1. law, govt and politics
2. legal issues
3. human rights

HIAS Refugee Trust of Kenya (HRTK) – Kenya Office
Vacancy Notice
Country Director
Closing date: 01 Jun 2015
HIAS is the global Jewish non-profit organization working in 14 countries across five
continents to ensure that refugees and displaced persons are protected. Throughout the United
States, we help refugees reunite with families, resettle and become self-sufficient. Guided by
our values and history, we help refugees rebuild their lives in safety and security and
advocate to ensure that all displaced people are treated with dignity.
HIAS-Kenya is currently seeking a Country Director (CD) who is responsible for delivering
quality programs, building local and international partnerships, and enhancing HIAS’ brand
through program advocacy, accountability and commitment to refugee protection. In
consultation with the refugee community, the CD will provide strategic leadership, manage a
high performing team, and develop, implement and evaluate programs and services
consistent with the HIAS Mission and Core Values. The Country Director serves as the
primary liaison with HIAS Headquarters (HQ) to ensure a working environment which
fosters excellence, transparency and mutual respect, leveraging global technical expertise,
the highest professional standards, and problem solving skills.
HIAS Kenya: HIAS’ focus is to provide safe environments for refugees in which they can
stabilize, heal, and rebuild their lives. HIAS operates programs for refugee and host
communities to ensure that their rights are respected by all. We particularly target groups that
are often overlooked in humanitarian programs including minorities as well as men who are
survivors of rape and violence. Urban refugees are increasingly at risk of harassment and
extortion, so at HIAS Kenya, we focus our efforts on vulnerable refugees living in Nairobi
through psychosocial, legal/protection, and livelihoods programming. More on our work in
Kenya. HIAS operates in five sites in urban Nairobi.
Essential Functions:
Program Management

Work closely with HQ International Operations to develop country program and
advocacy objectives and budget

Establish HIAS as a convener and partner with local and international stakeholders
and promote collaborative relationships

Manage timely and high-quality proposal, program narratives and financial reports
and send updates to donors and to the HIAS Board and HQ colleagues

Ensure that all staff have the necessary tools, resources, and information to deliver
and evaluate services that meet or exceed internationally accepted standards and
protocols
Human Resource Management

Ensure a positive work environment and compliance with HIAS’ Core Values and
Code of Conduct for all field office staff and volunteers

Provide ongoing training and learning opportunities in areas of core competency and
priority

Establish organizational structure, job descriptions, performance measures that reflect
clear work expectations aligned with program goals and HIAS HR manual

Work collaboratively with HQ on all personnel-related issues and ensure compliance
with local labor, fiscal and other laws
Security and Fraud Prevention

Monitor and analyze security environment

Design and update Country Office Emergency Operation Plan and offer staff training
on, at least, a quarterly basis in accordance with HIAS and MOSS standards

Report any concerns, violations or incidents which might undermine the security of
our programs, personnel, or clients, or otherwise damage the reputation of HIAS
Fundraising and Partnerships

Cultivate excellent relationships with external stakeholders and represent HIAS in
relationships with donors, the host government, U.S. Embassy, international and
national organizations

Facilitate partnerships with other organizations for joint programming and advocacy

Demonstrate understanding of donor priorities, country plans and planned funding
initiatives
Financial and Budget Management

Oversee financial reporting, audit and in-country financial legal compliance, and cash
flow

Provide timely, accurate and effective oversight of all aspects of country financial
operations consistent with laws, donor requirements, and HIAS policies and
procedures

Implement effective fiscal controls and institute and monitor a system to assure the
accuracy and timeliness of all aspects of financial management

Provide regular reports to HQ to assure grant compliance and safeguard against
uncovered program costs in budget
Accountability

Model HIAS’ values through collaboration, strategic decision-making, evidencebased programming, and efficient management of resources

Ensure accountability through effective monitoring and impact assessment; comply
with HIAS and donor policies, procedures and requirements and ensure compliance
on the part of staff, volunteers and project partners

Contribute to the development of systems to better measure and demonstrate the
impact of our work

Create a managerial environment in country to safeguard refugee protection.

Bring commitment and integrity to accomplishing HIAS’ mission and goals in this
and other duties as assigned and commit to personal and professional implementation
of HIAS’ Core values
Qualifications
Education:

Undergraduate and Master’s in a related field required

Fluency in English; working knowledge of Kiswahili, French, Arabic, Banyamulenge,
Amharic or other African languages a plus.
Experience:

Minimum ten years’ experience, including financial and/or budget management, in
the field of international development, international assistance, refugees, or asylum.
Refugee protection and resettlement experience a strong plus.
Other:

Excellent strategic thinking and problem-solving skills

Collaborative results-oriented management style

Ability to motivate and supervise a high-performing team in a politically sensitive
environment

Familiarity with U.S. government, UN, private and multilateral donors
HOW TO APPLY:
The position is full-time, with a starting salary commensurate with experience and
comprehensive benefits. Interested applicants should email the following information
to humanresources@hias.org:

Cover letter

Salary history

Resume
Incomplete applications will not be considered and only short-listed candidates will be
contacted. Please write the job title in the email subject line, no phone calls please.
HIAS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND COMPLIES WITH ALL
FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL EMPLOYMENT LAWS.