress and results to ensure effective delivery.
• Ensure TISA participates and in its input recognised in advocacy, lobbying and policy influencing forums with like-minded actors.
• Interpret government laws, policies, global standards and guidelines and incorporate into TISA’s approaches and thematic areas of focus.
• Ensure TISA’s participation in advocacy, lobbying and policy influencing forums with likeminded actors.
• Ensure effective grants making and grant management at TISA.
• Ensure proper management and use of resources allocated for Program.
• Ensure reports (monthly/quarterly/management/donor/statutory) are prepared and submitted to relevant organs and parties as per requirements and agreements.
• Support and guide program team in identifying, researching and developing new and more effective program areas, approaches, concepts and proposals.
• Oversee and coordinate program team in timely preparation and submission of accurate reports.
• Handle and coordinate response to donor queries and concerns in a timely manner.

Fundraising and Resource Mobilization

• Raise TISA’s funding portfolio by developing and managing resource mobilization and fundraising strategy.
• Lead and manage fundraising and resource mobilization initiatives for the organization; donor database, donor scoping, proposal writing, concept papers, pitching, donor round table meetings, donor communication and updates among others.
• Proactively scout for new funding streams, and support preparation and submission of concept papers, proposals and bids, in liaison with respective departments.
• Ensure that programs and projects secure adequate funding and work towards the organization’s stability and sustainability in resources.

Financial Management

• As the budget holder for programs, responsible for financial performance of the Program team and ensures development and implementation of annual budgets and management of monthly budget execution, monitoring, control and reporting.
• Work with Program team to ensure budgets are spent according to requirements and within the appropriate timeframe in line with TISA financial policy and donor agreements.
• Monitor the spending of the designated program portfolios to ensure they align with TISA and donor guidelines for financial accounting and reporting practices.
• Work closely with Finance team to ensure proper use of resources and compliance to reporting as per internal policies, statutory requirements and donor agreements.
• Ensure effective management of grants and donor funds as per agreements and requirements.

Visibility, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning

• Raise the profile of TISA work by supporting production and dissemination of appropriate information materials (e.g., publications, policy briefings) in conjunction with TISA's communications team.
• Ensure development and use of monitoring systems to enhance program results.
• Ensure existence of appropriate database systems and frameworks to support monitoring and evaluation.
• Provide oversight on baselines, studies, surveys, assessments, evaluations and monitoring activities.
• Ensure implementation of MEL findings and recommendations to improve program work.
• Ensure documentation and dissemination of appropriate case studies, experiences, best practices and lessons to promote TISA programs.

Compliance and Quality Assurance

• Ensure compliance with terms and conditions of any agreements and contracts entered into with donors and partners.
• Ensure compliance with reporting requirements as per internal and statutory requirements and donor agreements.
• Provide quality checks in reporting, reports and documentation.
• Ensure all programs and projects are designed and implemented to the highest standards possible and in line with TISA’s values, ethics, strategy, policies and guidelines, standards and protocols.
• Encourage sharing of learning and experience in the organization and with partners and stakeholders.

Relationship Management

• Build and maintain productive relationships with strategic stakeholders; target beneficiaries, local communities, partners, peers and other civil society organizations, donors, local and national government officials, elected leaders, government departments and agencies, NGOs, private sector organizations and foundations.
• Represent TISA at relevant meetings and forums to facilitate and ensure cooperation and partnerships.
• Ensure TISA is represented and actively participates in relevant forums to TISA’s mandate and networks and seek avenues for showcasing and sharing the organization’s work.
• Develop and maintain a network of peers and professional contacts for exchange of ideas and information.
• Ensure good public relations, and maintain gainful networks and collaboration with donors, partners, collaborators and other like-minded organizations.

People Management

• Provide leadership, management and effective supervision of program team.
• Ensure adequate staffing in programs and effective human resource management for the department.
• Support recruitment, selection, placement and onboarding of staff.
• Support Program Officers in managing external consultants, as required, including compliance with the contract and timely delivery of TORs.
• Develop and nurture committed and highly motivated staff who identify with TISA values and principles and promote team cohesion and staff wellness programs.

PERSON SPECIFICATIONS

• A Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Political Science, Law, Economics, International Trade, Public Policy, Public Finance, Governance or a related humanities field.
• Proven experience in managing program teams, fundraising, advocacy, and operational management in a way that inspires people to deliver.
• Strong leadership and management skills.
• Demonstrate knowledge and command of key macroeconomic and public finance management issues as well as devolution in Kenya
• Sound knowledge of Human Rights, Public Finance, International Trade Justice, Social Accountability, Governance, Feminism and Inclusion Mainstreaming.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

• A minimum of eight (8) years of relevant experience in a reputed organization, preferably in the NGO sector, three (3) years of which should be in senior management positions.
• Experience in designing, setting up and coordinating monitoring, evaluation and impact assessment systems and processes of a program is required.
• Experience managing funding from diverse sources, including governments, aid agencies, and private sector donors.
• Proven experience working with government agencies and research institutions.
• Experience working with informal traders and small-scale farmers through an intersectional lens will be an added advantage.
• Proven knowledge in designing and implementing empowering citizen-led initiatives andmovements.
• Knowledge of systems change approach.
• In-depth understanding of a human rights-based approach to development and programming issues and policy work at the state, national, and international levels.
• Sound and up-to-date knowledge of social accountability and participatory governance development concepts, methodologies, and techniques, including a demonstrated understanding of gender and inclusion approaches in development and a demonstrable commitment to promoting gender equality within the organisation and in programme work.
• Knowledge of the devolved system of government and the public finance infrastructure in Kenya
• Sound knowledge of the political, social, economic and historical environment in which TISA’s programs on public accountability and inclusive people’s economies are operating at both national and community levels
• Good understanding of the project cycle management
• Excellent understanding of development partnerships, fund-raising, donor strategies, governmental and international relations in the country
• Basic knowledge of finance and accounting systems in Kenya
• Strong knowledge of learning, monitoring and evaluation approaches

REQUIRED SKILL

• Leadership and Strategic Management
• Excellent Communications, Negotiation and Influencing,
• Lobbying and Advocacy, Fundraising and Resource Mobilization
• Networking, Influencing and
• Interpersonal Skills
• Training and Capacity Building
• Planning, Organization Development, Team
• Management,
• Adaptive To Change
• Supportive & Collaborative