Adeso Country Diretor -Kenya

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

Adeso, formerly known as Horn Relief, is an expanding and vibrant African based international development and humanitarian organization. At Adeso, we work with African communities who are yet to realize their full potential; working inside these communities to create environments in which Africans can thrive. Our belief that economic, social and environmental security is the bedrock of a healthy community drives the nature and intent of our programming. We work to prevent and overcome situations that adversely affect community well-being by: reinvigorating the economy, developing skills for life and work, providing humanitarian aid, and influencing policy.

For the past 20 years we have strengthened rural livelihoods through environmental awareness, training, technology transfer and innovative humanitarian projects in pursuit of a peaceful, self-reliant, and greener future. Currently, Adeso has programs in Somalia, Kenya and South Sudan. Our current donor portfolio includes the European Commission, USAID, SIDA, CIDA, UNICEF, and the Government of Netherlands, among others. Adeso is an exciting and dynamic organization experiencing managed rapid growth. It offers sound employment conditions with opportunities for personal growth and development.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Country Director will have overall leadership and management responsibility for Adeso’s programs throughout Kenya. S/he will play a critical role in the development and implementation of strategies necessary to further develop Adeso’s portfolio in the country as the implementer of choice for donors and government. The Country Director will be a Senior Member of Adeso’s structure, with overall responsibility for the country program and capabilities with significant expected growth. This position requires the demonstrated ability to grow the program, line manage the projects, maintain existing donor relationships and develop new programming areas/projects.

POSITION PURPOSE

1. Leadership and strategy development
2. Program and technical management
3. Budgeting and resource planning
4. External relations and new business development
5. Human resource management

SPECIFIC ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership and strategy development (15%) • Guide strategy development process, lead action planning and implementation of the Kenya country program in line with Adeso’s organizational guidelines and policies. • Shape team structures and culture to promote the core values of Adeso in particular efficiency, collaboration, and humility with a focus on growing the program. • Actively participate in all regional/organizational initiatives and ensure resources, programs and colleagues are all aligned to ensure greater strategic impact. • Develop and drive a culture of excellence, continuous improvement, and performance optimization across all projects. Program and technical management (30%) • Ensure project implementation and deliverables, donor reporting and project spending meet Adeso and donor expectations for quality and compliance. • Lead the processes for the development of country annual work plans and budgets. Oversee the implementation of projects within the country; monitoring delivery for quality, costs and time. Provide timely and accurate project tracking, analysis of outputs, and reporting. • Ensure implementation of rigorous and comprehensive monitoring and evaluation, learning and reporting systems with regular reviews including program staff. Develop and deploy standard project management tools, and develop the project management and technical skills of the Project Managers, Chief of Party and other senior field staff. • Lead the development and implementation, and maintenance, of process management and information management systems. • Mentor and assist the Project Managers and Chief of Party with planning, execution and delivery of projects, ensuring that Adeso’s unique approaches and best practice project management processes are incorporated into project implementation. • Analyze project results, and interpret results into recommendations for management to assist with the development of the organization as the implementer of choice in Kenya. • Ensure clear communications and good relations are developed and maintained with Adeso’s Program/Operations units in Nairobi, and with external parties such as donors and government in Kenya. Budgeting and resource planning (10%) • Oversee timely and accurate monthly reporting and effective financial management of all resources allocated to Kenya projects • Ensure compliance with all Adeso and donors policies and procedures for financial and asset management • In consultation with the Regional Finance Manager, Customize and implement Adeso’s financial Standard Operating Procedures for all projects in Kenya. • Prepare annual country budgets for Kenya country program, assessing costs and budget/expenditures from projects and the asset inventory. • Prepare, and submit for approval, program budgets and expenditure forecasts based on established financial goals. • Responsible for certifying and authorizing disbursements according to Adeso and donor guidelines.

External relations and New Business Development (25%) • Develop current and future growth plans for Adeso’s program in Kenya, ensuring that those • plans conform to the overall strategic plan of the organization. • Support new business development opportunities through networking with current and potential new donors and developing proposals and partnerships. • Ensure that staff members with the relevant authority are properly trained in proposal development and presentation. • Develop and maintain close working relationships with all key stakeholders including government agencies, donors, other NGOs, etc. • Represent the organization in high level country meetings as well as relevant policy and strategy exchanges.

Human Resource Management (20%) • Recruit, manage and motivate a skilled, efficient team in consultation with the Head of Programs and support of Human Resources team. • Supervise, mentor and manage the performance all senior members of staff in the Kenya program including setting objectives and conducting appraisals as per Adeso HR policies. • Encourage and develop employees’ technical and project management skills and attitude. • Implement team-building processes, and encourage a culture of learning and innovation.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

ESSENTIAL • Post graduate degree in a relevant subject (e.g. Agriculture, Natural Resource Management, International Development, Business Administration). • Minimum 7 years experience in team leadership/project management roles. • At least 5 years relevant overseas experience in a development and/or humanitarian context. • Previous work experience in Kenya. • Strong organizational skills, including experience with Project Management tools and methodologies.
• Strong Monitoring and Evaluation skills, in particular for the development and analysis of baseline information, assessments and monitoring tools. • Experience of human resource management at field level, including distance management. • Experience in budget development and financial management and knowledge of financial procedures. • Ability to multi-task and effectively handle stressful situations. • Excellent written and analytical skills including preparation and delivery of presentations. • Proficiency in computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, power point.
• Strong decision making, partnership building and negotiation skills.
• Strong skills in facilitation management, team leadership, planning, and problem solving and be able to understand the total impact of the projects on the entire organization. DESIRABLE • Knowledge of the donor funding environment in Kenya. • Policy influencing and advocacy experience. • Fluency in Swahili.

How to apply:

APPLICATION PROCESS

This is a challenging opportunity for a dedicated and highly motivated professional. If you would like to join this dynamic team and be part of building resilience and economic growth in Africa, please submit your application to jobs@adesoafrica.org, quoting the position in the email subject matter, by Tuesday 2nd April, 2013. Previous applicants need not to re-apply

Each application should be addressed to the Human Resources Manager and include the following:

• An updated CV (maximum 3 pages); and • An application letter which should include remuneration requirements and contact information for three work-related referees. Applications not including all of the above information will not be reviewed.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Adeso is an equal opportunity employer.