A Rocha Kenya (ARK) National Director Job Vacancy

Rationale for National Director position

A Rocha Kenya (ARK) was established in 1999 at Watamu, Malindi District, and has developed several practical conservation initiatives with innovative approaches to community conservation & environmental education.

ARK is one of 19 national A Rocha organisations on five continents.

The ARK Board is seeking an appropriately qualified leader to lead its strategic and organisational development, to raise A Rocha’s profile in Kenya’s conservation community, and to expand its activities in the Nairobi area and in other parts of the country.

Please refer to http://www.arocha.org/keen/index.html for further information.

Job title: National Director
Responsible to: Chair of A Rocha Kenya and the Board
Relating to: Chair, ARK Programme directors, A Rocha International Directors and ARK Programme Managers
Location: Nairobi area with regular field visits

Key Objectives

* To provide direction and leadership in developing A Rocha Kenya’s conservation strategy and annual work programmes, with the support of the Board.
* To ensure adequate resources and management of the organisation to implement the programme
* To ensure the financial wellbeing of the organisation through sound financial planning and reporting
* To ensure that the basic beliefs, ethos and values of A Rocha are practiced at all levels and in all activities

Main Responsibilities

Strategic Issues:

* Review and develop ARK’s strategic plan and business plan that maximises the strategic use of the organisation’s assets and enhances its external image.
* Work with ARK management team to ensure proper financial management is in place & that financial reports including audited accounts are submitted on a timely basis & in accordance with statutory requirements
* Develop and implement a Monitoring & Evaluation strategy that is results based, participative and is linked to staff performance.
* Work with ARK Programme managers to produce ARK’s annual work plans for each of the Programmes in accordance with the organisation’s strategic goals and objectives, and monitor their implementation
* Work with ARK Team to produce regular, accurate, informative and high standard reports both programmatic and financial.

Promoting A Rocha:

* Position A Rocha Kenya as a key player in the sustainable development and conservation of the important sites for biodiversity conservation in the Watamu / Malindi area, the Nairobi area and other parts of the country as resources allow (including the promotion of participatory approaches to development and local capacity building)
* Position A Rocha Kenya at the level of national conservation initiatives, in particular bringing a biblical perspective to biodiversity conservation, and advocate for conservation with local and national government
* Attend regular meetings and maintain contact with local / national / international organisations, public authorities, key decision makers and national (and where appropriate international) government officials
* Develop A Rocha Kenya’s role within the wider and growing A Rocha family network in the African region
* Promote and assist in the development of a seminar programme to promote a biblical understanding of Christian stewardship of the environment at a national level
* Raise A Rocha Kenya’s profile in the conservation and scientific circles through building capacity in the ARK team for presenting papers in appropriate international and regional conferences

Resource Mobilisation & Communication:

* Take a leadership role in the development and implementation of a strategy for resource mobilisation that promotes the organisation’s sustainability.
* Develop and maintain strategic partnerships that will facilitate more efficient and effective attainment of the organisation’s results
* Hold exploratory meetings with potential donors, maintain regular communication with existing contacts, and submit grant applications to a range of sources, e.g. statutory, corporate, foundations and individuals
* Ensure the development and maintenance of a database of key A Rocha Kenya contacts (in both electronic and hard formats)
* Maintain contact with local A Rocha Kenya supporters through ensuring the running of an effective Friends of ARK scheme, regular meetings with Friends, ARK newsletters, organised events and campaigns
* Develop and implement an effective communication strategy that enhances the organisation’s image and ensures a good rapport is maintained with all ARK stakeholders.

Operational Management:

* Oversee the management of ARK’s staff and volunteers, ensuring that employment practices conform to Kenya’s employment law, health & safety regulations and best practice, including annual performance appraisals and staff development.
* Recommend annual budgets for the Board’s approval, working with the Treasurer.
* Exercise financial control within budgets and ensure accurate accounting for all funds, including tracking of Restricted Funds.
* Maintain regular contact with the Chair of A Rocha Kenya and with A Rocha International
* Establish and manage a Nairobi office and establish new conservation activities in the Nairobi area
* Report regularly to the Board on ARK’s activities; produce A Rocha Kenya’s annual report
* Ensure that ARK is administered in accordance with the appropriate legislation.
* Ensure that ARK is on a sound legal footing for risk management and insurance, and that all legal obligations of the organisation are met
* Advise the board on a Risk Management strategy that the organisation

Person specifications

Qualifications:

* Graduate, preferably with post-graduate studies in a relevant discipline, e.g. Business Administration, project management
* Qualifications or at least several years experience in an environmental or biodiversity conservation field is highly desirable

Experience, Knowledge:

* Experience of management at a senior level, preferably of a not-for-profit organisation for at least five years
* Strong understanding of and interest in nature conservation and environmental issues
* Experience in resource mobilisation, i.e. building fruitful relationships with a range of donors (statutory, foundations and individuals)
* Experience of organisational development

Abilities – Aptitudes & Skills:

* Leadership – ability to empower staff and delegate work
* Project management – ability to manage several projects to ensure that outputs are met and indicators clearly achieved
* Interpersonal skills and cross-cultural sensitivity
* Developmental skills – ability to plan strategically and manage change
* Ability to present a case clearly and persuasively and advocate for a cause
* Excellent written communication in English is required, in Kiswahili is desirable
* Ability to relate the Bible’s teaching to biodiversity conservation and environmental issues in Kenya’s social context

Personal Qualities:

* Demonstrates commitment to upholding Christian values in all aspects of life Supportive of A Rocha’s Biblical values and vision
* Track-record of high level of performance – innovative with evidence of good relationships
* Must be self-motivated and take their own initiative
* Good health

All suitable candidates are invited to fill in the job application form here, sign it and mail it to:

A Rocha Kenya
P.O Box 383
Watamu, 80202

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