Tushinde Children’s Trust is recruiting a Country Manager, Kenya to lead its day-to-day operations, programme delivery, team management, financial oversight and stakeholder engagement in Nairobi.

Country Manager, Kenya

Organization: Tushinde Children’s Trust
Reports To: Kenya Board (through the Board Chair)
Location: Nairobi, Kenya, with regular field presence in Mathare and Kiambiu
Contract Duration: One year, Renewable
Start Date: November 2026
Salary: KES 200,000 – 250,000 gross per month
Employment: Full time, 42 hours per week
Working Pattern: Hybrid, 3 days/wk in the office

Supervisees: Finance & Operations Manager, People & Culture Manager, Social Work Manager, and Programmes Manager

Role Purpose

The Country Manager, Kenya is responsible for the effective day-to-day management and delivery of Tushinde Children’s Trust’s Kenya operations.

The role provides strong, practical management across the organisation, ensuring that programmes are delivered to a high standard, staff and teams are effectively managed, finances are properly controlled, and Tushinde operates in accordance with its strategy, policies, safeguarding standards, legal requirements and Board-approved budget.

The Country Manager works closely with the Kenya Board, providing accurate information and recommendations to support effective governance and decision-making. The role is responsible for implementing Board-approved strategy and plans rather than setting organisational strategy independently.

The Country Manager has management responsibility for the Kenya team and coordinates the work of the Finance & Operations, People & Culture, Social Work and Programmes functions to ensure effective and integrated delivery.

The role also maintains relationships with key government agencies, partners, community organisations and other stakeholders and contributes to fundraising and donor relationships, particularly in Kenya, in coordination with the Kenya Board and the Country Director, UK.

The Country Manager is accountable for ensuring that Tushinde’s Kenya operations are well managed, financially responsible, programme-focused, compliant and operating within the organisation’s governance framework.

Main Interfaces

Main internal interfaces: Kenyan Board of Directors, Country Director – UK, People & Culture Manager, Finance Manager, Programme Manager, Communication and Coordination Officer, Data and ICT Lead, Social Work Team, Fundraising Team Staff and volunteers.

External interfaces: Government Ministries and Agencies, Donors and Funding partners, Partner organizations and CBOs, Schools and Educational institutions, NGO Coordination Board, Community leaders and referral partners, Banks and financial institutions, Media and advocacy partners. 1792050721252

Key Responsibilities

1. Management & Operational Leadership

• Manage the day-to-day operations of Tushinde’s Kenya office and programmes.
• Ensure that the organisation operates effectively and efficiently within the strategy, policies, procedures and budget approved by the Board.
• Coordinate the work of senior managers to ensure clear priorities, effective communication and delivery against agreed plans.
• Establish clear objectives, responsibilities and reporting arrangements across the Kenya team.
• Chair and manage regular management and operational meetings.
• Monitor organisational performance and address operational issues promptly.
• Identify opportunities to improve systems, processes and ways of working.
• Ensure effective coordination between programme, finance, people and operational functions.
• Provide the Board with timely information on operational performance, challenges and emerging risks.

2. Programme Delivery & Quality

• Oversee the effective planning, implementation and delivery of all Tushinde programmes in Kenya.
• Ensure programmes are delivered in accordance with approved plans, budgets, quality standards and safeguarding requirements.
• Work closely with the Programmes Manager and Social Work Manager to monitor programme performance and outcomes.
• Ensure programme targets and milestones are monitored and corrective action taken where necessary.
• Promote learning, accountability and continuous improvement across programme teams.
• Ensure effective coordination between programmes to provide integrated and child-centred support.
• Maintain appropriate relationships with government agencies, schools, community organisations and referral networks.
• Ensure programme data and monitoring information is accurate, timely and used to inform management decisions.
• Ensure programme activities remain aligned with Tushinde’s approved strategy and priorities.

3. Financial Management & Budget Oversight

• Take management responsibility for the financial performance of Kenya operations.
• Work closely with the Finance Manager to prepare the annual Kenya budget for Board approval.
• Monitor expenditure against approved budgets and ensure appropriate financial controls are maintained.
• Ensure spending is within approved budgets and delegated authority.
• Review regular management accounts and financial reports with the Finance Manager.
• Ensure appropriate cash-flow management and financial planning.
• Ensure compliance with Tushinde financial procedures, donor requirements and Kenyan regulatory obligations.
• Support preparation for annual audits and statutory reporting.
• Ensure financial risks, significant variances and concerns are identified and escalated appropriately to the Board.
• Ensure procurement and contracting follow approved policies and procedures.
• Exercise financial authority in accordance with the approved Decision-Making Authority Matrix. 1792050721252

4. People Management & Team Leadership

• Directly manage and support the Finance Manager, People & Culture Manager, Social Work Manager and Programmes Manager.
• Set clear objectives and expectations for direct reports and monitor performance against agreed objectives.
• Conduct annual performance appraisals for direct reports and ensure performance management processes are implemented across the organisation.
• Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, professionalism, respect and continuous improvement.
• Ensure effective communication and collaboration across departments.
• Work with the People & Culture Manager to ensure compliance with HR policies and Kenyan employment law.
• Support recruitment, induction, development, performance management and succession planning.
• Address performance and conduct issues fairly and consistently within delegated authority.
• Promote staff wellbeing and professional development.
• Ensure appropriate staffing structures and resources are in place to deliver approved programmes and operational plans.

