Country Director - Kenya

SOKIFY RECRUITMENT Position Title: Country Director - Kenya Organization: Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) Location: Nairobi, Kenya ABOUT THE ROLE Clinton Health Access Initiative is seeking an exceptional and entrepreneurial leader to serve as Country Director for CHAI Kenya. In this role, you will hold overall responsibility for CHAI's strategy, operations, and programmatic impact across Kenya, serving as the organization's most senior representative in-country. You will build and sustain trusted relationships with national and county government, donors, and partners while leading a high-performing, multi-program team through a complex and dynamic operating environment. As Country Director, you will shape the long-term vision for CHAI Kenya's growth, working collaboratively with the Kenya Ministry of Health, county governments, donors, regional and global CHAI programs, and senior leadership to build partnerships and chart a path to lasting impact. This position reports to the Regional Vice President for Eastern Africa and is based in Nairobi. WHAT YOU WILL DO Lead approximately 55 team members and a complex, multi-program portfolio to consistently deliver transformational impact within Kenya's health system, with emphasis on health system strengthening and integrated models of care. Elevate CHAI's role as a trusted partner and adviser to the Kenya Ministry of Health and relevant stakeholders while safeguarding CHAI's reputation as a highly capable organization whose primary agenda supports government priorities. Build and maintain trusted relationships with key stakeholders across national and county government, international agencies, NGOs, the private sector, and donors. Maintain strong bidirectional communication with CHAI regional and global leadership to ensure the full breadth of CHAI's capabilities are leveraged on the ground. Lead program design and expansion, including new program development in partnership with government, guiding each initiative toward scale and sustainable impact. Ensure rigorous design, execution, and monitoring and evaluation across the country portfolio so program results meet or exceed donor commitments. Represent CHAI externally to donors, technical partners, and at national and international forums. Build and lead CHAI Kenya's leadership team while strengthening office processes, tools, and systems across the entire employee lifecycle—hiring, onboarding, learning, performance management, and career progression—to foster a culture of impact, curiosity, and inclusion. Establish and grow relationships with current and prospective donors while supporting fundraising efforts to sustain and expand the program. Ensure strong financial management, accountability, and legal and regulatory compliance across the country program. Foster cross-pollination of ideas with other CHAI country directors and contribute to regional strategy for Eastern Africa. Given CHAI's lean staffing model, contribute directly to programmatic work where needed to support the country team. Undertake other responsibilities as assigned by CHAI regional leadership. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Advanced degree in public health, business, or a related field, plus 15 or more years of progressive experience in strategic program management, preferably in global health or international development with a strong focus on strengthening health systems. At least 5 years in a senior leadership and supervisory role, with demonstrated ability to recruit, manage, evaluate, and develop staff and foster a diverse, results-oriented team. Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to navigate complex organizational and government structures. Demonstrated success leading multi-team, integrated program strategies that achieve measurable health impact. Strong command of global health and health systems strengthening programs relevant to Kenya's portfolio, including infectious diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria; reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health; non-communicable diseases including cervical cancer; and cross-cutting systems work such as health financing, digital health, health workforce, and assistive technology. Proven ability to navigate complex government processes with multiple stakeholders and to negotiate and build consensus in a diplomatic, collaborative manner. Experience in a leadership role with direct operational and financial responsibility and accountability. Track record overseeing diverse program portfolios and delivering impact at scale. Strong understanding of fundraising strategy with demonstrated success cultivating and managing donor relationships. Extensive experience managing technical teams to drive programmatic impact against ambitious goals. Experience managing budgets and guiding program leads on budget management. Experience working with decentralized or devolved government structures, with familiarity with Kenya's devolved health system being an advantage. Strong interpersonal and communication skills in English, both written and verbal, with proven ability to build trusted relationships across cross-functional teams, senior leadership, and external partners. High proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, PowerPoint, and Word. Willingness to travel frequently within Kenya and occasionally internationally. ABOUT CHAI Clinton Health Access Initiative is a global health organization committed to saving lives and reducing the burden of disease in low- and middle-income countries. CHAI works at the invitation of governments