The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) invests in changing lives. Through financial investments, business services, and high-level policy dialogue, the EBRD promotes sustainable, entrepreneurial economies with opportunities for all, primarily investing in private sector clients.The role of AD, Deputy Head Kenya, Government Relations, is essential in supporting the Managing Director as the Head of Kenya, ensuring the effective implementation of the country strategy and achievement of annual targets. This senior position requires strategic leadership, oversight of policy initiatives, key stakeholder engagement, and management of the Resident Office's operational and budgetary affairs, all aimed at promoting sustainable economic transition and private sector development.
Accountabilities & Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Oversight
- Support the Managing Director in their role as Head of Kenya, ensuring the effective implementation of the country strategy and the achievement of annual targets.
- In close coordination with the Regional Policy Lead, provide strategic oversight and guidance to drive the origination and execution of the Bank’s policy initiatives and programmes, and investment projects, ensuring their impact and alignment with the Bank’s mission and Kenya’s development priorities.
- Take joint responsibility with the Managing Director, SSA, other Deputy Heads of Kenya in Nairobi, and relevant Regional Sector Heads, for delivery of the Kenya Score Card.
- Serve as a senior point of contact with sector clients, responsible for developing new business in close coordination with sector Directors, regional sector leads, and sector bankers, and in line with Country Strategy and business plan priorities.
- Oversee the Resident Office’s administrative and budgetary affairs, ensuring effective resource management, operational efficiency, and a well-functioning office environment.
Stakeholder Engagement & Representation
- Act as the primary representative of the EBRD in Kenya, managing high-level relationships with government stakeholders, national agencies, regional and local authorities, and the international community to strengthen the Bank’s strategic engagement and influence.
- Contribute to the coordination of the Bank’s responses to national and regional policy developments, ensuring alignment with EBRD priorities and maintaining strong visibility and credibility at the national level.
- The Deputy Head will create an optimal environment for the Regional Policy Lead to conduct policy dialogue and lead efforts on reform and technical cooperation, serving as the primary liaison for relationship-building in Kenya.
- Represent the Bank in engagements with business associations, civil society, and the media, reinforcing the EBRD’s reputation and role as a key development partner in Kenya.
- Advocate for the EBRD’s mission in promoting economic transition, sustainability, and private sector development by attending and speaking at external forums.
Operational Management
- Work closely with the Regional Policy Lead to support the Managing Director / Head of Kenya in ensuring effective prioritisation, adequate resourcing, and execution of key policy initiatives and related technical assistance.
- Work closely with the Regional Policy Lead on cross-border regulatory issues affecting Kenya and the wider region and ensure country-specific advocacy efforts complement regional policy initiatives.
- In close cooperation with the Regional Policy Lead, track reform efforts and policy dialogue initiatives led by other IFIs/DFIs, advising Bank management on coordination and collaboration opportunities.
- Collaborate with sector banking and policy teams, and other support units to develop and propose policy solutions that enhance the business climate and identify new investment opportunities for the Bank.
- Engage with senior management across the Bank to enhance coordination between sectors and units, maximising synergies and the efficiency of policy dialogues and investment project outcomes.
- Play an active role in fundraising for policy and project-related technical assistance and blended finance, working in close cooperation with the Donor Partnerships Unit to secure necessary funding resources.
- Prepare and review internal and external documents, ensuring high-quality briefings and reports for Bank management.
- Organise and coordinate visits by senior Bank officials, managing meetings, logistics, and stakeholder engagements.
- Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Resident Office, including staff supervision and budget oversight, while fostering a high-performance culture and operational excellence.
Risk & Compliance Management
- Identify and mitigate risks related to the Bank’s operations and activities in Kenya, including through the regular Operational Risk Monitoring function.
- Ensure compliance with local regulations, EBRD’s operational guidelines, and international best practices across all country activities.
- Enforce adherence to EBRD’s corporate procurement rules, ensuring that all corporate procurement activities within the country are conducted in accordance with established procedures.
Team Leadership & Development
- Support the SSA Managing Director / Head of Kenya in leading and mentoring a dynamic, multi-disciplinary team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence.
- Promote professional development, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement within the team.
- Oversee the recruitment, training, and retention of top-tier talent.
- Champion and role model the Bank’s Behavioural Competencies and Corporate Behaviours, ensuring the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct are always upheld.
- Serve as the primary line manager to the Office Manager, overseeing the performance of the Resident Office administrative staff.
Knowledge, Skills & Attributes
- Strong understanding of the country’s political, economic, and regulatory landscape, with deep insight into local market dynamics and the ability to understand complex governmental and business dynamics in real time.
- Proven experience in managing high-level relationships across government, public sector institutions, business communities, and the international community.
- Diplomatic and skilled in managing sensitive political issues to maintain constructive relationships and achieve strategic goals.
- Extensive knowledge of the EBRD’s operational guidelines, policies, and best practices, particularly in relation to country strategy delivery, project implementation, and risk management.
- In-depth knowledge of procurement processes and compliance with corporate procurement rules.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to represent the Bank at the highest levels, influence decisions, and drive strategic outcomes.
- Strong policy and advocacy skills, capable of identifying, developing, and advancing policy initiatives.
- Strong analytical skills to evaluate and address a wide array of challenges and opportunities.
- Demonstrated ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks, including through effective operational risk monitoring and management within a complex operational environment.
- Excellent organisational and time-management skills, with a strong capacity to manage competing priorities and deliver results under pressure.
- Capacity to drive and influence teams internally, fostering collaboration and aligning efforts to support the achievement of strategic objectives.
- Ability to lead, manage, and develop teams, with strong coaching, mentoring, and leadership skills.
- Integrity and ethical conduct, serving as a role model for the Bank’s core values.
- Fluency in English is required; proficiency in Kiswahili is highly desirable.
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in economics, business administration, finance, international relations, or a related field. A higher degree (MBA/MSc/MA) in a similar discipline is desirable.
- Extensive experience in international or national economic development, with a proven track record in managing complex projects, addressing policy issues, and navigating political, economic, and regulatory environments, particularly within the Kenya context.
- Significant proven experience in engaging with senior government officials, business leaders, civil society, and international stakeholders, successfully driving policy change and business development outcomes.
- Experience in managing risk and compliance, including overseeing procurement processes and ensuring adherence to organisational and regulatory standards.
- Substantial experience in strategic leadership and management, with a proven track record of leading cross-functional teams in complex environments.
- Experience in leadership and people management, including overseeing recruitment, training, and performance management.
- Demonstrated experience in managing administrative functions and budgetary processes.
