Kenya, Country Director

Closing date: 25 Sep 2009
Location: Kenya - Nairobi

Reporting to: Operations Manager, GOAL Dublin
Contract Length: 12 months

OVERALL DESCRIPTION

General Description of the Programme

GOAL began to support humanitarian and development initiatives in Kenya in 1992.
1) GOAL’s current programme of support for vulnerable children and youth comprises four broad interrelated components; a Rescue Centre for sexually children, a Community Children’s Education Project (Non-formal education), health and HIV/AIDS projects. Its overall objective is to empower vulnerable children and youth in difficult circumstances to enjoy their rights and fulfil their potential for sustainable well-being.
2) GOAL also works with local partners in the area of urban water and sanitation in Nairobi in the construction of bio-latrine community centres.
3) The current programme is also implementing emergency initiatives such as transitional shelter in South Rift (Nakuru), Livelihoods in North Rift (Eldoret) and a food security response in Eastern Province (Diocese of Kitui).

General Description of the Role:

The CD will be responsible for the overall management and development of the GOAL Kenya programme working in close co-ordination with the ACD. The CD will be based in Nairobi.

In conjunction with the ACD, responsibilities will include:

- Representation of GOAL in Kenya e.g. NGO, UN agency, co-ordination and other meetings.
- Final responsibility for the management of the GOAL team (expatriate and national staff).
- Donor liaison. Secure funding to enable GOAL to expand in Kenya. It is envisaged that this work will be through partner organisations.

Key Duties:

Security

- Ensuring that all existing security guidelines and practices are implemented and adhered to and that these are modified as necessary

Programming

- The monitoring and evaluation of existing programmes and the development of new programmes.
- With the ACD, source finance for programme expansion. It is envisaged that this would be through partner organisations.
- In conjunction with the Partnerships Officer, oversee the transition of the main elements of the Children and Youth Programme to appropriate government and/or civil society partners.
- Oversee final reports/proposals that are being submitted to Dublin

Donors

- The CD is the principal point of contact with in-country donors. This involves being familiar with all donor representatives and the possession of the necessary diplomatic skills to represent GOAL effectively in the securing of future funding for Kenya and other GOAL operations as necessary and appropriate. The ACD will play a large part in donor liaison and where necessary will attend meetings with donors.

Personnel

- The CD is responsible for all staff (expatriate and national personnel) and is empowered to use all available resources to promote staff development in line with GOAL policy. This includes:
- Accountability for the overall health, welfare and security of personnel
- Recruitment of all national and expatriate staff, contract extension/termination/promotion in conjunction with GOAL Dublin
- Ensuring that there are procedures in place to support and encourage appropriate personnel and professional development of staff
- Ensuring that there is an ongoing review/evaluation of staff performance
- Ensuring adherence by all staff to GOAL rules, regulations and policies

Finance

- Work closely with the Financial Controller and ACD to ensure compliance with GOAL, donor and ethical standards;
- Ensure continuity in the financial function in the absence of the Financial Controller.

Other areas of importance:

- Political – an ongoing understanding of the political, security and humanitarian situation in-country
- Media/P.R./Visibility – media coverage for GOAL. The CD must seek out and present GOAL to any international media personnel in-country, and ensure coverage of GOAL activities if appropriate to the story being sought by the media.
- Emergencies – ensure that GOAL is prepared to react promptly and efficiently to emergencies in Kenya and/or neighbouring countries.

Requirements: (educational, language, etc.)

- 5+ years of previous overseas management experience and experience in transitioning towards and managing partnership-based implementation of development programmes.
- Experience in child protection and advocacy
- A willingness to travel regularly to project locations and to accept the insecurity and basic living conditions that are characteristic of these locations
- Experience in proposal and report writing with a proven ability to secure donor funding
- Experience in liaising with government officials and a variety of donors
- Staff management and personnel skills
- Budgetary control and financial management skills
- To be familiar with and abide by the NGO Red Cross Code of Conduct, the People in Aid code and Sphere Minimum Standards
- Fluent English

This Job Description only serves as a guide for the position available. GOAL reserves the right to change this document.

How to apply

Send CV and cover letter to applications@goal.ie

Reference Code: RW_7VKKFA-83