Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Country Director

Our client is an International NGO supporting rural development projects in nine African countries in order to reduce poverty among rural communities through local demand-driven initiatives in agriculture. The organisation’s goal is to support smallholder farmers to improve their livelihoods in a viable and sustainable manner. It works with rural communities to bring sustainable solutions to the causes of hunger and poverty; enables local people to tackle challenges in ways which are practical, cost effective, and sustainable.
The organization seeks to recruit for the position of Country Director for their Kenya office.


The individual will be responsible for the overall management and development of the programme in Kenya and for ensuring that their work contributes effectively and efficiently towards meeting the needs of small holder farmers and the goals of the organisation.
The position will be based in Nakuru and reports to the Director of Programmes, Africa.
Major Roles and Responsibilities

* Provide a clear strategic vision for the organization and ensure staff, partners and other stakeholders support the strategy; and bring sound analysis of processes of change and effectively implement the strategy.
* Maintain a general oversight of the entire programme; provide direction in overall programme operations, administration, financial management, public relations, human resource management and legal integrity.
* Acts as the official representative of the organisation in Kenya and ensure positive working relationship with all partners and stakeholders.
* Manage the preparation, legalization and implementation of partnership agreements and MOUs.
* Ensure responsible and efficient management of financial and other resources
* Ensure the organization keep with trends and development in its sector and environment; it is always up-to-date in terms of relevant socio-economic, food security, livelihood and rural economic developments.
* Provide on-going review and development of overall country strategy, and of individual project objectives.
* Encourage appropriate research with a view to improving the quality of field work and influencing policy changes that will improve the quality of life for people in Kenya.
* Build an effective team and responsible for the management and development of all programme staff.
* Provide leadership in building and maintaining effective relationships with partners.
* Create opportunities to promote and disseminate shared learning points within the programmes.

Qualifications and Experience:

* Masters degree in Programme Management, Commerce, Business Development and Rural Enterprise; or relevant Social Sciences.
* At least 5 years experience in management and/ or development work in a similar environment
* Excellent analytical and organizational skills.
* Strong interpersonal and inter-cultural communication skills. This should include the ability to instil trust and confidence in partner organisations and colleagues from a variety of backgrounds
* Excellent staff management and personnel skills including a proven ability to develop the capacities of multi-disciplinary professional teams.
* Experience in liaising with government officials and a variety of donors
* Experience in programme proposal and report writing with a proven ability to secure funding
* Sound and up to date knowledge of development concepts, methodologies and techniques and the ability to critique them
* Commitment to international and humanitarian NGO codes, standards and practices
* Excellence in both spoken and written English.

Other Desirable

* Expertise in rural enterprise development — value chains, credit, cooperative/farmer association development, etc
* A strong appreciation of how to use media, lobbying and mass mobilisation.
* A knowledge and experience of working in Kenya

The organization supports and practices equal employment opportunities philosophy.
Applications should be submitted to reach the address below before the close of business on Friday 15th April 2011
Please do not attach certificates and testimonials at this point
Application forms are available at the website below.
Executive Selection, Strategic Dimensions Limited
Management and Development Consultants
E-mail: info@strategicdl.com
Only short listed candidates will be contacted