: CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Position reference: ACT/CEO/001/2011 Act!, is a Kenyan non-governmental organisation that focuses on strengthening civil society organisations and communities through institutional and organisational capacity building. The heartbeat of Act! is to act.change.transform.

ACT: we are catalysts. We start things. We take action CHANGE: we are change agents. Change is at the heart of everything we do TRANSFORM: we are here for the long term. Our ultimate aim is to transform individuals, organisations, and communities and to be self-sustaining

We believe that empowered communities are able to independently address challenges and constraints facing them with a view to earning a dignified living, economic independence and political participation. We work in four thematic areas of environment and natural resources management, conflict management and peace building, democracy and governance and women empowerment. Established in September 2001, under its former name of Pact Kenya, ACT! has become a renowned civil society organisation not only in Kenya but within the region. It currently employs over 80 dedicated staff.

Are you a powerful leader with a passion to transform the lives of ordinary people and the ability to make that a reality? If the answer is yes and you are suitably qualified, Act!’s Board of Directors encourage you to apply for the position of Chief Executive Officer.

Key roles and responsibilities Act!’s Chief Executive Officer is responsible for developing and implementing strategies in line with the organizations’ mission and vision while ensuring quality implementation of its programmes. S/He ensures Act!’s systems and people are aligned to our business and keeps the organisation accountable and efficient. S/He provides oversight and direction to a Senior Management Team.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, will be the Secretary to the Board and will: • provide leadership in developing, revising and implementing strategies in line with the organisation’s mission and vision • ensure all programmes adhere to Act!’s financial management systems, processes and controls and that they are in compliance with good operating standards • lead in resource mobilisation to ensure the organisation’s thematic areas are well resourced and implement Act!’s sustainability strategy • oversee recruitment, development and retention of a talented and motivated pool of staff • oversee the development of annual work plans and quality implementation of programmes • ensure the organisation meets all its statutory obligations and follows good civil society practices • represent the organisation among public, private sector, donor agencies and partners

Qualifications, Experience, Skills and Competencies

The candidate must: • hold a post graduate degree in social sciences, development studies, business administration, or a development related field • have at least 15 years’ proven track record in leading and managing organisations and/or development programmes as well as either being part of a social movement or an active member of the civil society; 10 of these years must be at a senior level. • have experience managing programmes in any two of Act!’s thematic areas • have managed an organisation or division with an annual budget of not less than US$ 7 million • have experience in grant management programmes • have experience in capacity development • be a proponent of rights-based advocacy approaches and have excellent networking skills • be excellent in communication and interpersonal skills and have a leadership style that builds relationships, confidence and trust • have proven experience managing change in a large organisation • demonstrate good relationships with major funding agencies and government

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