Country Manager – Cordaid Kenya

Job’s aim

Responsible for country legal representation, HR management, fundraising, program implementation, compliance and financial management.

Specifications of the job

Responsible for realisation of Country Office targets, the Country Manager plans, manages program implementation and oversees the in-country finance and administration functions. S/he ensure the quality of work and provide consistent, professional, and warm relationships with donors, and raise funds to grow the Country Office budget and Cluster budget. S/he ensure good relationships with partners both private and public and with other sister organisations (i)NGOs.

Aim of the Organizational Unit

Is responsible for realisation of Country Office targets

Job category/Grade

Kenya salary scale – Grade X

Supervisor

Cluster Director

Supervises

Project Managers, Project Officers, M&E and Communication Officer, Program Administration & HR Support Officer, Project Finance Officer.

Results and Competences

Result area Description

Strategy proposals – Monitors the progress and interdependencies of different projects within a Cordaid programme, taking into account the developments in the country/regions, and proposes improvements in the chosen strategy. Leads on country strategy design and implements the strategy.

Cooperation benefits – Creates partnerships between governmental institutions, donors, partner organisations and (inter)national non-governmental organisations, taking into account the agreed programme results.

Funds – Interacts with (potential) local/institutional donors, convincingly advocating for the added value of Cordaid as to acquire funds and ensure the future funding for the programme(s) in the designated country/region.

Business/Action plan -Translates the agreed Country Office targets into a Business/Action Plan for the Country Office, with specific results in designated project areas while securing the connection with the Cordaid strategy.

Programme Management – Keeps track of developments within the projects, manages the activities within the team and makes the necessary adjustments, taking into account the business/action plan, governmental policies, donor policies and the allocation of resources and preventing mission creep.

Financial Management – Keep track of the financial performance of projects and exploitation budgets, ensuring that the CO operates within the boundaries of its approved annual budget. Ensure and be accountable for compliance with donor and internal Cordaid financial requirements.

National compliance – Ensures and takes any measures necessary to ensure the country office is compliant with national laws and regulations and manages relations with relevant government institutions to that effect.

Management sublocations – Leads sublocations (if existing), decides how much and which kind of contact or guidance is needed and ensures proper communication from sublocations with headquarters.

Security Management – Assesses security risks in projects and realises the security of the Cordaid team, consultants and Cordaid visitors, according to the Cordaid’s safety & security policy.

Programme Reports – Collects information within the programme and reports about the results, specifics and possible deviations following the required reporting standards, providing solutions to minimize the impact of deviations.

Personnel management – Leads and coaches the multidisciplinary country team on a day to day basis in accordance with the management style of Cordaid, focused on productivity, the professional development of staff and employee satisfaction. Coaches staff and leaves room for professional freedom to determine how to execute the work. Builds on the strengths and talents of staff members to improve team performance. Emphasis teamwork, project based working and commitment. Ensures efficient use of resources and controls quality of work.

Integrity – Showcases integrity standards as outlined in Cordaid’s integrity policies. Fulfills integrity responsibilities as outlined in Cordaid’s Integrity Framework and Standard Operating Procedures. Actively contributes to a safe environment within their scope of influence by encouraging dialogue, trust, as well as understanding and adherence to Cordaid’s integrity standards and procedures.

Other Any other duties assigned by the Cluster Director

Knowledge, Skills, and Experiences

• University or master’s degree in agriculture, health, economy, humanitarian aid, international development, or other relevant subject
• Extensive knowledge of (remote) management styles, institutional donor funded programs, program management, international cooperation with local partners, country/region of the Country Office, techniques, reporting standards and languages
• Good understanding of the financial framework, structure and compliance requirements of a country office within the setting of an international NGO
• At least 6 years of progressive experience in managing complex professional programs/projects/offices of international organizations or companies.
• Social skills to bridge cultural or other differences on several locations or from remote distance.
• Behavioral values and skills: trust, accountability, problem solving, cooperation, teambuilding, negotiation, conflict management, collaboration, flexibility, creativity
• Writing skills to clearly formulate strategy and project proposals including expected impact

Competencies

• Strategic orientation
• Self-motivated, proactive and result driven
• Creativity and Innovation
• Integrity
• Leadership skills
• People management skills
• Results oriented
• Entrepreneurial thinking
• Open, outgoing and reliable
• Ability to work independently under pressure and proactive work style
• Ability to transfer skills
• Gender sensitive

Key result Areas

• Program implementation
• Program monitoring
• Partnership Management
• HR Management
• Representation/networking
• Donor mapping / fundraising
• Coordination of program activities
• Country Office operation
• Financial management and compliance
• Legal assurance and reporting to government
• Effective staff management
• Security

Working conditions

• 40 hours a week
• Travel to partner offices as and when needed