Project Director - Freedom 250 Tech and Innovation Exchange

PROJECT DIRECTOR – FREEDOM 250 TECH AND INNOVATION EXCHANGE Location: Nairobi, Kenya Organization: IREX Position Type: Full-time, contingent on funding About IREX IREX is an independent nonprofit organization founded in 1968 with a mission to empower people to solve problems, build trust, and create meaningful opportunities within their communities. The organization manages an annual portfolio of over $150 million, maintains active operations in 16 countries, and implements programs across more than 100 countries globally. IREX has established a strong and enduring operational presence in Kenya. Position Overview IREX is recruiting an accomplished Project Director to provide strategic, technical, and operational leadership for the Freedom 250 Tech and Innovation Exchange, a U.S. Department of State–funded initiative implemented through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Embassy in Kenya. The Freedom 250 Tech and Innovation Exchange represents a flagship bilateral program marking America's 250th anniversary. This initiative aims to deepen U.S.–Kenya relationships by immersing high-performing Kenyan undergraduate students in American science, technology, engineering, and innovation environments. Participants complete semester-long academic programs at U.S. universities, participate in structured externships, and engage with American companies operating in Kenya. Concurrently, the program cultivates sustainable partnerships between U.S. and Kenyan universities in areas aligned with U.S. commercial and strategic interests. Operating from Nairobi, the Project Director will function as the senior program leader responsible for delivering all aspects of the exchange across a 36-month implementation period. This role requires close collaboration with the U.S. Embassy Nairobi Public Diplomacy Section, American and Kenyan academic institutions, American private-sector organizations, and IREX headquarters. The position carries decision-making authority for day-to-day program matters and serves as the primary point of contact with the Embassy regarding implementation, approvals, and reporting. Key Responsibilities Strategic Direction and Program Oversight Lead the full design, implementation, and management of the Freedom 250 Tech and Innovation Exchange, maintaining strict alignment with U.S. government objectives and Embassy guidance. Serve as the primary liaison with U.S. Embassy Nairobi's Public Diplomacy Section for coordination, approvals, and adaptive management under the cooperative agreement framework. Develop and maintain a comprehensive integrated program work plan covering all 36 months; consistently monitor timelines and deliverables; identify emerging risks and recommend strategic adjustments to IREX leadership. Academic Partnerships and Industry Engagement Identify, negotiate, and cultivate strategic partnerships with U.S. universities and Kenyan educational institutions to facilitate semester-long placements and strengthen priority U.S.–Kenya university collaborations. Design and execute structured externship programs, mentorship initiatives, and professional development opportunities through U.S. companies and innovation ecosystem stakeholders based in Kenya. Coordinate with U.S. Embassy representatives, private-sector associations, and ecosystem partners to ensure the program delivers measurable pro-American and commercial outcomes. Student Recruitment and Participant Services Oversee all recruitment, outreach, application processing, and participant support for Kenyan undergraduate students, working closely with the U.S. Embassy which maintains direct oversight of participant selection. Implement recruitment and selection processes that prioritize transparency, merit-based decision-making, and alignment with Embassy priorities and Freedom 250 program branding. Coordinate participant orientation, pre-departure training, reentry programming, and structured post-program engagement activities within Kenya. Operations, Compliance, and Risk Management Direct day-to-day program operations and logistical coordination with all U.S. and Kenyan partners. Manage compliance with the full scope of award requirements, including U.S. Department of State standards such as J-1/DS-2019 procedures where applicable, branding and communications protocols, 2 CFR 200 financial guidelines, and award-specific conditions. Lead participant safeguarding initiatives, duty of care protocols, and emergency response strategies in consultation with the U.S. Embassy. Oversee program budgets, expenditure pipelines, and cost management; prepare financial forecasts and justifications; ensure all spending and procurement processes comply with IREX systems and donor requirements. Performance Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting Oversee development and implementation of the program's Monitoring and Evaluation Performance Monitoring Plan, including theory of change development, indicator selection, data collection methodologies, and continuous learning mechanisms. Prepare timely, high-quality narrative and financial reports for submission to the U.S. Embassy and internal stakeholders; coordinate inputs from finance, operations, partner organizations, and IREX headquarters as needed.