Head of Kenya Office

We are looking for a Head of our Kenya Office in Nairobi to spearhead our Regional Engagement Plan across East Africa and support the development of our international partnerships model. If you are an experienced leader and have a passion for tackling global challenges, this might be the right role for you. We are looking for someone who is excited for a role that blends people leadership, strategic thinking, partnership development, and operational management.

The Novo Nordisk Foundation aims to find solutions for complex global problems, collaborating with researchers and organisations all over the world. Our international activities take a point of departure in our 2030 strategy and its three main pillars – health, sustainability and the life science ecosystem. Within East Africa, we have a portfolio of activities within our strategic themes of sustainable agri-food systems and cardiometabolic diseases.

This role is anchored in our Global Partnerships & Events department, consisting of 24 colleagues located across our offices in Copenhagen, Nairobi, New Delhi, and Boston. You will be based in Nairobi; however, travel, primarily in East Africa, will be required as part of the job.

The job
As Head of the Kenya Office, you will lead and manage our team in Nairobi and report to the Director, Global Partnerships & Events based in Copenhagen. You will be responsible for developing and implementing a Regional Engagement Plan in collaboration with colleagues across the Foundation, guiding our activities in the region in alignment with our strategic priorities.

Your key tasks will be to:

• Maintain an overview of strategic priorities and ongoing activities, supporting the development and implementation of projects in the region
• Provide leadership and management for the team based in Nairobi, including building strong team cohesion and efficient operating model for working across the Foundation
• Represent the Foundation externally at high-level meetings and conferences, building strong relationships and partnerships across the region
• Contribute to developing the Foundation’s global partnerships model to engender best practices
• Lead the coordination and partnering with partner institutions, including research institutions, universities and hospitals, governmental agencies, other foundations and international organisations in Kenya
• Contribute to, propose, and lead creation of documents (e.g., strategic, implementation, monitoring and evaluation frameworks, etc.)
• Oversee and manage office operations, including preparation and execution of business plans and budgets

Requirements

We are looking for a people leader who is highly motivated to work towards solving global challenges and creating impact through partnerships. Professionally, you have over 15 years of work experience from international institutions, either from government agencies, NGOs, foundations or academia. It is an advantage if you have had exposure to working within the areas of health or agriculture, but not a requirement.

Ideally, you have a master’s degree or PhD within a relevant area, along with business and portfolio analysis skills to evaluate regional project initiatives for strategic alignment, funding efficiency and potential impact.

Furthermore, we imagine that you:

• Have proven experience in leading and managing a team with diverse work tasks
• Are motivated by working hands on with communication, analysis, and stakeholder engagement
• Have strong interpersonal skills
• Are described as professional, impact-oriented and independent
• Are motivated by working with hybrid, global teams

Next steps
To apply, please send your CV, cover letter, university transcripts and other relevant documents by clicking the “Apply now” button. 

Kindly note that applicants must have a valid residence and work permit in Kenya. NNF will offer a national contract for this position.

We encourage you to send your application as soon as possible and no later than 13 March 2026.

About the Novo Nordisk Foundation 

Established in Denmark in 1924, the Novo Nordisk Foundation is an enterprise foundation with philanthropic objectives. The vision of the Foundation is to improve people’s health and the sustainability of society and the planet.  

The Foundation’s mission is to progress research and innovation in the prevention and treatment of cardiometabolic and infectious diseases as well as to advance knowledge and solutions to support a green transformation of society.