CHIEF OF PARTY
WERK seeks a Chief of Party for an anticipated Reading Champions project in Kenya. The purpose of
the activity is to improve and sustain student learning through a resilient and accountable education
system together with families, communities and other Kenyan partners. We are looking for individuals
who have a passion for making a difference in the lives of people around the world and demonstrate
leadership, versatility, and integrity in their work. All candidates must possess a degree in a relevant
field and English fluency is required. Experience in Kenya or East Africa is preferred.
The Chief of Party’s (COP) primary responsibilities will include providing overall leadership,
management, and general technical direction of the entire project and sub-grantees, ensuring an
integrated vision among different components and actors, and a focus on achieving the results defined
in the award. The COP will be the principal point of contact for the project and is ultimately responsible
for all contract management and implementation. S/he will be the primary liaison with the Donor on
technical matters and expected to steer operations. The COP will be expected to identify issues and
risks related to project implementation and suggest appropriate timely adjustments. The COP must
be able to communicate WERKs ethos and comply with all organizational policies.
Responsibilities include:
1. Provide overall strategic vision and leadership for project implementation including drafting
project work plans and leading the successful implementation of annual work plans and
budgets.
2. Provide technical oversight and guidance to sub-grantees partners on effective strategies to
realize literacy levels.
3. Put in place coordination mechanisms for effective project delivery among the sub-grantees.
4. Foster integrated vision, coordination and synergy building with the government and other
partners initiatives in target areas.
5. Effectively manage senior programming and operations talent for optimal performance.
6. Manage team dynamics and staff well-being; provide coaching and mentoring. Strategically
tailor individual development plans and complete performance assessments for direct
reports. Oversee the development of staffing plans and the recruitment process of senior
staff.
7. Identify performance gaps and training opportunities for project and partner staff and ensure
the design and delivery of high-quality training and technical assistance.
8. Approve program expenditures, budget adjustments, and cost modification requests to
donors.
9. Establish a safe environment for sharing of ideas, solutions, and difficulties and the capacity
to detect, analyze and respond quickly to deficiencies.
10. Ensure all staff understand and adhere to WERKs policies and plans, and ensure the updating
of such plans.
11. Ensure program implementation in compliance with Donor standards, WERKs Policies &
Procedures and aligned to acceptable financial & operational audit results.
12. Ensure inclusion of cross cutting themes including gender, youth, conflict sensitivity, disability
and social inclusion.
13. Serve as the primary point of contact to Donor as well as public, private and non-government
stakeholders.
14. Ensure the project is designed and implemented to meet donor expectations in terms of
timely and quality results and budget, including strategies for phase out and sustainability.
15. Ensure accurate and quality Annual Operation Plan (AOP) and Detailed Implementation Plan
(DIP) for the program in place and utilized.
16. Ensure accurate and quality Program Design Documents (PDD) are on file.
17. Put in place effective monitoring and reporting systems to guide sub-grantees.
18. Ensure the program quality standards are adhered to per MEAL policy and procedures.
19. Provide oversight related to project results, reporting, analysis, and the use of strategic
information to drive performance across the project.
20. Actively identify, manage and mitigate issues and risks related to project implementation at
the national and regional levels and propose risk mitigation strategies and solutions for project
adjustments.
21. Ensure the relevant project measurements (baseline, mid-term, end-line and any other study)
are accurately and promptly conducted and results utilized to inform program management.
22. Ensure effective use of resources, on-time delivery of project activity reports and partner
deliverables, and overall compliance with Donor regulations and WERK policies and
procedures.
23. Work with MEAL Manager to ensure effective reflection and learning forums and
documentation of project success for internal and external communication.
24. Oversee the development of communication strategies and materials, complying with donor
and WERK branding and marketing requirements and procedures.
25. Coordinate relationships with sub-grantees, including organization of review/planning
workshops and coordination forums.
26. Maintain effective and open communication throughout the project with the Donor, WERK
Directors, project teams, and other relevant stakeholders.
27. Represent the project at meetings and events with the Donor, Government of Kenya, the
business community, non-profits, and other stakeholders.
28. Build and Maintain effective communications and pro-active relationships with partners
including the county government and the donor.
29. Collaborate with line ministries and departments in providing technical support and assistance
to the program.
30. Ensure that all sub-grantees are equipped with pre-requisite capacity to effectively deliver on
their mandate.
31. Coordinate advocacy and policy influence initiatives of the program at county and national
level
Qualifications:
1. A Masters level-degree in education, social sciences or related field from an accredited
university.
2. At least 10 years of experience in managing teams and implementing education programs in
developing countries, preferably in the implementation of a reading program of similar
technical complexity.
3. Demonstrated exemplary management, supervision, communication and international skills
to ensure internal coherence among diverse team members and productive relations with the
GOK, donors and the international community.
4. Excellent knowledge of education sector in Kenya.
5. Team leadership abilities with diverse/multi-disciplinary teams.
6. Strong communications and presentation skills; able to develop tailored and persuasive
messaging for varied audiences.
7. Proactive, resourceful, solutions-oriented and results-oriented.
8. Good understanding of gender and diversity issues and commitment to addressing
inequalities in all the key areas of responsibility
9. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with Youth Groups, other partners, private sector,
government officials, donors, and other stakeholders.
10. Strong systems thinking and problem-solving skills, with capacity to see the big picture with
ability to make sound judgment and decisions.
11. Strong relations management abilities with ability to relate to people at all levels
12. Ability to write, communicate and prepare reports clearly in English.
13. A proven ability to identify and negotiate partnerships opportunities is desired.
14. Previous experience in Kenya or East Africa is highly desired.
Applications should include:
An application letter explaining why you are a good fit for this job, what makes you a strong
candidate, and why you want to work for WERK.
A resume summarizing qualifications and experience.
Copies of academic certificates
3 work referees with contact information. One referee must be the current supervisor.
Please indicate your expected remuneration/salary in your application.
The above documents should be sent as one PDF document
Application Instructions:
Note: This position is contingent upon donor approval and funding
Please send your CV and cover letter to the email address jobs@werk.co.ke or hand delivered to our
office located on 1171 Argwings Kodhek Road, House no 4. In the subject line please indicate the
position title to which you are applying. Finalists will be contacted. The deadline for submission of
applications is Tuesday 2nd January 2024. For more information on WERK, please
visit www.werk.co.ke
WERK is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment
practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual
orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an
employee organization, or other non-merit factors
