Chief of Party

Mission inclusion supports innovative community actions which mobilise communities in favor of the social inclusion of vulnerable or marginalised people in 14 regions of Quebec (Canada) and in 12 countries around the world.

One of the few foundations in Quebec to affirm its solidarity at home and abroad, Mission inclusion supports actions focused resolutely on fostering profound and lasting social change. It builds quality relationships with partners, many of whom have marked the social development of their countries.

In 2019, Mission inclusion adopted a new name and programming strategy, which are a great source of motivation for its team. We are currently looking to fill the position of:

CHIEF OF PARTY

Nairobi, Kenya (national staff position)

PROGRAMME SUMMARY

Mission inclusion, in consortium with the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and local partners, aims to deliver a programme that will contribute to the Great Blue Wall initiative by supporting the establishment of a network of sustainable, resilient, and inclusive seascapes to reduce the vulnerability to adverse impacts of climate change of 350,000 women, men and young people living in coastal communities in Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Comoros and Madagascar. The programme will be based on three key pillars: Blue Planet (conservation), Blue Partners (local stakeholders), and Blue People (women’s and youth leadership in the blue economy) and implemented through the operationalisation of equitable nature-based solutions (NbS) with biodiversity co-benefits for climate adaptation.

JOB SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Senior Manager for programme performance, and in close collaboration with the programme manager based in headquarters, the Chief of Party (CoP) will provide overall leadership, management, and coordination of the future programme, ensuring an integrated vision among the different partners, and a focus on achieving the programme’s objectives. The CoP will also provide technical direction for the blue economy component of the programme. The CoP will be expected to identify issues and risks related to programme implementation in a timely manner and suggest appropriate programme adjustments. This individual shall act as the key liaison between the consortium and all other stakeholders. The position requires significant coordination skills, as well as experience in conservation, nature-based solutions (NbS) and blue economy. The CoP will also serve as Mission inclusion representative in the Western Indian Ocean Region (WIO) region.

ROLES AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & Representation

Lead all aspects of the development, implementation, and consolidation of the programme and serve as the primary point of contact.
Maintain open and professional relations with colleagues, promote a positive work environment, and ensure oversight and resources to enable staff to perform successfully.
Represent the programme at international and regional events.
Establish a safe environment for sharing of ideas, solutions, and difficulties and the capacity to detect, analyse and respond quickly to deficiencies.

Programme

Ensure the programme is planned and implemented to meet donor expectations in terms of timely and quality results and budget, including strategies for gender equality, public engagement, and sustainability.
Ensure efficient coordination between HQ, regional and seascapes levels and facilitate steering committee meetings as well as review/planning workshops.
Compile and approve programme’s reports, communication materials and all external documents.

Blue Economy technical advice

Provide leadership on the Blue economy aspect of the programme.
Coordinate Blue Economy officers work for harmonised programme intervention in respect to specific contexts, facilitate mutual learning and sharing of best practices and lessons learned, provide individual and group support and mentorship.
Monitor Blue Economy Officers in their relationship with local women’s organisations, including organisational capacity building and contribution to the programme’s intended outcomes.
Collaborate with IUCN Blue Planet and Blue Partnerships Managers.

Safety & Security

Manage and mitigate risk through monitoring national and regional issues that may impact staff and programming.
Ensure all staff understand and adhere to staff safety and security policies and plans and ensure the updating of such plans.

Staff management

Oversee the development of staffing plans and the recruitment process of senior staff.
Coach, train, supervise and mentor direct-report staff, including communicating clear expectations, setting quarterly performance objectives, providing regular and timely positive and constructive performance feedback, and providing documented annual performance reviews.
Promote and monitor staff care and well-being. Model healthy work-life balance practices.

Operation management

Promote and uphold a commitment to the efficient use of Mission inclusion and donor resources.
Ensure compliance with donor’s requirements and regulations, including financial tracking and oversight of partner budgets, finance, administration, and reporting.
Approve programme expenditures, and draft budget adjustments, and cost modification requests to donor.

Coordination

Coordinate relationships with regional authorities and stakeholders as well as partner organisation (regional level) and contractors.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Master’s degree in International Development, Environmental Sustainability, Economic Development, Conservation, or other relevant area.
At least 10 years of experience in relevant management and supervisory roles as well as technical experience working with programmes that are of a similar scope and scale to this programme.
At least 5 years of experience managing donor funds, including multi country grants. Knowledge of Global Affaires Canada rules (Canada’s Government), regulation and procedures preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Practical experience managing consortia-led grants. Experience engaging partners and strengthening partnerships.
Fluency in English is required. French a strong asset and Kiswahili and/or Portuguese a plus.
Experience in MS Office package, Web Conferencing Applications, and information and budget management systems.
Demonstrated ability to lead large climate change adaptation, conservation, or community-based development projects. Demonstrated knowledge of nature-based solutions required, with prior experience of coastal and marine ecosystems of the WIO region.
Strong strategic, analytical, systems thinking, and problem-solving skills, with capacity to see the big picture and ability to make decisions based on sound judgment.
Strong relations management abilities and strategic approach to relationship-building. Ability to relate to people at all levels internally and externally.
Team leadership abilities with diverse/multi-disciplinary teams. Coaching skills.
Excellent oral and written communication skills. Strong communications and presentation skills (including for high levels events). Ability to develop tailored and persuasive messaging for varied audiences.
Proactive, resourceful, solutions-oriented, and results-oriented.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Annual gross salary ranges from 5,000,000 KES to 6,000,000 KES with full range of benefits
Based in Nairobi, Kenya, with 50% of the time travel (WIO region and international events).

How to apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications promptly.

The position will be posted until it is filled.

Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Human Resources Department / Mission inclusion

Website: https://missioninclusion.ca

Jobs available: Career - Mission inclusion

Email: recrutement@missioninclusion.ca

Mission Inclusion is an inclusive workplace that embraces accessibility, diversity, and equality. At any time during the recruitment process, a candidate who meets basic qualifications for the position may request an accommodation.