Country Director, Kenya

The Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) strengthens democracy worldwide through private enterprise and market-oriented reform. As one of the four core institutes of the National Endowment for Democracy and an affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, CIPE has worked since 1983 with business leaders, policymakers, and civil society to build institutions vital to a democratic society. CIPE’s key program areas include enterprise ecosystems, democratic governance, business advocacy, anti-corruption and ethics, and trade.
Position: Country Director, Kenya
Reports To: Director for Africa
Scope: The Country Director manages and ensures the quality of all operations of CIPE’s regional office in Kenya. This includes supervising all personnel and human resources, liaising with CIPE’s donors and stakeholders in Kenya and East Africa, and coordinating closely with other country office representatives and the Washington, D.C., team. As a key CIPE representative in Kenya and the region, the Country Director will promote the organization’s mission and cultivate relationships that support CIPE’s vision: a world where democracy delivers freedom and opportunity for all to prosper. The Country Director collaborates across the organization to achieve CIPE’s strategic goals, reporting to the Director for Africa and working with the Deputy Director. This position is based in Nairobi, Kenya, and involves travel throughout the country and region.
Responsibilities and Duties
Leadership and Program Implementation

• Develop, manage, and execute CIPE Kenya's program strategy, programs, and work plans in collaboration with Africa department staff.
• Oversee the implementation of CIPE’s diverse portfolio in Kenya and the operation of the Kenya office.
• Provide expert strategic, technical, and capacity-building assistance to implementing partners.
• Manage financial operations, including final approval of monthly financial reports and advance requests.
• Design and implement monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) frameworks, establishing benchmarks, and measuring goals and objectives.
• Ensure compliance with CIPE and donor policies, procedures, and Kenyan legal requirements (e.g., registration, employment, tax, and social security).
• Monitor current events, including political and economic developments, assessing their impact on CIPE programs.
• Select, supervise, and support the professional development of staff, setting performance goals and assigning responsibilities.

Public Relations and Business Development

• Build and strengthen relationships within the donor community in Kenya.
• Promote the CIPE brand by attending and speaking at conferences, official meetings, and relevant events.
• Develop and implement business development initiatives, identifying potential partnerships with donors, businesses, NGOs, and government organizations.
• Secure funding through grants, sponsorships, fundraising, and fee-for-service projects by preparing proposals and concept notes.
• Foster internal communication across CIPE and collaborate with various departments to implement projects.

Qualifications and Skills

• University degree or higher in International Relations, Development, Project Management, Business Administration, or a related field. Professional training in management is preferred.
• At least 10 years of professional experience in project management.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience managing donor relationships.
• Proven ability to build and maintain constructive relationships with Kenyan and international partners and donors.
• Prior experience with U.S. government grants is preferred.
• Excellent communication and strategic thinking skills.
• Media relations experience is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing programs with NGOs, businesses, associations, and governments.
• Proven ability to work in a team environment and manage organizational growth and sustainability.
• Experience working on issues related to business advocacy, organizational management, digital economy, trade and investment, women economic empowerment, business integrity and corporate governance.
• Strong financial acumen and the ability to develop, manage, and monitor budgets.
• Fluency in professional written and spoken English; Swahili proficiency is preferred.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively within Kenya and the region.