The Country Director for Kenya provides visionary leadership to shape and execute strategies that deliver high-impact, client-centered programs aligned with IRC’s global mission and Kenya’s evolving humanitarian context. Serving as IRC’s principal representative in Kenya, you will articulate the organization’s vision and priorities at national, regional, and global platforms, including donor briefings and high-level policy forums. This role involves leading a country strategy aligned with IRC’s Strategy100, forging strategic partnerships, and ensuring operational excellence, financial sustainability, and the safety of all staff and assets in a complex operating environment.
Major Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Representation
- Provide visionary leadership to shape and execute strategies for high-impact, client-centered programs.
- Serve as principal representative in Kenya at donor briefings, inter-agency coordination bodies, and high-level policy forums.
- Lead the development and delivery of a country strategy aligned with IRC’s Strategy100.
- Forge and sustain strategic partnerships with national NGOs, civil society, and community-based organizations.
- Lead IRC’s engagement in humanitarian coordination mechanisms and advocate for principled, needs-based action.
- Maintain constructive relationships with government counterparts to facilitate operational continuity.
- Cultivate a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and accountability across the country team.
Strategic Direction & Program Quality
- Implement the country program's strategic vision ensuring high-quality programming tailored to the Kenya context.
- Drive program innovation and excellence, ensuring interventions are evidence-based and client-centered.
- Pursue opportunities to expand humanitarian programming to underserved and hard-to-reach areas.
- Foster learning, accountability, and adaptive management.
- Integrate Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (GEDI) principles into all operations.
Fundraising & Donor Relations
- Lead the design and execution of a diversified funding strategy.
- Proactively monitor donor priorities and position IRC for emerging opportunities.
- Maintain strong relationships with donors, government bodies, and coordination mechanisms.
- Oversee the production of high-quality proposals and reports, ensuring timely compliance.
Operational & Financial Management
- Ensure compliance with IRC’s global policies for finance, supply chain, and operational systems.
- Oversee country program budgets, ensuring financial sustainability through accurate forecasting and cost-effectiveness.
- Drive operational excellence for cost-effective and timely program delivery.
Governance and Compliance
- Champion a proactive risk management agenda safeguarding people, assets, and reputation.
- Integrate risk management into strategic planning and operational culture.
- Guide crisis preparedness and response frameworks.
Safety & Security
- Take primary responsibility for the overall management of safety and security for the country program.
- Maintain a culture of safety and keep security, evacuation, and contingency plans current.
- Coordinate with the Regional Safety and Security Director on emerging threats.
People & Culture
- Foster a high-performance, inclusive culture and align talent management with organizational strategy.
- Partner with regional and HQ teams on innovative talent acquisition and succession strategies.
- Embed staff care and resilience into organizational systems.
Communications & Advocacy
- Model the “IRC Way – Global Standards for Professional Conduct” principles.
- Maintain a healthy office environment encouraging open and honest communication.
- Advance IRC’s advocacy agenda to influence policies benefiting the people served.
Emergency Preparedness and Response
- Serve as designated Response Lead for country-led emergencies.
- Develop and operationalize fit-for-purpose Emergency Preparedness Plans (EPPs).
- Mobilize resources and support during crises.
Job Requirements
- Graduate degree in a relevant field.
- At least 10 years of dynamically responsible international work experience.
- Leadership experience at the Country Director level of multi-site, multi-sectoral operations in a complex operating environment.
- Experience supervising large teams.
- Experience working in conflict/post-conflict or disaster response situations.
- Professional fluency in written and spoken English.
Technical Skills & Competencies
- Experience managing security in a complex and rapidly changing context.
- Ability to negotiate and work with partner organizations.
- Strong budget and fiscal oversight capacities.
- Extensive representation and fundraising success with European, US, private, and international donors.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
- Visionary leadership, strategic agility, and a focus on measurable results.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should apply via the International Rescue Committee career portal on Workday. Follow the application link provided below.
