The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) is a non-denominational, international development agency established in 1967 by His Highness the Aga Khan. Its mission is to develop and promote creative solutions to problems that impede social development. AKF has worked in Kenya since 1974 in sectors that include civil society, health, education and rural development.
AKF is starting a 4-year project with USAID entitled the Yetu Initiative. Yetu means “Our” in Kiswahili, and the Initiative will help Kenyans assert, “These are our concerns, and these areoursolutions.” Yetu will strengthen CSOs in community philanthropy, which occurs when citizens mobilize their own resources to address their community’s needs (whether these are very local communities, or even the global community of Kenyans). Yetu will work with Kenyan CSOs to engage and catalyze citizen support for their missions. This initiative will be based on collaborative efforts involving the private sector, government and civil society.
AKF is hiring a Manager to oversee the effort, with ultimate responsibility for implementation; this individual will be highly self-motivated, engaging, proactive and energetic.This position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya and will report to the Regional Programme Director
Specific Responsibilities Include:
- Manage the Initiative – ensuring targets are accomplished, deadlines are met, and objectives are achieved.
- Coordinate a staff of 3, as well as numerous volunteers and subgrantees.
- Oversee all implementation aspects, including: work-planning, reporting, communications, monitoring, evaluation, research, learning, subgrant management, and financial management.
- Coordinate with a variety of stakeholders, including USAID, the Steering Committee, the Global Alliance for Community Philanthropy, the AKF-USA office, and especially the government of Kenya.
- Provide capacity-building to local CSOs in community philanthropy, sustainability strategies, marketing, communications, and other key capacities. Mentor CSOs to conduct campaigns to garner support.
- Constantly engage with businesses to solicit support and catalyze partnerships with CSOs.
- As directed, manage emerging programmatic issues and activities
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field (Master’s preferred)
- Minimum 5 years working with CSOs (7 plus years preferred), with at least 3 years in a leadership role
- Minimum 3 years working in or engaging with the business sector (5 plus years preferred)
- Minimum 2 years working on USAID-funded projects
- Experience with fundraising campaigns and other innovative outreach and sustainability efforts
- Demonstrated ability to build CSO capacity
- Demonstrated ability to network and catalyze cooperation and learning between disparate groups, including business and government
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Familiarity with key AKF sectors and the Kenyan context for civil society
How to apply:
Candidates interested in this unique career opportunity with AKF should submit a cover letter, CV and the names and contact information of three professional referees by 31st October, 2014 to the Regional Human Resources Director, Aga Khan Foundation, East Africa, by e-mail torecruitment@akfea.org
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
The Aga Khan Foundation is an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (www.akdn.org)).
