Coalition on Violence Against Women – Kenya

Jobs at the Coalition on Violence Against Women – Kenya

Call for Applications

Positions: Executive Director and Program Manager

Context and overview of COVAW (K):

COVAW-K is a registered, non-partisan and non-profit making national women's human rights non-governmental organization.

COVAW (K) works to promote and advance women human rights through working towards a society free from all forms of violence against women. Since inception, COVAW (K) has fought and continues to fight valiantly to influence the public opinion on violence against women so that it would be regarded as a crime and a human rights violation instead of a commonplace domestic habit.

Towards that end, COVAW-K has successfully spearheaded campaigns and advocacy against this violation that continues to threaten the personhood of women. COVAW is part of the women’s movement in Kenya and our work is fundamental to the advancement of women rights.

COVAW’s vision is a society that is free from all forms of violence against women (VAW) within the domestic, private, public and political institutions.

Position: Executive Director

Location: Nairobi, with travel regional and international travel / Closing date: December 5, 2011

We are seeking a dynamic, highly motivated and creative women’s rights defender to serve as our Executive Director.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will provide overall leadership in strategic direction for the organization through its office in Nairobi.

The specific performance objectives for her job will entail the following:

The job entails:

• Ensuring the implementation of the overall strategic plan and that set targets are achieved
• Planning, organizing, staffing, directing and evaluating program activities to meet goals.
• Ensuring compliance with donor requirements on periodic/annual financial and narrative reporting
• Creating and maintaining best practices to attract, train and recognize competent and well-motivated staff.
• Developing, directing and evaluating fund raising activities including acquisition of new donors, corporate support, special events, and grants.
• Developing, directing and implementing public relations and communication strategies to support program goals and increase community awareness of programmes.
• Collaborating with community groups to strengthen and expand the coalition (religious and faith communities, ethnic/cultural, health and human service providers, business, education and civil servants etc).
• Ensuring effective monitoring and evaluation of programs.

Qualifications

Education, Skills and Experience:

• At least a Master’s Degree in Development Studies, Social Sciences, Business Management, Human Rights or related fields or the equivalent.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience as Executive Director/ CEO and 3 years previously in senior management.
• Proven track record in resource mobilization and management.
• Proven people management and leadership skills with a strong track record of developing people.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal skills and good negotiation skills
• Person of integrity.
• Passion for defending women rights and vehemently opposed to gender based violence in society.
• Ability to work and perform under pressure.
• Willingness and ability to travel nationally and internationally.
• Ability to communicate in both English and Kiswahili, both oral and written (e.g. proposal writing) including public speaking.
• Basic understanding of electronic communications and standard office computer software.
• Knowledge/familiarity with national, regional and other international mechanisms/ instruments on women’s rights.
• Strategic Management and Process Skills.

Position: Program Manager

Location: Nairobi, with travel to project sites and international travel / Closing date: December 5, 2011

Purpose: To manage the day to day implementation and management of programmes and fund raising for COVAW.

Key outputs

• Inputs to the development of COVAW strategy and corporate objectives
• Planning and budgeting for programmes
• Ensuring the development, implementation and monitoring of programmes
• Preparing progress reports for decision making by COVAW and external stakeholders
• With Executive Director, developing fund raising strategy
• Co-ordinating COVAW’s programs; working with program team in planning and implementation of interventions for prevention of and response to violence against women.
• Implementing fund raising strategy
• Ensuring conduct of baseline surveys, internal and external project surveys in implementation areas
• Representing COVAW in meetings and strategic partnerships.

Academic Qualifications:

• University degree in related field; law or social sciences

Expertise & Skills

• Demonstrated excellent writing and editing skills, ability to analyze information across a range of disciplines and able to extract relevant analyses
• Fluency speaking and writing in English and Kiswahili
• Presents ideas clearly, negotiates confidently and persuasively
• Creates partnerships and alliances
• Builds an environment of mutual respect and trust
• Employs a team approach; recognizes the balance of collaborating, leading and following
• Plans, prioritizes and focuses on what is critical
• Demonstrates personal career planning
• Thinks creatively and innovatively; seeks new or ‘reinventing’ opportunities
• Recognizes the value of professional networking and personal career planning
• Balances work, family and community obligations
• Remains flexible and positive in a time of continuing change
• Celebrates achievements for self and others

Knowledge & Other Requirements:

• Familiarity with international and regional women’s rights organizations and networks
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing women's rights and gender equality
• Committed to the principles and values of feminism, anti-discrimination and anti-oppression
• Relevant experience working on women’s rights issues or with similar NGOs preferable.
• Good knowledge on the provisions of women’s rights in the constitution specifically applicability in addressing VAW.
• A good understanding of the Sexual Offences Act and other gender based violence (GBV)- related laws including pending Bills in Parliament.
• Good knowledge of the global women’s movement and trends affecting women at the local and regional levels.
• Excellent understanding of the changing social, economic and political context in Kenya and how it influences new trends and various forms of VAW.

Experience

At least 5 years’ experience, three of which as a senior programs officer in a reputable medium to large NGO or similar not for profit organization.

How to Apply:

We are looking for individuals who are committed to COVAW values, the principles of feminism, anti-discrimination, and anti-oppression.

The ideal candidates should be creative and strategic thinkers.

Please send:

1) Current CV , 3 referees and cover letter (addressing how you meet the necessary qualifications and outlines why you want to work for COVAW-K)

2) A personal statement, of not more than 800 words expressing why you think you are best suited for the position.

E-mail: recruitment@covaw.or.ke (please include “Executive Director or Program Manager” in the subject line of the email)

No phone calls please.

Only email and faxed applications will be accepted.

The application closing date is Friday, December 2, 2011.

We thank all who apply, but only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

COVAW encourages, promotes and supports diversity in all aspects of its work.

To learn more about COVAW and our programs, please visit our website at www.covaw.or.ke