Mar 24, 2023

Program Manager and Border Security Expert - Kenya / Somalia

Hiring Organization: Dexis Consulting Group 
Job Location: Kenya / Somalia
Closing date20 Apr 2023

Base Salary: TBA

About the Position
Dexis is seeking a Mid to Senior level Program Manager to provide comprehensive management and support for an anticipated project to be awarded by the Department of State’s (State) Bureau of Counterterrorism (CT). The Program Manager will oversee a project focused on enhancing border security cooperation and coordination between the Federal Government of Somalia and Government of Kenya to prevent, disrupt, and respond to al-Shabaab activity along the border. The Program Manager will oversee project activities, including a comprehensive border security assessment and unit mapping exercise, development of a joint action plan in collaboration with Kenyan and Somali stakeholders, and general provision of training, equipment, and advisory support to Kenyan and Somali stakeholders.

The Program Manager will provide oversight and coordination of project activities and deliverables, liaise with internal and external stakeholders, work independently to meet deadlines, and achieve project and division goals. The Program Manager will provide direct client and partner relationship management, high-quality project management, management of staff, serve as the main point of contact for the Government of Kenya stakeholders, serve as a senior technical advisor on the implementation of the program activities, and coordinate with Dexis Home Office.

This position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya and is contingent upon award.

Responsibilities
Provide program leadership and oversight to the teams based in Kenya and Somali and ensure overall health of program portfolio by providing, coordinating, and/or arranging the required structural management and technical support to the wider project team.
Provide technical direction and overall guidance for all activities under this requirement.
Serve as a border security expert, serving as an assessor, advisor, and/or trainer.
Ensure appropriate resources and expertise for each phase and activity of the program.
Serve as a technical advisor and main point of contact for the Government of Kenya, supporting border security and representing the program.
Communicate closely with Dexis, appropriate points of contact at State/CT, and other relevant stakeholders and local community members to coordinate achievement of program objectives and ensure program success.
Communicate regularly with colleagues and key stakeholders to keep abreast of the Kenya/Somali socio-political and economic situation.
Ensure program compliance with Dexis policies, State/CT regulations, and local government laws through project development, implementation, and closeout.
Provide mentorship and supervision to members of the Kenya and/or Somali teams to ensure professional growth and development of technical skills.
Track the status and progress of program activities and deliverables to ensure they are delivered on time.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent university degree in a relevant field.
Minimum 7 years of relevant work experience in Border Security, Capacity building, and/or work in the region.
Experience working in complex and challenging field operations, with at least 3 years in a supervisory capacity.
Experience with law enforcement, capacity building, border security, and/or counterterrorism.
Familiarity with Kenya and/or Somalia context, particularly related to Kenya-Somalia border.
Experience supporting projects, contracts, and/or business development efforts with State or other U.S. Government agencies and offices.
Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to manage a diverse range of professional relationships.
Fluency in written and spoken English.
Proficient in Microsoft Office products.

Preferred Qualifications
Professional proficiency in regional languages, including Swahili, Somali, and/or Arabic.
Master’s degree in a related field.
Experience living and working in Kenya and/or Somalia.
Currently located in Kenya.
Experience working on Kenya-Somalia border security efforts.

Personal Competencies

The successful candidate should be:Creative, synthesizing information, harnessing skills, and applying good judgment to solve problems and make improvements.
Conscientious, demonstrating personal integrity and a desire to mentor others.
Relationship-oriented, building a project management team and fostering positive connections with clients and partners as well as other Dexis teams.
Poised, managing priorities and producing quality work in complex and time-sensitive conditions.
Ambitious, taking the initiative to pursue new opportunities to develop professionally and help Dexis grow.
Communicative, using clear language to share ideas in writing and speech.

Dexis is on a mission to help solve today’s most pressing global political, social, and economic challenges and create a world where all people are safe and prosperous. As a Dexis employee, you will be challenged, empowered, and mentored. Our motto is “find a way or make a way” — that’s how Dexis goes “all in.” How will you?

If you are passionate about this opportunity, apply now!

Only those applicants who meet the above criteria will be contacted for interview.

Dexis is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, pregnancy, disability, age, genetic information, military service, veteran status, ethnicity, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, childbirth and related medical conditions, including lactation, or any other protected class under applicable law.

If you are hired for a position that is paid from the Dexis home office, you will be required to submit proof that you have received the COVID-19 vaccine unless you qualify for a legally recognized medical or religious exception to the vaccine requirement. This does not apply to AL, AZ, FL, KS, MT, NH, ND, or TX residents.