General Manager - Kenya Re Foundation

Role Overview

This is a senior leadership position responsible for setting the direction and managing the daily operations of a corporate foundation linked to a government-owned reinsurance company. The person in this role will shape the foundation’s social investment strategy, oversee community programmes in areas such as education, health, environment and financial inclusion, and ensure that every initiative delivers real, measurable impact. Reporting to the Group Managing Director and the Board of Trustees, the role also protects the reputation of the wider corporation by maintaining strong governance, ethical standards and transparent use of funds in line with the foundation’s legal mandate.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and periodic review of the foundation’s strategic plan, social investment policy and grant-making framework, aligning these with the corporation’s broader objectives and the requirements of the Trust Deed.
• Direct the design and delivery of high-impact community programmes, identifying priority focus areas and ensuring initiatives are sustainable, well-resourced and aligned with stakeholder expectations.
• Build and nurture relationships with government bodies, development agencies, NGOs, community groups and other partners, negotiating agreements that bring both funding and expertise to foundation projects.
• Act as the public representative of the foundation, communicating its work through reports, media engagements, community events and other visibility channels, while preserving the corporation’s image.
• Oversee the full programme cycle — from planning and budgeting to implementation, monitoring and evaluation — ensuring resources are used efficiently, transparently and for their intended purposes.
• Prepare and present clear impact reports, financial updates and board papers for the Board of Trustees, Group Managing Director and other key governance forums.
• Ensure all foundation activities comply with the Trust Deed, national charity regulations, corporation policies and broader legal and governance standards, including managing risks and escalating reputational concerns early.
• Provide leadership, coaching and performance management for foundation staff and seconded personnel, building team capability and fostering a values-driven, high-performance culture.

Requirements & Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in business, commerce, social sciences, development studies, communications or a related discipline from a recognised institution.
• A master’s degree in business administration, strategic management, development studies, social sciences or an equivalent qualification is strongly preferred.
• At least fifteen years of relevant work experience, including ten years in a senior management or supervisory role within the development, foundation or social impact sector; experience within financial services is an advantage.
• Proven experience engaging with a board of directors or board of trustees, including preparing board papers and supporting governance processes.
• A strong track record in designing, managing and delivering community or corporate social investment programmes, including managing programme budgets and outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and leverage networks with development agencies, government institutions, training and consulting firms, universities and internal business units.
• Membership in a recognised professional body related to corporate social responsibility, sustainability or development practice is an added advantage, as is project management certification.
• Completion of a formal leadership development programme of at least four weeks from an accredited institution, plus strong proficiency in computer applications.
• Excellent communication, presentation, interpersonal and stakeholder management skills, with the capacity to write clear reports and present to senior audiences.
• Strong strategic thinking, planning and problem-solving abilities, combined with sound knowledge of governance, financial controls, risk management and compliance frameworks applicable to a government-owned entity.
• Demonstrated team leadership skills, including the ability to inspire, develop and motivate others while managing multiple priorities under pressure.
• Must meet the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya, including integrity and leadership standards.