The Country Director will lead the country program staff in achieving the goals outlined in IRC’s strategy for Kenya, bringing the team together to deliver high-quality, cost-effective programming results while maintaining high levels of accountability. This role 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.
Major Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Representation
- Serve as IRC’s principal representative in Kenya, articulating the organization’s vision and priorities at national, regional, and global platforms.
- Lead the development and delivery of a country strategy aligned with IRC’s Strategy100 and Kenya’s evolving context.
- Forge and sustain strategic partnerships with national NGOs, civil society actors, and community-based organizations to enhance program reach and sustainability.
- Maintain constructive relationships with government counterparts to facilitate operational continuity, including registration renewals and policy dialogue.
- Lead IRC’s engagement in humanitarian coordination mechanisms, advocating for principled, needs-based action.
Strategic Direction & Program Quality
- Collaborate with the Regional Vice President (RVP) to implement the country program's strategic vision, ensuring alignment with IRC’s Strategy 100.
- Drive program innovation and excellence, ensuring interventions are evidence-based, contextually relevant, and client-centered.
- Actively seek out and pursue opportunities to expand humanitarian programming to underserved and hard-to-reach areas.
- Integrate Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (GEDI) principles into all IRC operations and programming.
Fundraising & Donor Relations
- Lead the design and execution of a diversified funding strategy, proactively engaging donors and driving proposal development.
- Monitor donor priorities and position IRC for emerging opportunities.
- Maintain strong relationships with donors, government bodies, and coordination mechanisms by demonstrating operational integrity.
Operational & Financial Management
- Ensure compliance with IRC’s global policies and standards for finance, supply chain, and operational systems.
- Oversee the Kenya country program budgets, ensuring financial sustainability through accurate forecasting and cost-effectiveness measures.
- Drive operational excellence for cost-effective and timely program delivery.
Governance and Compliance
- Champion a proactive risk management agenda that safeguards the organization’s people, assets, and reputation.
- Integrate risk management into strategic planning and operational culture across all teams.
- Guide crisis preparedness and response frameworks to protect staff and beneficiaries under adverse conditions.
Safety & Security
- Take primary responsibility for the management of safety and security for the country program, including response to emergencies.
- Maintain a culture of safety and keep security, evacuation, and contingency plans current.
People & Culture
- Foster a high-performance, inclusive culture and champion leadership accountability for team development.
- Partner with regional/HQ teams on talent acquisition, retention, and succession strategies.
- Embed staff care and resilience into organizational systems, monitoring well-being indicators.
Emergency Preparedness and Response
- Serve as the designated Response Lead for country-led emergencies, ensuring activation of IRC protocols.
- Develop and operationalize fit-for-purpose Emergency Preparedness Plans (EPPs).
- Coordinate with regional and HQ teams to secure rapid technical and financial support during crises.
Qualifications and Requirements
- Graduate degree in a relevant field.
- At least 10 years of dynamically responsible international work experience.
- Previous leadership experience at the Country Director level of multi-site, multi-sectoral operations in a complex environment.
- Experience working in conflict/post-conflict or disaster response situations.
- Professional fluency in written and spoken English.
- Demonstrated skills in managing security in complex contexts and negotiating with partner organizations.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should apply online through the International Rescue Committee careers portal via the official link provided on the application page. Use the following link to navigate to the application portal: https://www.myjobmag.co.ke/apply-now/1204460
