The Aga Khan Foundation
(AKF) focuses on a small number of specific social and economic
development problems by forming (intellectual and financial)
partnerships with organisations sharing its objectives. Most Foundation
grants are made to grassroots organisations testing innovative
approaches in the field.
With a small staff, a
host of cooperating agencies and thousands of volunteers, the Foundation
reaches out to vulnerable populations on four continents, irrespective
of their race, religion, political persuasion or gender.
AKF is part of the
broader Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a group of private,
international, non-denominational development organisations that work to
improve the welfare and prospects of people in the developing world,
particularly in Asia and Africa.
Its programmes are
designed to bring a critical mass of economic, social and cultural
activities to bear on a given area. Its projects encompass many of the
determinants of the quality of life, including the natural and built
environments in both urban and rural areas, food security, health,
education, access to financial services and economic opportunity, as
well as the cultural areas of traditional music, architecture and art.
In East Africa, AKF
supports programming in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda that contributes to a
better quality of life for hundreds of communities.
Working in education,
rural economic development, health, and civil society, AKF leverages its
global experiences and partnerships to bring new ideas to East Africa.
The Policy and Partnership Manager for AKF in East Africa will be based in Nairobi and will report directly to the Regional Chief Executive Officer.
This position is part of
AKF’s core senior management team and would provide the successful
candidate with an opportunity to shape the Foundation’s direction
throughout East Africa.
The Policy and
Partnership Manager will be a key interface with all of AKF’s regional
partners, including donors, government, civil society organisations,
private companies, and sister agencies of the AKDN.
Specific responsibilities include:
- Facilitate dialogue on AKF’s strategic direction in coordination with other members of the senior management team;
- Build and maintain a broad network of external partnerships, effectively communicating AKF’s strategic direction and mobilising resources to fulfill the organisation’s mandate;
- Develop and distribute high quality reports, funding proposals, and communications materials that position AKF as a key development partner in East Africa;
- Distil key lessons from programming and develop a strategy for policy engagement with government, donors and other partners;
- Lead and mentor a team of programme officers.
Required Qualifications and Experience:
- Minimum Masters Degree or equivalent in communications, public policy, international development or other relevant fields;
- Minimum 5 years experience in donor dialogue and communications, preferably in the field of international development;
- Experience in management, leadership and mentoring staff with a willingness to visit programmes in the field;
- Exceptional English communications skills, able to make strong presentations and produce high quality written reports.
The Aga Khan Foundation is an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (www.akdn.org).
How to apply:
Candidates interested in
this unique career opportunity with AKF should submit a cover letter,
CV and the names and contact information of three professional referees
by 10th January, 2013 , to the
Regional Human Resource Manager,
Aga Khan Foundation, East Africa,
by e-mail to recruitment-akfea@akdn.org .
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
