Role Summary

To provide overall guidance and operational direction of Inuka Kenya Ni Sisi! in line with its philosophy, mission and the comprehensive strategies set out by the Board of Directors including developing the organizational objectives and plans following the governing documents’ legal and regulatory guidelines.

Purpose

Reporting to the Chair of the Board, the CEO will provide the vision, leadership and overall direction to Inuka Kenya Ni Sisi!’s programme activities and administration. S/he will have the ultimate responsibility for ensuring the achievement of Inuka Kenya Ni Sisi! strategic objectives as established by the Board of Directors and for accomplishing the organization’s operational goals by providing leadership to the senior management team and staff regarding all professional, financial and administrative activities.

Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited, to:

1. Strategic Leadership

• Implement the Inuka Kenya Ni Sisi!’s vision, mission and philosophy, including developing an overall management philosophy and personal commitment to the long-term goals of the organization.
• Ensure that the Foundation’s policies, organizational procedures and regulations are developed and adhered to by members, appointees, staff, contractors, agents, partners and clients.
• Support the Board in determining the organization’s strategic directions and ensuring the development of key associated documents including, but not limited to, multi-year strategic plans, budgets and fundraising strategies, operational plans and budgets, annual reports and reviews.
• Provide overall strategic leadership to the staff team, including the Management team.
• Translate the strategic directions established by the Board into a visionary, organizational leadership role for civil society movement and positioning Inuka Kenya Ni Sisi!’s within the local and regional think tank, policy and civil society networks in Africa.
• Guide the management team and staff in the development and execution of programme-specific plans and setting the tone for the organization to operate collaboratively and with a high standard of excellence and efficiency.
• Ensure continuous development of organizational and staff capacity, identifying requirements for organizational capacity-building and developing and implementing capacity-building activities for staff.
• Manage and maintain healthy external relationships with Government, development partners, private sector, and civil society representatives.
• Providing thoughtful, transparent, inclusive, and empowering executive leadership helps the organization achieve its vision and mission.
• Develop and implement management plans to address challenges in challenging environments
• Ensure the safety and well-being of staff and adapt organizational strategies to rapidly changing circumstances.

Resource Mobilization including Fundraising

• Provide strategic leadership in the development of programmes, resource mobilization and implementation of activities;
• Identify, cultivate and secure significant new donor and philanthropic funding for Inuka Kenya Ni Sisi!’s financial sustainability.
• Maintain ongoing communication and engagement with donors to keep them informed about the Inuka Kenya Ni Sisi!’s impact and achievements.
• Collaborate with other organizations, networks, and alliances to explore collaborative fundraising opportunities and access new funding streams.
• Establish partnerships that enhance the Inuka Kenya Ni Sisi!’s capacity to secure resources for its programs and initiatives.

Overall Management and Accountability

Oversee the day-to-day operations of the organizations and ensure that the organization attains successful long-term operations, including:

• Lead by example by ensuring staff work collaboratively and where the work of others is valued and respected.
• Provide day-to-day supervision and mentoring of Inuka Kenya Ni Sisi!’s staff and guide the development and management of human resources, including succession planning.
• Ensuring that the Organization’s staff work as a team and deliver visible results
• Developing the human and institutional capacity-building programme for the Organization and ensuring it is effectively executed and kept under review.
• Manage and motivate staff, overseeing hiring, separations, staff development, performance management, compensation and benefits.
• Ensure continuous development of organizational and staff capacity, identifying requirements for organizational capacity-building and developing and implementing capacity-building activities for staff; and o Perform general management duties for the successful operations of the organization.
• Ensure the organization complies with all legal and statutory requirements in Kenya and follows international best practices.
• Guide the preparation, approval and implementation of financial, administrative and human resource policies and establish clear delegation of authority and accountability to senior staff.
• Provide oversight and accountability for planning, programme design, and delivery of objectives, strategies, plans, and budgets in compliance with Inuka Kenya Ni Sisis!’s contractual obligations with funders and Board approved policies and direction and principles of good corporate governance.
• Ensure the delivery of agreed outputs of the programmes following the established budget and Board-approved plans while actively managing and overseeing the organization’s programmes, operations, budgets, and annual plans while ensuring the organization’s financial sustainability.
• Monitor the organization’s expenditures per board-approved plans and policies, maintaining accountability for financial probity and risk management (including financial risk, risk to staff, reputational risk, etc.);
• Provide direction and oversight of quality assurance of performance measures (e.g. theory of change, programme logic models, outcome indicators, milestones, and the efficacy of the overall monitoring and evaluation systems); and
• Set ambitious but realistic goals, focus on risk management, sustainability, prudence use of resources, organization growth, and sustainability.

