Programme Director

Concern Worldwide Kenya is seeking an experienced and strategic Programme Director to provide overarching leadership in the development, management, and delivery of all programmes across the Kenya Country Programme. This is a senior leadership role that sits within the Country Management Team (CMT) and plays a pivotal role in steering Concern Worldwide's Kenya Country Strategic Plan (CSP) toward measurable impact.

The Programme Director will drive programme quality, funding mobilisation, donor engagement, emergency preparedness, and cross-sectoral integration — including Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA) and market-based interventions. The role requires a dynamic leader who can navigate complex humanitarian and development contexts while maintaining the highest standards of accountability and operational efficiency.

• Provide strategic leadership in the design, development, inception, and implementation of all Concern Worldwide Kenya programmes in line with the Country Strategic Plan.
• Ensure all programmes are implemented using results-based management approaches and adhere to Concern Worldwide policies and Core Humanitarian Standards.
• Identify new programme interventions and funding opportunities through thorough contextual analysis guided by Concern's frameworks on extreme poverty.
• Maintain Concern's emergency response capacity and ensure adequate preparedness across all programme areas.
• Conduct regular field visits to programme areas and provide structured feedback to programme managers and staff.
• Develop and sustain strategic linkages with government ministries, donors, UN agencies, NGO networks, local and national partners, and private sector actors.
• Support Programme Managers in producing high-quality donor, government, and internal reports on time.
• Guide project teams in developing workplans, budgets, and procurement plans aligned with programme objectives.
• Regularly assess programmatic risks and develop and implement mitigation strategies.
• Ensure timely programme updates are shared with the Regional Desk Officer and relevant Head Office staff, including flagging technical support needs and emerging challenges.
• Track and report on grant funding opportunities and lead or support successful grant applications in collaboration with the CMT.
• Oversee programme and grant management efficiency and effectiveness through weekly, monthly, and quarterly performance tracking.
• Support Programme Managers and Coordinators in conducting analyses that facilitate market-based intervention integration across the Kenya programme portfolio.
• Scope, assess, and champion appropriate assistance delivery modalities with a strong focus on CVA integration across sectors.
• Monitor and report security issues to the Security Focal Person; ensure all staff adhere to the Country Security Management Plan.
• Identify security training needs and ensure risk mitigation measures are aligned with programme delivery modalities.
• Lead budget management processes, identify potential donor funding sources, and ensure financial efficiency across all programmes.

• Must demonstrate at least 8–10 years of progressive experience in humanitarian or development programme management, including at senior or director level with an INGO.
• Must be able to lead multi-sectoral programme design and oversee implementation across complex, multi-donor portfolios simultaneously.
• Must have proven ability to mobilise funding, write compelling donor proposals, and manage grant compliance across major institutional donors (e.g. USAID, DFID/FCDO, EU, UN agencies).
• Must be able to conduct and interpret contextual analyses to identify programme gaps and strategic opportunities in line with organisational frameworks.
• Must demonstrate strong budget management skills, including overseeing large budgets, financial forecasting, and cost-efficiency monitoring.
• Must have hands-on experience integrating Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA) and market-based programming into humanitarian and development responses.
• Must be able to build and manage effective partnerships with government, civil society, private sector, and donor stakeholders at national level.
• Must demonstrate experience applying Core Humanitarian Standards (CHS) and accountability frameworks in programme delivery.
• Must have strong people management skills, including mentoring and performance management of senior programme staff.
• Must be able to produce and present high-quality written reports, strategy documents, and briefing materials for senior audiences.
• Postgraduate qualification in International Development, Humanitarian Affairs, Social Sciences, Public Policy, or a related field is required.
• Proficiency in English (written and spoken) is essential; knowledge of Swahili is an advantage.

Concern Worldwide offers a competitive remuneration package commensurate with INGO sector standards for a Director-level position in Kenya. The estimated monthly salary range is KES 450,000 – 750,000, depending on experience and qualifications. This is supplemented by a comprehensive benefits package that reflects the seniority and demands of the role.

Ideal candidates are senior humanitarian or development professionals with a strong track record in multi-sector programme leadership, donor engagement, and strategic planning within complex operating environments. You thrive under pressure, lead by example, and are committed to the dignity and rights of people living in extreme poverty. You bring both strategic vision and operational discipline — and you understand the Kenyan context deeply.

Do not apply if you have fewer than 7 years of relevant INGO programme management experience, have not previously managed multi-donor programme budgets, or do not have experience in senior leadership or CMT-level roles. This is not an entry-level or mid-level position.

• Prepare an updated CV (maximum 4 pages) and a cover letter clearly outlining how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities and required competencies.
• Submit your application through the Concern Worldwide official careers portal or the advertised application channel.
• Ensure your cover letter addresses your experience with programme design, donor funding, CVA integration, and team leadership.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment and interviews.
• Concern Worldwide is an equal opportunity employer. Women and candidates from marginalised communities are strongly encouraged to apply.