Head of Humanitarian Response

The Organisation

Founded in 1937, Plan International, Inc. (“PII”) is a globally recognized non-profit dedicated to advancing children’s rights and gender equality in both humanitarian and development contexts. With over 80 years of experience, Plan International addresses the root causes of challenges faced by girls and vulnerable children, working in 70+ countries. The organization collaborates with children, young people, supporters, and partners to create a just world, acknowledging that the potential of every child is often hindered by poverty, violence, exclusion, disasters, and discrimination.

Plan International Kenya

Plan International Kenya (PIK), operational since 1982, focuses on long-term development. Collaborating closely with local communities and governments, PIK implements programs to enhance the well-being of children in areas such as Nairobi, Machakos, Kajiado, Tharaka-Nithi, Siaya, Kwale, Kilifi, Homa Bay, Kisumu, Tana River, Turkana, and Marsabit. Under the current Country Strategy (July 2021 – June 2026), PIK aims to end teenage pregnancies and gender-based violence against girls. This goal aligns with four strategic objectives:

1. Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR): Improve access to SRHR services and information to reduce teenage pregnancies and harmful practices in Kenya.
2. Prevention and Response to Gender-Based Violence: Ensure functional child and girls’ rights protection mechanisms to prevent and respond to all forms of violence and abuse.
3. Protecting Girls and Young Women in Crisis and Climate Change Adaptation: Minimize the impact of disasters on girls, young women, families, and communities.
4. Youth-led and Innovative Partnerships for Job Creation: Build a stronger ecosystem for youth employment and entrepreneurship, particularly for vulnerable young women, fostering job seekers and creators.

The Role

Plan International Kenya is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Head Humanitarian Response who is also highly motivated and experience in triple nexus programming to lead and oversee all aspects of humanitarian response and nexus programming within the Kenya Country Program. This position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya and will require extensive travel and fieldwork, particularly in regions affected by humanitarian crises in country. The position reports to the Country Director, with matrix reporting to the (MEESA) Middle East, Eastern and Southern Africa Regional DRM Manager (Functional Leader).

Dimension of the Role

This is a strategic role to lead, guide and design the holistic approach for Plan International’s humanitarian response in Kenya, aligning the (CO) Country Office program to sound humanitarian standards and with the organization’s global humanitarian strategy and the specific needs and context of Kenya. The role supports the CO to fundamentally ensure nexus programming is institutionalised, while being cognisant on the changing context of global humanitarian crises. Among the key dimensions of the role include development of a humanitarian and resilience building strategy, a relevant humanitarian response framework that includes resource mobilization, modelling of humanitarian, development and community cohesion approaches, managing an operational Emergency Preparedness and Response plan, while driving gender transformative in PIK Emergency design, implementation and reporting.

Qualifications/ experience essential:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in international development, humanitarian studies, peacebuilding, international development, social sciences, or related field.
• At least 10 years of experience in program management, with a focus on humanitarian response, development, and peacebuilding initiatives, including experience in leading humanitarian programs in complex emergencies.
• At least 5 years proven leadership and coordination skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, donors, NGOs, and community-based organizations.
• Strong understanding of humanitarian principles, standards, and frameworks, including Sphere standards, Core Humanitarian Standard, and the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) guidelines.
• Strong understanding of the humanitarian-development-peacebuilding nexus and demonstrated experience in integrating these approaches into program design and implementation.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and advocacy skills, with the ability to influence policies and practices at local, national, and international levels.
• Experience working in Kenya or similar contexts affected by humanitarian crises, conflict, and poverty.
• Commitment to Plan International’s values and principles, including gender equality, inclusion, and child rights.
• Proven experience in program design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation in multiple humanitarian sectors.
• Demonstrated experience in capacity building, staff management, and partnership development.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think strategically and make sound decisions in high-pressure situations.

Languages required

• Fluency in English required, knowledge of Swahili or other local languages spoken in Kenya is an asset.

Desired

• Master’s degree or equivalent in international development, humanitarian studies, peacebuilding, international development, social sciences, or related field.