Apply for the Plan International Humanitarian Response Manager Opening in Nairobi, Kenya
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Deadline: 13 September 2024
About the Position
Plan International Kenya is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Humanitarian Response Manager who is also highly motivated and experienced 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 Kenya and will require extensive travel and fieldwork, particularly in regions affected by humanitarian crises in country.
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 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 Emergency programs design, implementation and reporting in PIK.
Duties and Responsibilities
1. Strategic Leadership
• Leading the development of Plan Kenya’s Humanitarian and Resilience strategy, overseeing the creation of implementation plans.
• Designing and executing a policy and advocacy strategy to enhance Plan Kenya’s influence on emergency issues affecting girls and young women, engaging with government and external stakeholders as necessary.
• Provide strategic direction and leadership for Plan International’s humanitarian response in Kenya, aligning activities with the organization’s global humanitarian strategy and the specific needs and context of Kenya.
2. Program Management
• Lead the design, planning, implementation, and monitoring of humanitarian programs and projects across various sectors including but not limited to shelter, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), sexual reproductive health and rights, education in emergencies, child protection, and livelihoods.
• Collaborate with program teams to design and oversee the implementation of humanitarian and resilience building response programs, ensuring alignment with Plan Global humanitarian policy, country strategy, and national/international emergency standards.
3. Capacity Building And Quality Assurance
• Establish and train an Emergency Response team within the Country Office, ensuring they are prepared to deploy swiftly and effectively during emergencies, both domestically and internationally.
• Identify capacity gaps within the humanitarian team and local partners and develop and implement capacity-building initiatives to strengthen the capacity of staff and partners in humanitarian response.
• Take responsibility for designing and implementing high-quality and effective humanitarian and resilience programs, ensuring integrated response that meet established standards and contribute to the organization’s objectives.
4. Financial and Grant Management
• Oversee budget planning, financial management, and grant compliance for all humanitarian projects. Work closely with the finance team to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting.
5. Compliance and Management of Risks
• Identify and prioritize vulnerable communities and areas at high risk of disasters, incorporating diverse perspectives and local knowledge and prepare plan of action to mitigate the risk
• Prepare, and periodically update, a disaster/hazard monitor for the region; undertake an analysis and recommend use of existing early warning systems for Plan’s programming, building on existing national systems and information to inform preparedness plan
• Conduct thorough risk analysis and context assessments to iidentify potential risks and challenges in the humanitarian operating environment and develop and implement risk mitigation strategies to ensure the safety and security of staff and beneficiaries.
6. Advocacy and Representation
• Represent Plan International in humanitarian coordination forums, clusters, and working groups at the national and regional levels. Advocate for the rights and needs of children and vulnerable populations affected by humanitarian crises.
• Advocate for policies and practices that promote the triple nexus approach and address the root causes of humanitarian crises, conflict, and poverty in Kenya. Engage with government authorities and other stakeholders to influence policies and strategies that support sustainable development and peacebuilding efforts.
• Represent Plan International Kenya in relevant national humanitarian technical working groups and thematic clusters, advocating for children’s and girls’ needs.
7. Reporting, Monitoring, Evaluation, And Learning
• Establish a robust reporting process as well as oversee timely preparation, review, and submission of internal and external reports, for transparency and accountability and profiling our work
• Continuously analyse and compile reports from various agencies and government institutions involved in early warning monitoring, emergency response and reporting and provide comprehensive reports and insights to CMT for decision-making.
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Job Requirements
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in international development, humanitarian studies, peacebuilding, international development, social sciences, or related field.
• At least 10 years of experience in program management, with a focus on humanitarian response, development, and peacebuilding initiatives, including experience in leading humanitarian programs in complex emergencies.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
About Plan International
Plan International is an independent humanitarian and development organisation that advances children’s rights and gender equality or equal rights for girls. Working together with children, young people, supporters and partners, the organisation seek a more just and sustainable world that addresses the root causes of the challenges that girls and vulnerable children may face. Plan International support girls and more broadly all children from birth to adulthood to develop their autonomy and give them the capacity to decide for their lives in development and/or emergency situations. For over 85 years, it has mobilized other determined optimists to transform the lives of all children in over 80 countries.
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.
