Kenya Country Director at International Institute of Rural Reconstruction

Key job function:

Based in Nairobi-Kenya, S/He will report to the Africa Regional Director, provide 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, fund raise 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. S/He 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.

Responsibilities:

• Provide daily management of 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 fund raising 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 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 multi-lateral 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 up-to-date emergency preparedness plan as part of 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 fulfil 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 with 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 the local labour 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 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