Kenya: Country Director

Heshima Kenya, an US headquartered non governmental organization based in Nairobi, Kenya, is dedicated to identifying, protecting and empowering unaccompanied and separated refugee children and youth, especially adolescent girls, through our specialized shelter, education and advocacy programs. The Country Director carries out program goals and meets funding objectives associated with Heshima Kenya’s organizational development and financial growth and sustainability. S/he is responsible for ensuring successful design and delivery of programs, overall operations management, developing and monitoring a successful professional team, and managing donor and government relations, budget management, and support fundraising efforts. The Country Director will work closely with the senior management team in Kenya and the Executive Director based in the United States.

Responsibilities

Operations Management

• Ensure the, implementation, and monitoring of organizational financial, program, accounting and donor policies and procedures.
• Work closely with the Executive Director, the Board of Directors, and the senior management team to ensure compliance with country laws and requirements.
• Promote coordination, teamwork, and development between senior management and project staff to ensure quality of program delivery.
• Work closely with the Executive Director and senior management team to carryout the strategic vision and plan for the organization.
• Maintain effective budget monitoring for all funding received in Kenya per audit and donor requirements and provide timely oversight of financial position with the Executive Director and Board of Directors. Support the development, implementation, and management of the annual program budget and work with the senior financial officer to ensure effective cash flow management.
• Maintain a security management plan for the country program and ensure that all staff adheres to security protocols.
• Maintain and expand participation with host government, local stakeholders, relevant policy bodies, and key donors subject to Heshima Kenya 3rd party participation guidelines.
• Ensure that the annual external audits are carried out on time and statutory reports filed with the government.

Program Development

• Carryout program strategies in accordance with Heshima Kenya’s mission and strategic plan.
• Provide overall management, monitoring and evaluation of all programs, including contributing towards strengthening systems and standards for assessment.
• Ensure all program staff are meeting individual project objectives and goals and submit timely and comprehensive monthly program and donor reports for review and approval.
• Ensure that the Maisha Collective production development goals and objectives are met by the production team, including meeting orders, and ensuring quality control of products, effective marketing management, strong team management with members, and maintaining strong relationships with buyers and vendors in Kenya and abroad.
• Coordinate the technical components of plans, proposals, MoUs and budgets for new projects.

Staff Development and Management

• Develop and nurture a positive work environment for all staff and volunteers working with Heshima Kenya to ensure professionalism among peers and beneficiaries.
• Ensure a professional human resources management framework to ensure all staff salaries and benefits remain competitive and manage staff development opportunities.
• Monitor staff performance and conduct appraisal together with relevant senior staff.
• Lead technical capacity building of program staff and partners. Provide formal and non-formal training opportunities.
• Work with key staff to discuss and plan program objectives and work activity plans.

Fundraising and Donor Relations

• Work closely with the Executive Director to ensure submission of timely and quality proposals.
• Provide communication and marketing support to donors and the US Heshima Kenya team.
• Identify funding opportunities and act as the country representative in discussion with potential donors.
• Act as country focal point with international and local donors, including BPRM, and ensure a strong understanding of donor priorities, initiatives, and country plans.

Job Requirements/Experience Required

• Post-graduate degree in relevant field highly desired, i.e. refugee protection, human rights, social work, etc.
• At least five years of management or programs operations experience
• Strong program management and fundraising experience desired, especially with US and international donors
• Strong human resources management experience preferred
• Experience with budget management and implementing fiscal policies and procedures
• Previous experience working with national partners a plus
• Strong knowledge of refugee and women’s rights issues, preferably in Kenya
• Experience with a flexible approach to managing and prioritizing a high workload and multiple tasks
• Minimum three year commitment preferred
• International and Kenyan national applicants are encouraged to apply
• Available to begin the position in April 2013.
• A commitment to the ideals, objectives and goals of Heshima Kenya and a willingness to participate in the continued growth and progression of a unique organization.

Send CV, cover letter, and two writing samples to director@heshimakenya.org . Please put “Country Director Application” in the subject line. Only serious and qualified candidates are requested to apply.

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