Job Title: Head of Humanitarian Response
Hiring Organization: Plan International
Location – Locality: Nairobi
Location – Region: Kenya
Industry: NGO
Job Type: Full Time
Salary: KES
Date Posted: 05/29/2024
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:
Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR): Improve access to SRHR
services and information to reduce teenage pregnancies and harmful practices in
Kenya.
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.
Protecting Girls and Young Women in Crisis and Climate Change Adaptation:
Minimize the impact of disasters on girls, young women, families, and
communities.
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
institutionalized, 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.
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.
Master’s
degree or equivalent in international development, humanitarian studies,
peacebuilding, international development, social sciences, or related field.