Programme Director of Strategy at Plan International

Job description

The Opportunity:

As Programme Director of Strategy, Quality and Development you will lead the Program Department in order to define and pursue a strategic direction and continuous quality development and innovation for Plan International’s programs in Kenya, including leading the advocacy and influencing work at the national level.

As a member of the Country Leadership Team (CLT) in Kenya, you will be responsible for driving the strategic plan (SP), the rights-based approach and theory of change for the country programs.

You will also responsible for ensuring strategic development of high quality, evidence based, innovative integrated programs that deliver immediate and lasting impact for children and contribute to Plan International’s development outcomes.

A key aspect of the role is to ensure capacity development of team leaders and technical specialists in order to build a strong PSQD department, and to support and promote progressive program implementation in the field, in close cooperation with the Area Offices and Program Units.

You will also lead the development of external relationships and contribute to the submission of high quality proposals to donors and interested parties.

You will ensure that Plan International’s global policies for Child Protection (CPP) and Gender Equality and Inclusion (GEI) are fully embedded in accordance with the principles and requirements of the policy including relevant Implementation Standards and Guidelines as applicable to their area of responsibility.

Key Role Accountabilities:

• Programme Leadership
  • Take a lead in aligning programs to the Global Strategy and Theory of Change.
  • High-level representational role with the government, donors, partners and other stakeholders.
  • Lead in innovative programme design, planning, follow-up, evaluation, quality strengthening and reporting.
  • Ensure sponsorship projects are aligned with the Global and Country Strategy as well as the Sponsorship commitments.
  • Serve as liaison with designated Plan International National Offices on various program issues.
• Program Quality
  • Work closely with thematic specialists to support the development of rights-based programs and projects, to strengthen program innovation and learning, and to spearhead advocacy and campaigning initiatives on child rights and girl’s rights.
  • Take a lead in establishing systems for program monitoring, quality improvement, accountability, evaluation and knowledge management.

Do you have what it takes?

• In order to succeed in this challenging and varied role you will require demonstrable experience in managing multi and bilateral donor funded grants/contracts and other fund sources in a senior management role.
• Experience working for INGOs or similar in increasingly senior positions (Programme Director level strongly preferred), ideally with a working knowledge of Kenya.
• Previous management of programme portfolios in excess of USD10 million annually with multiple partners (including government and civil society).
• Experience in managing complex and multi-thematic programs, especially in areas of child rights, education, health and child protection.
• Knowledge of development challenges and contexts in Kenya, in particular in child rights, girl’s rights and child protection.
• Familiarity with various donor guidelines and requirements.
• Our organisational values are designed to help everyone who works with us achieve our ambitious goals for children, especially girls.

We are open and accountable

• Promote a culture of transparency, including with sponsors and donors
• Hold ourselves and others accountable
• Are consistent and fair in the treatment of people
• Open about mistakes and keen to learn from them
• Accountable for ensuring we are a safe organisation for all children and young people

We strive for lasting impact

• Articulate a clear purpose for staff and sets high expectations
• Create a climate of continuous improvement, open to challenge and new ideas
• Focus resources to drive change and maximise long-term impact, responsive to changed priorities or crises
• Using evidence to evaluate effectiveness

We work well together

• Seek constructive outcomes, listen to others, willing to compromise when appropriate
• Build constructive relationships across Plan International to support our shared goals
• Develop trusting and ‘win-win’ relationships with funders, partners and communities
• Engage and work well with others outside the organisation to build a better world for girls and all children

We are inclusive and empowering

• We empower our staff to give their best and develop their potential
• We respect all people, appreciate differences and challenge equality in our programs and our workplace
• We support children, girls and young people to increase their confidence and to change their own lives.

Type of Role: 3 year fixed term contract

Location: Nairobi, Kenya with 30% travel

Salary: Circa $60,000USD per annum plus benefits

Reports to: Country Director

Closing Date: Sunday 19th November 2017

Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert early.

Please note that only applications and CVs written in English will be accepted. A range of pre-employment checks will be undertaken in conformity with Plan International's Child Protection Policy.

As an international child-centred community development organisation, Plan International is fully committed to promoting the realisation of children's rights including their right to protection from violence and abuse. That means we have particular responsibilities to children that we come into contact with.

Plan International believes that in a world where children face so many threats of harm, it is our duty to ensure that we, as an organisation, do everything we can to keep children safe. We must not contribute in any way to harming or placing children at risk.