Chief Executive Officer

Are you an experienced non-profit executive leader, ideally within a network organization?

Do you have a deep connection to the context of education in Sub-Sahara Africa, with proven record of working to influence education systems in a variety of countries.

Do you have excellent relationship building and communication skills, with the ability to show empathy and motivate people to achieve a common goal.

Do you have a track record of success in resource mobilization and high-level advocacy?

If so, then RELI Africa would love to hear from you.

About RELI Africa

RELI Africa is one of the most acknowledged networks in education in the East African region with a vision to grow within the African continent, driven by solid purpose to transform Africa’s education for all children. Established in 2017 and registered in 2022, RELI Africa is a peer learning initiative and policy influencing network comprising over 60 organizations in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. The network brings together members working to ensure inclusive learning for all children in Africa. The vision of RELI Africa is anchored on the three pillars of knowledge hub, policy influencing and transformation of member organizations. Key thematic areas of learning and action include teacher development support/ learner centered teaching, equity and inclusion, values and life skills, as well as accountability in education. RELI Africa is registered in Kenya as a regional NGO, and is run by a Governance Board, with the regional office in Nairobi.

About the role- RELI Africa’s first CEO

We are looking for a qualified person with a heart for children and education in Africa. You will be the first CEO of RELI Africa, succeeding an acting CEO who has overseen the birth of RELI Africa as an independent organization since late 2022. As the first CEO, you provide overall leadership to the network, nurturing a sense of collective ownership for sustained growth, network health, and impact. You will lead the RELI Africa Secretariat in Nairobi, supporting the team to excel in their respective positions. You will provide overall oversight of the finances and be accountable to the RELI Africa board; mobilize the resources needed to run the network and execute her mission; lead strategy development and implementation, as well as monitoring, evaluation and learning. You will do the exciting job of creating connections, motivating people to work together, and celebrate the impact of transforming education in Africa to work for all children.

Key Responsibilities

RELI Africa is already a vibrant network. You will come in to scale the impact of RELI Africa and drive the network to the next level.

LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE

You will lead and inspire the network staff and members, and create a strong board;

• Provide leadership to RELI Africa, promoting ownership among members and building motivation for members to stay focused on RELI Africa’s mission.
• Be the spokesperson for RELI Africa, represent RELI Africa in national and international convenings.
• Lead the board to develop the RELI Africa strategy and conduct strategic reviews as appropriate; serve as secretary to the RELI Africa Board, efficiently managing the board affairs.
• Inspire, motivate and coordinate the members to implement the RELI Africa strategy.
• Lead the secretariat to implement RELI Africa activities, with 100% compliance to the RELI Africa policies and other statutory obligations; ensure that policies and procedures are regularly updated to support the growth of RELI Africa.
• Ensure full compliance with the statutory obligations of running an NGO in Kenya, and regulations of the National NGO Coordination Board.

NETWORK MANAGEMENT

You will manage the resources of the network, and ensure a vibrant community of members;

• Manage the financial resources of RELI Africa, ensuring above-board financial reporting and accountability. Develop and present annual budgets for approval and ensure budgetary discipline in implementation. Present quarterly and annual financial reports to the board and oversee the preparation of annual audited financial reports.
• Manage the human resources of RELI Africa, ensuring that the secretariat is fully staffed, and staff members are properly motivated and remunerated to facilitate members to implement RELI Africa’s mission.
• Manage the technological and other assets of RELI Africa, ensuring prudence and stewardship in resource use.
• Lead RELI Africa members to develop country and thematic plans, and oversee the active participation of members to implement the annual activities,
• Host annual/bi-annual member convenings at country and regional levels as per the RELI Africa strategy and plans,
• Implement monitoring, evaluation and learning activities to document and share the impact of RELI Africa.

RESOURCE MOBILIZATION

You will build relationships, raise funds and create the connections needed to achieve the vision;

• Identify, develop and nurture relationships with funding partners, as guided by the RELI Africa constitution and the fundraising strategy,
• Coordinate and facilitate members to write grant proposals for establishment of member-led interventions,
• Ensure full accountability to funders, compliance to all donor contracts, and timely, quality reporting,
• Seek and establish strategic relationships and formal partnerships to draw the needed technical support to achieve RELI Africa’s vision,

ADVOCACY

You will lead engagements to ensure the influence and visibility of RELI Africa;

• Develop an advocacy strategy for regional and global education policy,
• Rally the secretariat and members to engage in advocacy activities at all levels,
• Drive the influence and visibility of RELI Africa’s impact at regional and global levels. 