5. Governance, Compliance & Risk

• Operate within the governance framework established by the Kenyan Board.
• Ensure Board-approved policies, procedures and decisions are implemented effectively.
• Prepare accurate management reports and operational updates for the Board.
• Ensure compliance with Kenyan legal, employment, NGO, tax and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain appropriate organisational records and documentation.
• Monitor operational and organisational risks and ensure appropriate mitigation measures are implemented.
• Escalate significant financial, operational, safeguarding, legal or reputational risks to the Board Chair promptly.
• Support the Board in fulfilling its governance, fiduciary and oversight responsibilities by providing accurate and timely information.
• Ensure management decisions remain within the agreed delegation of authority.
• Implement recommendations arising from audits, reviews and Board decisions. 1792050721252

6. Safeguarding & Child Protection

• Ensure safeguarding and child protection standards are embedded throughout Kenya operations.
• Work closely with the Designated Safeguarding Lead and Child Protection Officer to ensure policies and procedures are implemented effectively.
• Ensure staff, volunteers and relevant partners receive appropriate safeguarding training.
• Ensure safeguarding concerns and incidents are reported, managed and escalated in accordance with Tushinde policy and Kenyan requirements.
• Monitor compliance with safeguarding procedures across programmes and operations.
• Ensure safeguarding policies are reviewed and implemented as required.
• Maintain a zero-tolerance approach to unreported or inadequately managed safeguarding concerns.
• Ensure safeguarding risks are reported promptly to the appropriate Board representatives.

7. Fundraising & Donor Relationships

• Support Kenya-based fundraising and income-generation activities in accordance with the organisation’s fundraising strategy.
• Maintain effective relationships with Kenya-based donors, partners and funding organisations.
• Contribute to grant proposals, donor reports, concept notes and funding applications as required.
• Ensure donor commitments relating to Kenya programmes are understood and delivered.
• Work with the Country Director, UK and fundraising team on agreed fundraising priorities and donor communications.
• Provide programme, operational and financial information required for fundraising and donor reporting.
• Support the Board and fundraising team in developing appropriate partnerships and funding opportunities.
• Ensure donor relationships are managed professionally and that reporting requirements are met on time. 1792050721252

8. Stakeholder Engagement & Representation

• Represent Tushinde appropriately with government agencies, partners, community organisations and other relevant stakeholders.
• Maintain constructive working relationships with key external stakeholders.
• Support Tushinde’s reputation and credibility within Kenya’s NGO and child welfare sectors.
• Participate in relevant meetings, networks and forums on behalf of Tushinde.
• Ensure external communications and public positions are consistent with agreed organisational policies and delegated authority.
• Refer matters involving significant reputational, legal or strategic implications to the appropriate Board representative.

9. Strategy & Organisational Planning

• Support the Kenya Board in the development and review of organisational strategy by providing management information, analysis and recommendations.
• Translate Board-approved strategy into practical annual plans and operational priorities.
• Ensure teams understand and work towards agreed organisational objectives.
• Monitor progress against strategic and annual plans and report to the Board.
• Identify operational implications, resource requirements and risks associated with strategic priorities.
• Contribute to organisational learning and improvement.
• Recommend changes to programmes, staffing, systems or processes where these would improve effectiveness, efficiency or sustainability.

Additional Responsibilities

The Country Manager shall at all times:

• Uphold Tushinde’s mission, values, policies and safeguarding standards.
• Maintain high standards of integrity, professionalism and accountability.
• Protect the interests, reputation and assets of Tushinde.
• Maintain confidentiality and appropriate information management.
• Provide reports and information required by the Board.
• Implement Board decisions within agreed timescales.
• Undertake other reasonable duties consistent with the role and delegated authority. 1792050721252

Person Specification

Essential

• Relevant degree in social work, education, development studies, management or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Progressive management experience, preferably within the NGO/non-profit sector.
• Demonstrated experience managing teams and coordinating multiple organisational functions.
• Experience managing programmes and ensuring delivery against agreed objectives and budgets.
• Strong financial management and budget oversight experience.
• Experience of working within organisational policies, procedures and governance frameworks.
• Experience working with Boards, Trustees or senior governance structures.
• Strong people management, coaching and performance management skills.
• Good understanding of safeguarding and child protection.
• Working knowledge of relevant Kenyan employment, NGO and child protection legislation.
• Strong organisational, planning and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Ability to work collaboratively while taking clear responsibility for operational decision.

Desirable

• Experience working in informal settlements or other under-resourced urban communities.
• Experience in family strengthening, alternative care, early childhood development or child protection.
• Experience working with community-based organisations and government referral systems.
• Experience with donor-funded programmes and donor reporting.
• Existing relationships with Kenyan government agencies, NGOs, donors or community organisations.
• Postgraduate qualification in a relevant field.
• Kiswahili language proficiency.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should send their CV and cover letter to:

jobs@ke.tushinde.org.uk

Use the email subject:

Country Manager – Kenya

Application Deadline: 26 October 2026

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