Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Awards
Personal Information
Timeline
GEORGE NTHENGE

GEORGE NTHENGE

Country Director/ Development Specialist
Nairobi, Kenya

Summary

A result-oriented Director with more than twenty five (25) years of practical field experience (20) years of which are in Grant acquisition and resource mobilization/ fundraising) as a program manager, program coordinator, program officer, team leader, and Country Director and Representative with international NGOs and UN agencies, managing country programs and development programs, emergencies, humanitarian aid assistance, development and advancement of children, families, and communities through collaboration with various partners and stakeholders in the areas of nutrition and health, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, Food Security and Livelihoods, education, livelihood, sponsorship, disability, children’s rights, and protection. Experienced in undertaking research, (including operational research), baseline surveys, emergency, annual needs assessment, organization development training, mid, final, and impact evaluations, (including participatory) project histories, management training, rehabilitation, recovery and development projects, and programs in war-torn countries in Africa and Asia.

Overview

30
30
years of professional experience

Work History

Country Director/Head of Mission (South Sudan)

Fondation Caritas Luxembourg
05.2022 - Current
  • Ensure the implementation of the Caritas Luxembourg South Sudan programme and monitor the implementation of the South Sudan Country Strategy; revise and develop the new one, when necessary, in coordination with Headquarters.
  • Provide technical guidance, including project cycle management, M&E, and budget management, for the overall management and administration of the programme, following Caritas Luxembourg’s policies and regulations.
  • Supervise budgeting and monthly budget monitoring for South Sudan The programme, and office; ensure funds are used in line with Caritas Luxembourg and donor policies and procedures, and according to the plans and objectives; ensure that bookkeeping and reporting are carried following the Caritas Luxembourg’s and the donor’s requirements.
  • Directly manage the Programme Coordinator and Financial Manager, and oversee all Caritas Luxembourg staff in South Sudan to ensure they receive adequate support.
  • Serve as the ultimate decision-maker in South Sudan for matters of staff and asset security; ensure the rollout, implementation, and updating of the Local Security Plan.
  • Nurture and establish relationships with relevant government partners/agencies, INGOs, local NGOs, donors, and other international development partners in relation to the Caritas country programme; explore new partnerships and funding opportunities.
  • Be the point of reference for the Desk Officer (at Headquarters) on all matters related to the projects/programmes and provide him/her with all necessary information;
  • Acquisition and fundraising on national and international levels: identify and pursue funding opportunities and collect information on calls and donor requirements as well as carry out Strategic program development for the organization.
  • Maintain good and regular relationships for coordination and networking with other (I)NGOs, UN agencies, embassies, donors, and the State government.
  • Conduct regular meetings with other Caritas organizations and represent the organization in meetings with partners, government agencies, and donors.
  • Monitor general finance and office management and assure adherence to administrative regulations.
  • To monitor project activities as per the log frame, with support from external consultants who visit the projects regularly.
  • Take part in NGO Forum, donor and cluster meetings in Juba and occasionally also in Torit.
  • To monitor the security situation and ensure compliance with internal security rules.

Country Director, Yemen

Lutheran World Relief/ CORUS INTERNATIONAL
01.2019 - 04.2022
  • Initiate and strengthen relationships with host Govt. authorities, UN Agencies, Donors, a community of international organizations, local partners and other local NGOs, community-based organizations, and grassroots organizations in Yemen. Represent LWR AND IMA in the local coordination mechanism, including the ACT Alliance Forum, and during the drafting and implementation of Appeals. Coordinate non-appeal projects with ACT members to ensure non-duplication of efforts.
  • Emergency Operations and in close coordination with the Senior Regional Director of Asia and The Middle East, represent LWR to authorities, donors, and other audiences in other countries of the Middle East, on an occasional basis.
  • Work with the LWR AND IMA Emergency Operations, Health and Emergencies, and Asia and the Middle East Regional Team to develop a New Business Development strategic plan.
  • Build on and expand the country’s program portfolio. To this end, I aggressively and strategically pursue new sources of donor funding and maintain adequate donor funding levels to sustain program activities. He/she is responsible for in-country fundraising with institutional donors including U.S. Government, UNOCHA or other bilateral or multilateral donors, foundations, and corporate philanthropies.
  • Support and or lead the development of proposals to donors working with the Emergency Operations unit, and in coordination with the AME Regional team, the New Business Development department, and the External Relations team on organization-wide fundraising efforts, and constituent engagement efforts, and related information.
  • Provide leadership in developing and managing a program that is consistent with LWR AND IMA's regional and country strategies.
  • Provide technical assistance and oversight in designing, implementing, and evaluating programs activities in the areas of humanitarian assistance, recovery, and stabilization, including in sectors such as health, livelihoods, capacity strengthening, psycho-social support, or others.
  • Monitor, evaluate, and distill lessons learned from project and program implementation. Report to EOPs team at LWR AND IMA HQ on lessons learned and use that information to improve practice and to inform the next planning cycle. Promote learning among LWR AND IMA staff and partners in the country.
  • Work in close coordination with the relevant units in the region and at HQ in the US and other locations to ensure the highest standard of program implementation and new business development and use of LWR AND IMA resources and best practices.
  • Oversee the preparation and monitor implementation of the budget and cash flow for the office; ensure that generally accepted accounting principles are adhered to in areas including (a) authority and approval, (b) proper documentation, and (c) physical security.
  • Ensure compliance with LWR AND IMA policies and procedures. Oversee the development and/or updating of country program-specific policies for personnel, finance, administration, and security and assure compliance with local law.
  • Coordinate with relevant Finance and Administration unit on country office financial and budget management and monitoring, and address audit findings.
  • Ensure that country operation is in compliance with host government rules and regulations regarding registration, taxation, payroll/human resources, and reporting. Ensure that staff complies with donor regulations for all projects funded by restricted grants.
  • Under guidance from the Senior Director of Global Security and Senior Director of Emergency Operations, develop country safety and security plan and ensure compliance with LWR AND IMA security protocols and policies.
  • Oversee and develop a strong office team, organized around operational outcomes and priorities. Ensure team learning and individual and team performance standards and accountability. Provide frequent feedback to, and support for, the country office team. Identify training needs, and plan training opportunities for team members to enhance their skills and expertise.