External Relations, Stakeholder Engagement, Advocacy and Public Relations

• Act as the lead spokesperson for the Board of Directors and Inuka Kenya Ni Sisi! and serve as an ambassador for the organization with high-level stakeholders locally, regionally and internationally.
• Ensure the development of Inuka Kenya Ni Sisi!’s strategy on the engagement of programme beneficiaries, stakeholders, and funders.
• Representing Inuka Kenya Ni Sisi! in public fora and the media.
• Manage the relationship with current and prospective funders, including oversight of reporting to donors and developing and coordinating a resource diversification and expansion strategy involving the board and management team.
• Leading efforts to expand, diversify, and scale Ni Sisi community initiatives in alignment with program targets.
• Identifying and building long-term partnerships with key organizations, communities, and leaders, developing strategies for shared work and power-building.
• Building strategic relationships with key national organizations and alliances to support our work.
• Develop and implement advocacy strategies and public awareness campaigns to support the organization’s goals.
• Engage with media and external partners to enhance the organization’s visibility and impact.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, donors, partner organizations, and local communities.
• Ensure effective communication and collaboration with stakeholders to advance the organization’s mission.

Governance

• Close relations and cooperation with the Chairman of the Board and members of the Board
• Engage the Board of Directors in its important governance role by openly communicating about the organization’s opportunities, strategic choices, and progress toward goals.
• Ensure that the Board of Directors, and Executive Committee are effectively serviced and accurately briefed on all aspects of the Inuka Kenya Ni Sisi!’s operations.
• Preparing and presenting monthly and quarterly progress reports and other essential documentation to the Board.
• Ensuring the proper exercise of the organization’s fiduciary responsibility through the Board.
• Serve as Secretary and ex-officio member of the Board and all its committees by preparing agendas/minutes/reports for Board meetings, reflecting the organization’s priorities, challenges and opportunities.
• Serve as secretary to the Annual General Meeting.
• Performing other duties as assigned by the Board of Directors.

Technology, Innovation, Monitoring and Evaluation

• Establish robust monitoring and evaluation systems to assess the impact of the organization’s programs and projects.
• Ensure accountability to donors, stakeholders, and the Board of Directors by regularly measuring and reporting on outcomes and progress.
• Harness technology and data analytics to inform decision-making processes and drive organizational innovation.
• Leverage digital platforms and tools for effective advocacy, outreach, and communication strategies.

Core Competencies:

We seek a CEO with the following core competencies:

• Leadership: The ability to provide strong, visionary leadership and inspire others to work towards our mission and goals.
• Strategic Thinking: Proficiency in developing and executing strategic plans with a focus on long-term organizational success.
• Team Management: Skills in team building, mentorship, and fostering a positive work environment that encourages collaboration and innovation.
• Partnership Building: A proven ability to establish and nurture strategic partnerships with key stakeholders, organizations, and communities.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to effectively convey complex ideas and information to diverse audiences.
• Financial Acumen: Sound financial management skills, including budgeting, resource allocation, and financial reporting.
• Fundraising: Experience in designing and implementing successful fundraising initiatives.
• Community Engagement: A deep understanding of community engagement strategies and a commitment to community-driven development.
• Change Management: Proficiency in leading and managing organizational change, adaptability, and the ability to navigate complex situations effectively.
• Compliance and Governance: Strong knowledge of legal and regulatory requirements, as well as governance principles.

Desired Core Qualifications, Competencies and Experience:

• A solid academic background, at least Masters level and above in Social Sciences, International Development or Management.
• At least ten years of managing or working in a non-profit organization, an international development agency or other reputable organization, preferably at a senior level leading staff team.
• Has a career background of at least seven 7 years related to NGOs and/or civil societies with a bias on strategic leadership, civil society programming experience, managing grants and capacity building to civil society organizations.
• Experience in policy engagement and communication, evidence-based policymaking, grant making, research, monitoring, evaluation, and learning; consulting; and regional and international development.
• Has technical and contextual expertise, demonstrated by a combination of training and experience in skills relevant to civil societies in Kenya and extensive familiarity with stakeholders and actors and the dynamics and forces that shape them.
• Has experience in fundraising in an African development context, preferably in Kenya, evidenced by past accomplishments in generating revenue and establishing networks within the donor community.
• Experience working with diverse communities and stakeholders, both locally and internationally.
• Excellent networking and partnership-building skills.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with proficiency in English (written and spoken).
• Knowledge of Kenyan and international laws and frameworks related to nonprofit organizations and social impact is an advantage.