Head of Programmes, BRAC Maendeleo Kenya

Overview

BRAC International (BI) is Hiring! Join BRAC International to create opportunities for people to realise their potential. Position: Head of Programmes, BRAC Maendeleo Kenya Job Location: Nairobi, Kenya Application Deadline: 20 August 2026 About the Role: The Head of Programmes leads the establishment and early growth of BRAC International's work in Kenya – it’s newest country programme. The role is accountable for internal operational and programmatic foundations of a new Country Office: set-up, core systems, initial team building and programme field operations. Alongside standard programmatic and operational leadership, the Head of Programmes is expected to build the case, capability and track record for BRAC Maendeleo Kenya to grow into a fully-fledged Country Office. The Head of Programmes represents BRAC International with government, donors, partners and other stakeholders in Kenya. It works closely with the Africa Regional Office and the wider BI team to strengthen the organisation's profile, systems and partnerships from the ground up. The Head of Programme will work closely with other verticals that are operational in Kenya to strengthen the BRAC Ecosystem of Approaches. GROWTH PATHWAY: FROM HEAD OF PROGRAMMES TO COUNTRY DIRECTOR This role is deliberately structured as a leaner, start-up-phase equivalent of a Country Director post, in line with the size of the initial Kenya portfolio. It is designed as a developmental pathway rather than a fixed position: • Support the legal registration, governance set-up and core systems build-out required to operate as a compliant BRAC International entity in Kenya, in coordination with the Africa Regional Office and BI business functions e.g. Legal, Communications, Partnerships and Grants etc. • Recruit and build a high-performing senior management team, establishing the finance, HR, operations, safeguarding and learning and effectiveness functions that a full Country Office requires. • Support the build of a credible, diversified programme and funding pipeline sufficient to justify and sustain a full Country Office structure. Key Responsibilities: Strategic Oversight & Country Office Establishment • Provide overall strategic and programmatic leadership for BRAC International's work in Kenya. • Support the end-to-end set-up of BRAC International's legal entity and operational presence in Kenya — registration, governance, banking and regulatory compliance — in coordination with the Regional Office and BI HQ. • Lead the development and implementation of country-level strategy, annual plans and programme priorities, aligned with BRAC International's vision, mission, values and strategic direction. • Develop, with the Regional Director, the roadmap and milestones for Kenya's evolution from an initial programme into a full Country Office. • Provide strategic direction to the AIM Programme team across the portfolio as they are established. • Represent BRAC International in key engagements with government, donors, partners and other stakeholders, building the organisation's profile and reputation in Kenya from the ground up. • Maintain close coordination with the wider BI team and the Africa Regional Office to ensure strategic alignment, technical support and effective delivery of country priorities. Financial, Operational and Risk Management • Establish and oversee effective financial and operational management systems for the Country Office, in collaboration with relevant teams. • Ensure programmes and operations are delivered within approved budgets and resources are used efficiently and responsibly. • Identify, assess and mitigate programmatic, financial, operational, compliance and reputational risks, including those specific to operating as a newly-established country programme. • Ensure adherence to BRAC International policies, organisational standards, donor requirements and applicable Kenyan legal and regulatory frameworks. • Monitor financial and operational performance and ensure timely action to address variances, gaps and emerging risks. • Support effective planning and budgeting to ensure financial sustainability and alignment of resources with strategic priorities. • Put in place the systems and controls required for an efficient, accountable and compliant Country Office as the team and portfolio scale. Programme Performance, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning • Oversee the performance and quality of the Country Office's programme portfolio and ensure delivery of intended outcomes and impact. • Support the establishment of the Learning and Effectiveness stream of work to deliver the programme • Regularly review programme performance against approved plans, budgets, targets and organisational standards, and ensure timely corrective action where required. • Promote evidence-based decision-making, learning, knowledge-sharing and continuous improvement across programmes. • Identify implementation challenges, emerging opportunities and areas requiring strategic or technical support. • Ensure programme achievements, challenges, lessons learned and priorities are effectively documented and communicated to the Regional Director and wider BI team BI HQ. Fundraising, Networking and Partnerships • Develop and maintain strong relationships with donors, government authorities, development partners, private sector actors and other key stakeholders. • Represent BRAC International in relevant external forums and engagements, strengthening the organisation's visibility, profile and reputation. • Lead the organisation of external stakeholder engagements to share learning and build BRAC's profile in Kenya. Staff Management, Mentorship and Development • Recruit, lead and supervise the AIM Programme team and relevant Country Office teams. • Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, high performance and continuous learning appropriate to a growing, entrepreneurial country programme. • Identify