Programs Coordinator (Kenya National only)

Role Overview

This position is based in Kismayo and plays a central role in shaping and delivering humanitarian programs that directly serve communities in Somalia. You will be responsible for moving projects from concept to implementation, ensuring that every stage meets the expectations of donors while staying relevant to the realities on the ground. Working alongside technical, logistical, and security teams, you will keep operations aligned, responsive, and accountable in a challenging environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and shape programs using a clear evidence base, making sure each initiative reflects SIF’s strategic direction and the priorities set by donors.
• Scan the funding landscape, spot viable opportunities, and write compelling concept notes and full proposals that secure resources for field projects.
• Keep every program in line with donor rules, internal policies, and internationally accepted humanitarian standards, flagging compliance issues early.
• Oversee monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning systems so that data drives decisions and program quality stays measurable and visible.
• Act as a key representative of SIF with donors, UN agencies, ministries, peer NGOs, and community partners, building trust and smoothing the way for joint action.
• Recruit, mentor, and manage program staff, setting clear expectations around performance, professional growth, and accountability.
• Coordinate daily with teams handling finance, logistics, human resources, monitoring, and security so that program and support functions move together without friction.
• Enforce and embed safeguarding and ethical standards across the team, with special attention to child protection, protection from sexual exploitation and abuse, anti-fraud measures, and the organization’s code of conduct.

Requirements & Qualifications

• A Master’s degree (or an equivalent combination of education and experience) in a field related to development, such as community development, international cooperation, food security, WASH, protection, or a closely related discipline.
• At least eight years of professional field experience in humanitarian or development settings, with at least four of those years spent in a senior program coordination or management role.
• Hands-on technical knowledge in one or more of the following areas: food security, livelihoods, cash transfers, WASH, shelter, disaster risk reduction, or youth and women’s empowerment.
• Familiarity with the Somalia and/or Kenya operational context is a significant advantage and should be highlighted in your application.
• A solid, demonstrable history of writing winning proposals and donor reports in English, with strong attention to detail and narrative clarity.
• Confidence in applying program cycle management principles, including budget oversight and the use of monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning frameworks.
• Proven leadership skills, combined with the ability to coordinate stakeholders across different sectors and to communicate complex ideas clearly and tactfully.
• The flexibility and composure to deliver results under pressure in fragile, fast-moving, and sometimes insecure settings.