Development Initiatives - Director, East Africa Hub

director - east africa hub August 2021

Development Initiatives

Produced on behalf of Development Initiatives by:

Development Initiatives (DI) applies the power of data and evidence to build sustainable solutions that create an equitable and resilient world.

Our mission is to work closely with partners to ensure data-driven evidence and analysis are used effectively in policy and practice to end poverty, reduce inequality and increase resilience.

While data alone cannot bring about a better world, it is vital to achieving it. Data has the power to unlock insight, shine a light on progress and empower people to increase accountability.

We focus on three core areas to maximise our impact and achieve our mission: • Strengthen data ecosystems and improve data quality by helping others to collect, share and manage data and use data responsibility and effectively • Increase use of high-quality, actionable and data-driven analysis that can be used in policy and practice • Create a culture of data use by growing people’s skills, expertise and confidence in data.

about development initiatives (DI)

And we support partners to: • Better respond to people’s needs through improved quality and use of data and evidence in policymaking • Improve the quantity, quality and coherence of public finance and private investment • Challenge systemic and structural barriers to equity and support the reform of existing systems.

We work at global, national and local levels, through a global hub connected to a growing network of regional hubs and partners. In the last five years alone our work has covered 78 countries and we currently have staff based in Kenya, Uganda, the US and the UK.

Photo: Alan Whelan/Trócaire

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foundational principles

people

simplicity

partnerships

DI puts people at the heart of its agenda. We serve the world’s poorest and most marginalised communities. We aim to bring about change in their lives and increase opportunities for all through improvements to systems, structures, and resource allocation.

DI believes less is more. By making data and evidence simple, visually appealing and clear we can reach people who would otherwise be excluded from accessing information that could empower them.

DI encourages collaboration, connection, and community. We bring people together from different places, with different experiences, ideas, and perceptions so we can come up with better ideas and solutions to achieve our purpose.

perseverance

transformation

DI believes anything is possible.

Through hard work, focus and commitment, change is possible.

But change takes time and requires dedication. Our organisation embodies perseverance, focus and resilience in the face of obstacles.

DI does not believe in standing still.

We are always learning, developing and changing. We believe it is important to constantly seek out new ideas and ways of working; explore innovations and technological advances; and develop projects to achieve transformation and unlock change for all.

DI’s foundational principles guide who we are and how we work, informing organisational culture and shaping the services we provide.

high performance DI is thriving because it consists of (and is informed by) high performing individuals, who challenge and encourage each other to do better.

We are all committed to being the best we can be. As an organisation, we value quality, rigour and attention to detail.

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Chief Executive

organisation chart

Director of Research and Analysis

Director Partnerships & Engagement

Director of Business and Finance*

Director of Data Use

Director, East Africa Hub**

Chief Operating Officer**

* - To become Director of People from July ** - vacant

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Eastone Owino, Analyst (Toby Richards/ Development Initiatives)

DI’s East Africa Hub was established in 2011. It is located in Nairobi, Kenya. The East Africa Hub represents DI in the East Africa region and is responsible for working closely with local partners to deliver on DI’s strategic goals. DI’s ten-year goals are: strengthen data ecosystems; increase use of data-driven evidence and analysis; and build a culture of data use. Our office in Nairobi will be the base from which our staff can grow a network of partners and consultants in countries across the East Africa region.

As outlined in our strategy, all of DI’s regional hubs will be locally led and globally connected. They will deliver the DI strategy in different regions and ensure DI’s brand – a trusted partner who provides high-quality and robust, data-driven and policyrelevant analysis, as well as the technical skills and expertise needed to improve data ecosystems and create a culture of data use – is safeguarded and promoted.

about DI’s east africa hub

DI’s new strategy puts partnering for impact at the centre of our approach. We work with and through partners; we do not undertake research and analysis which is not requested or relevant for our partners. Our regional hubs play a vital role in representing DI to potential partners based in those regions, increasing awareness of what DI can offer as an enabling organisation, identifying partners, and developing and defining projects. The regional hubs will be required to establish a network of regional consultants to support on specific technical aspects of our work. They will also ensure DI staff, who may be based elsewhere, are able to support partners to adapt our tools, guidance material and methodologies to their projects. In doing so, they will facilitate DI in delivering on projects as required, under the guidance and direction of a regional lead and partner.

