Job Description
Meru County Government is seeking an accomplished, visionary, and service-driven professional to join its leadership team as the Deputy Director – Special Programs and Social Welfare (Job Group R). This strategic position plays a significant role in strengthening inclusive social protection initiatives, coordinating county special programs, and advancing welfare services that improve the quality of life for vulnerable individuals, families, and communities throughout the county.
The successful candidate will provide technical leadership in the planning, coordination, implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of county social welfare programs while ensuring that all initiatives align with national legislation, county development priorities, and established public service standards. The role requires a highly organized professional capable of developing innovative interventions that address emerging social challenges affecting children, youth, older persons, persons with disabilities, marginalized populations, vulnerable households, and other deserving community groups.
Reporting to senior departmental leadership, the Deputy Director will contribute to policy formulation, strategic planning, program management, stakeholder coordination, institutional capacity building, and resource optimization. The office holder will work closely with county departments, development partners, community organizations, civil society institutions, national government agencies, and private sector stakeholders to expand the reach and effectiveness of social welfare initiatives.
This position demands excellent leadership skills, sound administrative judgment, and the ability to balance policy implementation with practical community-based solutions. The successful applicant will oversee program performance, establish measurable service delivery targets, strengthen accountability systems, evaluate project outcomes, and recommend continuous improvements that maximize public value.
The Deputy Director will also promote inclusive governance by ensuring that county programs are accessible, transparent, equitable, and responsive to community needs. Responsibilities include supporting budget preparation, supervising multidisciplinary teams, preparing technical reports, coordinating field activities, strengthening institutional partnerships, managing risk, and ensuring compliance with applicable financial, procurement, and administrative regulations.
Meru County Government is committed to delivering responsive public services that create sustainable social impact. This opportunity is ideal for an experienced public service professional who is passionate about community empowerment, social inclusion, effective governance, and evidence-based decision-making. The successful candidate will become part of a dynamic leadership environment focused on innovation, integrity, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
The County Government offers an enabling workplace that values professionalism, ethical leadership, diversity, equal opportunity, and employee development. Individuals with a demonstrated record of strategic leadership, policy implementation, stakeholder engagement, and successful management of complex social programs are encouraged to apply and contribute to the county's long-term vision of inclusive growth and improved public welfare.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership in the planning, coordination, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of county special programs and social welfare initiatives.
- Support the development, review, and implementation of policies, operational guidelines, and service delivery frameworks that strengthen social protection programs.
- Coordinate county interventions targeting vulnerable populations while ensuring equitable access to public services.
- Supervise departmental staff, allocate responsibilities, monitor performance, and promote professional growth within the division.
- Prepare departmental work plans, annual operational plans, implementation schedules, and performance reports.
- Coordinate budget preparation, expenditure monitoring, and prudent utilization of allocated public resources.
- Establish monitoring and evaluation systems that measure program effectiveness and support evidence-based improvements.
- Strengthen partnerships with government institutions, development agencies, community organizations, faith-based organizations, and private sector stakeholders.
- Ensure compliance with county legislation, national laws, public finance regulations, procurement requirements, and administrative policies.
- Lead community engagement initiatives to identify emerging social challenges and recommend practical interventions.
- Coordinate emergency response activities affecting vulnerable groups whenever required.
- Promote inclusive participation by ensuring programs address the needs of women, youth, children, older persons, persons with disabilities, and marginalized communities.
- Provide technical guidance during formulation of county development strategies relating to social welfare and special programs.
- Review project proposals and assess feasibility, sustainability, and anticipated community impact.
- Analyze social trends, demographic information, and program performance indicators to support informed decision-making.
- Coordinate preparation of policy briefs, cabinet memoranda, technical papers, and executive reports.
- Promote accountability, transparency, integrity, and ethical standards across all departmental operations.
- Oversee implementation of staff capacity-building initiatives and mentorship programs.
- Manage institutional risks associated with social welfare program delivery.
- Coordinate stakeholder forums, consultative meetings, workshops, and public participation exercises.
- Ensure timely submission of statutory, financial, and technical reports.
- Support resource mobilization initiatives through strategic partnerships and collaborative programs.
- Strengthen internal controls that safeguard public resources and improve operational efficiency.
- Resolve operational challenges through practical leadership and collaborative problem-solving.
- Facilitate continuous improvement by identifying service gaps and recommending innovative solutions.
- Represent the department during intergovernmental meetings, conferences, and technical forums whenever delegated.
- Promote effective communication between county leadership, implementing teams, and community stakeholders.
- Ensure accurate documentation, records management, and knowledge sharing across departmental programs.
- Champion customer-focused public service delivery while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.
- Perform any other lawful duties assigned by authorized county leadership in support of departmental objectives.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in social work, Sociology, Community Development, Public Administration, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or another relevant discipline from a recognized institution.
- Master's degree in a relevant field will be an added advantage.
- Demonstrated experience managing social welfare or public sector development programs.
- Strong leadership, supervision, and people management skills.
- Excellent strategic planning and policy implementation capability.
- Knowledge of public sector governance and administrative procedures.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and decision
- making abilities.
- Excellent communication, report writing, and presentation skills.
- Ability to coordinate multidisciplinary teams and multiple projects simultaneously.
- Experience in stakeholder engagement and partnership development.
- Financial planning and resource management competence.
- High level of integrity, accountability, and ethical conduct.
- Strong negotiation, mediation, and conflict resolution skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and digital reporting tools.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure while meeting strict deadlines.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications in accordance with the application procedures, eligibility requirements, and documentation guidelines provided by Meru County Government. Applicants should include a signed application letter quoting the job title, a detailed and up-to-date curriculum vitae, certified copies of academic and professional certificates, national identification documents, and any other supporting testimonials required for the position. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the recruitment process. Meru County Government is an equal opportunity employer committed to fair, transparent, and merit-based recruitment. Women, youth, persons with disabilities, and qualified candidates from all communities are encouraged to apply. Late applications or incomplete submissions may not be considered.