Kenya: Head of Programs

Organization: Adeso

Country: Kenya

Closing date: 13 Dec 2015

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Executive Director (ED), the core function of this position is to lead and manage all of Adeso’s programs. The Head of Programs (HoP) will lead programs delivered across more than 15 field offices in 3 countries (Kenya, Somalia and South Sudan) with a program staff of over 200. The Head of Programs will be responsible for all country and program strategy, planning, organizing, operating, staffing and budgeting. The Head of Programs will also be a part of the Adeso Senior Management team (SMT) and as such assist the Executive Director and SMT with strategy, planning, resource development/mobilization, financial and risk management.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide inspiring leadership and management to ensure the effective, quality and timely delivery of all of Adeso’s programs.

• Develop robust management systems and tools to enhance efficiencies and accountability throughout the program structure.

• Set program priorities and provide day-to-day guidance within the overall vision, mission and goals of Adeso; support, enable and hold accountable program staff within this framework.

• Directly lead and supervise relevant country directors, chief of party and program staff.

• Directly lead, supervise and provide guidance to the Program Development & Quality Unit and related staff.

• Lead the development of a new 3 year strategic plan for the organization along with specific country and office strategies.

• Develop new initiatives to support the strategic direction of the organization

• Develop and implement long-term goals and objectives to achieve the successful outcome of the programs

• Lead the development of a program evaluation framework to assess the strengths of the program and to identify areas for improvement

• Develop new and unique ways to improve the efficiency of program operations across the organization

• Focus on client needs; anticipate, understand, and respond to the needs of internal and external clients to meet or exceed their expectations within the organizational parameters.

• Implement and lead a continuous quality improvement process throughout the program area focusing on systems/process improvement.

• Ensure that all program activities operate consistently and ethically within the mission and values of Adeso, as well as in accordance with relevant donor rules and regulations.

• Prepare and submit an annual operational budget for programs to the ED and Head of Finance for review and approval, manage effectively within the budget and report accurately on the progress made and challenges encountered.

• Lead and recruit high performing HQ and field program teams at all levels by developing and mentoring them. In partnership with HR, implement recruitment, training and retention strategies.

• Lead a robust new business development approach that proactively identifies, pursues and wins new funding within Adeso’s vision and goals.

• Actively contribute to the content and development of concept notes and proposals for additional program funding.

• As a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT), provide leadership coverage for other members of the SMT in their absence as required.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• A minimum of ten years professional experience with a minimum of five years senior – leadership experience supervising seasoned staff operating multiple field programs across Africa

• Bachelor’s degree (preferably Master’s degree) in Management or related field

• Experience with USAID, EU, DFiD, UN, etc. funded programs including related rules and regulations including engaging with key stakeholders in the national and international NGO community.

• Relationship builder and communicator with experience leading diverse work teams, developing organization-wide strategies for program excellence, engaging community partners and working closely within the senior leadership team.

• Proven ability to monitor and evaluate field programs and understands the relationship between field and HQ.

• Understand ethical behavior and business practices, and ensure that own behavior and the behavior of others is consistent with these standards and aligns with the values of the organization

• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally, to achieve the goals of the organization.

• Foster Teamwork – the ability to work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness.

• Positively influence others to achieve results that are in the best interest of the organization.

• Assertive decision-maker – Assess situations to determine the importance, urgency and risks, and make clear decisions which are timely and in the best interests of the organization.

• Outstanding problem solver – Assess problem situations to identify causes, gather and process relevant information, generate possible solutions, and make recommendations and/or resolve the problem.

• Ability to travel 50% of the time to provide on-site leadership to programs

• Ability to work independently and on one’s own initiative.

• Understanding of and commitment to humanitarian principles

• Cultural sensitivity

How to apply:

This is a challenging opportunity for a dedicated and highly motivated professional. If you would like to join this dynamic team, please submit your application to jobs@adesoafrica.org, quoting the position in the email subject matter, by 13th December 2015

Each application should be addressed to the Regional Human Resources Manager and include the following:

• An updated CV; and

• An application letter which should include cover letter, remuneration requirements and contact information for three work-related referees.

Applications not including all of the above information will not be reviewed. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Adeso is an equal opportunity employer and female candidates are encouraged to apply.