Chief Executive Officer

INJAZ-Kuwait; Kuwait City; On-site; KWD 19,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

INJAZ-Kuwait seeks a visionary Chief Executive Officer to lead strategy, programs, partnerships, people and operations to deliver measurable youth impact and to secure the long-term financial sustainability of the organization.

You will work with the Board to ensure effective governance, drive fundraising, manage budgets, and oversee programs across entrepreneurship, financial literacy and work readiness for Kuwaiti youth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree preferred.
• At least 10 years of professional experience.
• Minimum 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Experience in fundraising, partnerships and stakeholder management.
• Experience in budgeting, team management and board relations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the organization's strategy, programs, partnerships, people and operations.
• Work closely with the Board to ensure governance and reporting.
• Drive fundraising and secure multi-year funding.
• Oversee program quality and impact in entrepreneurship, financial literacy and work readiness.
• Represent the organization publicly and build strong relationships with private/public sector partners.

Job description

Job Purpose

Lead the organization's strategy, programs, partnerships, people and operations to deliver measurable impact for young people and to secure the long-term financial sustainability of the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy and Leadership

• Develop and deliver the organization's strategy and annual plans, as approved by the Board, ensuring alignment with INJAZ Al-Arab's strategy, plans, overall goals and assigned targets.
• Set clear goals, targets and key performance indicators, and track progress against them.
• Drive innovation and keep the organization responsive to changes in education, the labor market and youth needs.
• Align the organization's work with the standards, programs and priorities of the INJAZ Al-Arab and JA Worldwide network.

Governance and Board Relations

• Work closely with the Chair and the Board, and support effective governance and Board meetings.
• Provide the Board with regular, accurate reports on performance, finances, risks and opportunities.
• Prepare Board papers and implement Board decisions.
• Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory and licensing requirements in Kuwait.

Fundraising and Partnerships

• Lead fundraising and resource mobilization to meet annual revenue targets.
• Build and manage strong relationships with private sector partners, donors, government bodies, schools and universities.
• Identify and secure new partnerships and multi-year funding.
• Ensure good stewardship of partners, including timely reporting and recognition.

Programs and Impact

• Oversee the quality and growth of programs in entrepreneurship, financial literacy and work readiness.
• Grow the number of students, schools, volunteers and partners reached.
• Monitor and report program results and impact using data and stakeholder feedback.
• Build a strong corporate volunteer base to deliver programs.

Finance and Operations

• Prepare and manage the annual budget, as approved by the Board.
• Ensure sound financial management, internal controls and transparent reporting.
• Manage risk and protect the reputation of the organization.
• Ensure efficient operations, systems and use of digital tools.

People and Culture

• Lead, develop and hold accountable the senior team and all staff, with clear roles, objectives and accountability.
• Build and sustain a values-based, inclusive and high-performing culture with strong team spirit, suited to an NGO environment.
• Foster a happy and engaged team, strengthen employee retention and maintain a low level of employee turnover.
• Lead recruitment, performance management, staff development and succession planning.

Representation and Communication

• Act as the main spokesperson of the organization with media, partners and the public.
• Represent the organization at national, regional and international events and network meetings.

Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Bachelor's / master's degree is preferred.

Experience

• At least 10 years of professional experience, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven track record in fundraising, partnerships and building relationships with the private and public sectors.
• Experience in managing budgets, teams and Board relations.
• Experience in the non-profit, education or youth development sector is an advantage but is not essential. Candidates with relevant private-sector leadership experience and transferable skills may also be considered.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong strategic, leadership and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation and networking skills.
• Strong negotiation skills for effective stakeholder management and partnership development.
• Fluency in Arabic and English, written and spoken.
• Strong knowledge of the Kuwaiti business and public sector environment.
• High integrity and commitment to youth empowerment.