Mercy Corps Country Director Kenya 2026: Senior Leadership Job for Kenyan Nationals
Mercy Corps, now transitioning to Prosper Global, is seeking a Country Director – Kenya to lead its country programme from Nairobi. This is a senior leadership opportunity for an experienced international development professional with a strong background in programme management, strategy, fundraising, partnerships and team leadership.
The position is full-time and open to Kenyan nationals. The successful candidate will oversee a large and complex portfolio while helping shape the organisation’s strategy and regional influence in East Africa. Pasted markdown
About the Country Director Role
The Country Director will be responsible for developing and managing Mercy Corps’ programmes and operations in Kenya. The role involves overseeing high-impact, multi-sector programming while strengthening partnerships, securing resources and supporting long-term development outcomes.
Mercy Corps Kenya has worked in the country since 2009 and has developed programmes addressing poverty, conflict, governance, youth employment, resilience and market systems development. The organisation also works with government, civil society, private-sector organisations and international donors. Pasted markdown
The Country Director will build on this portfolio and help position the organisation for continued growth and regional influence.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will lead the development and implementation of the country strategy and annual planning process. They will establish priorities, organise resources and ensure that programmes remain aligned with organisational and regional objectives.
The role also involves building strategic relationships with donors, government institutions, private-sector organisations, development partners and communities.
Other responsibilities include:
- Developing and communicating the country strategy
- Building strategic partnerships
- Supporting programme design and delivery
- Leading fundraising and donor engagement
- Managing and developing the country team
- Overseeing programme quality and impact
- Strengthening monitoring, evaluation and learning
- Managing budgets and financial resources
- Ensuring compliance with donor and organisational policies
- Representing the organisation with government, donors, UN agencies and other stakeholders
- Overseeing country security and risk management Pasted markdown Pasted markdown
Leadership and Team Management
The Country Director will have overall supervisory responsibility for senior country team members, including the Finance Manager, Senior Operations Coordinator, Senior People and Culture Manager, programme leads, Country MEL Manager and Senior Climate Advisor. The position reports directly to the Vice President, Africa Region. Pasted markdown
The successful candidate will be expected to build a culture based on trust, transparency, diversity, inclusion and accountability.
They will recruit, motivate and develop teams while ensuring effective performance management, professional development and communication systems are in place.
Programme Impact and Partnerships
A major part of the position involves ensuring that programmes deliver measurable and sustainable impact.
The Country Director will oversee programme quality, research, evidence gathering and learning, with particular attention to areas including resilience, climate change, peace, governance and market systems development.
The role also requires strong external representation. The successful candidate will engage donors, governments, think tanks, UN bodies, private-sector organisations and other development partners to influence development priorities and strengthen partnerships. Pasted markdown
Qualifications and Experience
This is a senior-level position requiring substantial international development experience.
Applicants should have:
- A bachelor’s degree or equivalent; a master’s degree is preferred
- At least 10 years of experience in international relief and development programmes
- At least 7 years of senior leadership, capacity-building and field management experience
- Experience managing large and complex development programmes
- Experience leading multicultural teams across multiple offices
- Strong representation, negotiation and communication skills
- Demonstrated fundraising experience with a range of donors
- Experience working with governments, NGOs, INGOs and private-sector partners
- Financial and grants management experience
- Experience with donors such as USAID, FCDO and foundation partners
- Excellent written and spoken English
- Experience working in complex or insecure environments Pasted markdown
An internationally recognised project or programme management qualification is also required, or candidates should be willing to obtain one early in the role.
Location and Working Conditions
The position is based in Nairobi, Kenya. The role requires approximately 35% travel by road and air to field offices, including locations that may be insecure.
The organisation states that Nairobi offers access to international schools and essential services, with family accommodation available for the position. Pasted markdown
Learning and Professional Development
Mercy Corps promotes continuous learning and allows team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that support personal and professional development. Pasted markdown
The organisation also emphasises teamwork, inclusion, accountability and continuous improvement.
Application Information
Job Title: Country Director – Kenya
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Employment: Full-time
Eligibility: Kenyan nationals only
Salary Level: Kenya Level 10
Travel: Approximately 35%
Organisation: Mercy Corps / Prosper Global
Mercy Corps is currently transitioning to Prosper Global, with the two names appearing concurrently during the administrative transition. The organisation states that its teams, programmes and commitments continue without interruption. Pasted markdown