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about DI’s east africa hub

The regional hubs will remain light and nimble, supporting partners to grow and strengthen their skills, building local capacities and expertise and largely working through partnerships. Staff in the hubs will be strongly connected to the national and regional policy environment and well connected within the region with institutions and organisations working on addressing poverty, inequality, increasing resilience of communities and improving governance systems. Staff in the hubs will identify new project partners and clients, manage a strong regional network of consultants who represent DI in countries of the region where DI is not registered, identify and lead projects, and define with partners the nature of the work to be delivered, and act as the main point of contact between the partner and DI’s project team. DI’s staff will undertake quality assurance of all projects and advise and support partners to apply tools, guidance material and training manuals which can be adapted for their regional context. All frameworks and methodologies will be developed centrally and rolled out to regions to be adapted for partners to use in their work.

DI’s third strategic goal – to create a culture of data use to increase skills, expertise and confidence in data, showing how data can drive better outcomes, and providing digital tools that make data use accessible and easy – will be driven mainly through our regional hubs. DI will host workshops and trainings as well as provide bespoke strategic advice on how to create pathways to increased data use.

We will partner with others who can deliver training, facilitate the development of skills, and support organisations, individuals and officials to become confident users of data and evidence.

The regional hubs will need to have a good understanding of the difference between project and programme partnerships and delivery partners, how they differ and why we need both in the regions to deliver on our strategic goals. Codesigning and co-creating projects with our project and delivery partners will allow us to ensure all partners are adequately funded to deliver on their elements of the project. Staff in the regional hubs will need to understand the policy context within which they are situated and how DI’s offer can support partners to reduce poverty and inequality and build resilience.

Jane McNeil, HR Manager (Toby Richards/ Development Initiatives)

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the role

Title:

Director, East Africa Hub

Reporting to:

Chief Executive Officer

Length:

Two-year fixed term contract, extendable

Responsible for:

DI Hub staff members

Location:

Nairobi, Kenya (DI Nairobi Office)

Salary:

KES 11,984,689 - KES 13,482,775 per annum

Start Date:

As soon as possible, depending on notice period

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DI is seeking someone who has previously held senior management positions in government or within an organisation working on social change.

The individual will need to be a self-driven, passionate, and highly motivated, with skills and experience in external representation, strategic management, and mobilising resources as well as overseeing and managing teams. They will also need to be able to focus on enabling DI to transform how it works in the East Africa region, implement our new strategy, and perform at the highest levels in a complex and fastchanging environment.

Reporting to DI’s CEO, the Director of the East Africa Hub will be part of our Executive team and will lead the implementation of DI’s strategy, represent the organisation externally, increase our business and ensure DI is well established in the East Africa region. They will be responsible for the success of the East Africa Hub – ensuring it is well financed and working with the right partners to deliver on the DI’s strategic goals, as well as the right delivery partners and consultants across the region to deliver on programmes and projects. They will be supported by a Head of East Africa Operations and a Management Accountant to ensure the East Africa Hub is running smoothly and remains compliant in Kenya. They will also be an important member of DI’s Executive team, responsible for working alongside the other Directors to support the CEO to drive forward DI as a global organisation.

summary

Photo: S.Cherkaoui/ WFP

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summary

The postholder must be confident in representing DI externally, regularly speaking on panels, and communicating DI’s offer. They will be responsible for business development and support the development of funded project partnerships for the region. They must have strong contacts and relationships within at least two governments in East Africa, have successfully worked within or with government officials and be confident speaking to DI’s priority areas: ending poverty, the role of domestic and international public finance and social change investing in addressing poverty and inequality and building resilience from crisis (humanitarian and climate).

As a result, they should have a good understanding of the challenges for inclusive development in the East African region, issues, and problems the governments are dealing with, and how the poorest people are affected by climate, conflict, natural disasters, economic shocks and other factors that keep them in poverty and hold them back from benefitting from progress and growth.