Job Requirements

• RELI Africa is a regional network seeking global influence. The position will be based in Nairobi, with a physical office and flexible work-from-home possibilities. The job will require travel to the region, but also seeking global opportunities that would make one be on the move for considerable time.
• Being a network, success is based on member participation. The position demands a strong sense of community, spirit of collaboration and the skill of relationship building. It requires then a person who is happy working with people and doesn’t easily get exhausted in relationships.
• RELI Africa’s posture is the use of evidence to inform policy and practice. The position requires someone comfortable in using evidence, and active in writing to communicate ideas and build visibility.
• The CEO job is often not an 8 am – 5 pm job. The job has flexibility, and is also demanding, requiring high skills of work-life balance, and a strong sense of responsibility.
• The CEO enjoys full delegation from the board. Experience is needed to work in a self-driven and ambitious environment, carrying the heavy responsibility of delivering the mission of RELI Africa. 

Candidate profile

Leadership and Governance

• Holder of a post-graduate qualification in education, or any other field relevant to education.
• Minimum 10 years in leadership positions for non-profits, preferably in education, and preferably as CEO.
• At least 7 years of demonstrated experience in running and or participating in the board affairs of an organization.
• Deep connection to the context of education in Sub-Sahara Africa, with proven record of working to influence education systems in a variety of countries.
• Experience in leading a thriving network is desired.
• Ability to interpret and implement (existing) strategy 2024-2026.

Network Management

• Financial management skills, including preparing and executing budgets, and understanding the processes of managing donor funds. Must have managed an organization of program with an annual budget of more than USD 2 million a year.
• Very strong relationship building skills, able to communicate well, show empathy, humility and motivate people to achieve a common goal.
• Experience in managing people in different locations and doing a variety of work.

Resource Mobilization

• At least 7 years of positions with fundraising requirements and demonstrated success in these roles.
• Is linked to strong networks of people and funders and demonstrated experience in dealing with funders and initiating and running strategic relationships.

Advocacy

• Track record of high-level engagements and/or relations with civil society sector players, funders, State, private sector and other leaders in the education space.
• Has organized large convenings of players and led cross-country meetings to achieve advocacy objectives.

All staff members are expected to demonstrate commitment to RELI Africa’s values of Trust, Respect, Equity, Collaboration, Mutual Accountability – to ensure that every RELI Africa member matters. 

APPOINTMENT TERMS

Location: Nairobi, Kenya.

Contract term: Two (02) years, renewable with 3 month probation period.

Compensation: RELI Africa offers a very competitive package that includes a family medical cover, pension scheme, annual leave of 25 working days, and other benefits. Relocation support will be considered for candidates moving internationally to take up the position.

The monthly basic salary will range from KES 675,000 – 800,000. Discretion to offer above the approved range for exceptional candidates. 

Equal Opportunity: RELI Africa subscribes to high standards of diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. However, an East African is preferred for this position, qualified candidates with extensive experience in East Africa are encouraged to apply. Women, persons with disability and other minorities who meet the basic qualifications are highly encouraged to apply.

Safeguarding: The work of RELI Africa involves children and other vulnerable populations. Safeguarding history checks may be conducted on the leading candidates.

HOW TO APPLY

Closing date: 8^th September 2024

To apply please click ‘Apply Now’ above

As part of the application process kindly submit your CV and a cover letter, preferably in MS Word. All application documents (cover letter and CV) should be submitted in English.

Should you require access to information in a different format to facilitate your application please contact us via [email protected]

Please name your submitted files with the following reference: RELI Africa_CEO

Red Sea takes our responsibility towards protecting your personal data very seriously. The data you provide is processed in line with relevant data protection legislation. For the purposes of this recruitment, and as defined under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Red Sea is defined as the Data Controller.

Red Sea is committed to meeting the standards set out in our Equality and Diversity statement, acting in line with the UK Equalities Act 2010 and building an accurate picture of the make-up of the workforce in encouraging equality and diversity.