Head, Policy and Programmes
ActionAid International Kenya (AAIK) is a member of ActionAid Federation; ActionAid works in more than 40 countries all over the world, in the places where we can make the biggest impact.
We tackle poverty and denial of human rights at the local level, and we challenge the causes behind them locally, nationally and globally.
In Kenya AAIK works in solidarity with women and people living in poverty and exclusion; connecting their voices, sharing ideas, spreading inspiration, campaigning, advocating and formulating public policy to eradicate poverty and ensure social justice.
We are present in at least 16 counties across Kenya and link key international, national and local institutions in favour of the right holders.
We therefore seek to recruit dynamic and innovative Head of Policy and Programmes based in Nairobi.
Job Title: Head, Policy and Programmes
Location: Headquarter
Reporting To: Country Director
Line Management: Programme Managers, Technical Advisors
Job Purpose
The Head of Policy and Programmes shall be responsible for the design, development, implementation and management of all programmes and policy advocacy work at the AAIK. In addition, the Head shall coordinate people for change programme and shall maintain strong programme links from community to national and international levels.
The holder of the position is a member of senior management team and is expected to ensure organizational efficiency and effectiveness through participation in decision making, advising on the programmes and policy issues, communication and implementation of agreed upon decisions.
Specific Responsibilities
Country Strategy Paper
Coordinate development and review of both Country Strategy Paper (CSP) and 3‐year plans in accordance with 3‐year planning guidelines;
Coordinate review of both Country Strategy Paper (CSP) and 3‐year plans in line with changes in the operating environment and in accordance with 3‐year planning guidelines; and
Support monitoring of the implementation of the CSP and ensuring all programmes are effective and within the framework of the CSP.
Programmes
Overseeing formulation and implementation of programme activities in line with CSP and in accordance with sound management practice and ActionAid’s development policies and accountability systems;
Ensuring all programme activities are sensitive to and responsive to changes in the political, social, and economic environments;
Ensuring AAIK programmes are well balanced, well documented and implemented in an effective and efficient manner;
Overseeing development of AAIK's capacity to document, disseminate and learn from development work;
Overseeing programme monitoring, evaluation and reporting.
Coordinate development of project/programme proposals in accordance with the CSP and donor guidelines;
Overseeing timely submission of programme reports as agreed with donors and other stakeholders;
Support monitoring, evaluation and learning from programme activities; and
Provide support during the Annual Participatory Review and Reflection Process.
Policy, Campaign & Advocacy
Identification of key issues and key collaborators for AAIK advocacy work;
Identification of areas of critical concern within the priorities of the CSP for research and advocacy work aimed at policy influencing, policy input and initiatives;
Coordination of Technical Advisors in undertaking research, policy advocacy, campaign and monitor their support to programme implementation;
Support contribution of ideas from the micro level work for the development of advocacy at the macro level while feeding macro level policy to inform work at the micro level;
Promotion of rights based approach in advocating for rights of the people living in poverty and exclusion;
Overseeing development and maintenance of sound relations with policy, research and advocacy specialists at regional and international levels; and
Linkages at International and National Level
Overseeing establishment and management of co‐operative relationships with partners and other stakeholders;
Ensuring appropriate representation of AAIK in alliances and networks both within and outside Kenya as may be required;
Support the LRP Managers and other programme staff to strengthen networks that AAIK is collaborating with.
Assessment of and support of capacity for collaborating networks members; and
Coordinate AAIK’s collaboration with networks, government agencies and other organizations in order to share information, experiences, influence them and/or build capacity.
Overseeing clusters
Support the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programmes in AAIK programmes
Manage the development of project proposals in accordance with the CSP and donor guidelines
Manage the appraisal and development of LRPs as well as provide support for the management of developed LRPs through the Regional Structures working closely together with Sponsorship team.
Ensure the timely submission of good quality programme reports as agreed with donors or in project proposal
Manage the evaluation of programmes
Provide support during the Annual Participatory Review and Reflection Process
General
As part of the Senior Leadership Team participate in pursuing the CSP implementation
Promote rights based approach in advocating for rights of the people living in poverty and exclusion.
Support the recruitment and induction of programme staff
Provide line management to direct reports
Regular meeting of internal links to share information
Set annual targets for each staff of the Unit in consultation with the staff. Maintain ongoing monitoring of the performance of staff against targets and take corrective steps if targets are not being met.
Ensure the development of work plans by all reporting directly to HoPP
Staff Management, Development and Performance Measurement:
Ensuring efficient and effective management of staff within the Department taking into account staff skills and leave allowance;
Participate in the development of programming skills for staff involved in programme activities;
Undertake performance appraisal for staff in the Department and initiation of correction actions for identified gaps;
Undertaking training of staff within the Department;
Development of organizational wide performance measurement and impact assessment indicators; and
Participate in Board and committee meetings and give necessary support and information.
Any other lawful duties that may be assigned from time to time.
Qualifications
Appointment to the position will be made from persons who have:
An MBA or Masters degree in social Sciences or its equivalent from a recognized University;
Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences or its equivalent from a recognized University;
Have at least ten (10) years working experience in policy/programmes function in an INGO or a large organization of which at least five (5) years must have been at senior management position;
Have demonstrated in‐depth understanding of programming issues and Policy work at organizational, national and international levels;
Have practical experience in donor reporting, designing, setting up and coordinating, monitoring, evaluation and impact assessment systems and processes; and
Have an understanding of gender issues in development and demonstrable commitment to promoting gender equity within the organization and in programme work.
Key Competencies
Strong conceptual, analytical, documentation and presentation skills;
Excellent management, leadership, planning and prioritization skills;
High degree of integrity, dependability and confidentiality;
Good interpersonal and communication skills coupled with ability to influence, negotiate, advice, mentor and train;
Ability to work independently and be self motivated; and
High level of IT proficiency in use of MS Word, Excel, Access, Power‐point, and e‐mail.
The successful candidates will enjoy flexibility and organizational space while joining an experienced and dynamic staff working alongside women and people living in poverty and exclusion.
To apply fill in the application form (click here to download) and send it to hresources.kenya@actionaid.org.
Kindly write “Head of Policy and Programmes” on the subject line of your email.
The closing date for receipt of application forms is October 16, 2012.
Kindly do not send a detailed CV at this stage as only the information in the application form will be used for initial selection.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
ActionAid is an equal opportunities employer.
Qualified women candidates are encouraged to apply.
