Regional Director

Stanford Seed East Africa seeks qualified candidates for the position of Regional Director.  This position is based in Nairobi, Kenya.

The Stanford Institute for Innovation in Developing Economies (Stanford Seed) is a Stanford Graduate School of Business-led initiative that collaborates with entrepreneurs in emerging markets to build thriving businesses that transform lives. Stanford Seed currently operates in Africa and South Asia.

The Seed Transformation Program (STP) engages innovative and growth-oriented leaders and teams of small and medium-sized enterprises, who are committed to growing their businesses. During the program, leaders are exposed to core business skills taught by Stanford University faculty and local experts, and then have access to local and regional peer networks, as well as other resources (e.g. coaching) upon completion of the program.  The Regional Director will be responsible for ensuring that all programs are delivered in a manner aligned with Seed’s mission,values and strategic priorities.

The Regional Director in Nairobi, Kenya is in charge of managing the execution of programs and all operations at the Seed East Africa Center.  This position will manage local support staff, strategic partnerships, and ensure the highest level of excellence and client satisfaction. The position reports to Seed’s Global Director.

The successful candidate will have responsibility to:

• Manage and oversee execution of all aspects of Seed’s Transformation Program (STP) and Seed Transformation Network-related activities based in Nairobi, Kenya, and the East African region
• Lead and manage employees based in Nairobi, Kenya
• Build and maintain relationships with local/regional stakeholders and program participants
• Analyze data on program participants’ performance to inform continuous improvements to program design and operations
• Play a lead role in the recruitment, identification, and evaluation of participants for the STP
• Manage Seed volunteer business coaches based in Kenya and working throughout the region
• Manage and oversee execution of Stanford student intern program in the region
• Represent Stanford Seed East Africa at local and regional events
• Serve as local host to Stanford and international visitors
• Collaborate with peers based in other global regions

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university required
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree highly preferred
• 10 or more years of senior level business experience in operations or related field highly preferred
• Experience working with teams located across various countries and regions

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• An advanced level of fluent English skills both oral and written
• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills; The ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a team member in a small office
• Advanced knowledge of East African culture, history and business etiquette
• Exceptional project management skills and the ability to manage numerous and complex, multifaceted programs stretching across borders
• Ability to interact with coaches, interns, entrepreneurs, and to exercise sound judgment, tact, and discretion.
• Effective problem solving and decision-making skills with ability to identify problems, develop solutions, and take responsibility for implementation and collaborate with the Seed home office staff
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse constituencies and effectively develops relationships that enhance overall goals.
• Ability to contribute to a cooperative and supportive office environment characterized by service-oriented flexibility, workload fluctuations and variable planning time

EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS:

• Salary will be commensurate with experience.
• At the time of hire must be legally authorized to work in Kenya.
• Must comply with all visas, work authorization, and tax related laws and regulations as a condition of employment.
• Position is benefits eligible subject to applicable local and international laws and regulations, and Stanford University Global LLC.

Seed is a Stanford Graduate School of Business-led initiative that’s working to end the cycle of global poverty.  We believe that business is one of the most powerful engines of change to create greater prosperity in and for emerging economies. To maximize our impact, we’re working on multiple fronts and across multiple time horizons. Seed is training business leaders in developing economies, inspiring Stanford students to become globally engaged leaders, and supporting critical research that can lead to breakthrough solutions. For more information about the Seed program, please visit https://seed.stanford.edu/.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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