Country Director, South Sudan

FOOD FOR THE HUNGRY
07.2015 - 12.2018
  • As the Country Director and based in South Sudan, I am responsible for an annual budget of USD 90,000 million dollars.
  • I Lead field staff in the development and implementation of overall field and specific program strategies to achieve FH vision and mission, lead staff in the monitoring and evaluation of programs, and provides timely communication and reporting of the same. Specifically, ensuring that FH South Sudan programs are integrated and are in compliance with CFCT (Child Focused Community Development) program standards.
  • I Manage, oversee, and ultimately be responsible for the financial and administrative activity of all FH programs within FHSS and prepares reports in accordance with FH procedures and standards.
  • I Ensure close collaboration between business units through regular planning and performance meetings and reporting, especially focused on the link between program performance and the financial situation of the organization, ensuring that all program activities are delivered in an accountable, cost-effective, and efficient manner.
  • I Work with the regional office and headquarters to manage the development and implementation of annual country budgets.
  • I ensure the implementation of strong program monitoring, evaluation, and learning functions.
  • I identify and secure appropriate resources (personnel, funds, and materials) needed to accomplish the Field strategy through Field, National Organizations, and other donor contacts.
  • I give careful attention to all legal requirements affecting FH's position in the country and promptly notify FH Enabling Services of any problem or change affecting FH operations.
  • I hold overall accountability for staff security and health and am responsible for ensuring the South Sudan program is in compliance with FH Security Standards, Policies, and Protocols.

Country Director and Representative, South Sudan

LIGHT FOR THE WORLD
01.2013 - 06.2015
  • I was responsible for managing the staff in the Country Office in Juba, overall financial responsibility for the Country office for Coordination, Liaison, and presentation to project partners, INGOs, Government structures, relevant regional platforms, and the public, for supervision of projects partner support and program development in the field of eye care, Community based rehabilitation and disability-inclusive development, and for institutional fundraising.
  • I formed a consortium (Eye Care) with Church Mission Aid (CMA), Sudan Evangelical Mission (SEM), Across (transforming lives and communities), Sight Savers, Church Blind Mission (CBM), and other agencies with a wide range of experience in non – profit operations, program development and management, policy advocacy, partner relationship, resource mobilization, scaling up the program, people management, and quality.
  • I carried out baseline surveys; mid and final impact evaluation, project monitoring, research, feasibility studies, and managerial training on project proposal formulation, in Sudan, South Sudan Kenya, and Somalia. Responding to emergencies, disaster and conflict management, relief, rehabilitation, and recovery and development in Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, Uganda, Djibouti, DRC, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, and Mozambique.

Country Director and Representative, Ghana West Africa

Habitat for Humanity International
01.2010 - 12.2012
  • I led articulation and realization of the Organizations’ vision and mission to achieve program scale, stability, and sustainable growth in alignment with organizational goals and values.
  • I provided leadership and guidance to the Country Management Team to ensure the effective and efficient implementation of the Country’s Strategic Plans and Program Strategic Objectives.
  • I supervised the formulation and development of the Organizations’ business plan to solicit grants to supplement sponsorship funds for the implementation of the country’s program objectives.
  • I ensure the effective, efficient, and economic usage, and management of the funds towards the achievement of set targets and objectives.
  • I Initiated and promoted partnership and networking with local government, civil societies, and community-based organizations for enhancing the well-being and advancement of children.
  • I ensured that effective measures were instituted to attract and retain the Organization’s human resources in order to deliver on the Organization’s aims and objectives.

