Role Overview
You will have overall responsibility for the strategic development and management of the Concern Kenya country programme. You will ensure the programme meets objectives as set out in the strategic plan, annual plans and programme proposals. You will also ensure the country programme is in line with Concern Worldwide policies, procedures and meets Core Humanitarian standards. You will lead the Country Management Team (CMT) and represent the organisation with government, donors and other international organisations.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership
- Develop and implement a coherent country programme that contributes to achieving Concern’s global strategy and objectives, in particular addressing the emergency needs of disaster-affected populations.
- Provide leadership in the overall effective planning and direction of Concern’s programme and operations at country level.
- Build a strong and committed team of national staff adhering to Concern policies and procedures and applying key principles of transparency, accountability, good stewardship and participation.
- Create and maintain shared vision, amongst all Concern staff, of Concern’s programme aims and objectives and their role in achieving these.
- Lead and support the strengthening of coordination and collaboration within teams and across all teams, maintain and ensure constructive communication, and contribute to a positive working environment.
Representation and Networking
- Represent Concern in and establish/maintain coordination and networking relationships with the government, local authorities, donors and other national and international humanitarian actors including Alliance 2015 members in the country.
- Ensure compliance with Concern’s statutory obligations in relation to registration compliance, including submission of mandatory reports to the authorities.
- Ensure that relationship and formal agreements with the government are established, maintained and updated as appropriate.
- Represent Concern at various coordination forums.
- Promote the humanitarian principles of Concern in external settings, ensuring that the organisation’s neutrality, impartiality and independence is well communicated and consistently presented, and that we are perceived as an independent humanitarian organisation addressing the needs of the most vulnerable.
Programme Development and Management
- Lead the strategic development and implementation of programmes in line with Concern’s organisational strategic plan and following the Concern Project Cycle Management policy, including proposal writing and sourcing funding.
- Ensure effective coordination of technical inputs (e.g. Head Office advisors) in designing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating programmes.
- Take the lead in ensuring the targets of the country-level funding strategy are met, establish productive working relationships with donors, and be responsible for undertaking country-level negotiations related to securing funding, programming contracts, and reports.
- Develop partnerships with local NGOs and CBOs through the application of Concern assessment tools.
- Manage the country programme effectively including allocation of resources and ensuring that appropriate monitoring and controls are established and maintained.
- Provide adequate leadership and support to area coordinators and programme leaders in setting up high quality standards and implementation of programmes.
- Maintain effective communication and liaise with Concern Head Office in Dublin.
People Management
- Line manage senior management staff (Country Management Team – CMT) and be responsible for the overall management and development of national and international staff.
- Ensure that regular staff Performance and Development Review (PDR) system is established and maintained.
- Develop, review, and effectively implement all Human Resources related procedures in accordance with Concern policies and procedures and in line with the national labour laws.
Security Management
- Take overall responsibility for the security and safety of Concern personnel and resources.
- Be responsible for participatory development and implementation of the Country Security Management Plan and Standard Operating Procedures.
- Ensure a functioning Security Focal Group (SFG) and keep up to date with security incidents at central and field locations.
- Report any security threats and incidents to the Regional Director.
Budget and Financial Management
- Responsible for overall financial management including participatory budget preparation, revision and monitoring and timely submission of Budgets and reports to HQ.
- Ensure that the Concern organisational financial guidelines and procedures are adhered to.
- Develop and implement work and expenditure plans and ensure that the country programmes are implemented within agreed and approved budget.
Accountability
- Promote and ensure compliance with the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) commitments and quality criteria.
- Ensure that the Complaints and Response Mechanism (CRM) is functional, effectively implemented and accessible in all programmes' locations.
Role Holder Requirements
Essential:
- Advanced degree, preferably in social science, development management, business management, or a related discipline.
- At least 5 years’ overseas experience in management and coordination of humanitarian interventions and emergency response with at least 3 years’ experience in a senior management position.
- Strong leadership skills and ability to manage change effectively.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills in English.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills with an ability/confidence to engage and represent Concern at public forums, media and donors.
- Experience of managing major donor grants such as ECHO, EU-INTPA, UN Agencies and Irish Aid.
- Previous experience of leading a country programme focusing on market systems development, climate change adaptation, nature-based solutions (NbS), or health and nutrition systems strengthening.
- Willingness to travel regularly to project sites.
Desirable:
- Previous work experience in Kenya or the Horn of Africa region.
- Affinity with organisational values, mission and vision.
- Familiarity with UN coordination mechanisms.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates are invited to apply online through the Concern Worldwide career portal at: https://www.myjobmag.co.ke/apply-now/1232537. This link will redirect you to Concern Worldwide on jobs.concern.net.
