Head of Africa Hub – Nairobi, Kenya | Thomson Reuters Foundation

Position: Head of Africa Hub
Company: Thomson Reuters Foundation (TRF)
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Type of Job: Full-time, Hybrid
Salary Expectation: Competitive
Reporting to: Director of Programmes (with a dotted line to Director of TrustLaw)
Application Deadline: Rolling applications, apply promptly

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Introduction

Join Thomson Reuters Foundation (TRF) as the Head of Africa Hub in Nairobi, Kenya, a pivotal leadership role overseeing our programming, partnerships, and strategic initiatives across Africa. This dynamic position is an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to advancing media freedom, fostering inclusive economies, and promoting human rights in a globally impactful organization.

As a senior representative for TRF, you will play a key role in shaping the Foundation’s presence and portfolio in Africa. Working closely with stakeholders, donors, and global teams, you’ll leverage TRF’s resources to foster resilient independent media, expand legal access, and champion responsible business practices.

This is a two-year fixed-term contract (FTC) with significant potential for professional growth and meaningful impact.

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Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Oversight

• Oversee TRF’s Africa program portfolio, ensuring timely, high-quality delivery within organizational frameworks.
• Guide the strategic alignment of regional initiatives with TRF’s global priorities, operational compliance, and governance standards.
• Develop and implement stakeholder and partnership management plans for the Africa regional hub.

Program and Project Management

• Monitor, evaluate, and report on program progress, including narrative reports and success stories for stakeholders.
• Lead the planning, execution, and evaluation of programs while ensuring financial accountability and transparency.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and pursue new business development opportunities.

Networking and Representation

• Act as a senior TRF representative at regional forums, donor meetings, and key stakeholder engagements.
• Strengthen TRF’s external visibility by promoting its innovative programs and services across diverse networks.

Team Leadership and Operations

• Provide operational leadership for the Nairobi-based team, fostering cohesion and collaboration.
• Address operational queries, ensuring a smooth-running office environment.
• Drive resource and staffing plans, aligning with organizational goals.

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Qualifications and Skills

Essential

• Exceptional Leadership Skills: Proven ability to inspire and manage diverse teams to achieve strategic goals.
• Donor Relations Expertise: Experience working with FCDO, US State Department, USAID, NORAD, and similar donors.
• Strategic Development: Demonstrated track record of strategy design, implementation, and stakeholder engagement.
• Program Management: Experience in overseeing complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives, including budget management and monitoring/evaluation frameworks.
• Interpersonal Excellence: Ability to establish and nurture relationships with culturally diverse stakeholders.
• Business Development: Proven ability to secure high-value, multi-year funding through proposals and partnerships.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Excel for financial management; familiarity with log frames and theories of change.
• Language Fluency: English is required; knowledge of French, Swahili, Arabic, or Portuguese is advantageous.

Preferred

• Resilience under pressure and a solution-oriented mindset in complex environments.

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Company Culture and Values

At Thomson Reuters Foundation, we are dedicated to building a transparent, just, and inclusive future. Our values emphasize objectivity, fairness, and transparency in tackling global challenges. With a multicultural team spanning 70+ countries, we celebrate diversity, encourage innovation, and foster professional growth.

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How to Apply

To apply for the Head of Africa Hub role:

1. Submit your CV and cover letter in English, detailing your suitability for this role.
2. Ensure your email subject line reads: “Head of Africa Hub.”
3. Applications without cover letters will not be considered.
4. Candidates must have the legal right to work in Kenya.

Apply Now to shape impactful programs across Africa with TRF.

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Expert Tips to Be a Successful Applicant for the Head of Africa Hub Role

1. Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter
   • Highlight leadership experience in managing diverse teams.
   • Include specific examples of securing multi-year funding from donors like USAID or NORAD.
2. Showcase Strategy Skills
   • Demonstrate success in aligning regional programs with global organizational priorities.
3. Emphasize Budget Management Expertise
   • Provide quantitative examples of budgets managed successfully.
4. Prepare for ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems)
   • Use exact keywords from the job description, such as “business development” and “program evaluation.”
5. Focus on Measurable Impact
   • Mention metrics achieved in previous roles, e.g., “Increased donor funding by 30% through targeted proposals.”
6. Demonstrate Cultural Sensitivity
   • Provide examples of working with diverse cultures, especially in Africa.
7. Highlight Relevant Languages
   • Fluency in additional languages like French or Swahili is a strong advantage.
8. Showcase Networking Acumen
   • Detail experiences representing organizations at high-level forums or donor meetings.
9. Prepare for Leadership Questions
   • Be ready to discuss how you’ve managed cross-functional teams and operational challenges.
10. Rehearse Behavioral Questions

• Practice answers for questions like, “Describe a time you aligned a complex program with global goals.”

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