Director of Kenya Programs

We're looking for an exceptional leader who can scale health programs, influence government and donors at the highest levels, and turn bold ideas into measurable impact. You will lead Kenya's most innovative maternal and newborn health programs, reaching millions of mothers across 1,100+ facilities.

About Jacaranda Health

Jacaranda Health’s mission is to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes in the public health system. Through innovative AI-driven technology and human-centered solutions, we partner with governments to scale impactful, data-driven interventions. These solutions include PROMPTS, an AI-enabled platform for mothers, and MENTORS, a facility-based training program equipping frontline nurses with lifesaving skills and knowledge. Our innovations and partnerships have reached over 3 million women across 1,100+ health facilities.

Jacaranda Health is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from qualified candidates regardless of race, ethnicity, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

About the team

The Kenya Programs Division oversees all maternal and newborn health interventions in the country. The division includes Programs (MENTORS & PROMPTS), Health Systems. Strengthening and Partnerships departments. The Director leads this division, ensuring programs scale effectively, innovations integrate successfully, partnerships strengthen, and measurable outcomes are achieved.

About the role

The Director of Kenya Programs provides strategic leadership and execution accountability for all Kenya programs, ensuring innovations are adopted, programs achieve measurable impact, and relationships with government, donors, and partners are strengthened. 

Location: Nairobi.
Reports to: Co-Executive Director.
Direct reports: Head of Programs, Head of Health Systems Strengthening, Head of Partnerships.

Terms of Engagement: One-year contract, renewable.

What You’ll Do:

Strategic Leadership & Program Execution: 

• Develop and execute multi-year programmatic roadmaps aligned with organizational strategy, donor commitments, and sustainability objectives.

• Set HOD objectives, track impact targets, define quality standards and remove strategic barriers.

• Drive innovation in maternal and neonatal health, digital health integration, and health systems strengthening.

• Establish and scale new interventions, partnership models, and implementation approaches.

Cross-Divisional Collaboration & Organizational Strategy

• Co-create organizational strategy with Directors, integrating Kenya Programs with innovations, evidence, technology, and operations.

• Bridge innovation and implementation, providing field insights to shape JH products while leading adoption and scale.

• Partner with Research & Data & Analytics to ensure M&E informs continuous improvement and demonstrates impact.

• Collaborate with Operations and Quality Assurance to optimize performance, maintain standards, and drive sustainability.

External Influence & Strategic Relationships

• Build and steward director-level relationships with government decision-makers (MOH, counties, Council of Governors, SHA, DHA) and key stakeholders (NNAK, NCK, KMPDU, KOGS, private sector).

• Lead donor relationships, managing project delivery, expectations, and scope negotiations.

• Present program performance and strategic recommendations with clarity and evidence.

• Contribute to fundraising, leveraging stakeholder access to secure strategic investments.

  
  

Resource Stewardship & Team Leadership

• Be accountable for Kenya Programs performance: quality, financial management, risk mitigation, team effectiveness.

• Manage consolidated budget across all departments, driving efficiency, donor compliance, and fund utilization.

• Build high-performing teams, develop HOD leadership, and ensure strong organizational culture.

• Identify and mitigate organizational risks: programs, partnerships, reputation, compliance.

• Establish governance frameworks ensuring ethical implementation and beneficiary safety.

Who you are:

What you bring

• Bachelor's degree in healthcare field (Medicine, Clinical Medicine, Nursing, Health Systems); Master's in Public Health or related field desirable.

• 8-10 years progressive leadership in health systems programs or donor-funded projects; 6-8 years at senior management/director level leading multiple departments.

• Demonstrated expertise in Health Systems Strengthening, Maternal & Neonatal Health, or Health Financing.

• Proven track record establishing new capabilities, driving transformation, and managing similar-scale budgets/teams.

• Strong experience with Kenya health sector (devolved system), government systems (MOH, counties), and donor/multi-sectoral stakeholders.

  
  

Skills and Competencies:

• Technical Expertise: Maternal and newborn health programming, health systems strengthening, Kenya health sector (devolved system, county management), donor project management, proposal development, fundraising, M&E frameworks, financial management, policy engagement, partnership development.

• Leadership Capabilities: Visionary and strategic thinking, executive presence, stakeholder influence, exceptional judgment under complexity, political savvy, results orientation, communication excellence, resilience, adaptability, integrity.

Why join us?

Mission-driven work: Impact the lives of millions of mothers and babies.

Innovation-forward thinking: Lead cutting-edge solutions in maternal and newborn health.

High-growth organization: Shape national-scale programs with global reach.

People-centric culture: Collaborate with an ambitious, passionate, and supportive team.

To Apply:

Interested candidates should submit applications through this link – Director of Kenya Programs.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and early submission is encouraged. No hard copies required or accepted.  Application Deadline: 5th February 2026.