Program Description:
IFES is an international, nonprofit organization that supports the building of democratic societies. IFES provides targeted technical assistance to strengthen transitional democracies. Founded in 1987 as a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, IFES has developed and implemented comprehensive, collaborative democracy solutions in more than 145 countries.
Since 2002, IFES has been working in Kenya to support free, fair, credible and peaceful elections and is currently seeking a Program Director/Peace-building Advisor for an anticipated Support for Peaceful Elections in Kenya project. The Program Director/Peace-building Advisor will have technical expertise in peace-building and conflict mitigation and program management experience to oversee the anticipated project supporting civil society, youth, and the media to mitigate election-related violence and to participate peacefully in the political process. The ideal candidate will have previously served as a technical director managing projects to support peace-building and engagement of youth and other marginalized communities in the full electoral cycle. IFES takes a human-centered, rights-based approach to election conflict resolution, mitigation, and prevention.
Position Summary:
The Program Director/Peace-Building Advisor will report directly to the Chief of Party, and the position’s primary responsibilities include: –
Job Responsibilities:
Technical Direction and Program Implementation
Serve as IFES’ senior peace-building technical advisor in Kenya, providing strategic vision and technical advice to both IFES program staff and other stakeholders;
Oversee the implementation and evaluation of civil society and community-based initiatives for peace-building and conflict mitigation in the electoral cycle;
Shape Kenya specific messaging in line with general IFES messaging aimed at reducing conflict and promoting peaceful elections;
Ensure project employs strategies for engaging youth and other marginalized communities in all activities and messaging;
Lead and facilitate training and associated activities;
Provide overall program oversight, including management of sub-award partner(s);
Prepare and manage the implementation of project work plans in fulfillment of the project’s strategic objectives and goals;
Lead the drafting and submission of detailed quarterly and final reports;
Establish and maintain close working relationships with local government and non-government stakeholders, especially in support of ongoing program activities, and provide advice on issues related to political and electoral conflict and security;
Liaise with media representatives regarding IFES peace-building conflict mitigation messaging and programming;
Other duties as assigned.
Management
With IFES HQ, ensure compliance with IFES and donor rules and regulations, particularly with respect to fiscal management;
Establish strong working relationships with the field staff to facilitate the completion of program tasks in a timely manner and within the allocated budget;
Provide general supervision and mentoring of local and international field staff, including performance appraisals, staff development and other management issues;
In coordination with IFES HQ, assist in the identification, recruitment, and hiring of in-country office staff, as well as local and international technical consultants;
Provide oversight and management of technical consultants, including review of all consultant reports and deliverables;
Assist in program development for IFES by identifying additional technical needs in-country, contributing to the development of project proposals and reaching out to the international donor community in an effort to diversify IFES funding sources;
Serve as the “Lead Coordinator” (LC) for assigned project. The LC will have primary responsibility for the overall success and implementation of the project, including but not limited to, effective coordination of the partners’ joint activities, regular reporting and meeting with local donor representatives and proper sharing of programming information among project partners; and
Perform other duties as assigned by the Regional Director or IFES senior management.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in political science, peace and conflict studies, international relations, international development, or related field; master’s degree preferred;
Minimum of 10 years of experience in peace-building, conflict mitigation, and international program management, at least five of which are in Kenya;
Minimum of 5 years of experience with donor-funded activities in the democracy and governance sector;
Solid experience working with electoral security stakeholders in Kenya, including civil society organizations, traditional and religious leaders, and government institutions;
Demonstrated expertise in the political, economic, and social contexts in Kenya;
Deep knowledge of triggers for election-related violence and drivers of ethnic and political violence in Kenya;
Experience implementing programs with a focus on marginalized youth demographics in Kenya;
Demonstrated experience developing and conducting peace-building trainings;
Strong facilitation and consensus-building skills;
Technical expertise in multiple areas of media project management such as skills building for media professionals, media messaging, media management, etc.;
Fluency in English, both written and oral; and
Strong interpersonal, presentation, and communications skills to meet the diverse technical and managerial requirements of the program and to effectively coordinate with a wide range of stakeholders.
HOW TO APPLY:
All applications should be sent to kenyarecruit@ifes.org not later than 5pm, November 25th, 2016.
Applications to include RESUME and COVER LETTER only. No other attachment is required