Country Director: Kenya
The National Democratic Institute (NDI) seeks a Country Director with excellent management skills and extensive experience to lead the implementation of its democracy and governance programs in Kenya. The Country Director’s experience should include providing assistance to civil society groups, particularly related to encouraging political participation and inclusion of women, youth, and other traditionally excluded groups as citizens and elected officials; supporting political parties and legislatures; working with public opinion research; and strengthening local governance.
This is an unaccompanied post and candidates must be legally eligible to work in Kenya. NDI will not provide sponsorship.
The Country Director will oversee all aspects of programmatic, staff and office management, including the implementation of program activities, managing grants, providing leadership to a team of Kenyan staff, and ensuring compliance with NDI and donor procurement and financial policies and procedures.
The Country Director will be based in Nairobi and serve as principal NDI liaison with political and civic leaders, program partners, donors, and representatives of the international community in Kenya. A high degree of professional judgment, political analysis experience and objectivity, and creativity are essential to the successful leadership of NDI in Kenya. This position works closely with Washington-based program staff and management who manage communications and provide overall strategic guidance and support for country office activities. The Country Director reports to the Regional and Deputy Directors for Southern and East Africa.
Responsibilities:
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
- Provide day-to-day management of program activities, office administration, and oversight and evaluation of Kenyan program staff
- Serve as a resource for civil society and political leaders in response to their specific questions and requests for assistance
- Use strong writing skills to provide political analysis to support current and potential programming
- Monitor programs to determine whether programmatic goals are being achieved and operational and reporting requirements are being adhered to
- Adjust programmatic activities based on changing political circumstances and in response to needs articulated by local partners and program stakeholders
- Work in tandem with the Finance and Administrative staff in Nairobi and Washington, DC to oversee the NDI Kenya budget, and oversee financial management and the submission of monthly program activity budgets and financial reconciliations to the Washington, DC, office
- Make programmatic adjustments as necessary throughout the implementation cycle to avoid budget overruns
- Ensure program compliance with donor requirements with regards to work plans, performance monitoring plans, and procedures to ensure the integrity of all financial transactions
EXTERNAL RELATIONS
- Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with Kenyan political and civil society leaders, partners, government officials and members of the international, diplomatic, and donor communities
- Serve as principal liaison between NDI and international donor representatives in country, Kenyan officials, international and local NGOs, the media, and representatives of foreign governments
- Serve as NDI’s principal representative at speaking engagements and at donor-related activities
- Develop fundraising strategies with donors to help raise additional funds in coordination with the NDI Washington staff
INTERNAL COMMUNICATION / STAFF AND PORTFOLIO DEVELOPMENT
- Oversee the writing and timely submission of monthly program activity reports, quarterly reports, monitoring and evaluation data, periodic updates on political/security developments, and other program-related materials
- Collaborate with and build the capacity of NDI Kenyan staff to play a substantive role in program development and implementation
- Contribute to NDI’s overall strategic vision for democracy and governance support in Kenya
- Contribute to regional and global planning, collaboration and knowledge management
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree, preferably in International Relations or a related subject
- Minimum of fourteen (14) years of relevant work experience in the democracy and governance sector; working for the legislature, executive branch or political parties; or other relevant experience
- Strong track record of visionary leadership and personnel management
- Solid experience in all aspects of program design and management, including office operations, and financial and human resources management
- Proven ability to effectively communicate skills and experiences to others as a trainer, facilitator, and advisor
- Demonstrated ability to engage in strategic planning and conduct and apply sophisticated political analysis to programmatic activities in pursuit of the organizational mission
- Exceptional interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity to effectively interact and maintain professional relationships with all levels of staff, policy makers, US and foreign government personnel, members of donor organizations, and funders
- Knowledge of DFID/FCDO, USAID, DRL, and/or NED funding agencies and funding processes
- Proven ability to ethically manage budgets and employ accountable financial practices
- Strong oral and written communication skills in English; Swahili language ability desirable
- Experience working in a multicultural environment, preferably in Africa
- Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team and to promote staff development
- Working knowledge of PC-based word processing, spreadsheet applications, and email technology
Comments:
This unaccompanied post is based in Nairobi, Kenya, with travel throughout the country. Depending on the status of the COVID pandemic, there may be a possibility that this position could begin remotely.
Salary is commensurate with experience and education. A generous benefits package is provided.
NDI welcomes and supports a diverse, inclusive work environment. As such, our commitment is to promote equal employment opportunities (EEO) for all applicants seeking employment and NDI employees. NDI makes employment decisions based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, personal appearance, military status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, political affiliation, educational status, unemployment status, place of residence or business, source of income, or reproductive health decision making. Additionally, harassment or discrimination based on these characteristics will not be tolerated at NDI. To perform the essential functions of this position, reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities and qualified individuals who have limitations due to pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or medical related condition.
Please apply online through NDI’s website at: www.ndi.org/careers
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