Role Overview
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is seeking a Country Director for its Kenya operations. The Country Director provides visionary leadership to shape and execute strategies that deliver high-impact, client-centered programs aligned with IRC’s global mission and Kenya’s evolving humanitarian context. Serving as IRC’s principal representative in Kenya, you will articulate the organization’s vision and priorities at national, regional, and global platforms, including donor briefings, inter-agency coordination bodies, and high-level policy forums.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Representation
- Lead the development and delivery of a country strategy aligned with IRC’s Strategy 100 and Kenya’s evolving context.
- Forge and sustain strategic partnerships with national NGOs, civil society actors, and community-based organizations.
- Lead IRC’s engagement in humanitarian coordination mechanisms, advocating for principled, needs-based action.
- Maintain constructive relationships with government counterparts to facilitate operational continuity, including registration and access.
- Represent IRC to diverse audiences including media, diplomatic missions, and UN agencies.
Strategic Direction & Program Quality
- Implement the country program's strategic vision, ensuring high-quality programming tailored to the Kenya context.
- Drive program innovation and excellence, ensuring interventions are evidence-based and client-centered.
- Integrate Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (GEDI) principles into all operations and programming.
- Establish strong working relationships with regional and HQ stakeholders.
Fundraising & Donor Relations
- Lead the design and execution of a diversified funding strategy.
- Maintain strong relationships with donors and government bodies, demonstrating program excellence.
- Oversee the production of high-quality proposals and reports, ensuring compliance.
Operational & Financial Management
- Ensure compliance with IRC’s global policies for finance, supply chain, and operational systems.
- Oversee country program budgets, ensuring financial sustainability and cost-effectiveness.
- Champion proactive risk management to safeguard people, assets, and reputation.
Safety & Security
- Take primary responsibility for the management of safety and security for the country program.
- Maintain a culture of safety and keep security, evacuation, and contingency plans current.
People & Culture
- Foster a high-performance, inclusive culture and oversee talent management and succession strategies.
- Embed staff care and resilience into organizational systems.
Emergency Preparedness and Response
- Serve as the designated Response Lead for country-led emergencies.
- Ensure the team maintains fit-for-purpose Emergency Preparedness Plans (EPPs).
Requirements
- Graduate degree in a relevant field.
- At least 10 years of dynamically responsible international work experience.
- Experience in leadership at the Country Director level of multi-site, multi-sectoral operations in complex environments.
- Experience working in conflict/post-conflict or disaster response situations.
- Professional fluency in written and spoken English.
- Experience managing security in complex and rapidly changing contexts.
- Confirmed ability to negotiate and work with partner organizations.
- Strong budget and fiscal oversight capacities.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should apply online through the International Rescue Committee's career portal at https://theirc.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com. You can access the application link via the MyJobMag portal.
