NATIONAL DIRECTOR
MARCH 2022
About Young Scientists Kenya
Young Scientists Kenya (YSK) is the premier science competition for high school student in Kenya, focused on increasing the uptake and quality of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) learning in all 47 counties, with a particular focus on ‘leaving no learner behind’. Driving a transformative agenda for education and Kenyan youth, YSK promotes scientific excellence, innovation and a culture of entrepreneurship among Kenyan’s youth and aims to contribute to the Big Four and Agenda 2030. It is a unique collaboration between the Ministry of Education and the Government of Ireland, through its Embassy in Kenya, with support from partners including Safaricom.
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The Role
Title:
National Director
Location:
Nairobi, Kenya
Salary:
Competitive
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Job Summary
We are seeking an ambitious, strategic and driven National Director to build a strong and impactful organisation by diversifying and increasing the revenue and partnership base, collaborating with national and county governments, and with private sector organisations and education institutions. This is an exciting, unique role for a senior leader with a passion for supporting Kenyan youth to excel and the drive and ability to scale up a national organization. The successful candidate will report directly to the Chair of an independent Board of Directors and manage a small but active Secretariat (currently three full time staff; temporary staff; volunteers). The National Director will engage and forge new partnerships with a diverse set of stakeholders to position YSK as a key leader in the field of STEM.
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Responsibilities
Leadership and Management (30%)
• Provide leadership and oversight to the implementation and evaluation of YSK’s strategic plan and annual workplan, including particular focus on efforts to ‘leave no learner behind’. • Ensure ongoing programmatic excellence, rigorous programme evaluation and learning, and consistent quality of key support systems (e.g. finance and administration, fundraising, communications). • Lead, coach, manage and develop the YSK Secretariat for high quality programme impact (including, where appropriate, volunteers/interns). • Ensure that the reporting and accountability requirements of YSK are met by the Secretariat in collaboration with the Board. • Ensure effective systems to track progress, measure success, and ensure strategic decision making are in place and utilized. • Continually foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation and a commitment to YSK values and principles.
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Resource Mobilisation and Sustainability (30%)
• The annual YSK budget is currently KES. 63.1 million. The ND is expected to sustain existing contributions and grow the organization as agreed with the Board on an annual basis. • Design and execute a comprehensive revenue generation strategy informed by evidence-based research and analysis of existing and potential partnerships to mobilise and sustain the funding required by YSK to deliver on its objectives (including prospect research and cultivation, high quality proposals and pitches, outreach strategies and robust donor relationship management). • Establish and manage a system for effective grant management and donor/partner tracking, monitoring and reporting.
Board Engagement (15%)
• Actively engage and support YSK Board members to realise the strategic ambitions of YSK and maximise their unique skills and competencies. • In close collaboration with the Board Chair, prepare the content,
agenda and minutes for the Board of Director meetings, and any outward communications from the Board or Chair to partners. • Support effective functioning of all of the YSK Board Sub-Committees and communications across the organisation.
and maintain a directory of resources, agencies and organisations that are available to support YSK. • Ensure timely and high quality communication and reporting to YSK sponsors, partners and stakeholders.
Stakeholder Management and Communications (15%)
• Ensure oversight of the YSK financial management system, providing timely and accurate monthly accounts and engaging with the Finance, Risk & Audit Committee and the Board of Directors. • Ensure robust and appropriate financial policies and procedures are in place and implemented to standard. • Engage reputable external audit services and implement corrective actions as required. • Manage YSK Risk Register (RR), ensuring all risks are mitigated and shared with the Board for regular review. • Ensure effective and robust safeguarding policies are in place and understood by all participants including a clear and accessible whistle-blowing procedure. Ensure appropriate and documented vetting procedures of all mentors, volunteers and board members.
• Identify and contribute to an effective STEM ecosystem in Kenya through creating and nurturing partnerships and programmes with higher education, science-based research institutions and the private sector. • Ensure early and effective liaison with participating schools and the Ministry of Education (MoE) on all aspects of YSK programmes, and with an emphasis on leaving no learner behind, in compliance with MoE directives. • Design and implement effective communication strategies to enhance the YSK brand, generate revenue, sustain partnerships, and strengthen the STEM ecosystem in Kenya. • Proactively manage relationships with multiple external stakeholders
Financial & Risk Management (10%)
Candidate profile
Essential
• An advanced degree in Management, Business Administration, Education or equivalent and a Bachelors degree. • At least 10 years of senior management experience including a demonstrable track record of effectively leading and scaling impactful organization(s) and/or teams • Proven ability to initiate and sustain complex, high level stakeholder relationships, programmes and initiatives. • A proven ability to identify, deliver on, and sustain industry-standard resource and income generating opportunities through proactive and branded business development activities. • A proven capacity to lead on the development, implementation and evaluation of organizational strategies and annual business plans. • Demonstrable skills in financial management. • Proven ability to lead, mentor and manage diverse teams including volunteers.
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• Outstanding communication skills and ability to work well with the media, staff and community
Desirable
• Passion for the education sector (for example working with youth-focused organisations and/or engaging with education institutions, and/or driving educational policy/programmes) and working with students • Experience effectively engaging Boards, reporting to a Board of Directors, and/or acting as a member of a Board.
Demonstrable Competencies
• Leadership and Strategic Direction • Analysis, Judgement and Decision making • Management and Delivery of Results and Impact • Building and Sustaining Effective Relationships • Communicating • Collaboration, Integrity, Adaptability • Entrepreneurial • Writing, Research and Public Speaking
How to Apply
All correspondence, at this stage, should be via Oxford HR. To apply for this post, click on the “Apply” button on the job advert page, complete our online application form, and submit your CV and cover letter in two different documents, which should be prepared before applying as they will be considered in the application process. The cover letter should be no more than two pages long, explaining why you are interested in this post and how your skills and experience make you a good fit. The documents should be saved in the following format: Your First Name-Your Last Name-Document Name-Date (yymm) e.g: Pat-JonesCVandStatement-2003.
Timeline
Closing Date: First stage interviews: Final interviews:
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Selection process
All candidates will receive an update regarding their application after the closing date. We advise candidates to add the role email to their safe senders list and regularly check their spam folder.
Equality Statement
Equality and diversity are at the core of Young Scientist Kenya’s values. Staff are expected to work collectively and individually to promote a constructive and sensitive approach to others from a variety of backgrounds, where the work of others is valued and respected.
Queries
If you have any queries on any aspect of the appointment process, need additional information, or would 15th May like to have an informal discussion, W/c 16th May please email at youngscientistskenyafrom 25th May director@oxfordhr.co.ke in the first instance.
About Oxford HR
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 client.
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