Country Director at Micato Safaris

Job Purpose: To provide overall leadership and strategic direction to the AmericaShare programmes.

The Position: The Country Director will be responsible for the delivery of the Organizations’ strategy in Kenya; managing all operational aspects of Americashare- Kenya programmes, strengthening accountability initiatives and ensuring that the financial management and organization setup is adapted to the operational context.

Will be responsible for overall financial and human resources management of the country programme and ensuring the requisite systems and structures are in place and well-functioning
Must be skilled senior manager who has the ability to build the capacity of staff to achieve AmericaShare strategic objectives; whilst proactively managing relationships with external stakeholders, including Multinational donors, GOK, civil society partners’ academics bodies, private sector, peer organizations etc.

KeyRequirements

1. Strategic development and implementation

• Provide leadership for the dissemination of AmericaShare values, vision and mission at the country level and lead, direct and mentor the organizations’ programs and its staff in line with the organizational overall strategy.
• Provide leadership in the development, implementation and review of the AmericaShare country programs in line with overall organizational strategic plan while ensuring relevance in the rapidly changing environment. Oversee and lead the strategic development and implementation of all programs in a timely and professional manner.

2. Programmes Management

• Ensure that systems and processes are in place for participatory monitoring and evaluating activities, results and impact assessment while involving the team and partners.
• Oversee and coordinate the programme portfolio to ensure the highest level of project quality and accountability, while fostering continuity through building local capacity and development of innovative programme interventions especially in education segment.
• Ensure all programme activities are sensitive to and responsive to changes in the political, social and economic environments.
• Conducts periodic field visits to ensure overall program efficiency and effectiveness.
• Facilitate trainings, researches that of relevance to the program for future  sustainability,  with a view of improving the quality of field work and influencing changes in policy to improve the quality of life for the beneficiaries of the programme

3. Representation

• Represent the organization and be responsible for the management of relationships and interests in dealing with government, international and local organizations’ networks both in private and nonprofit sector, community and peer institutions.
• Represent the organization in strategic meetings, conferences, community forums ,events and activities that of interest to the organization
• Develop and strengthen working relationship with the community, local organizations and forge alliances with strategic partners for the mutual collaboration and common good of the organization.
• Promote the organization identity and capacity to all stakeholders and partners so as to ensure that the program objective is achieved.

4. Funding and grant Management

• Take lead in fundraising and Advocacy of the organizations’ programs. Develop networks and partnerships with national/regional/international institutions in Kenya and spearhead donor collaboration, fund raising and project development.
• Facilitate donor visits, donor meetings, and discussions and provide adequate and relevant information that promote donor funding.
• Undertake diversified fundraising initiative to strengthen programme funding and sustainability.
• Observe  all donors conditionality  and monitor adherence to donors compliancy

5. Financial management

• Provide oversight to all finance and administrative service in the programme
• Responsible for the finance management and administration. Analyze the overall budget and closely track and monitor the effective use of program funds throughout the projects’ implementation circle.
• Ensure effective implementation and compliance with the overall finance and grant requirements
• Ensure that the control of expenditure and the disbursement of resources is in accordance with established procedures and maintain the financial and legal integrity of the organization.
• Ensure that adequate internal control mechanisms are in place for budget monitoring and review and to minimize significant project expenditure variance.
• Oversee annual and project-specific audit processes with the programmes both with internal and external auditors.
• Ensure the preparation, accuracy and timely submission of financial reports that comply with grant of contract agreements and ensure compliance with all aspects of the organization policies and donor funding.
• Check and verify all inventories and promote efficient management of organization assets.
• Analyze the overall budget and closely track and monitor the effective use of program funds in all the overall implementation of the project.
• Monthly financial reports, including bank reconciliations to NY office
• Checking payments made out AmericaShare Account
• Monthly Fund Requests to NY

6. Human Resource Management

• In close collaboration with the Executive Director and the Human resource Manager,
• Provide leadership support to staff and promote the best human resource practice.
• Ensure that the employees in the programme observe the organization’s policies, guidelines and work procedures and apply key principles of transparency, accountability and good stewardship
• Maintain effective and appropriate staff recruitment , induction , appraisal and development  practice at all levels to ensure the optimum utilization and development of human resource
• Oversee staff development plan through trainings, coaching, mentoring and counselling etc.
• Take lead in staff disciplinary process.
• Direct managerial oversight and support: Establish and maintain regular meetings with all staff to discuss policy, strategic, operational and management issues.

7. Information and communication

• Ensure that all external communication are made to reflect the objectives and goals of the organization and they conveyed in the best interest of the organization.
• Ensure that programme is maintaining  a coordinated and agreed information exchange both internally and in its dealing with external partners
• Ensure that key program documents are kept safe and in good custody
• Ensure that all communication infrastructures are set in the programme and smooth information flow is maintained.
• Ensure that experiences and best practices are documented and shared across the organization
• Establish an appropriate public image that is keeping with the values and culture of the organization

Working relationship: The Country Director will work under direct supervision of the Executive Director and he/she will supervise the team in Kenya.
Will closely liaise with colleagues at AmericaShare – New York Office and senior management of Micato Safaris Ltd for the smooth running of Americashare programs.

Experience and Skills Required

• A Bachelor’ degree in, Social sciences / Humanities / business administration or its equivalent.  A Masters’ degree in strategic management desirable.
• At least eight years’ in field /social experience within an NGO development programmes, with 4 or more years in senior management position.
• Proven track record experience in leading and managing successive programs in Kenya especially Community education based programs in relatively informal sector.
• Vast experience in strategy and program formulation, implementation and monitoring.
• In –depth understanding of programming issue, lobbying and advocacy and a seasoned policy expert.
• Excellent in logistics planning, passionate networker, excellent negotiations skills, good mobiliser who can forge positive alliance and collaboration with the community leaders, partners, and other stakeholders.
• Familiar with social work standards, information gathering systems and methods; Ability to proficiently manage and operate community programme.
• Effective verbal, written, presentation and listening communications skills including report writing.
• Excellent financial management skills, analytical, excellent in planning and prioritization.
• Hands on experience in managing staff in informal locations and strong human resource management skills in general
• Can multi-task effectively, with ability to handle heavy work load and various projects with strict deadlines.
• Able to work effectively in a diverse team environment, with demonstrated success in problem-solving, collaboration and working with or, managing cross-cultural teams.