The Director of the East Africa Hub will have a passion for development that is inclusive and be committed to leaving no one behind. They must have a vision of how to make the East Africa Hub a successful regional operation for DI and delivering on DI’s three strategic goals: strengthen data ecosystems, increase use of data-driven evidence, create a culture of data use. They will understand how DI can contribute to national and local priorities by enabling and empowering others through our work with them. And they will be able to establish DI as a critical partner supporting governments, regional bodies, donor agencies, CSOs and NGOs, and social impact investors to apply data and evidence to unlock insight, shine a light on progress and empower people to increase accountability.

The postholder will be required to attend out-of-office-hours meetings, receptions and dinners as well as travel regularly regionally and globally to represent DI at meetings as required. They will be a confident people leader who is able to inspire staff within DI as well as external stakeholders. They must be a collaborative colleague, working closely with the CEO and other Directors to drive forward the strategic goals of the organisation. They will be required to provide regular reports to the CEO and quarterly reporting to the Board on the progress they are making in delivering on strategic goals.

The postholder will have strong experience of income generation, including pursuing grant funding applications and tenders for new business. They will also have sound experience of leading teams, helping them focus on important strategic areas and motivating them to increase the organisation’s presence and brand within the region. They must be confident in managing staff and dealing efficiently with all performance-related matters, as well as familiar with local legal requirements for not-for-profit and for-profit organisations. They will be supported by senior-level staff in East Africa responsible for the administration of the Hub, financial and partnership management, and due diligence to ensure DI is partnering with confidence. They will be responsible for managing the staff in the Hub and enabling them to deliver.

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Photo: Mugisha Don de Dieu

duties and responsibilities

A. Leadership Representation and increasing DI’s brand in the East Africa region: • Build and maintain relationships, including those with potential and existing partner organisations, donors, national and regional institutions, social impact investors and leaders of CSOs and NGOs, think tanks and academic institutions • Regularly speak at high-profile meetings and events in the region • Undertake targeted one-to-one meetings to introduce organisations to DI and learn more about our offer and what we can do to enable them.

Partnership development: • Communicate to staff how DI distinguishes between programme and project partnerships (stakeholders we work closely with to change how they work and support them to make better decisions so they can tackle poverty, inequality and increase resilience) and delivery partners (such as think tanks and academic institutions, who we work with on our projects providing analysis and support to help others make better decisions) • Use opportunities of external representation and meetings to identify and develop new programme and project partnerships with governments, donors, social impact investors, INGOs and CSOs, supporting them to address some of the important questions they are asking around how they tackle poverty and inequality, and build the resilience of systems and communities • Identify national-level delivery partners who complement our skills and will be critical to delivering on our project partnerships – such as partners who can deliver trainings and workshops, undertake data collection, or apply DI’s methodology of scanning the data landscape to do audits of data systems in a country.

Leadership of the East Africa team: • Ensure East Africa staff are led, have a strong understanding of what the strategy means to them, and how they must transform the East Africa operations to deliver on the strategy • Provide leadership which motivates and engages the team and gives them the tools they need to implement the strategy and ensure they can see how they connect with the wider organisation around the world • Lead the annual planning process for the East Africa Hub and develop three-year strategic plans for the region in coordination with the Global Hub • Ensure all work undertaken aligns with the strategy.

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Line management: • Manage key senior staff within the East Africa Hub, develop their annual objectives, have regular feedback meetings and ensure they are appraised quarterly and annually to evaluate their performance and support their development • Develop the right skills and expertise needed in the region to ensure DI’s offer is well communicated and recognised and DI can develop projects which respond to the needs of the stakeholders in the region • Ensure DI has a strong network of consultants and delivery partners in countries within the region who can build relationships and identify projects for us, as well as bring in the technical skills needed to deliver on them • Ensure the senior team in East Africa are focused on how they enable others and empower them through our approach and methodologies • Ensure our offer responds to the needs of project partners supporting them to address critical challenges they face in tackling poverty, inequality and building resilience.

Income generation and financial oversight: • Lead the East Africa Hub to generate income to deliver against targets and ensure sustainability of regional operations • Provide leadership and guide the team to develop and deliver on multi-year and annual objectives, as well as planning and budgeting within the income the region has available • Ensure the efficient use of resources, working directly with the Chief Operating Officer, Finance team, and the East Africa Hub’s Head of Operations.

