Manager, Policy & Partnership

Job Description: Manager, Policy & Partnership

Title
    Manager, Policy & Partnership
Location
    East Africa
Programme
    Social Development - All
Agency
    Aga Khan Foundation
Deadline
    10/01/2013
The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) is part of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a group of private, international, non-denominational agencies founded by His Highness the Aga Khan. The Network's organisations have individual mandates that range from the fields of health and education to culture, rural development and the promotion of private-sector enterprise. AKDN is dedicated to improving living conditions and opportunities for the poor, without regard to faith, origin or gender. More information....


The Position
The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) focuses on a small number of specific social and economic development problems by forming (intellectual and financial) partnerships with organisations sharing its objectives. Most Foundation grants are made to grassroots organisations testing innovative approaches in the field. With a small staff, a host of cooperating agencies and thousands of volunteers, the Foundation reaches out to vulnerable populations on four continents, irrespective of their race, religion, political persuasion or gender.

AKF is part of the broader Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a group of private, international, non-denominational development organisations that work to improve the welfare and prospects of people in the developing world, particularly in Asia and Africa. Its programmes are designed to bring a critical mass of economic, social and cultural activities to bear on a given area. Its projects encompass many of the determinants of the quality of life, including the natural and built environments in both urban and rural areas, food security, health, education, access to financial services and economic opportunity, as well as the cultural areas of traditional music, architecture and art.

In East Africa, AKF supports programming in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda that contributes to a better quality of life for hundreds of communities. Working in education, rural economic development, health, and civil society, AKF leverages its global experiences and partnerships to bring new ideas to East Africa.

The Policy and Partnership Manager for AKF in East Africa will be based in Nairobi. This position is part of AKF's core senior management team and would provide the successful candidate with an opportunity to shape the Foundation's direction throughout East Africa. The Policy and Partnership Manager will be a key interface with all of AKF's regional partners, including donors, government, civil society organisations, private companies, and sister agencies of the AKDN.
Specific responsibilities include:

Facilitate dialogue on AKF's strategic direction in coordination with other members of the senior management team.

Build and maintain a broad network of external partnerships, effectively communicating AKF's strategic direction and mobilising resources to fulfill the organisation's mandate.

Develop and distribute high quality reports, funding proposals, and communications materials that position AKF as a key development partner in East Africa.

Distil key lessons from programming and develop a strategy for policy engagement with government, donors and other partners.

Lead and mentor a team of programme officers.


The Requirements
Required Qualifications and Experience

Minimum Masters Degree or equivalent in communications, public policy, international development or other relevant fields.

Minimum 5 years experience in donor dialogue and communications, preferably in the field of international development.

Experience in management, leadership and mentoring staff with a willingness to visit programmes in the field.

Exceptional English communications skills, able to make strong presentations and produce high quality written reports.
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Salary & International Package
Salary and package to attract the best candidate