Director of the East and Central Africa Inter-Agency Working Group – Kenya

Job Title: Head of the Inter-Agency Working Group (IAWG)

Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Contract Duration: 2 years
Salary: Grade 11 on NRC’s international salary scale

About Us:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a prominent humanitarian organization dedicated to assisting individuals forced to flee their homes. With a workforce of 15,000 across 40 countries, we provide crucial life-saving and long-term support to millions annually. We are seeking passionate individuals committed to humanitarian work, particularly in challenging environments.

Background:
The Inter-Agency Working Group (IAWG) is a dynamic platform comprising international NGOs operating in Eastern Africa and the Great Lakes region. Our mission is to enhance humanitarian and sustainable development outcomes through improved coordination, advocacy, and technical expertise. Currently, the IAWG consists of 31 member NGOs and is governed by a 7-member Steering Committee, hosted by NRC’s East and Southern Regional Office in Nairobi.

Role Overview:
As the Head of IAWG, you will provide strategic leadership and representation for this member-led platform. Your primary goal will be to strengthen collective NGO leadership and coordination in humanitarian contexts, ensuring that NGO perspectives influence regional priorities, policies, and resource allocations. You will act as the main convenor, strategist, and external representative of the IAWG at both regional and global levels.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership

   • Define and drive the strategic direction of the IAWG in accordance with its Charter and multi-year strategy.
   • Conduct strategic reviews and future planning, adapting to the evolving humanitarian, political, climate, and security landscape.
   • Provide regular high-level reports and advice to the IAWG Steering Committee.

2. Collective NGO Coordination

   • Facilitate senior-level coordination among NGO Regional Directors.
   • Promote coherence and shared positioning among member organizations.
   • Oversee the effective functioning of IAWG working groups and initiatives.

3. Advocacy and Policy Influence

   • Establish IAWG as a credible regional NGO voice on humanitarian priorities.
   • Lead the development of common policy positions and advocacy priorities.
   • Represent agreed NGO positions in regional and global forums.

4. External Representation and Partnerships

   • Serve as the primary representative of IAWG with UN agencies, regional institutions, donors, and partners.
   • Build and maintain strategic relationships to advance collective NGO objectives.
   • Enhance collaboration with country-level NGO forums and global platforms.

5. Institutional Sustainability and Governance

   • Ensure the financial sustainability and credibility of IAWG.
   • Lead resource mobilization efforts for core operations and advocacy.
   • Support governance, transparency, and accountability to IAWG members.

6. Secretariat Oversight

   • Ensure effective delivery and compliance with host agency systems.

Qualifications:

• Experience:

  • At least 10 years of progressive international experience in humanitarian or development contexts, including regional roles.
  • Proven leadership in multi-agency coordination and coalition building.
  • Strong understanding of humanitarian operations and crisis dynamics in East and Central Africa.
  • Experience in advocacy, policy engagement, and strategic communications.

• Skills:

  • Strategic leadership and systems thinking.
  • Strong facilitation, negotiation, and representational skills.
  • Excellent analytical and policy writing abilities.
  • Capacity to build consensus among diverse organizations.
  • High-level communication and public speaking skills.

• Education:

  • Postgraduate qualification in international relations, development, political science, or a related field.
  • Fluency in spoken and written English.

What We Offer:

• A commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• A culture that encourages innovation and responsibility at all levels.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.

Application Process:
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply through our online portal. Please submit your application and CV in English, ensuring that your latest CV is attached. Applications that do not meet the minimum qualifications will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For inquiries regarding this role, please reach out to ESA Recruitment at esa.recruitment@nrc.no, including the job title in the subject line.

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