The Head of Programs plays a leading role in delivering RVI’s development strategy and mission
to advance knowledge of eastern and central Africa, to promote open societies through original and
ethical research, to invest in African researchers, and promote access to public information. The
Head of Programs works with Program Managers and Heads of Offices to design, fundraise
and deliver programs, evaluating the impact of RVI’s work and reporting to donors.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Development (20%)
• Play a leading role in the development of long-term organizational strategic plans that deliver
the vision and mission of the Institute in a sustainable way, has a meaningful and measurable
positive impact, and advances the development of RVI as an African-based institute.
Program Delivery (15%?)
• Provide leadership, and organizational support to RVI staff in the design and development of
new projects and proposals and ensure the delivery of high-quality products.
• Coordinate and support exchanges and learning within and across the Institute,
facilitating cooperation and coherence across geographies and strategic goals.
• Ensure projects and programs have adequate financial and human resources in place that are
required to maintain RVI as a viable going concern.
• Ensure that research conducted or supported by RVI is carried out to high quality and ethical
standards and meets and exceeds sector norms.
• Ensure with the ED that RVI programs are delivered in a professional, safe and secure
manner.
Ensure the quality and effectiveness of RVI’s work by establishing systems to the
quality and impact of RVI’s work. Fundraising, Grant Management and Donor Relations
(20%)
• Support the expansion and diversification of RVI’s funding sources, by leading on funding bids
that fall within the aims of the Institute, to ensure sustainability and long-term impact.
• Promote best practice in the documentation of projects, including narrative reports, financial
and lessons learnt reports, and ensure that reporting complies with RVI’s procedures and
policies and the requirements of funders.
• Negotiate agreements with funders.

Public Relations (10%)
• Represent RVI in discussions with funders, international organizations, government officials,
representatives of news media and other persons of influence.
• Publicize RVI and raise its profile through participation in public events, official functions and
media appearances.
• Expand RVI’s network of international consultants and regional specialists, and regional and local
CSOs and educational organizations.
Publications and Communications (15)
• Work with the Publications and Communications Manager to ensure a public communications
strategy is in place that is consistent with RVI’s approach to knowledge production and public
information and maintains the reputation of the Institute.
• With the Publications and Communications Manager oversee quality control of all RVI
publications: reports, books, website entries, film and all other forms of public engagement.
• Establish and maintain relationships with key partners and funders.
• Represent the Institute in public forums on program matters as required.
• Undertake research and writing about the countries where RVI operates on themes relevant to
RVI.
• Support the production of internal and external reports that effectively
communicate the work of the Institute.
Line Management of Staff (15%)
• As a member of the EMT, support the development and review of relevant human resource
policies and practices that enable a positive, safe and dynamic working environment within RVI,
and ensure their application through those s/he manages
• Cultivate an enabling workplace culture and empowering environment for staff to succeed and
contribute to organizational goals.
• Work with Program Managers to ensure RVI’s program of work is delivered in a safe and
secure manner, that security protocols and procedures exist and are adhered to by staff and
consultants.
• Provide oversight, support and advice to Program Managers supporting their personal and
professional development through effective performance management system.
Knowledge Management (5%)
• Ensure RVI has policies, systems, and procedures in place for documenting and archiving RVI’s
organizational history, projects, and publications.
• Monitor political, social, humanitarian and security developments in East Africa and the Horn of
Africa and international engagement and policy towards these regions.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Values
• Commitment to RVI’s values, vision, aims and ways of working and to equitable development
and peaceful, open societies.

That an understanding of local knowledge and local concerns enables more accountable and
better-informed decision-making and development policy.
Knowledge & Qualifications
• Hold a Master’s degree in relevant social science discipline, with a PhD in a relevant discipline an
advantage.
• A strategic thinker with proven ability to develop and implement long-term institutional plans
in line with strategic planning processes, to develop organizational vision, direction and
strategy, and a strong conceptual understanding of good organizational management
practices.
• A track-record in research, in countries of the Rift Valley region where RVI works.
• Published author an advantage.
• Demonstrable and sound knowledge of east or central Africa where RVI works and experience
of the operational challenges of working in fragile and insecure contexts.
• An understanding of climate change as a key risk to development, peace and security for
communities in countries where RVI operates.
• A commitment to development that promotes social equity and inclusion in line with RVI’s
values and principles.
Experience
• Extensive, progressive experience in senior, Director level, relevant roles working with or within
the international development sector.
• A track record in program design and management is a significant advantage.
• A successful track record in senior management and leadership roles.
• Track record in social science research or education.
• A track record in the management and stewardship of human resources.
• Significant experience of personnel management, including policies and procedures for
recruitment, and creating an enabling environment for professional development.
• Experience in spearheading and developing organizational strategies and workplans.
• A track record in proposal writing, fundraising and positive donor engagement.
• Experience with organizational Duty of Care responsibilities, with safety and security policies and
planning.
• Widely travelled with experience of managing projects, programs, and staff in eastern or
central Africa.
• Experience of working in contexts of emergencies, insecurity, conflict, and post conflict a
particular asset.
• Experience in climate change response program design and implementation
• Proven commitment to a culture of learning and innovation.
• Demonstrable experience of developing and managing effective partnerships.
• Experience in promoting public engagement in research, education and policy and building
capacity and collaborative networks of researchers and research institutions.
Skills & Abilities
• Ability to lead strategic and operation planning processes and the implementation of long-term
organizational plans.
• Ability to prioritize and manage a high workload and multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
with tight deadlines

• Ability to manage resources, both human and financial, sensitively and effectively.
• Good communications skills with ability to explain RVI’s work and strategy in public.
• Strong collaboration skills to work with staff and partners.
• Proficiency in a regional language highly desirable.
• Understanding of and managing institutional financial systems and procedures, including
budget development and reporting
• Capable of chairing and running successful meetings.