IREX is a global development and education organization striving for a more just, prosperous, and inclusive world where individuals reach their full potential, governments serve their people, and communities thrive. We are seeking a Project Director for the Freedom 250 Tech and Innovation Exchange, a 36-month initiative focused on fostering collaboration between the U.S. and Kenya through academic and professional exchanges.
Role Overview
The Project Director provides overall leadership for the design, implementation, and management of all program components, ensuring full alignment with U.S. government priorities and U.S. Embassy Nairobi guidance. The role involves high-level stakeholder engagement, operational oversight, and strategic management of a multi-year cooperative agreement.
Key Responsibilities
Program Leadership and Strategic Oversight
- Provide overall leadership for the design, implementation, and management of all components of the Freedom 250 Tech and Innovation Exchange.
- Serve as the primary day-to-day liaison with the U.S. Embassy Nairobi (Public Diplomacy Section) for coordination, approvals, and adaptive management.
- Develop, manage, and routinely track the integrated program work plan, timelines, and deliverables across the full 36‑month period of performance.
- Propose course corrections and identify risks to IREX leadership as needed.
Academic, Private Sector, and Partner Engagement
- Identify, negotiate, and manage partnerships with U.S. universities and Kenyan institutions for semester-long academic placements.
- Design and implement structured externships, mentorships, and professional engagement opportunities with U.S. companies operating in Kenya.
- Engage U.S. Embassy counterparts and private-sector associations to ensure tangible pro‑American and pro‑commercial outcomes.
Recruitment, Selection, and Participant Experience
- Oversee recruitment, outreach, application management, and participant support processes for Kenyan undergraduate students.
- Ensure transparent, merit-based selection processes aligned with Embassy priorities and branding.
- Lead implementation of participant orientation, pre-departure preparation, and structured post‑program engagement in Kenya.
Operations, Compliance, and Risk Management
- Oversee day-to-day program operations, logistics, and coordination with U.S. and Kenyan partners.
- Manage compliance for the award, including U.S. Department of State requirements (e.g., J‑1/DS‑2019 processes), 2 CFR 200 financial compliance, and branding guidance.
- Lead participant safeguarding, duty of care, and emergency response planning.
- Manage program budgets, pipelines, and cost controls; prepare forecasts and justifications.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting
- Lead development and implementation of the program’s Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP).
- Draft and submit timely, high-quality narrative and financial reports to the U.S. Embassy and internal stakeholders.
Team Leadership and Representation
- Supervise, mentor, and support a multidisciplinary program team based in Kenya.
- Represent the program in technical and coordination settings with academic and private-sector partners.
- Contribute technical and strategic inputs to proposal development and future initiatives.
Requirements
- A minimum of a BA/BSc/HND degree in a relevant field.
- Significant experience in project management and program leadership, particularly in international development or educational exchanges.
- Demonstrated knowledge of U.S. government compliance and Department of State regulations (e.g., J-1 visas, 2 CFR 200).
- Proven experience in stakeholder engagement across academic and private sectors in Kenya.
- Strong expertise in financial management, budgeting, and Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E).
- Ability to supervise and mentor a multidisciplinary team.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should apply online via the IREX recruitment portal. Go to IREX on irex.applytojob.com to submit your application.
