Team Leader for EU-funded, project in Kenya (Finland)

The KIOS Foundation is an independent foundation, aiming at strengthening the realisation of human rights by supporting the human rights work of civil society actors in developing countries.

For us human rights are the foundation for sustainable peace and development, for reducing inequality and for preventing conflicts and humane suffering. We understand human rights as defined in human rights treaties and instruments such as United Nations’ and the Council of Europe’s. We work for a world where dignity and human rights are being recognised for all human beings and states are committed to ensuring them.

We are seeking a Team Leader for the ongoing, EU-funded, project in Kenya (Finland): Strengthening the capacity of county-based and grassroots civil society groups for enhanced governance, accountability and protection of human rights of the people of Kenya.

The position is fixed term, until 31.12.2026.

The successful candidate can either be based in Nairobi, if in possess of a valid working permit for Kenya, or work remotely from any country within 2 time zones from Kenya, with regular trips to Kenya. The starting date is negotiable, preferably 1st September 2024.

Purpose of the post

The main purpose of this position is to coordinate a consortium of three partners (KIOS, the consortium lead, and two Kenyan human rights organisations, with a team of ca. 20 persons), implementing the project in several Kenyan counties. The thematic focuses of the project are Democracy and the Rule of Law, Non-Discrimination and Gender Equality and Business and Human Rights. The focus is in capacity building of Kenyan CBOs and grassroots civil society groups, as they protect and promote human rights, and financial support through sub-granting.

The primary target groups of the action are 

• Grassroots organisations and CBOs in 15 priority counties 

• Community action teams, 

• Citizens-activist journalists

• Social Justice Centres, community level activist groups 

The project includes a strong co-creation component, together with the Kenyan organisations, to develop a shared approach for training and funding local human rights groups, in line with the European Union mandate.

Key duties and responsibilities of the function are:

• Coordinating the project in accordance with the project work plan, under the guidance of the Steering Committee 

• Continuous analysis of the context and identification of needs, gaps and opportunities

• Participation in the selection of local human rights funding

• Encouraging a programmatic approach based on synergies and complementarities

• Communicating the goals and monitoring of the Work Plan of the Consortium

• Human Resource management of around 4-5 employees representing KIOS Foundation in the Consortium

• Implementing the quality procedures of the project (i.e. Human Rights Based Approach to programming)

• Allocating, managing resources, and monitoring their use

• Managing part of the sub-grants, and the mentoring of sub-grantees, especially regarding reporting and financial management

• Planning and organising the Programme Implementation Meetings (PIT) and Monitoring and Evaluation Team meetings and subsequent reporting

• Communicating within the consortium and team members in all matters concerning the project

• Communicating within KIOS´s ED, other KIOS Team Leaders and finance officer in all matters that are relevant to foster cooperation and learning between different teams of KIOS. 

• Liaising with the EU Delegation in Kenya and other consortium stakeholders 

• Reporting to the Steering Committee, KIOS Executive Director, Finance Officer and other stakeholders, as well as to the EU Delegation focal points.

• Creating a favourable working climate for the consortium teams, and support consortium teams with regular feedback 

Target profile

The ideal candidate is familiar with EU projects’ implementation, has work experience in African countries, preferably in East Africa, and is familiar with working with grassroots organisations, managing sub-grants or microfinance projects.

1. Education

• University level degree in a relevant field (e.g. public administration, human rights, law, social sciences)

2. Experience

• 7 years of professional experience, working in a similar role, in complex settings

• Technical background and substantial experience in EU project management, preferably in similar settings/in East Africa countries.

• Experience in community-based interventions 

• Experience in programme planning, monitoring, evaluation and reporting 

• Experience in financial management and budgeting

• Experience in coordinating implementation of complex projects in a consortium

• Previous working experience with Human Rights and funding programmes is an asset, but not a requirement

3. Skills and knowledge

• Proven ability to develop approaches, mechanisms and training packages

• Excellent skills in producing technical and analytical reports and texts in general

• Ability to work as a distance team lead, with good stress management and prioritisation skills

• Adept at achieving results in diverse teams and in contexts of multiple stakeholders 

• Preferably knowledge of Kenyan civil society, especially youth, women and LGBTIQ-led organisations

• Knowledge on HRBA and RBM

• Skills in training and developing staff

• Proficient in Office Package, preferably with skills for digital platforms development 

4. Languages

• Excellent written and spoken English

• Finnish and/or Kenyan languages an asset

What we offer you:

You will be supporting brave activists and reaching the most vulnerable people in their local communities in Kenya. We offer you a chance to learn and grow as a professional with some of the best experts on the field.

We offer you a salary package according to KIOS Foundation’s terms of employment. It includes salary based on your job description, benefit package, insurance package including medical coverage and psychological support, travel and per diems.

You will benefit from a training package and receive briefings and debriefings prior as well as during and after your assignment. 

More information

If you have questions about this interesting opportunity, please contact Kim Remitz ( kim@kios.fi ).

How to apply

To apply, send your CV and a brief cover letter in English as soon as possible and at the latest on 5th August 2024 to applications@kios.fi. Mark your application “Team Leader, Kenya/Finland”.