Senior Program Manager

The National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working to support and strengthen democratic institutions worldwide through citizen participation, openness and accountability in government. NDI has supported democratic institutions and practices in every region of the world for more than two decades. Since its founding in 1983, NDI and its local partners have worked to establish and strengthen political and civic organizations, safeguard elections, and promote citizen participation, openness and accountability in government. NDI works in Kenya to support democratic institutions, including political parties, better able to engage with stakeholders and citizens on national policy, legislation development and citizen concerns and priorities.

NDI invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced persons to fill the vacant post in Kenya detailed below. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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Senior Program Manager

Job Description

The Senior Program Manager will serve as a technical lead for NDI programs in Kenya. With guidance from the Country Director, the Senior Program Manager will work with civil society groups, political parties, and government officials to develop and implement programs in Kenya. The Senior Program Manager will play a lead role in the design and implementation of programs and local partner engagements. This role would manage other team members and contribute to the larger strategic elements of the programmatic themes, planning and execution. The position will be under the supervision of the Country Director. The hiring of this position is contingent on donor funding.

Primary Responsibilities

• Under the supervision of the Country Director, oversee program design, implementation and monitoring and evaluation in relation to program objectives.
• Lead in the day-to-day internal management of Kenya programs and acts as management focal point in absence of Country Director.
• Lead and oversee team members in the planning, design and evaluation of NDI’s projects in collaboration with local partners, in-house experts and external experts and advisors.
• Support capacity development of partners, subgrantees and CSOs.
• Develop and maintain collaborative external relationships with activists, citizens, civil society organizations, government officials, and political leaders and with other implementing partners.
• Responsible for oversight of the programs budget; working with staff to provide a full, accurate and timely accounting of all funds.
• Provide guidance to staff on donor/funder regulations, ensuring the integrity of all financial transactions.
• Monitor political and programmatic developments and make recommendations for program adjustments and approaches in response to the changes.
• Oversee the project’s monitoring and evaluation components to ensure quality collection of data, capturing of program results, required course corrections and timely analysis and reporting.
• Lead and supervise staff in documenting program progress and achievements, ensuring quality control of written quarterly and semi-annual reports.
• Manage subordinates including conducting yearly performance reviews, coaching on performance, recruiting and filling staff vacancies; orchestrates recruiting activities for assigned positions (i.e., approves job descriptions under established guidance, selects candidates for short-lists and interviews.)

Experience and Skills Required

• Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in International Relations, Political Science, Public Policy, Law or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• A minimum of 8 years relevant work experience in international development, community organizing, political campaigns, organizational development or legislative affairs.
• Extensive experience in program cycle management, program design and strategic planning experience as it relates to executing program activities; this including managing staff, completing budget management activities with large grants or handling multiple programs or countries.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity to effectively interact with all levels of staff, members of donor organizations, funders, and policy makers.
• Superior oral and written communications skills to effectively present information, respond to questions and negotiate details.
• Exceptional skills for analyzing complex program and political issues and to think innovatively and introduce new concepts.
• Superior writing skills, clear and persuasive and experienced in editing of written materials.
• Ability to establish networks with significant contacts and political leaders.
• Prior demonstrated management and leadership experience with the capability of leading, inspiring and motivating staff to carry out NDI’s objectives.
• Working knowledge of PC-based word processing and spreadsheet applications.
• Ability and willingness to travel to regional locations, which are often remote and difficult to reach.