A Rocha Kenya (ARK) National Director Job Vacancy

Rationale for National Director position

A Rocha Kenya (ARK) was established in 1999 at Watamu, Malindi District, and has developed several practical conservation initiatives with innovative approaches to community conservation & environmental education.

ARK is one of 19 national A Rocha organisations on five continents.

The ARK Board is seeking an appropriately qualified leader to lead its strategic and organisational development, to raise A Rocha’s profile in Kenya’s conservation community, and to expand its activities in the Nairobi area and in other parts of the country.

Please refer to http://www.arocha.org/keen/index.html for further information.

Job title: National Director
Responsible to: Chair of A Rocha Kenya and the Board
Relating to: Chair, ARK Programme directors, A Rocha International Directors and ARK Programme Managers
Location: Nairobi area with regular field visits

Key Objectives

To provide direction and leadership in developing A Rocha Kenya’s conservation strategy and annual work programmes, with the support of the Board.To ensure adequate resources and management of the organisation to implement the programmeTo ensure the financial wellbeing of the organisation through sound financial planning and reportingTo ensure that the basic beliefs, ethos and values of A Rocha are practiced at all levels and in all activitiesMain Responsibilities

Strategic Issues:
Review and develop ARK’s strategic plan and business plan that maximises the strategic use of the organisation’s assets and enhances its external image.Work with ARK management team to ensure proper financial management is in place & that financial reports including audited accounts are submitted on a timely basis & in accordance with statutory requirementsDevelop and implement a Monitoring & Evaluation strategy that is results based, participative and is linked to staff performance.Work with ARK Programme managers to produce ARK’s annual work plans for each of the Programmes in accordance with the organisation’s strategic goals and objectives, and monitor their implementationWork with ARK Team to produce regular, accurate, informative and high standard reports both programmatic and financial.Position A Rocha Kenya as a key player in the sustainable development and conservation of the important sites for biodiversity conservation in the Watamu / Malindi area, the Nairobi area and other parts of the country as resources allow (including the promotion of participatory approaches to development and local capacity building)Position A Rocha Kenya at the level of national conservation initiatives, in particular bringing a biblical perspective to biodiversity conservation, and advocate for conservation with local and national governmentAttend regular meetings and maintain contact with local / national / international organisations, public authorities, key decision makers and national (and where appropriate international) government officialsDevelop A Rocha Kenya’s role within the wider and growing A Rocha family network in the African regionPromote and assist in the development of a seminar programme to promote a biblical understanding of Christian stewardship of the environment at a national levelRaise A Rocha Kenya’s profile in the conservation and scientific circles through building capacity in the ARK team for presenting papers in appropriate international and regional conferencesResource Mobilisation & Communication:
Take a leadership role in the development and implementation of a strategy for resource mobilisation that promotes the organisation’s sustainability.Develop and maintain strategic partnerships that will facilitate more efficient and effective attainment of the organisation’s resultsHold exploratory meetings with potential donors, maintain regular communication with existing contacts, and submit grant applications to a range of sources, e.g. statutory, corporate, foundations and individualsEnsure the development and maintenance of a database of key A Rocha Kenya contacts (in both electronic and hard formats)Maintain contact with local A Rocha Kenya supporters through ensuring the running of an effective Friends of ARK scheme, regular meetings with Friends, ARK newsletters, organised events and campaignsDevelop and implement an effective communication strategy that enhances the organisation’s image and ensures a good rapport is maintained with all ARK stakeholders.Oversee the management of ARK’s staff and volunteers, ensuring that employment practices conform to Kenya’s employment law, health & safety regulations and best practice, including annual performance appraisals and staff development.Recommend annual budgets for the Board’s approval, working with the Treasurer.Exercise financial control within budgets and ensure accurate accounting for all funds, including tracking of Restricted Funds.Maintain regular contact with the Chair of A Rocha Kenya and with A Rocha InternationalEstablish and manage a Nairobi office and establish new conservation activities in the Nairobi areaReport regularly to the Board on ARK’s activities; produce A Rocha Kenya’s annual reportEnsure that ARK is administered in accordance with the appropriate legislation.Ensure that ARK is on a sound legal footing for risk management and insurance, and that all legal obligations of the organisation are metAdvise the board on a Risk Management strategy that the organisationPerson specifications

Qualifications:
Graduate, preferably with post-graduate studies in a relevant discipline, e.g. Business Administration, project managementQualifications or at least several years experience in an environmental or biodiversity conservation field is highly desirableExperience of management at a senior level, preferably of a not-for-profit organisation for at least five yearsStrong understanding of and interest in nature conservation and environmental issuesExperience in resource mobilisation, i.e. building fruitful relationships with a range of donors (statutory, foundations and individuals)Experience of organisational developmentAbilities – Aptitudes & Skills:
Leadership – ability to empower staff and delegate workProject management – ability to manage several projects to ensure that outputs are met and indicators clearly achievedInterpersonal skills and cross-cultural sensitivityDevelopmental skills – ability to plan strategically and manage changeAbility to present a case clearly and persuasively and advocate for a causeExcellent written communication in English is required, in Kiswahili is desirableAbility to relate the Bible’s teaching to biodiversity conservation and environmental issues in Kenya’s social contextDemonstrates commitment to upholding Christian values in all aspects of life Supportive of A Rocha’s Biblical values and visionTrack-record of high level of performance – innovative with evidence of good relationshipsMust be self-motivated and take their own initiativeGood health