Head of Humanitarian Response

THE ORGANISATION

Established in 1937, Plan International, Inc. ("PII") is a well-known non-profit organization dedicated to promoting children's rights and gender equality in various humanitarian and development settings. With a rich history of over 80 years, Plan International addresses the underlying causes of challenges faced by girls and vulnerable children in more than 70 countries. The organization collaborates with children, youth, supporters, and partners to strive for a fairer world, recognizing that poverty, violence, exclusion, disasters, and discrimination often hinder the potential of every child.

PLAN INTERNATIONAL KENYA

Plan International Kenya (PIK), operational since 1982, prioritizes long-term development efforts. Through close collaboration with local communities and government entities, PIK implements initiatives to improve the well-being of children residing in regions such as Nairobi, Machakos, Kajiado, Tharaka-Nithi, Siaya, Kwale, Kilifi, Homa Bay, Kisumu, Tana River, Turkana, and Marsabit.

Aligned with the current Country Strategy (July 2021 – June 2026), PIK's primary objective is to eradicate teenage pregnancies and gender-based violence targeting girls. This mission is supported by four strategic focus areas:

• Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR): Enhancing access to SRHR services and information to combat teenage pregnancies and harmful practices in Kenya.
• Prevention and Response to Gender-Based Violence: Ensuring effective child and girls' rights protection mechanisms to prevent and address all forms of violence and abuse.
• Protecting Girls and Young Women in Crisis and Climate Change Adaptation: Minimizing the impact of disasters on girls, young women, families, and communities.
• Youth-led and Innovative Partnerships for Job Creation: Cultivating a robust ecosystem for youth employment and entrepreneurship, especially focusing on vulnerable young women, to support job seekers and creators.

THE ROLE

Plan International Kenya is in search of a highly skilled Head of Humanitarian Response with extensive experience in triple nexus programming. The ideal candidate should be motivated and capable of leading and supervising all aspects of humanitarian response and nexus programming within the Kenya Country Program. This position, based in Nairobi, Kenya, entails significant travel and fieldwork, particularly in regions impacted by humanitarian crises within the country. The role directly reports to the Country Director and has a matrix reporting relationship with the (MEESA) Middle East, Eastern, and Southern Africa Regional DRM Manager (Functional Leader).

DIMENSION OF THE ROLE

This strategic position involves steering, advising, and outlining a comprehensive approach for Plan International's humanitarian response in Kenya, aligning the Country Office program with robust humanitarian standards and the organization's global humanitarian strategy, tailored to the specific needs and context of Kenya. The role is pivotal in championing nexus programming institutionalization within the CO, while remaining attuned to the evolving landscape of global humanitarian crises. Key responsibilities include formulating a humanitarian and resilience building strategy, crafting a pertinent humanitarian response framework encompassing resource mobilization, modeling humanitarian, development, and community cohesion methodologies, overseeing an operational Emergency Preparedness and Response plan, and promoting gender-transformative practices in PIK's Emergency planning, execution, and reporting.

Qualifications/ experience Essential:

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in fields such as international development, humanitarian studies, peacebuilding, social sciences, or related disciplines.
• Minimum of 10 years' experience in program management, with a focus on humanitarian response, development, and peacebuilding endeavors, including leadership roles in complex emergency settings.
• At least 5 years of demonstrable leadership and coordination capabilities, collaborating effectively with diverse stakeholders such as governmental bodies, donors, NGOs, and community-based organizations.
• Solid grasp of humanitarian principles, standards, and frameworks, including Sphere standards, Core Humanitarian Standard, and the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) guidelines.
• In-depth understanding of the humanitarian-development-peacebuilding nexus and proven experience in integrating these approaches into program design and implementation.
• Outstanding communication, negotiation, and advocacy skills to influence policies and practices at local, national, and international levels.
• Previous experience working in Kenya or similar environments affected by humanitarian crises, conflict, and poverty.
• Devotion to Plan International's values and principles, emphasizing gender equality, inclusivity, and child rights.
• Proven track record in program design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation across various humanitarian sectors.
• Demonstrated expertise in capacity building, staff management, and fostering partnerships.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, capable of strategic thinking and making informed decisions under pressure.

Languages required

Fluency in English is essential, with familiarity in Swahili or other local languages spoken in Kenya considered advantageous.

Desired

Master's degree or equivalent in fields like international development, humanitarian studies, peacebuilding, social sciences, or related areas.

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Reporting to: Country Director

Closing Date: 30th May 2024

Equality, diversity, and inclusion are fundamental values at the core of Plan International's ethos.

Plan International aspires for its workforce to mirror the diversity of the communities it serves, granting equal opportunities to individuals irrespective of various factors such as age, disability, gender identity, marriage status, race, religion, sexual orientation, or other attributes.

The organization fosters an inclusive culture, striving to cultivate a work environment across all teams, offices, and countries that is enriched by a tapestry of diverse individuals, thoughts, and perspectives.

Plan International is dedicated to upholding principles of racial justice, gender equality, girls' rights, and inclusivity in all its endeavors.

As part of its commitment to child safeguarding, Plan International ensures rigorous pre-employment screening processes in alignment with its Safeguarding Children and Young People policy. Additionally, the organization participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme, seeking relevant information from former employers regarding instances of sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment during an applicant's prior employment. By submitting an application, the candidate acknowledges their awareness of these recruitment procedures.

Disclaimer: Plan International is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against applicants on any grounds. The organization does not levy any fees on job seekers at any phase of the recruitment process.