Project Director at Catholic Relief

Job Summary:

This position will provide overall leadership in the technical, budget management, monitoring and reporting activities, relationships with partners (government, local implementing, other NGOs, faith leaders) and other project stakeholders to assist the achievement of the CTWWC objectives throughout implementation and close-out, in line with CRS program quality principles and standards, donor requirements, and good practices. Your project management skills and knowledge of the program area will ensure that the CP delivers high-quality programming and continuously works towards improving the impact of this project. This position also sits on the CTWWC initiative senior management team, with leaders from other countries and the senior leadership team of the initiative. As a global initiative, the Project Director is expected to engage beyond the country borders and to bring strategies and experience from Kenya into regional and global work and vice versa.

Specific Responsibilities:

1. Lead implementation of the initiative ensuring that the project execution is in line with the project’s vision-care reform- and donor-approved work plan, as well as the Government of Kenya National Care Reform Strategy; that project plans are effectively implemented and aligned with CRS agency and country program policies and procedures; set and monitor appropriate performance targets and that project objectives and results are fully accomplished and meet expected technical quality standards.
2. Engage the local implementing partners, as appropriate, during key stages in the project cycle to ensure that their insights and experiences inform approaches and interventions and to support program quality.
3. Ensure key changes in program direction and focus areas are done in close coordination and consultation with the Department of Children Services (DCS, CRS Kenya Head of Programs, and CTWWC technical and MEAL leadership.
4. Ensure the CTWWC Kenya team understands the initiative ethos, principles, vision and strategies of the global initiative and help to make sure programming is implemented at high quality.
5. In collaboration with the senior technical advisors and other project staff, provide guidance and technical oversight to six local implementing partners, government entities, and other collaborating agencies and stakeholders to ensure that objectives are achieved.
6. Work with the senior MEAL offer to ensure delivery of CTWWC MEAL component, including required donor project narrative reports, quarterly performance data, learning activities and products, advocacy materials, peer reviewed journal articles as well as other reports needed/required by the local government, donors, the region or headquarters. Ensure reporting timelines and donor guidelines are respected.
7. Oversee the identification, documentation and dissemination of project learning and results in various forums, including media stories, lessons learned, case studies, etc., and support learning exchanges among the donor community, GoK entities, and other programs both within and outside of Kenya aligned to learning plans and influence strategies. Work closely with the East and Southern Africa Regional Advisor for Advocacy and ILE director to ensure the flow of Kenya demonstration into regional and global influence.
8. Forge and manage dynamic partnerships with the GoK, local implementing partners, civil society partners including faith-based organizations and leaders, academic institutions, UN agencies, and the donor community in Kenya and externally. Act as primary program contact to DCS, NCCS, and other local and international stakeholders responsible for addressing all project matters
9. Oversee the project’s financial management, as per the project budget, including review and analysis of monthly budget comparison reports, preparation of quarterly forecasts, local partner grant management, and timely submission of annual expenditure analysis reports. Experience managing multi-donor funding streams a plus.
10. Provide leadership and strategic direction to initiative fundraising efforts in Kenya, including identifying new strategic directions, donors, and overseeing proposal development.
11. Ensure staff and project compliance with all CRS administrative, safeguarding, MEAL, operational, and financial procedures and policies, as well as applicable to the donor regulations.
12. Ensure that staff and partners understand the importance of engaging participation of those with lived experience of care, and champion the initiative as a leader in people with lived experience participation in Kenya.
13. Effectively manage talent and supervise the CTWWC team in line with CRS’ values, principles and commitment to Respect, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (REDI). Manage team dynamics and staff well-being. Provide coaching, strategically tailor individual development plans, contribute to the recruitment process of project staff and consultants, and complete performance management for direct reports. Provide support to project implementing partners as needed on project-related recruitment.
14. Serve as a member of the CTWWC Global Senior Management Team and represent the CTWWC Kenya team in key meetings and strategic discussions and decisions.

Personal Skills

1. Critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills with ability to make sound judgment.
2. Strong relationship management skills and the ability to work effectively with local stakeholders. Strong writing skills in professional English, level of proficiency should allow the candidate to serve as primary author of high-quality written reports to donors with minimal revision.
3. Proactive, results-oriented, and service-oriented.
4. Attention to details, accuracy and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities with minimal supervision.
5. Demonstrated commitment to respect, equity, diversity and inclusion including gender equality.
6. Supervisory Responsibilities: Inclusive Family Strengthening Program Manager, Case Management and Reintegration Advisor, Kilifi County Team Lead, Parenting and SBC Manager, MEAL Senior Program Officer
7. Required/Desired Foreign Language: Able to clearly communicate in written and spoken English and Kiswahili.
8. Travel Required: Estimated 30% travel within Kenya, with emphasis on CTWWC demonstration counties (Nyamira, Kisumu, Kilifi, Siaya. Possible occasional regional and international travel.

Key Working Relationships:

1. Internal: CRS Kenya MEAL Unit, Management Quality unit, CRS Kenya head of Programs, EARO Regional Technical Advisor for Health/OVC, CTWWC Global Team
2. External: CTWWC project members and imple menting partners, GOK, relevant private sector entities, local communities, beneficiaries, donors and other stakeholders.
3. Typical Background, Experience & Requirements:

Education and Experience

1. Master’s Degree in Sociology, Project Management, International Development or in a field of Social Science.
2. Minimum of seven years’ work experience in project management, ideally in the field of care reform, child protection or community health and preferably for an NGO.
3. Good understanding of various GoK Social Protection Guidelines and Policies, Department of Children Services National Working Strategies/environment.
4. Relevant grant management experience, especially for foundations and or other public donors, a plus.
5. Proven and extensive staff supervision experience.
6. Experience working with stakeholders especially the DCS at various levels and strengthening community partnerships.
7. Ability to contribute to the development of technical proposals.
8. Experience analyzing data and contributing to evaluation reports.
9. Agency-Wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff):
10. These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.

MEAL Competencies:

1. Track portfolio and project MEAL requirements – both CRS MEAL Policies and Procedures (MPP) and donor requirements.
2. Work with MEAL staff and partner staff to implement the MPP and donor MEAL requirements applicable to your projects.
3. Complete the annual MEAL procedure self-assessment for your project and develop action plan to advance MEAL practice.
4. Child-focused. Children always come first in our work. We place the rights and needs of children and their safety, protection, and well-being and the center of everything we do.
5. Accountable. We take responsibility for our actions when carrying out our programs, exercising great care in the use of our resources and seeking to deploy them to maximum effect, always considering the consequences and impact on children.
6. Transformative. We support change to create a positive and sustainable difference to the lives of children, and transformation that brings lasting benefits.
7. Inclusive. We aim to ensure access to opportunities for everyone. We endeavor to operate in open and honest ways in both our internal and external relationships, developing and delivering flexible approaches that address the needs of all. We involve young people both in matters that affect them and in our advocacy activities.