Head of Awards, Localisation and Partnerships

ROLE PURPOSE:

  The Head of Awards, Localisation and Partnerships is responsible for delivering an efficient, effective, and high-quality award management function across the Kenya Country Office. The post holder will provide strategic leadership for award management throughout the award lifecycle, ensuring compliance with donor requirements, Save the Children policies, and organisational standards.

The role leads the management of all awards and partnerships within the Country Office, ensuring robust systems, processes, and controls are in place to support effective programme delivery, donor compliance, portfolio performance, and risk management. The Head of Awards, Localisation and Partnerships will establish and promote best-practice award management processes, working closely with the Programme Development and Quality (PDQ), Finance, Operations, and Programme teams to ensure the successful implementation and oversight of awards.

In addition, the role provides strategic leadership on localisation and partnership development, strengthening engagement with local actors and ensuring the Country Office's localisation commitments are embedded throughout programme design, implementation, and partnership management. The post holder will serve as the focal point for members and donors on award-related matters, fostering strong relationships and ensuring responsive, solution-oriented communication.

The Head of Awards, Localisation and Partnerships  is accountable for the performance of the award portfolio, monitoring risks and opportunities, driving timely corrective actions, and ensuring award management systems and processes are consistently applied across all departments. Through effective leadership, coordination, and stakeholder engagement, the role contributes to the achievement of programme objectives, sustainable partnerships, donor confidence, and the overall strategic growth of the Kenya Country Office.

SCOPE OF ROLE: 

Reports to:  Country Director 

Staff reporting to this post:  4 staff - Awards and Partership Coordinator, Awards and Finance Officer, Awards and Partnership Assistant and Awards and Partnership Intern..

Budget Responsibilities: None

Role Dimensions:  The Head of Awards, Localisation and Partnerships is responsible for managing a portfolio of high-, medium-, and low-risk awards within the Kenya Country Office, providing strong leadership and oversight, particularly for high-risk and complex awards. The role requires extensive internal and external coordination, stakeholder engagement, and strategic support across all aspects of award management, including award contracting, donor compliance, reporting, and portfolio performance management.