Head of Programmes

GAIN Kenya is now seeking a dynamic and experienced Head of Programmes (HoP) to join and support the Country Director in fulfilling the vision and strategy of the food and nutrition portfolio, as well as actively contributing to securing future funding to ensure sustainability.

About GAIN

The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) is a Swiss-based foundation launched at the UN in 2002 to tackle the human suffering caused by malnutrition. Working with both governments and businesses, we aim to transform food systems so that they deliver more nutritious food for all people. In particular, we aim to make healthier food choices more desirable, more available, and more affordable. GAIN’s mission is to advance nutrition outcomes by improving consumption of nutritious and safe food for all people, especially the most vulnerable to malnutrition.

About the Role

The HoP will be responsible for overseeing the design, development and successful implementation of the GAIN Kenya Programme Portfolio. They are responsible for ensuring that GAIN’s programmes and projects are of excellent technical quality, are delivered on time, on budget and in a coordinated fashion. As part of the Senor Management Team of the GAIN Kenya office, the HoP assists in ensuring organizational efficiency and effectiveness through participation in decision making, advising on strategic programmatic areas, solving problems, communication and implementation of agreed decisions. The HoP will report in to the Country Director, GAIN Kenya.

Yep all good, although I would maybe see if there is any project / programme specific points that we can move up the list. Is there anything in the JD about leading all of Kenya’s project portfolio? Perhaps add a couple more bullet points so we attract the right candidates

Specific Responsibilities include;

• Supporting the Country Director with the development, implementation and quality management of the country strategy so it maximizes impact to transforming local food systems for better nutrition


• Leading the program team to conceptualize and operationalize impactful interventions to improve nutrition outcomes in Kenya, including providing leadership in GAIN design and implementation QUADS


• Leading and providing management support for project implementation and ensuring effective and successful delivery of project milestones and results


• Supporting the Country Director with the planning and tracking of progress of the implementation of the country strategy, including the development and review of annual business plans


• Ensuring that all relevant laws and regulations in Kenya, and donors’ contractual requirements, are fully adhered to by the team


• Working with the Country Director in building relationships with external constituents for the purposes of advocacy, influencing and identifying appropriate partner organizations, and to build a long-term pipeline of program investments and impact grants


• Ultimate responsibility for ensuring that all donor reports, narrative and financial, are of a high standard and are delivered on time, as well as ensuring compliance with GAIN’s internal reporting processes


• Working with the Head of Operations to coordinate the programme portfolio’s finncial execution and reporting


• Coaching, guiding and mentoring leaders within the team to ensure that they are effective as leaders and in managing their team

About You

You will have extensive management experience in leading and developing projects in a multi-cultural environment at international level. You will ideally demonstrate excellent management, communication, leadership and planning skills and will have strong interpersonal and negotiating skills. Experience in donor reporting, policy work (from organisation to international) is desirable, as is a strong understanding of the nutrition-food systems nexus.

In addition, you should hold at least a Masters degree or equivalent in one of the following fields; agricultural science, food science, public health, nutrition, economics or business development.

About our Offer

The starting salary on offer for this role is KES 4,833,109 - 5,523,553 per annum, dependent on experience. GAIN may be able to offer a higher starting salary for particularly outstanding candidates.

GAIN has a fair and competitive salary structure that allows for annual progression subject to good performance. In addition, GAIN offers a total of 37 days holiday per year (including annual leave, public holidays and additional office closure days), an attractive pension scheme and competitive insurance cover including health, travel and life assurance.

We are committed to the health of our staff, especially in these challenging times, and have developed a programme of wellbeing that includes flexible working, additional leave allowances, wellbeing days, mindfulness coaching and access to independent and confidential counselling.

GAIN also has a strong commitment to professional development. We will support you to grow in your career through both formal and informal training, and are committed to providing opportunities through internal recruitment, secondments and promotion. All of this is delivered in a supportive and collaborative environment.

This advert closes on 29th September 2021. Early applications are encouraged. GAIN reserves the right to close this advert early should we receive suitable candidates ahead of the closing date.

Applicants must have the existing right to live and work in Kenya. Please note that GAIN are currently unable to sponsor working visas.

The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition is committed to equality of opportunity and creating an inclusive environment where diversity is valued. We are keen to reflect the diversity of our society at every level within our organisation and therefore welcome applications from talented and committed people from all backgrounds, representing the diverse societies we operate in.

How to apply

To apply, click on the following link: https://jobs.gainhealth.org/vacancies/749/