Country Director Kenya

Job Description

Job Description

SNV started work in Kenya in 1967 with operations mainly in its arid and semi-arid regions. We have since expanded our work to include high potential areas of the country. SNV Kenya provides advisory services, promotes the development and brokering of knowledge, and support policy dialogue at the national level. To increase the effectiveness of our programmes and resources, we engage in partnerships with the government, local authorities, private and public sector organisations, and other NGOs. Aligned with the Government of Kenya’s Vision 2030, we focus on opportunities in Agriculture (dairy, extensive livestock, and horticulture), Water, Sanitation & Hygiene, and Energy

Overview of the position

SNV seeks a talented, entrepreneurial, result-oriented and experienced professional who will lead the Kenya country team in realizing the implementation of high quality programs in SNV’s sectors. We offer you a challenging position in a very dynamic environment.

The Country Director is responsible for leading and driving the country program. It is a multi-faceted role, focused on securing adequate funding to sustain operations, upscale and strategically strengthen the country program, while ensuring high quality delivery. It will require you to be well informed about national and international development priorities and steer the sectors in response to these priorities. You will forge partnerships and alliances between SNV and important national and international actors, and stimulate collaboration for impact in SNV sectors. You will be the face of SNV in the country and ensure a positive image and visibility.

You will lead, coach and support a team of proffesionals to perform at their best to meet and exceed client, donor and SNV corporate expectations. In addition, you will be a key member of our global senior management team, making meaningful contributions to help shape the future of SNV.

Responsibilities

• Strategic leadership of the program (including multi-country efforts and potentially managing projects in other countries) within the overall parameters of SNV’s global strategy;
• Business development to grow the country program, ensure financial sustainability of SNV in Kenya and ensure a high quality project design;
• Oversight and quality assurance of project implementation (including project director roles) ensuring the delivery of impact to the satisfaction of key stakeholders and following SNV’s and the donor’s financial standards and monitoring protocols;
• Leadership and management of the country team: creating and nurturing an environment that supports high performance, learning and teamwork;
• Representation and profiling: building partnerships and maintaining excellent relationships with donors, partners, local governments, businesses, policy makers and other relevant stakeholders;
• Collaboration with other SNV countries to effectively exploit opportunities for synergy, deliver at scale (including multi-country projects), exchange knowledge and strengthen SNV’s position;
• In addition, Country Directors foster innovation of SNV products and services: facilitate learning, documentation and evidence based knowledge development in collaboration with SNV’s global team and partners; ensure collaboration with renowned knowledge institutes and networks.

Qualifications

Candidate Profile

• Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline;
• At least 8 years of relevant experience at strategic level;
• Knowledge and understanding of the international development context and trends in SNV’s three core sectors;
• Proven ability of mobilizing resources from the public and private sector; familiarity with key financiers and actors in SNV’s 3 core sectors;
• Strong business and people management capabilities with a focus on results and an entrepreneurial skills;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
• Strong networking and positioning skills at multiple levels;
• Strong in implementation oversight;
• Proven track record in project management;
• Ability to relate with and manage relationships with government at federal and local levels;
• Ability to coach, lead, stimulate, and inspire professionals in a development context;
• Culturally aware, tactful and open minded;
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.

Additional Information

Contract Type: International employment contract

Contract Duration: 2 years with possibility of extension

Expected Start Date: September 2017

If you believe that your credentials meet the outlined profile, we invite you to apply by uploading your CV and letter of motivation before 25 June 2017.

We do not appreciate third-party mediation based on this advertisement

NB: Only shortlisted will be contacted

About the Organization

SNV is a not-for-profit international development organisation. Founded in the Netherlands 50 years ago, we have built a long-term, local presence in 39 of the poorest countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Our global team of local and international advisors works with local partners to equip communities, businesses and organisations with the tools, knowledge and connections they need to increase their incomes and gain access to basic services – empowering them to break the cycle of poverty and guide their own development.

For more information on our operations in Kenya, visit our website: www.snvworld.org