Executive Director

Role Overview

Youth Alive! Kenya is seeking an Executive Director to lead its strategy, programmes, people and finances across its Nairobi and Mombasa operations. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the role balances youth-focused development work with the growth and financial sustainability of the organisation’s social enterprises.

Key Responsibilities

• Set and deliver multi-year organisational plans, using clear measures to assess community impact and financial viability.
• Support the Board’s governance work as its Secretary, preparing board materials, coordinating policy reviews and tracking compliance and organisational risks.
• Maintain clear oversight and accountability across the organisation’s non-profit activities and revenue-generating enterprises.
• Develop fundraising plans and build relationships with institutional donors, foundations, impact investors and corporate partners.
• Lead funding proposals, partner presentations and co-financing discussions to broaden income sources.
• Oversee programme design, monitoring, evaluation, learning and reporting, including the participation of young people in governance, civic engagement, livelihoods and advocacy initiatives.
• Manage senior teams across the Nairobi and Mombasa offices, and direct budgeting, financial controls, tax compliance and audit preparation.
• Represent Youth Alive! Kenya with government, donors, businesses and civil society partners, and oversee external communications and publication of organisational impact.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies, Business Administration, International Relations, Law, Governance or a related discipline.
• At least seven years of progressive management experience in the non-profit, civil society or social impact sector, including at least three years in senior executive leadership.
• Demonstrated success securing grant funding, preparing donor concept notes and developing relationships with bilateral and multilateral partners.
• Experience leading work in youth empowerment, civic participation, social inclusion, human rights or livelihoods.
• Strong capability in strategic leadership, staff development and organisational accountability.
• Sound financial and commercial judgement, including experience with donor budgets, audit requirements and income-generating enterprise models.
• Confident negotiation, advocacy and relationship-building skills across public, private and civil society sectors.
• Professional training or certification in Monitoring and Evaluation or Project Management is an advantage.

What We Offer / Why Join

This full-time, on-site role is based in Nairobi, with responsibility for oversight of the Mombasa office. The position offers the opportunity to guide an organisation working across youth development programmes and social enterprise.