Job Description
The Country Director will report to the Africa Regional Director. He/She provides overall leadership and strategic direction for Kenya Country Program/Office, supervise direct reporting staff, lead in the management of Country Office Resources, oversee implementation of planned Country Office programs/projects in line with IIRR’s global strategy, fundraise to secure long term commitments with on-going/new funding partners and lead in efforts to respond to Requests for Applications (RFA), Calls for Proposals/Concepts, and other funding opportunities, and hence must have strong and competitive project design and proposals development skills. He/She will provide the link with the Africa Region and Headquarters (President/Board) and external donors and also establish and maintain collaborative relationships with host country government, other non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and representatives of bilateral and multilateral donors.
Key responsibilities
- Provide daily management of the country program and supervise direct reporting staff, to optimize the quality and efficiency of their output, and to maintain a high degree of satisfaction with their jobs and professional development.
- Oversee the development of a Multi-Year Strategic Plan, including resource diversification strategies to establish a coherent and realistic strategic direction (i.e., goals and process) for the Country Office.
- Review and approve the final draft of operational plans, as well as concept papers and subsequent technical and cost proposals for individual projects.
- Oversee Country Office efforts to secure institutional funding and also in-country funding partners from local individuals, businesses, governments, and other partners.
- Develop a strategic funding plan in concert with IIRR Africa Region and Headquarters. Track funding opportunities with local representatives of funding agencies (e.g.: USAID, European Union, UKAID, Embassies, Foundations, etc.), and build these relationships as well as relationships with NGOs to form partnerships/consortiums for fundraising purposes.
- Develop projects, secure funding for them and oversee the implementation of projects to ensure fundamental change that has a sustainable impact for the participants.
- Visit project sites to assess the quality of projects and mentor staff and participants to ascertain progress and constraints and implement corrective measures.
- Review and approve key project reports for timeliness and accuracy, and review project progress against the appropriate plans, and discuss needed responses with all interested parties.
- Review project expenditures to ensure compliance with budget parameters, as well as monitor all data collected by project sectors to evaluate impact.
- Oversee management of the financial resources entrusted to the Country Office by the donors, and resource allocation, to ensure that the donors’ and IIRR’s standards of accountability are met.
- Review and monitor the Country Office annual budget approved by the board and all financial reports and significant transactions. Guarantee continuous flow of financial resources, and diversify funding base.
- Establish and maintain relationships with host-country government and other NGOs and representatives of bilateral and multilateral international donors to secure cooperation and financial support. Monitor adherence/compliance and negotiate changes to basic country agreements.
- Willingly participate in official networks and collaborative partnership meetings/functions and carry out public relations fundraising activities.
- Maintain professional relationships with IIRR’s international partners, donor governments, embassies, etc.) to promote support for projects in Kenya to farther IIRR’s interests.
- Maintain an up-to-date emergency preparedness plan as part of a multi-year strategic plan, to ensure timely evacuation and mitigation of harm to IIRR personnel and property.
- Prepare and submit to Headquarters and the Africa Region risk assessment and management, financial, and grant pipeline reports quarterly.
- Ensure staff capacity is strong enough to fulfill IIRR’s mission/vision in Kenya to achieve desired goals and other deliverables.
- Conduct employee performance evaluations, monitor performance and provide performance feedback and coaching as needed.
- Continuously promote accountability and ensure compliance with IIRR requirements.
- Recruit and select senior national staff, and review all compensation packages to ensure competitiveness.
- Assess Country Office training needs and solutions, as well as evaluate and update country office personnel policies as needed.
- Ensure growth of IIRR business of capacity building to communities and their development partners through advertised or customized training opportunities in integrated community development.
- May perform other job-related responsibilities as assigned.
Minimum requirements
- Master’s degree in international development, agriculture-related field, social development, business administration, education, or a related field, plus five (5) years of related experience, particularly with leading and managing development programs in Kenya.
- Fluency in speaking and writing English and proficiency in Swahili will be an added advantage.
- Experience and commitment in gender equity, empowerment of vulnerable populations and education programming for marginalized and pastoral communities will be an added advantage
Most critical proficiencies
- Strong budget development, management, and monitoring capacity.
- Experience in and knowledge of project planning, monitoring, and evaluation.
- Proven experience in partnership management and resource mobilization.
- Skilled in designing community-led development projects.
- Proven team leadership and supervisory skills with the ability to train and work cooperatively with diverse communities and staff, including field staff in several fragile environments/locations.
- Experience with the NGO/PVO approach, and knowledge of global sustainable development essential.
- Computer-proficient in word processing, spreadsheets, presentation tools, electronic mail software, and knowledge of accounting software.
- Knowledge of human resource policies and procedures.
- Knowledge of and compliance with local labor laws and practices in Kenya.
- Strong organizational skills.
Essential job functions and physical demands
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively.
- Preparing and presenting reports in a well-designed and attractive format with superior attention to detail.
- Working independently with minimal supervision, including working outside of normal business hours.
- Strong commitment to gender equity and the empowerment of vulnerable populations.
- Demonstrated ability to use participatory management skills with junior and senior headquarters and field staff.
- Proven interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to relate to individuals and groups diplomatically and tactfully.
- Constant face-to-face, telephone and electronic communication with colleagues, domestic and international government officials, and the general public.
- Demonstrated ability to work with headquarters leadership bodies; President and advisory or and governing boards.
- Willingness to travel extensively, both within and outside of Kenya.
- Working with sensitive information and maintaining confidentiality
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