Country Director - Kenya

Job Posting Organization:
CARE is a global leader within a worldwide movement dedicated to ending poverty. Established in 1945, CARE has been at the forefront of humanitarian efforts and development programs, operating in over 100 countries. With a mission to save lives, defeat poverty, and achieve social justice, CARE employs thousands of staff worldwide, working collaboratively with local partners to implement impactful programs. The organization emphasizes the importance of gender equality and community empowerment, striving to create sustainable solutions that address the root causes of poverty and injustice.

Job Overview:
As the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director for Kenya, you will play a pivotal role in overseeing all operations within the country, ensuring that CARE's programs are impactful and aligned with the organization's mission and vision. This position requires a visionary leader who can build strategic partnerships, lead high-performing teams, and drive innovative solutions in complex global settings. You will be responsible for driving strategy, resource mobilization, and operational excellence, positioning the Country Office as a leader in sustainable development and humanitarian action. Your leadership will inspire teams to embrace innovation, collaboration, and resilience as we work towards achieving CARE’s 2030 vision, which focuses on creating a future of hope and equity for all.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Leadership & Talent Development: Build and nurture a dynamic senior leadership team, fostering a culture of diversity, accountability, and staff well-being while promoting CARE's core values of Respect, Integrity, Commitment, and Excellence.
• Strategic Planning & Resource Mobilization: Lead the design and implementation of an ambitious country strategy that aligns with global priorities, secures funding for innovative programs, and maintains the financial health of the Country Office.
• Program Impact & Innovation: Oversee the development and execution of impactful, gender-sensitive programs that address the root causes of poverty, championing monitoring, learning, and adaptation for continuous improvement.
• External Relations & Advocacy: Build strategic alliances with governments, donors, and civil society, acting as a spokesperson for CARE and driving advocacy efforts to influence policies and practices that promote social justice.
• Operational Excellence: Ensure strong governance, risk management, and compliance across all operations, safeguarding staff safety and well-being while ensuring responsible stewardship of resources.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: A Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required.
• Experience: 6–8 years of senior management experience in the development sector, including strategic and operational leadership.
• Leadership & People Management: Proven ability to lead diverse, cross-cultural teams in challenging environments, with exceptional coaching, capacity building, and conflict resolution skills.
• Financial & Operational Management: Expertise in managing complex budgets, ensuring donor compliance, and addressing audit recommendations.
• Strategic Thinking & Advocacy: Demonstrated ability to develop and execute forward-thinking strategies, with experience engaging with government and donors to influence policy and mobilize resources.
• Resilience & Adaptability: Strong coping strategies and emotional intelligence in high-pressure settings are essential.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is mandatory for this position. Candidates with advanced degrees in fields related to international development, public administration, or social sciences may have an advantage, although it is not explicitly required. The educational background should provide a solid foundation for understanding the complexities of development work and the socio-economic challenges faced in Kenya.

Experience:
Candidates should possess 6–8 years of senior management experience within the development sector. This experience should include strategic and operational leadership roles, demonstrating a proven track record of managing teams and projects effectively. Experience in working with international organizations, NGOs, or governmental agencies will be highly regarded, particularly in contexts similar to those faced in Kenya.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Swahili is mandatory for this position. The ability to communicate effectively in both languages is crucial for engaging with local communities, stakeholders, and partners. Additional language skills may be considered an asset, particularly those relevant to the diverse linguistic landscape of Kenya.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role with a focus on local hiring, as CARE strongly encourages applications from qualified nationals. The organization will prioritize hiring on a local contract for this role, and international candidates will only be considered if a suitable local candidate cannot be identified. The role is expected to be based in Nairobi, Kenya, and will involve significant engagement with various stakeholders across the country. CARE is committed to equity and inclusion, welcoming applications from all backgrounds and actively encouraging women and underrepresented groups to apply.