iDE is an international non-profit dedicated to combating poverty, not through handouts but by helping rural households access the tools and knowledge they need to increase their income and improve their health and well-being. Since its founding more than 40 years ago, iDE has increased the incomes and improved the livelihoods of more than 41.9 million people across last-mile communities.
Primary Responsibilities and Key Capabilities
- The CEO’s responsibilities are organized around six core leadership capabilities:
- Strategic Thinking & Transformation
- Lead iDE in refining and executing our impact strategy
- Anticipate external trends and challenges in international development, social enterprise, and impact investment; position iDE to adapt and thrive.
- Ensure alignment of global programs, social enterprises, and innovation initiatives with strategic goals.
- Lead the design and implementation of strategies that merge human-centered design with transformative thinking to create sustainable programmatic impact.
Stakeholder Engagement & Fund Development
- Serve as iDE’s chief ambassador with donors, investors, governments, and partners.
- Strengthen and diversify iDE’s funding base, with an emphasis on cultivating major individual and corporate donors, bilateral and multilateral partners, foundations & institutions, and private-sector collaborations.
- Champion the impact of iDE’s work through storytelling, thought leadership, and public speaking at high-profile events.
Change Leadership & Organizational Resilience
- Lead iDE through ongoing transformation, including financial challenges, staffing shifts, and structural changes.
- Balance iDE’s entrepreneurial spirit with sound governance, risk management, and compliance practices.
- Foster agility, innovation, and collaboration across global teams.
Financial Acumen & Resource Stewardship
- Ensure the organization’s financial sustainability and transparency.
- Oversee global budgeting, risk management, and alignment of resources to strategy.
- Partner with the Board Finance Committee and VP of Finance to maintain strong fiscal health, including navigating donor requirements and currency complexities.
People & Culture Leadership
- Inspire and motivate a global workforce of over 1,000 employees and social enterprise staff.
- Champion diversity, inclusion, and belonging across all offices.
- Partner with the Headquarters Executive Team and Country Directors to build leadership succession planning across the organization, nurture talent, and ensure staff engagement and trust during a period of change.
- Uphold iDE’s culture of humility, empathy, and entrepreneurial drive.
Governance & Board Partnership
- Partner closely with the Board of Directors, ensuring transparency, accountability, and alignment on mission and strategy.
- Provide regular updates on organizational performance, risks, and opportunities.
- Engage the Board as strategic thought partners while ensuring management retains operational accountability.
Supervisory Responsibilities
The CEO directly supervises members of the Headquarters Executive Team, including but not limited to:
- Vice President of Administration (HR, IT, Compliance, Executive Office)
- Vice President of Fund Development & Business Development
- Vice President of Finance
- Vice President of Strategy, Delivery, and Impact
- Country Directors (dotted-line accountability)
- Other senior leaders as assigned
Experience
- Minimum 15 years of progressive leadership experience, with at least 10 years in senior executive roles.
- Proven success leading international NGOs, social enterprises, or global organizations of comparable size and complexity.
- Demonstrated success in fund development and donor engagement, including bilateral/multilateral donors, foundations, and private sector partnerships.
- Track record of leading organizational transformation, change management, and strategic repositioning.
- Financial management expertise, including experience with multi-country budgets and donor compliance.
- International experience required; significant time living/working in iDE’s regions of operation strongly preferred. (This includes Central America, Africa, and Asia)
Method of Application
Meet the Qualifications? Apply now at iDE Kenya on iDE Kenya apply.workable.com