Deputy Regional Director East & Southern Africa / MENA*

The position is to be filled as soon as possible, with an initial contract duration of two years. There are good prospects for an extension. Employment location will be Nairobi, Kenya, with frequent travel to project locations in the region.

Welthungerhilfe’s (WHH) Regional Directorate Eastern & Southern Africa / MENA currently comprises a total of 14 country programs, within the framework of which both humanitarian and development cooperation projects are implemented. As Deputy Regional Director, you will report to the Regional Director and be tasked to oversee 3-4 country programmes of the WHH regional portfolio in East Africa, which currently consists of Country Offices in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Yemen, Sudan, South Sudan and Uganda. A particular focus of your position will be to strengthen and improve WHH’s representation in important regional networks, forums and towards relevant regional stakeholders.

Your responsibilities

• Ensure that WHH programmes in designated countries are delivered to the highest level of quality and safety/security, taking into account WHH’s strategic and organizational priorities
• Support the Country Directors in the development and implementation of country strategies and annual prioritisation
• Analyse and ensure that the country programmes are adequately structured, staffed and resourced to fulfill the organizations’ quality standards and programming priorities
• Develop and maintain an excellent understanding of developments across the region, including political, social, and operational issues impacting WHH programming in the countries
• In collaboration with the Country Directors, develop and implement regional strategies to embrace innovative technologies and approaches, attract new funding opportunities and broaden our national/regional partnerships, including the collaboration with research institutions
• Develop and maintain a profound knowledge of WHH’s global & regional strategic objectives and regional country portfolios
• Consistently model behaviors that demonstrate commitment to WHH’s Code of Conduct and values and lead/foster a collaborative, respectful, and professional working environment by working in partnership and as part of a team to achieve our goals.
• Perform meaningful stakeholder management, including with donors, UN agencies, regional bodies and partner organizations
• Actively participate in regional networks to promote our work in the country programmes in East Africa and link our programmes with relevant stakeholders to foster exchange and learning
• Contribute to WHH’s efforts to diversify donor funding and establish a sustainably funded regional programme portfolio
• Support regional advocacy efforts, help identify suitable topics for regional advocacy work, utilize regional representation to promote advocacy positions, liaise and build alliances with other relevant actors to increase advocacy impact

Your profile

• A university/college degree in a relevant field or an equivalent qualification suitable for the position
• Regional experience working in East/Southern Africa
• Previous experience in working with relevant East/Southern African NGO networks, donors and other stakeholders
• Experience in the (technical) leadership of staff/teams would be an advantage
• Sound knowledge of existing coordination mechanisms relevant for NGO work in humanitarian and developmental contexts
• Strong ability to communicate policy and advocacy messages
• Ability to set and implement meaningful goals in own area of responsibility
• Strong analytical and systemic thinking skills and the ability to solve operational problems when required
• Strong negotiating skills and decisiveness, even in difficult situations
• Willingness and ability to work in an intercultural environment
• Readiness to receive necessary vaccinations for working in Welthungerhilfe’s project countries
• Excellent spoken and written English language skills; good knowledge of French would be an advantage

Our offer

We offer you the opportunity to work in a responsible and interesting field as part of an extremely dedicated team. Welthungerhilfe attaches great importance to the personal and professional development of its employees and the balance of their work and private life. Remuneration is based on our gender-independent salary scale. In addition, Welthungerhilfe offers numerous other benefits, which are listed under “Our benefits”.