Interim Country Director

The Health Support Organisation (THESO) is a South Sudanese-based 501 (C) (3) registered non-profit organisation dedicated to saving lives and relieving suffering through evidenced value-based humanitarian and developmental programs.

For over 15 years, THESO has been a beacon of hope, transforming lives in developing countries through evidence-based, sustainable humanitarian and development programs. We offer a strategic platform for donors to invest in impactful initiatives across health, education, WASH, nutrition, and livelihoods because we see the strength and resilience of our beneficiaries. We believe in their potential and strive to create a world where they can access the essentials for a dignified and prosperous life. Partnering with THESO means collaborating with a trusted, results-oriented organisation that delivers lasting change for millions through our diverse programs in health, education, WASH, and more, we empower beneficiaries with the tools and opportunities they need to build a brighter future for them. Our comprehensive expertise in health, education, WASH, and more, combined with our deep understanding of local contexts, creates fertile ground for innovative partnerships that deliver transformative impact.

THESO stands as a committed partner in achieving national development goals as we stand beside governments and communities on their journey towards self-sufficiency and dignity. We align our programs with government priorities, providing evidence-based, culturally sensitive interventions that complement and strengthen existing systems. Our expertise in key areas like health, education, WASH, and food security empowers communities and contributes to sustainable economic growth.

At THESO, you’re not just an employee, you’re a changemaker. You’re part of a dedicated team driven by a shared passion: to alleviate suffering and empower communities. We offer a dynamic and fulfilling work environment where your expertise and talent make a tangible difference in the lives of millions.

Make a difference by volunteering your time and skills with THESO and experience the transformational power of hands-on service. Whether you’re a medical professional, educator, engineer, or simply someone with a generous heart, your contribution counts. We offer diverse volunteer opportunities across various sectors, allowing you to connect with communities, share your knowledge, and be a catalyst for positive change. Let’s work together to build a brighter future by co-creating a future where no community is left behind, and where health, education, and dignity are fundamental rights for all.

The Health Support Organisation (THESO) is seeking an Interim Country Director based in Nairobi – Kenya. This exciting and challenging position will be for two years to start, with an extension possibility.

Duties and responsibilities:

The primary responsibility of the Interim Country Director (ICD) is to provide leadership and strategic direction for THESO’s development and humanitarian programs in Kenya.

Areas of Responsibility:

Strategic Direction:

• Lead the design and management of the Country strategy in line with the overall THESO strategy and relevant to the local context;
• Raise the profile of THESO in Kenya through networking with bilateral donors, multilateral donors, UN agencies, foundations, philanthropists, etc in-country;
• Assess and respond to changing external environment;
• Facilitate alignment of the country program with THESO’s Regional and global policies;
• Be involved with the national board of directors (where legally required);
• Produce a detailed annual business operating plan that program outputs can be measured against;
• Be responsible for THESO’s country strategy implementation, which is based on THESO’s Global Strategy
• Be responsible for THESO’s country office’s overall security in Kenya
• Lead THESO’s program work and guarantee its efficient implementation
• Lead people: Lead the Senior Management Team in Kenya. Create an open and inspiring working culture
• Lead innovations: Identify and lead innovation opportunities in order to have maximum impact
• Lead financial growth of the country program to reach out to as many people in need as possible
• Be responsible for compliance of the office with set THESO standards. Be responsible for implementing THESO’s complaint mechanism according to the rules and procedures of THESO
• Ensure effective external and internal communication: Ability to deliver messages that inspire good teamwork. Ability to communicate concisely and persuasively.
• Lead financial management of the country office according to the applicable statutory requirements as well as ensure that policies and guidelines by THESO are followed
• Act in line with THESO’s vision, values, and quality & accountability standards
• Legal Compliance:
  • Ensure legal compliance in all areas: health and safety, labour laws, taxes, insurance, and other local requirements;
  • Organisation’s policy and procedure compliance;
  • Responsible for ensuring all program areas are following the organization’s policies and procedures in accordance with THESO’s published documents, such as minimum standards, field manuals, etc.;
• Financial and Resource Management:
  • Be accountable for budget, resources, and assets, ensuring financial controls and cost-effectiveness in accordance with the organisation’s mission and values;
  • Develop and manage the country’s operating budget, including major capital expenditures;
  • Oversee and ensure compliance with local policies and ethical guidelines and comply with guidelines on procurements, security, and other functions;
  • Ensure planning process to enable the country to use available resources in the best way to carry out agreed-upon country strategies;
  • Promote country funding needs and opportunities to the operations office;
• Staff Management:
  • Effectively lead the team within the performance management framework and coach staff/managers;
  • Ensure methods of operation and working behaviors are in line with the organisation’s values and policies and are in legal compliance;
  • Recruit staff in accordance with local requirements and THESO’s procedures;
• Security and Risk Management:
  • Be fully accountable at the country level for emergency and risk management, develop a plan, and ensure staff awareness and compliance;
• Corporate Leadership:
  • Act as a guardian of THESO’s brand in the country;
  • Ensure staff are continuously engaged and aligned with the organisation’s global mission, strategy, values, strategic direction, and country plan;
  • Work with peers across the organisation to share knowledge, skills, resources, and networks;
• Oversee program and development and grant management:
  • Provide strategic leadership and accountability.

Competence and Personal Requirements:

• Minimum 10 years of experience in a senior leadership role, with special emphasis on program management, with a strong focus on developmental work
• Preferably ICD has leadership experience either from Kenya or from a nearby location in the region
• The strong asset is if the candidate has already existing networks and relationships with humanitarian and development players in the country, as well as local NGO partners, civil society, and business sector
• Understanding of nexus programming and localisation
• Experience in THESO thematic areas: Health, Education, Nutrition, WASH & Food Security & Livelihoods
• Experience in leading self-implemented, partner-implemented, and consortium operations
• Results-oriented and effective decision-maker
• Cultural sensitivity, diplomatic, positive, and constructive approach.
• Preferably previous experience in working with USAID, FCDO, EU, and other donors
• Excellent writing and speaking skills in English, and other languages are an asset

The contract duration is one year extendable based on your performance. The compensation is based on the THESO Compensation System and depends on prior work experience.