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Pull together content for annual reports and demonstrate how the East Africa Hub achieves impact to donors and prospective donors Ensure lessons learnt from projects in East Africa are shared across the organisation through regular learning reviews and staff sessions.

Quarterly updates for the CEO and reporting to the Board: • Provide regular monthly reports for the CEO on progress against objectives, on income generation and financial expenditure, partnerships, donor relations and outreach as well as how the Hub is progressing to increase its visibility and local position • Provide quarterly reports to the Board and present any papers as required to discuss strategic matters arising with the CEO and the Board as required • Support regional visits from the CEO and any Board members.

Working with the CEO and other Directors to deliver on the organisation’s strategic goals: • Share information and learning, strategise together to develop and lead the organisation into the future • Role model behaviours which promote DI’s values and build the DI’s culture in the region • Ensure all regional risks are documented and managed through the organisational risk register and manage talent and develop staff in the region.

B. General responsibilities and duties

Working effectively across DI’s regional hubs: • Lead the team in East Africa to be able to work with all DI’s hubs to secure resources and skills needed to deliver on regional projects • Ensure the quality of the work undertaken is always checked through DI’s quality assurance processes and DI’s brand is not impacted by sub-standard work • Collaborate with staff working on programmes run through the Global Hub to ensure their work is informed by regional examples and case studies.

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Monitoring impact and increasing learning across DI: • Monitor and evaluate the performance of the East Africa Hub quarterly and annually • Ensure the East Africa Hub is measuring its programmatic impact based on DI’s strategic impact framework

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Be aware of and take personal responsibility for any health and safety issues and obligations Uphold all aspects of company policies and procedures and legal requirements in relation to personal conduct Support an ambitious organisation, actively taking part in helping to meet its goals and positively supporting change and development Maintain professional development and personal development plans for yourself and your line reports Be willing and committed to take on new work as and when required and be proactive.

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Harpinder Collacott, CEO (Toby Richards/ Development Initiatives)

person specification

Experience Essential • Minimum of 15 years in a senior management role within the international development sector, government, or other organisations working in a policy environment, leading on policy analysis to change social outcomes • Experience of working in or with government and development agencies in the East Africa region • Experience of building partnerships and engaging with like-minded agencies and institutions • Strong network of contacts in East Africa, especially in government, with donor agencies and multilateral institutions, and with organisations working on international development, public finance management, climate and humanitarian issues • Experience presenting research findings at public forums, including to nonresearch-focused audiences • Experience and track record of income generation (both grants and contract), managing relationships with donors and growing funding relationships.

Desirable • Experience of writing donor reports, bids for contracts and grant proposals • Experience of living and working in different country contexts within the East Africa region, with good understanding of the whole region • Experience of managing at least five senior staff members, enabling and guiding them, supporting their development and getting the best out of them.

Knowledge Essential • Detailed knowledge of the implications of poverty and inequality on the economic development of a country, the impact of climatic, political and economic shocks on increasing vulnerability, and how policy levers can respond to these challenges • Substantial knowledge of national, regional, and global development institutions • Good depth of knowledge on how national development plans reinforce the Sustainable Development Goals and climate priorities into national-level planning • Knowledge of the political economy of the region.

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Desirable • Strong knowledge of financing (public and private) and how it supports stability and growth • Knowledge of how data is collected and managed at a national level for global monitoring of social outcomes.

• Ability to work as a member of a team and train, develop and mentor staff to increase their skills and their confidence to undertake external engagement with confidence • Strong knowledge of budget oversight and process of budget development and delivering against objectives.

Education

Desirable • Demonstrated ability to work with governments, donors and/or partner organisations • Fluency in other languages would be an advantage, specifically French, Portuguese and/or Spanish.

Essential • Master’s degree in political science, economics, international development, or related subjectDesirable Desirable • PhD/MBA in a related subject would be an advantage.