staff capacity-building needs and support professional development and mentorship opportunities. • Ensure clear roles, responsibilities, performance expectations and accountability mechanisms are in place as new positions are created. Safeguarding, Safety and Security • Ensure safeguarding principles and organisational policies are integrated into programme design, implementation and operations from inception. • Promote a safe, respectful and inclusive working environment for staff, programme participants and partners. • Ensure compliance with BRAC International's safeguarding, safety, security and other relevant organisational standards. • Ensure incidents and concerns are reported and addressed through appropriate organisational mechanisms. • Promote awareness of and accountability for safeguarding and safety responsibilities across the Country Office. Academic Qualifications: • University degree in development, business, education, social sciences or other related fields. • Postgraduate qualification in the same field is an added advantage. • Good understanding of the development sector in Kenya, with a focus on empowerment of women and girls, livelihoods interventions, among others. Required Skills, Competencies & Knowledge: • Ambition to lead teams, grow institutions, and readiness to learn and adapt to new challenges and opportunities. • Demonstrated ability to build an office or organisation from the ground up, including registration, systems and team-building in a start-up/growth context. • An entrepreneurial mindset and comfort operating with lean structures, ambiguity and evolving scope. • Knowledge of establishing and managing a strong monitoring, evaluation and learning system for complex programmes. • Substantial knowledge and experience of effective financial and budgetary control and keeping projects on course with implementation. • Exceptional general management and communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with people of varied professional and cultural backgrounds. • Previous experience managing and developing a sizable team, with the ability to lead, motivate and develop others to achieve high-impact results. • Strong strategic and creative thinking, with a demonstrated ability to take a strategic view across a large, complex programme portfolio. • Excellent communication and negotiation skills. Ability to mobilise and influence different audiences and communities. • Demonstrated skills in writing, editing and reporting. • Personal commitment, drive for results, efficiency and flexibility. • Proficiency in the use of MS Office. • Able to build capacity and develop others. • Commitment to BRAC International's vision, mission and values. Experience Requirements: • 7 - 10 years of management experience in an NGO or other humanitarian/development environment, including significant field operations running development programmes. • Prior experience setting up, registering or scaling a new country programme or office is a strong advantage, given the start-up nature of this role. About BRAC International: BRAC International (BI), a leading non-profit organization, is on a mission to empower people and communities facing poverty, illiteracy, disease, and social injustice. Our vision is to create a world free from exploitation and discrimination, where everyone has the opportunity to realise their potential. We design proven, scalable solutions that equip people with the support and confidence they need to achieve their potential. BRAC was founded in Bangladesh in 1972 and over the last five decades has grown to become one of the world’s largest non-governmental organisations (NGOs), reaching over 100 million people. We started our first international operation by venturing into Afghanistan in 2002, building on lessons from our work in Bangladesh to support a nation devastated by war. Currently operating in 16 countries across Asia and Africa. Born, proven and led in the Global South, BRAC International brings a unique Southern perspective and commitment to continuous learning, providing a depth of insight, experience and evidence to meet the needs of diverse communities with humility and courage across Asia and Africa. To learn more about BRAC International, please visit (www.bracinternational.org.com) Our Core Values: Integrity: We approach our work with honesty and integrity. Innovation: We innovate and iterate to improve our impact. Inclusiveness: We foster inclusion to reach those who need it most Effectiveness: We strive for effectiveness to better serve people in poverty If you feel you are the right match for the above-mentioned position, please follow the application process to grab your dream opportunity! External candidates Please apply through Link- OR, You can email Resume with a cover letter and any supporting documents to recruitment.bi@brac.net; mentioning a brief academic background, career summary, core competence, professional certifications (if any) etc. within 250 words. Internal candidates are recommended to apply with their latest Resume including all job assignments in detail and a cover letter mentioning core competence and career aspiration with BRAC PIN and email to internal.bi@brac.net copying their immediate reporting manager. Potential Female candidates are specially encouraged to apply. Please mention the name of the position and AD# BI 21/26 in the subject bar. BRAC is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share the same commitment. We believe every stakeholder and every member of the communities we work with has the right to be protected from all forms of harm, abuse, neglect, harassment, and exploitation - regardless of age, race, religion, and gender, status as an individual with a disability or ethnic origin. Therefore, our recruitment policy and procedure include extensive background checks and disclosure of criminal records in order to ensure safeguarding to the fullest extent. “BRAC International is an equal opportunities employer”