PROJECT DIRECTOR – FREEDOM 250 TECH AND INNOVATION EXCHANGE
Location: Nairobi, Kenya Organization: IREX Position Type: Full-time, contingent on funding
About IREX IREX is an independent non-profit organization dedicated to helping people solve problems, build trust, and create better opportunities for themselves and their communities. Founded in 1968, IREX manages an annual portfolio exceeding $150 million, is active in 16 countries and implements programs in more than 100 countries worldwide, with a strong and long-standing operational presence in Kenya.
Position Summary IREX seeks a highly experienced Project Director to provide strategic, technical, and operational leadership for the U.S. Department of State–funded Freedom 250 Tech and Innovation Exchange, implemented under a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Embassy in Kenya.
The Freedom 250 Tech and Innovation Exchange is a flagship bilateral initiative commemorating America’s 250th anniversary. The program is designed to strengthen U.S.–Kenya ties by embedding high-potential Kenyan undergraduate students in American-led science, technology, engineering, and innovation ecosystems through semester-long study at U.S. universities, followed by structured externships and engagement with American companies operating in Kenya. The program also advances durable partnerships between U.S. and Kenyan universities in sectors aligned with U.S. commercial and strategic interests.
Based in Nairobi, Kenya the Project Director will serve as the senior-most program lead responsible for end-to-end delivery of the exchange over a 36‑month period of performance, working in close coordination with the U.S. Embassy Nairobi (Public Diplomacy Section), U.S. and Kenyan academic partners, American private-sector actors, and IREX headquarters. The role carries delegated authority for day-to-day programmatic decision-making and is the primary point of contact with the Embassy for implementation, approvals, and reporting.This position is contingent upon funding. Summary of Responsibilities Program Leadership and Strategic Oversight
Provide overall leadership for the design, implementation, and management of all components of the Freedom 250 Tech and Innovation Exchange, ensuring full alignment with U.S. government priorities and Embassy guidance.
Serve as the primary day-to-day liaison with the U.S. Embassy Nairobi (Public Diplomacy Section) for implementation coordination, approvals, and adaptive management under the cooperative agreement.
Develop, manage, and routinely track the integrated program work plan, timelines, and deliverables across the full 36‑month period of performance; flag risks and propose course corrections to IREX leadership as needed.
Academic, Private Sector, and Partner Engagement
Identify, negotiate, and manage partnerships with U.S. universities and Kenyan institutions to deliver semester-long academic placements and advance priority U.S.–Kenya university linkages.
Design and implement structured externships, mentorships, and professional engagement opportunities with U.S. companies and innovation ecosystem partners operating in Kenya.
Engage U.S. Embassy counterparts, private-sector associations, and ecosystem partners to ensure the program delivers tangible pro‑American and pro‑commercial outcomes.
Recruitment, Selection, and Participant Experience
Oversee recruitment, outreach, application management, and participant support processes for Kenyan undergraduate students, in close coordination with the U.S. Embassy, which retains strict oversight of participant selection.
Ensure transparent, merit-based recruitment and selection processes aligned with Embassy priorities and Freedom 250 branding and messaging.
Lead implementation of participant orientation, pre-departure preparation, re‑entry activities, and structured post‑program engagement in Kenya.
Operations, Compliance, and Risk Management
Oversee day-to-day program operations, logistics, and coordination with U.S. and Kenyan partners.
Manage day-to-day compliance implementation for the award, including U.S. Department of State requirements (e.g., J‑1/DS‑2019 processes where applicable), branding and communications guidance, 2 CFR 200 financial compliance, and all award-specific terms and conditions.
Lead participant safeguarding, duty of care, and emergency response planning, in consultation with the U.S. Embassy.
Manage program budgets, pipelines, and cost controls; prepare forecasts and justifications and ensure expenditures and procurements follow IREX systems and donor requirements.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting
Lead development and implementation of the program’s Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP), including theory of change, indicators, data collection methods, and learning loops.
Draft and submit timely, high-quality narrative and financial reports to the U.S. Embassy and internal stakeholders, coordinating inputs from finance, operations, partners, and headquarters as required.
Team Leadership and Representation
Supervise, mentor, and support a multidisciplinary program team based in Kenya and in coordination with U.S.-based staff.
Represent the program in technical and coordination settings with academic and private-sector partners and other implementers; elevate sensitive or high-level engagement needs to the Regional/Country Director.
Contribute technical and strategic inputs to proposal development, learning agendas, and future U.S.–Kenya exchange or innovation initiatives, as needed.
Equal Opportunity Statement IREX is an equal opportunity employer. IREX recruits, hires, trains, and promotes individuals based on merit and experience and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. All offers of employment are subject to background checks. No phone calls, please.
To Apply Interested candidates should submit a CV (in English) and cover letter through IREX’s online application system.