Skills and abilities Essential • Strong oral communication skills, with fluency in English • Excellent understanding of the policy and political context of East Africa • Sound knowledge of how policy is made, when and what sort of information is needed to shape the policymaking process • Excellent writing skills and ability to translate complex information from data and evidence into policy-relevant information • Organisational leadership skills – experience of being part of an organisation’s leadership team and a track record of driving growth and development of an organisation or institution • Ability to engage with the debate on sustainable development, shape the narrative in the region and to maximise DI’s contribution in East Africa and to ensure that an East African perspective informs DI’s global programmes • Demonstrated ability to play a leadership role in an organisation and represent it externally as required • Proven ability to lead a division within an organisation • Excellent management skills and experience of working and managing across locations

Personal attributes Essential • Rigorous and conscientious – able to ensure high-quality work is delivered throughout the East Africa Hub • A strong commitment to quality, able to ensure all content produced in East Africa adheres to DI’s quality assurance framework and meets the needs of our partners • Culturally sensitive with demonstrated ability to work successfully and independently with diverse groups • Ability to work under pressure yet deliver on time • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously to different timeframes • Excellent facilitation and presentation skills with ability to represent the organisation at all levels • Leader who is able to motivate staff and lead by example • Positive outlook and energetic – looks for solutions and helps staff find solutions and explores new ways of doing things • Considerate and supportive, a self-starter able to work collaboratively within and across teams and to organise time accordingly • Flexibility and willingness/ability to travel (including abroad) often at short notice, for specified periods • Willingness to be contacted out of office hours as may be required.

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If you cannot answer yes to these questions, please do not apply, as we will be unable to progress your application. If you can answer yes to all the above questions, then please click here to apply. You will need to complete a short application form and submit an up-to-date curriculum vitae (of no more than 2-3 pages), and a cover letter. Please prepare your CV and cover letter before applying as they will be requested at the end of the application form. The documents should be saved in MS Word in the following format: Your First Name-Your Last Name-Document Name-Date (mmyyyy) e.g., Malika Cook-CV-082021Development Initiatives.

The cover letter should be no more than 2 pages long – bullet points are acceptable.

It should explain: • • • •

why you are interested in this role. why you are interested in Development Initiatives. how your skills and experience make you a good fit.

For guidance on preparing a statement, please see here.

how to apply

Timeline

Before applying, please check that you can answer yes to all the following questions: • Are you an innovative and entrepreneurial East African leader with a PhD, MBA or Masters?

• Have you worked in senior management roles within the international development sector, government, or other organisations in East Africa working in a policy environment, leading on policy analysis to change social outcomes?

• Do you have a track record in developing successful partnerships and income generation, including pursuing grant funding applications and tenders for new business?

Preliminary interviews: Final panel interviews:

Closing date:

15th September 2021 (Applications will be assessed on an ongoing basis and early application is recommended) TBC TBC

Previous candidates need not re-apply

Selection process All candidates will be notified about the status of their applications. Shortlisted candidates may be required to undertake an additional assessment prior to the final interview.

Queries If you have any queries on any aspect of the appointment process or need additional information please email devint-doea@ oxfordhr.co.ke in the first instance.

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DI welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

DI have a duty to prevent illegal working by checking potential employees’ documents, before employing them, to ensure they have the right to work in the country in which this post is based.

DI is an equal opportunities employer, and in line with our policies, we aim to ensure that no job applicant receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of race, colour, nationality, religion, ethnic or national origin, age, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, or disability.

We are a Living Wage and Disability Confident employer in the UK and apply these principles to our staff worldwide.

other considerations

Photo: Russell Watkins/ Department for International Development

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Oxford HR operates globally - mainly within the international development and charity sectors.

We carry out retained executive search mandates at board and senior management levels. We also offer human resource and organisational development consultancy.

Oxford HR has many years of experience in search as well as an extensive network of international development, social sector, corporate, public sector, and academic contacts from across the world. We carry out comprehensive and often international searches designed to meet the specific needs of our clients.

Oxford HR’s team members have significant personal experience of working in international development and the social sector as well as the corporate and governmental sectors. We are in a unique position to find and assess talented individuals from a variety of backgrounds.

about oxford hr

Bernard Sabiti, Senior Strategic Partnerships & Engagement Manager (Toby Richards/ Development Initiatives)

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OXFORD

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