Jobs in Kenya at HelpAge International

Job Title: Head of Programmes

Head of Programmes for East, West and Central Africa, Nairobi
Closing Date: Wednesday, 23 November 2011

Based in Nairobi, Kenya. With travels extensively Two year contract, full time, accompanied post Salary: £28,142 gross per annum

HelpAge International helps older people claim their rights, challenge discrimination and overcome poverty, so that they can lead dignified, secure, active and healthy lives. Our work in over 50 countries is strengthened through our global network of like-minded organisations – the only one of its kind in the world.

Our East, West and Central Africa Regional Development Centre (EWCARDC) is based Kenya. They empower older people in Africa in a whole range of ways, sharing information with their partners and advise on ageing issues, fighting for older people’s needs and rights to be placed right at the heart of policy and legislation and also helping older people take action to curb the impact and spread of HIV and AIDS.

HelpAge is looking for a Head of Programmes. He/she will be contribute to the growth and development of the East, West and Central Africa region by identifying strategic partnerships, defining and implementing relevant programme areas that advance HelpAge International’s Africa regional strategy.

The post holder will have significant experience of programme development and implementation at national and regional level, as well as experience of managing a diverse team of staff. Experience of organisational development and fundraising work with NGOs and Community Based Organisations, Knowledge of the socio-economic and political environment of Africa, with specific emphasis to East and West Africa, and understanding of policy development processes are all essential for this role. Strong communication, negotiation and representational skills and fluency in English are also essential for this role.

Closing date: 23 November 2011

HelpAge International is an equal opportunities employer.
How to apply:

For a full job description and instructions on how to apply, please click on the following link: http://www.helpage.org/headofprogrammesafrica

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Jobs in Kenya at Act Change Transform

Job Title: Chief Executive Officer

Closing Date: Friday, 18 November 2011

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

How to apply:

Applicants will be required to submit (1) a detailed and current CV; (2) an application cover letter demonstrating why they qualify for this position; (3) contact information for 3 referees one of whom must be the current/immediate last employer; and (4) indicate current remuneration package. If you meet these requirements, please submit your motivation letter and CV electronically to hr.admin@act.or.ke , quoting the position reference number. Only candidates short-listed for interview will be contacted.

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Jobs in Kenya at Helen Keller International

Job Title: Deputy Regional Director

Deputy Regional Director for Eastern, Southern, and Central Africa,
Closing Date: Sunday, 01 January 2012

Established in 1915 with Helen Keller as a founding trustee, Helen Keller International (HKI) works to save the sight and lives of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged. Headquartered in New York City, HKI currently conducts programs in 21 countries in Africa and Asia as well as in the United States. HKI is known for sustainability, reliability, efficiency and the highest level of technical expertise in fighting and treating blindness and malnutrition. To accomplish its work, HKI builds the capacity of local governmental, civil society and private sector systems and infrastructure, and promotes the development of sustained, large-scale programs that deliver effective preventative and curative services for nutrition, eye health and neglected tropical diseases. The hallmark of the organization’s work is its proven effectiveness in developing, testing and scaling-up health interventions, and integrating them within government and community structures. HKI works with partners around the world to help meet key provisions of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), selected by all 191 United Nations member states, as well as VISION2020, The Right to Sight. With over 700 staff and an annual cash operating budget of over $45 million, HKI is seeking a Deputy Regional Director to lead and manage our programs in Eastern, Southern and Central and Africa (ESCA).

Scope of the Position: Since the creation of the Regional Office for Africa in 1997, HKI has expanded programs greatly, from an initial 4 country offices and approximately $500,000 in annual budget to 13 country programs with an annual budget of approximately $35 million (excluding Gifts-in-Kind) and over 420 staff. In order to improve support to country programs, HKI created positions of Deputy Regional Directors in 2006. These positions ensure overall supervision of country directors and report to the Vice President-Regional Director for Africa for programmatic issues and to the Africa Regional Director for Operations (ARDO) for operational issues.

The Deputy Regional Director, ESCA supervises HKI country programs in: Cameroon, DR Congo, Mozambique, Nigeria, Tanzania and Zimbabwe and program work that has started in Kenya in response to the current food and nutrition crisis. The position also supervises staff working on an orange-fleshed sweetpotato initiative with the International Potato Center and the regional micronutrient advisor (all based in Nairobi).

The Deputy Regional Director, ESCA position moved to Nairobi, Kenya in 2010 and has forged strategic regional partnerships and initiatives. The position will be expected to continue to build on those relationships and guide our regional engagement.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning and Vision: Provide leadership and direction to the long term, medium, and short term planning processes in specified countries and for Regional Initiatives in accordance with the overall agency strategic plan and program strategy. Provides leadership and direction for regional partnerships and initiatives. Identifies and prioritizes countries for any future expansion in the Region to bring to the Regional Management Team with recommendations.

