Country Director - Kenya

About the role

Sightsavers, which works in over 30 countries in Africa and South Asia to eliminate avoidable blindness and promote the rights of people with disabilities, is looking for an experienced Country Director for its Kenya programme. Based in Nairobi on a two-year fixed-term contract, the postholder leads the delivery of disability inclusion, eye health and social inclusion programmes, builds relationships with government, donors, civil society and other stakeholders, and reports to the Regional Director. The role leads a team of four direct reports across programme, finance and operations.

Key responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction for Sightsavers' work in Kenya, leading country strategies and operational plans.
• Act as principal representative in Kenya, building relationships with government, donors, civil society, private sector partners and organisations of persons with disabilities.
• Represent Sightsavers at national, regional and international forums and support advocacy for disability inclusion, eye health and social inclusion.
• Identify opportunities for programme growth, funding and strategic partnerships, and lead engagement with institutional donors.
• Oversee financial management, governance, compliance and risk management, including safeguarding, anti-fraud, data protection and ethical standards.
• Lead, develop and inspire a high-performing team, and work with regional and global colleagues.

Required profile

• Master's degree in international development, public health, social sciences, development studies, business administration, public policy or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Significant senior leadership experience in an international NGO, development agency or donor-funded programme.
• Experience leading a country programme or substantial portfolio with accountability for strategy, budgets and delivery.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-sector programmes and substantial budgets, and securing institutional donor funding and grants.
• Desirable: experience in disability inclusion, eye health, public health, education, social protection or economic empowerment; knowledge of Kenyan government systems and policy processes.

Required skills

• Programme management, financial management, governance and resource allocation.
• Monitoring, evaluation, impact assessment and learning.
• Strategic planning, analytical and problem-solving skills, and excellent English communication.

The closing date is 8 November 2026; remote interviews are expected to start from 20 November, and the selection process includes a task. Applications are made through the Sightsavers recruitment portal.