Feed the Children Appoints Regional Director for Expanded Africa Initiatives
Feed the Children is bolstering its presence in Africa with the appointment of a Regional Director, signaling a renewed commitment to long-term development and humanitarian aid across the continent. The role, based in Kenya, will oversee programs in Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, Uganda, Tanzania, and Zambia, focusing on strategic growth, and impact.
A Multifaceted Leadership Role
The newly created position demands a dynamic leader capable of navigating complex challenges and fostering collaboration. The Regional Director will report directly to the President of Feed International, demonstrating the importance of the Africa program within the organization’s global strategy. Responsibilities span program strategy, operational management, business development, financial coordination, and knowledge management.
Program Leadership & Management: A 60% Focus
The core of the role centers on program oversight. This includes developing and implementing regional plans, setting performance metrics, and ensuring compliance with safety, security, and child protection standards. A significant emphasis is placed on building high-performing teams and driving operational efficiency. The director will also be responsible for proposal reviews and grant reporting.
Business Development & External Relations: Securing Sustainable Funding
Resource mobilization is critical. The Regional Director will lead donor mapping, fundraising strategies, and cultivate relationships with funders, governments, and international organizations. Expanding revenue-generating activities will also be a key priority, ensuring the long-term sustainability of programs.
Financial Oversight and Accountability
The role requires careful financial management, including developing annual budgets, reviewing financial reports, and coordinating grant payouts. This ensures responsible stewardship of resources and adherence to financial regulations.
Knowledge Management: Learning and Adapting
Strengthening learning systems and promoting best practices are essential. The Regional Director will develop systems for knowledge collection and dissemination, ensuring that program outcomes inform policy and advocacy efforts. This data-driven approach will allow for continuous improvement and maximize organizational impact.
The Ideal Candidate: Experience and Values
Feed the Children seeks a candidate with a Master’s degree in a relevant field – international development, public health, or social sciences – and over ten years of experience managing NGO programs or humanitarian operations. Senior leadership experience in multicultural settings is crucial, along with a proven track record in strategic planning and resource mobilization. Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills are also essential.
Core Values in Action
The organization emphasizes five core values: Accountability, Ambition, Collaboration, Creativity, and Integrity. The Regional Director is expected to embody these values and foster a culture of trust and performance within the team.
Feed the Children’s Impact in Kenya and Beyond
Feed the Children currently operates in three Kenyan counties – Turkana, Samburu, and Kajiado – addressing critical needs in food and nutrition, health and water, education, and livelihoods. They partner with the World Food Programme (WFP) to provide school meals to over 136,000 children annually. This function is particularly vital given that 26% of Kenyan children experience stunted growth and 45.9% of the population lives below the poverty line.
Recent collaborations, such as the Growing Futures Alliance with FedEx, demonstrate a commitment to sustainable solutions, providing essential nutrition support and resources for little-scale food production. Previous initiatives, like the Delivering Futures Alliance, have provided over 1,800 school supply kits to Kenyan students.
FAQ
What is the closing date for applications? The closing date for applications is March 20, 2026.
Where will the Regional Director be based? The Regional Director will be based in Kenya.
Which countries will the Regional Director oversee? The Regional Director will oversee programs in Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, Uganda, Tanzania, and Zambia.
What are the core values of Feed the Children? The core values are Accountability, Ambition, Collaboration, Creativity, and Integrity.
What is the primary focus of this role? The primary focus is providing strategic and operational leadership to Feed the Children’s Africa program teams.
Did you know? Approximately 71% of the Kenyan population has access to clean water, highlighting the ongoing need for improved water and sanitation infrastructure.
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