Facilitation and Control: Serve as the gatekeeper and advocate for designated country programs with the rest of HKI, including regional office, headquarters and HKI-Europe. Ensure compliance with HKI and programmatic and operations performance and reporting requirements. Identify issues and ensure prompt corrective action. Facilitate access by country offices to required programmatic and operational support. Represent and advocate country program needs and perspectives within the Regional Management Team.

Management and Operations: Accountable for overall management of the designated country offices as well as the sub-regional office. Within the mission, policies and guidelines of HKI, provide the leadership and oversight of all operations in designated countries. Through direct oversight of the Country Directors in specified countries, have direct accountability for planning, implementation and evaluation of these country operations, including programs, finance and budget, human resources, information systems and administration. Ensure compliance with HKI and donor standards, policies and procedures and processes. Is accountable to the Regional Director for program performance and to the Regional Director for Operations for operational performance. Ensure overall coordination of regional grants where appropriate. Participate in regional staff meetings (in person or via teleconference).

Program Quality Assurance: Collaborate closely with the technical leadership of HKI to support programs in specified countries and ensure that the quality, impact, scale and cost-effectiveness of these programs meet HKI standards. Assure the accurate and timely reporting of program results including for multi-country projects, and the development and implementation of appropriate monitoring and evaluation tools.

Program Development: In collaboration with Regional Director, SVP Programs and other senior technical staff, lead in the identification and pursuit of new program initiatives that are consistent with HKI mission and strategic plan. Work with Regional Director, SVP Programs, other Program Directors, Country Directors and technical advisors to define partnership possibilities and to identify and prioritize the use of local regional, and/or centrally based technical resources to ensure the development of programs of the highest quality.

Marketing/Fundraising: Collaborate with the President, SVP of Programs, VP Development and Communications, Regional Director, Regional technical team, Country Directors, and other Program Directors to develop and implement strategies to meet long term restricted and unrestricted funding needs. Identify and pursue funding opportunities with donors based in the region. Support the solicitation of major gifts and overall marketing initiatives by identifying and meeting with key donors during travel regionally and internationally. Will play a strong leadership role in drafting, reviewing and finalizing proposals for prospective institutional donors.

Representation: Build-on and expand partnerships with regional institutions, country government officials, international and local donors, international and local NGOs, universities and other resource institutions and other colleagues that support HKI programs. A major motivation for relocation of the position is to enhance regional partnerships. Priority will be given to building/strengthening partnerships with UNICEF Eastern & Southern Africa, USAID REDSO/ESA and regional economic communities. Work with Regional Director, other Deputy Regional Director, regional coordinators and advisors to ensure HKI representation at key regional meetings.

Internal Capacity Development: Collaborate with Regional Director, Regional Director for Operations and appropriate headquarters and regional staff, to establish a staff training, orientation, and development plan for assigned countries within the context of available resources. Assist in the recruitment process for all expatriate and senior field positions in designated countries (and regional program coordinators/managers as assigned). Approve recruitment of senior program positions in assigned countries, proactively seeking out advice of members of the technical team as required.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Manage Country Directors in assigned countries, as described above (with potentially additional offices in the future). Manage regional program coordinators/managers as assigned (who provide oversight and coordination of multi-country projects and initiatives). Responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of these units. Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include managing process of interviewing, hiring, and training/orienting country directors; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining supervisees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. Approve recruitment of senior program staff in assigned country offices, seeking out input from technical team as required.

Qualifications:

At least a Master’s Degree in Public Health, Nutrition, or related field with relevant program experience. At least ten years related experience, ideally including management of complex country programs.
Demonstrated ability in managing complex international operations, including development and monitoring project and operational budgets.
Strong background and experience with fundraising, both with an ability to support country programs and regional staff in proposal development and to directly lead proposal development.
Strong technical skills in one or more of HKI’s program areas including a history of publications and presentation at international conferences. Passionate about ongoing learning in HKI’s technical areas. Ability to forge strong working relationship with technical leadership internal and external to HKI.
Ability to undertake extensive field travel (approximately 35%-50%).
Strong interpersonal skills in dealing with external contacts, as well as internal colleagues.
Excellent oral and written English skills. Ability to read, analyze and interpret the most complex documents, and to write speeches and articles using original or innovative techniques or style. Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to top management and public groups.
Proficiency in French and/or Portuguese is a major advantage (manages a portfolio of Anglophone, Francophone and Lusophone countries).
Demonstrated knowledge of the application of information technologies to HKI program areas. Knowledge of various software to be able to prepare presentations and other work documents.

How to apply:

Interested candidates should submit: (1) cover letter; (2) current curriculum vitae in English; and (3) a short writing sample (2-3 pages) in English to hkihr@hki.org . All correspondence should include physical and e-mail addresses as well as contact telephone number(s).

Recruitment begins immediately and will remain open until a suitable candidate has been found, with an anticipated start date in early 2012.

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