Role Purpose

The CEO provides the overall strategic, operational, and representational leadership of Graceworld Foundation. The CEO is the principal accountable officer of the organization, responsible to the Board of Directors for GWF’s mission effectiveness, financial health, organizational reputation, and long-term sustainability.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO will drive the implementation of GWF’s Strategic Plan, oversee all programmatic and operational functions, lead resource mobilization and external partnerships, and ensure the highest standards of governance, accountability, and safeguarding.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Organizational Development

• Provide visionary leadership in the development, review, and implementation of GWF’s Strategic Plan and annual plans.
• Translate the Board’s strategic direction into organizational priorities, KPIs, and accountable operational plans.
• Drive organizational growth, scale, and diversification of programs in response to community needs and donor priorities.
• Foster a high-performance, values-driven culture that attracts and retains talented, mission-aligned staff.
• Lead organizational change management including restructuring, system upgrades, and capacity building.
• Ensure strong systems across Programs, HR, finance, MEAL, compliance, and knowledge management.

Board Governance & Accountability

• Serve as the primary link between the Board of Directors and GWF’s management teams.
• Prepare and present comprehensive Board reports including financial performance, program results, risk registers, and strategic updates.
• Support the Board in fulfilling its governance mandate including policy development and fiduciary oversight.
• Ensure full compliance with all legal, regulatory, and statutory requirements (PBO Act, KRA, donor obligations).
• Proactively identify and escalate organizational risks, safeguarding concerns, and compliance issues.
• Support Board recruitment, induction, and development in consultation with the Board Chairperson.

Resource Mobilization & Financial Stewardship

• Lead GWF’s fundraising strategy, personally cultivating major institutional donors, foundations, and corporate partners.
• Approve and oversee strategic grant proposals, partnership agreements, and donor MOUs.
• Ensure GWF maintains a diversified, resilient funding portfolio with sustainable multi-year funding.
• Oversee annual budgeting, financial planning, and budget performance monitoring.
• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting to the Board, donors, and statutory authorities.
• Maintain the highest standards of financial integrity, anti-fraud controls, and donor compliance.

Program Oversight & Impact

• Provide strategic oversight across all GWF program sectors: FSN, Education, Livelihoods, Health, WASH, and Environment.
• Ensure programs are implemented to the highest quality standards and aligned with donor agreements and community needs.
• Champion GWF’s MEAL systems, embedding organizational learning and evidence in all program decisions.
• Oversee program evaluations, strategic reviews, and the documentation of impact.
• Drive integration and cross-sectoral synergies across GWF’s program portfolio.
• Ensure safeguarding, gender equity, disability inclusion, and accountability are mainstreamed across all programs.

External Representation & Advocacy

• Serve as the primary public face and spokesperson of GWF to donors, government, media, faith networks, and civil society.
• Represent GWF at national and international forums, conferences, and advocacy platforms.
• Cultivate strategic partnerships with government ministries, county governments, UN agencies, NGO coalitions, and academic institutions.
• Lead GWF’s advocacy agenda on food security, education, health, and community resilience.
• Build and maintain GWF’s brand reputation, public profile, and thought leadership in the development sector.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• Master’s degree in International Development, Public Administration, MBA, Social Sciences, or a related field (exceptional Bachelor’s with strong track record may be considered).
• Minimum 6 years of progressive leadership experience in the NGO, development, or humanitarian sector, with at least 3 years at senior management or executive level.
• Demonstrated track record of resource mobilization, including major grants from bilateral and multilateral donors (EU, USAID, UN agencies, DFID/UK Aid, or equivalent).
• Proven experience in organizational leadership, team management, and building high-performance teams.
• Experience in board governance, stakeholder engagement, and external representation at national or international level.
• Strong financial management acumen with experience overseeing multi-million-dollar organizational budgets.
• Proven commitment to safeguarding, accountability to affected populations, and ethical leadership.

Desirable

• Experience leading a faith-based organization or demonstrated alignment with faith-inspired development values.
• Experience working in Kenya and familiarity with the NGO regulatory environment (PBO Act, KRA, County Government structures).
• Established networks with key institutional donors operating in Kenya and East Africa.
• Published thought leadership, policy papers, or advocacy materials in relevant thematic areas.

Core Competencies & Skills

• Visionary leadership that inspires and aligns diverse stakeholders around a common mission.
• Strategic thinking with ability to translate long-term vision into practical, measurable plans.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication in English; Kiswahili proficiency an asset.
• Outstanding interpersonal, diplomatic, and relationship-building skills across cultures and sectors.
• High financial literacy and ability to interpret and present complex financial information.
• Deep personal integrity, humility, and a servant leadership approach aligned with GWF’s faith-based ethos.
• Resilience and adaptability to lead effectively through change and organizational growth.