The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is seeking a visionary Country Director to lead and shape the organization's humanitarian and development strategies in Kenya. This senior executive role is responsible for providing high-impact, client-centered programming, serving as the principal representative of the IRC at national and global levels, and managing a large, multi-disciplinary team in a complex operating environment.
Major Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Representation
- Provide visionary leadership to shape and execute strategies aligned with IRC’s global mission and Kenya’s evolving context.
- 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.
- Forge and sustain strategic partnerships with national NGOs, civil society actors, and community-based organizations.
- Lead IRC’s engagement in humanitarian coordination mechanisms and maintain constructive relationships with government counterparts.
- Cultivate a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and accountability across the country team.
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.
- Actively seek opportunities to expand humanitarian programming to underserved areas.
- Foster learning, accountability, and adaptive management to strengthen program quality.
- Integrate Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (GEDI) principles into all operations.
Fundraising & Donor Relations
- Lead the design and execution of a diversified funding strategy, 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.
- Oversee the production of high-quality proposals and reports.
Operational & Financial Management
- Ensure compliance with global policies for finance, supply chain, and operational systems.
- Oversee the Kenya country program budgets, ensuring financial sustainability through accurate forecasting and cost-effectiveness.
Governance and Compliance
- Champion a proactive risk management agenda to safeguard the organization’s people, assets, and reputation.
- Guide crisis preparedness and response frameworks.
Safety & Security
- Take primary responsibility for the overall management of safety and security for the country program.
- Coordinate closely with the Regional Safety and Security Director on emerging threats.
People & Culture
- Foster a high-performance, inclusive culture and lead strategic implementation of talent management practices.
- Embed staff care and resilience into organizational systems.
Communications & Advocacy
- Model the “IRC Way – Global Standards for Professional Conduct” and advance the IRC’s advocacy agenda.
Emergency Preparedness and Response
- Serve as the Response Lead for country-led emergencies, ensuring activation of protocols and effective coordination.
Job Requirements
- Graduate degree in a relevant field.
- At least 10 years of dynamically responsible international work experience, including leadership at the Country Director level of multi-site, multi-sectoral operations.
- Experience working in conflict/post-conflict or disaster response situations.
- Professional fluency in written and spoken English.
- Demonstrated technical skills in security management, budget oversight, and fundraising success with major international donors.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should apply online via the International Rescue Committee career portal: Apply Here