Country Director and Representative, Afghanistan Asia

ChildFund
11.2006 - 12.2009
  • Worked to ensure Child Fund is recognized by stakeholders (relevant government authorities, donors, other NGOs, media, etc.) as a strong child development organization and credible reference point on issues related to development, and specifically to be seen as a leader in children's issues.
  • Provided leadership for ChildFund in the country program through strategic planning; strategic alliances; learning, research, and documentation.
  • Ensured adequate financial, human and physical resource allocation and management, and quality standards, for successful implementation of the country's and ChildFund’s strategic plan and mission and to monitor and report on their progress.
  • Provided leadership in the acquisition of resources and their proper use in pursuit of quality programs for child development.
  • Expanded and developed in-country program through the development of initiatives that further CCF’s impact on the well-being of children and their communities.
  • Formed a consortium in Afghanistan with IRC and ChildFund and managed to raise 13 million USD for development work.

Head of Sub Office and Senior Program Officer

UN/World Food Programme
01.1999 - 10.2006
  • Developed, Managed, and coordinated WFP program activities in southern Sudan, through annual need assessments, and emergency assessments to save lives and livelihoods of vulnerable groups in the community through food aid assistance.
  • Coordinated programs and project activities with national authorities on all levels by representing WFP in various fora.
  • I was responsible for overall program management which includes implementation.
  • I led the preparation and dissemination of timely analytical and critical reports including proposals for improvements in operation and the scope of the program.

Country Program Manager

Christian Children’s Fund
01.1993 - 12.1998
  • Provided overall management and coordination of program activities in the project area including management of CCF assets in the field.
  • Ensured adherence to monitoring and evaluation guidelines and review of project monitoring and evaluations.
  • Liaison with donors to explore new funding opportunities and develop proposals for the expansion of existing projects and new projects.

Country Program Manager

Plan International
01.1982 - 12.1992
  • I was responsible and accountable for all field program activities from identification through completion and ensured that information systems are put in place to meet the information requirements of all stakeholders.

Field Research Officer

African Medical Research Foundation
01.1979 - 12.1981
  • Conducted studies and interviews in connection with rural community needs.
  • Developed training manuals, handbooks, and training guides for training community leaders and counterparts/stakeholders in development concepts, methodologies, and strategies.
  • Conducted socio-economic surveys and training of project staff/ counterparts /stakeholders on sustainable development approaches.
  • Carried out assessments using participatory rural appraisal techniques and approaches.

Education

MA - Sociology

Washington international University

BA - Sociology

University of Nairobi

Dip. Ad. Ed - undefined

University of Nairobi

Dip. Ad.mgt - undefined

University of Haifa

MA -

International Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid
01.2023 - Current

Master of Arts - International Development

NEXUS INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY , Kampala, Uganda
04.2001 -

Skills

Training and facilitation

Awards

  • Recipient of the Millennium Excellence Award for Grassroots and Sustainable Development.
  • Raised and managed over 10 million dollars worth of grants sourced from global organizations.
  • Responsible for the startup of two WFP field offices in Sudan and three in Afghanistan.
  • Mentored and coached staff from a variety of departments.

Personal Information

  • Date of Birth: 12/24/65
  • Marital Status: Married

Timeline

International Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid - MA,
01.2023 - Current
Country Director/Head of Mission (South Sudan) - Fondation Caritas Luxembourg
05.2022 - Current
Country Director, Yemen - Lutheran World Relief/ CORUS INTERNATIONAL
01.2019 - 04.2022
Country Director, South Sudan - FOOD FOR THE HUNGRY
07.2015 - 12.2018
Country Director and Representative, South Sudan - LIGHT FOR THE WORLD
01.2013 - 06.2015
Country Director and Representative, Ghana West Africa - Habitat for Humanity International
01.2010 - 12.2012
Country Director and Representative, Afghanistan Asia - ChildFund
11.2006 - 12.2009
NEXUS INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY , Kampala, Uganda - Master of Arts, International Development
04.2001 -
Head of Sub Office and Senior Program Officer - UN/World Food Programme
01.1999 - 10.2006
Country Program Manager - Christian Children’s Fund
01.1993 - 12.1998
Country Program Manager - Plan International
01.1982 - 12.1992
Field Research Officer - African Medical Research Foundation
01.1979 - 12.1981
University of Nairobi - BA, Sociology
University of Nairobi - Dip. Ad. Ed,
University of Haifa - Dip. Ad.mgt,
Washington international University - MA, Sociology
GEORGE NTHENGECountry Director/ Development Specialist