Country Director - Kenyan Nationals Only

Organization and Location

The role of Country Director is based in Nairobi, Kenya, with occasional travel to Ethiopia and Somalia depending on security conditions. The position is offered by Johanniter International Assistance, an organization committed to humanitarian aid and development.

Role Purpose and Leadership

The Country Director is a vital member of the regional leadership team, responsible for developing and executing the country strategy that aligns with regional and global plans. This role includes leading the country networking and representing the organization prominently. The position manages the operations in Kenya and oversees activities in Ethiopia and Somalia, whether conducted directly or through local partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and drive the organization's strategy in Kenya in accordance with broader regional and global goals.
• Champion the values of Johanniter, promoting an inclusive culture attentive to power dynamics and diversity, encouraging ongoing self-reflection.
• Provide leadership by example, empowering teams to work inclusively and accountably to meet shared objectives.
• Assure compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks for Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia operations.
• Maintain effective communication across country, regional, and global offices.
• Lead emergency response planning and coordinate with regional and global teams for humanitarian interventions.
• Manage the country office budget and oversee financial reporting and operational business approvals.
• Supervise both national and international staff, fostering an open culture of learning, feedback, performance management, and capacity building.
• Serve as the primary fundraiser for the country program, engaging with donors and civil society networks to secure funding and promote Johanniter’s work.
• Build and maintain partnerships with national and international organizations, including consortiums.
• Ensure safety and security of staff through adherence to and oversight of security procedures and risk management plans.
• Lead advocacy efforts drawing on country-specific evidence and coordinate communication to enhance visibility at the national and regional levels.
• Champion safeguarding and prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment by embedding these principles into organizational culture and operations.
• Promote gender equality by integrating gender standards with measurable targets, monitoring, and accountability.

Candidate Profile and Required Expertise

• Master's degree in a relevant discipline such as Public Health or equivalent.
• At least 7 years of experience in humanitarian and development settings, with a minimum of 5 years in leadership roles.
• Proven background in disaster response, humanitarian aid, and development programs, preferably with partner organizations.
• Demonstrated success in designing quality country programs and effective funding strategies.
• Strong track record in securing funds from varied donors and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of sector trends.
• Exceptional networking and representation skills at senior levels and on the ground.
• Ability to lead continuous improvements and innovative approaches.
• Excellent interpersonal skills including relationship-building, negotiation, and influencing.
• Flexible and adaptable, capable of making sound decisions in complex, ambiguous, and high-pressure environments.
• Willingness to travel and operate in challenging, low-security contexts.
• Fluent English; additional language skills are advantageous.

Application and Selection Information

• Applications must include an updated CV with exact start and end dates of previous employment.
• A cover letter no longer than one page is required.
• References from three former supervisors or HR contacts including contact details.
• Certificates of service for all prior positions must be submitted.
• A current Certificate of Good Conduct from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (within 12 months) will be requested if offered the role.
• The organization is an equal opportunity employer encouraging applications from candidates with disabilities and does not charge for recruitment.
• Background checks including criminal and reference verification will be conducted for safeguarding purposes.

Safeguarding and Organizational Values

Johanniter commits to maintaining an environment of integrity, respect, and accountability. There is zero tolerance for any behavior causing harm. Employees are expected to uphold appropriate conduct, promote safety, and report any potential infringements. Whistleblowers will be protected and respected.