Main purpose of the role

As a recognized leader in your field, you will contribute to the development of cutting edge and evidence-based strategies, plans and investments that ensure CIFF\u2019s work across Child Health and Development (CHD) achieves transformational and lasting change.

You will develop and manage a high-quality integrated portfolio of investments to deliver CHD sector priorities aligned to the Africa Strategy, Resilient Communities Framework and CHD strategy and meet the corporate objectives of the CIFF Board. It is a fast-paced and diverse role. Your contribution will be integral to supporting CIFF and its partners to deliver and inform the portfolio\u2019s strategies.

Requirements

Role\u2019s responsibilities  

Strategy & planning  

Prepare (independently or with minimum support) and present high-quality applicable analysis, research as required to inform strategic priorities and setting operational plans.   Coordinate inputs from various stakeholders including Government, donor partners and implementing agencies to input into strategic priorities.  

 Programme development, delivery & performance  

Develop a pipeline of potential investments for the CHD portfolio.   Work as part of the Resilient Communities team, and with colleagues in Girl Capital to lead, shape, implement and scale integrated investments that address problems holistically and in line with our Africa Strategic priorities.  Conduct regular reviews of the progress and performance of investments to identify problems and delays, and work with partners to develop effective solutions (escalating to the Director for support and intervention, where required).   With the advice of EME counterparts, identify and embed appropriate monitoring and evaluation processes to all proposals and programmes.   Lead the design of investments, identification of appropriate grantees, approval within CIFF and commissioning of programmes for implementation in accordance with CIFF processes.   Apply agreed due diligence and risk management protocols appropriately throughout the development and delivery of investment proposals, to ensure the interests and reputation of the Foundation are protected.   Identify synergies and actively encourage integration across programmes. Facilitate linkages with complementary projects, proposing ways to overlay different interventions.   Identify opportunities and options for improving processes, procedures and programme management approaches within (and beyond) the team, to support increased organisational efficiency and effectiveness.   Work closely with members of the Finance and Legal team to coordinate the development of grant agreements, to forecast and process grant payments and to enable effective grant management and reporting within the organisation.  Act as \u2018Super-User\u2019 for CIFF\u2019s online grants management system (Fluxx) for the team, to ensure compliance to the corporate requirements for the child health and development team.   Support the preparation of summary reports, board reports, and portfolio investment reports to ensure these are produced to a high standard and in a timely fashion\u2014which can often mean high quality in rapid timeframes.  

 

Sector knowledge and profile-building  

Keep abreast of developments within CHD and related sectors within international development, establishing appropriate information-gathering networks and channels to deepen professional knowledge, skills and opportunities for CIFF and our grantees.   As required, contribute to the development of thought leadership, PR, marketing, and advocacy materials to support CIFF\u2019s ambitions to scale up, mainstream, and leverage additional support for its initiatives.   In collaboration with Directors, carve out and shape outward-facing advocacy and policy agendas to influence the CHD sector.  Review relevant academic studies, policies and government schemes which may be effectively used and provide recommendations to address gaps and improvements.   Represent CIFF at conferences, workshops, and professional events. 

 

Stakeholder and partner management  

Conduct rigorous research and evaluation of potential partners, using agreed corporate protocols and techniques, to assess their suitability and credentials for collaborating on CIFF initiatives.   Apply CIFF\u2019s agreed account management and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) disciplines and approaches in all dealings with programme partners and stakeholders to ensure productive and professional relationships are maintained in a coordinated and strategic manner.   Under the direction of more senior colleagues, help to develop strategic partnerships to support adoption, replication, co- funding or scaling-up of CIFF programmes.   With a variety of external audiences, act as a knowledgeable resource about CIFF\u2019s programmes and priority areas.   Engage with and maintain open and constructive dialogue with relevant Government ministries and agencies and central and state levels to ensure effective programme implementation and sustainability of outcomes.  

 

Skills & Experience   

 Educated to post-graduate degree level, or equivalent by experience \u2013 preference for specialization in medical sciences, public health & epidemiology, nutrition & food systems, health systems or related areas.  Detailed knowledge and understanding of the African context, international development and global health.  Demonstrable experience in analysis and due diligence; policy, planning and programme delivery, including field experience, all within the development sector  Experience in designing and implementing CHD strategies and investments   Ability to speak and write articulately and credibly about programmes for children. Knowledge of the evidence-based on programme design and implementation in CHD  Strong working knowledge of impact measurement and programme monitoring and evaluation  An innovative thinker with a pragmatic and solution-oriented mindset  Ability to analyse an organisation\u2019s strength of management, vision and adaptive capacity. Ability to recruit, guide, influence and/or advise management teams to effectively implement programmes  Experience working within government systems and/or experience influencing the policies of government agencies, private sector organizations or donor organisations  Effectively champions and promotes causes \u2013 credible and professional, they always present the Foundation\u2019s programmes in a compelling way to engage the audience  Skilled in relationship building and strengthening; able to influence others and work collaboratively, uniting groups with a shared purpose  English is CIFF\u2019s business language \u2013 we expect all of our people to display outstanding verbal and written communication skills across all aspects of their role.   Capacity to work in a range of cultural and socio-economic contexts, adapting style and approach appropriately and in a culturally sensitive manner to maximise effectiveness   IT proficiency (most specifically in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint)  A proven self-starter, who works with pace and resilience   Willingness to travel regularly.  

Benefits

The starting salary for this role is KES 13,200,000 per annum.

CIFF operates a hybrid work policy across all locations, meaning employees work from home some of the time. We are happy to provide more information on this as part of the recruitment process.

Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a generous benefits package here at CIFF that includes, but is not limited to the following. All these will be prorated to the fixed term.

Annual leave - 25 days per annum. Increasing by 1 day after each year of service, to a maximum of 30 days. Bonus - CIFF currently operates a discretionary bonus scheme. Pension Private medical insurance Training allowance Wellbeing allowance Life insurance

Please submit your application on or before 21 June 2024. CIFF reserves the right to close the job advert early if we receive a high number of suitable applications.

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