Project Operations Manager at National Industrial Training Authority (NITA)

Duties and Responsibilities of Project Operations Manager

Specific duties and responsibilities of this assignment include:

3.1 Provide technical advice on the proposed PIU structure and operational arrangement for effective implementation of KYEOP Component 1. The consultant will work closely with the PIU members to identify the operational arrangements and systems for all processes under KYEOP Component 1 including tracking of beneficiaries.

3.2 The consultant will be required to: a) develop a clear understanding of all processes and roles of functional units of the PIU, b) assess the existing capacity of the PIU in terms of key skills and competences with respect to assigned roles; and propose actions to fill these gaps.

3.3 Review and provide technical inputs to TORs for recruiting Officers to NITA-KYEOP PIU.

3.4 Provide technical advice on the training requirements for the PIU members, including assessment of the existing capacity and development of a capacity building plan PIU.

The Project Operations Manager will be expected to carry out the following tasks:

a) Review the structure of NITA-KYEOP PIU and its various functional units,

b) Review the roles and inter-relation of PIUs functional units,

c) Provide technical advice and inputs regarding the processes, roles and interrelation between the various PIU functional units,

d) Provide inputs on the roles and TORs of every functional unit,

e) Provide technical advice on human, physical and infrastructural requirements of setting up the NITA-KYEOP PIU,

f) Establish systems to ensure effective and efficient delivery of all operational outputs for component one targets

g) Prepare the Work Breakdown Structure and design control and reporting systems,

h) Provide overall operational management for the implementation of the component one initial targets linked to all project areas,

i) Coordinate the preparation of the annual work program and budget for the program and funding agency and of the quarterly financial monitoring report

j) Manage and/or supervise project staff, international and local consultants, to ensure effective resource allocation, quality and timeliness of work; and participate actively in periodic evaluations of staff performance

k) Foster a team environment, mentor staff, and ensure that capacity building is integrated into all project activities

l) Oversee the timely preparation and submission of accurate and reliable project implementation progress reports, including interim financial statements, to the National Steering Committee, as well as the World Bank

m) Participate in regular project review meetings

n) Manage the implementation and maintenance of an adequate control environment to manage the fiduciary risks of the project

o) Visit project sites regularly to supervise the implementation of the project activities to a) identify where adaptations are required and b) to engage and gain feedback from stakeholders at all levels, including the primary stakeholders (youth)

p) Ensure that project items are delivered in accordance with the project action plan, outputs/outcomes and budgets,

q) Ensure regular monitoring of the status of project activities (through the preparation and updating of implementation plans and schedules, operations manuals, disbursement projections, etc.), including preparation and transmission of comprehensive progress reports as required under the conditions of the Loan Agreement, and any other reporting requirements under the project

r) Prepare and present detailed project progress reports to the Project Coordinator as required.

Consultant’s Qualifications and Key Skills

a) Post graduate degree in development studies, management or administration, regional planning, international development or related field;

b) A minimum of seven years of high level professional experience in program formulation, coordination and/or management in large organizations with multiple partners;

c) undertaken projects of similar scope in at least one developing country in Africa in the last five years;

d) experience of working in industry or skills training environment and broad understanding of labour market dynamics in the formal and informal sectors in Kenya will be an added advantage;

e) Knowledge of Computer Programs and Applications,

f) Excellent leadership skills including relationship management and written and verbal communications skills,

g) Ability and willingness to work long hours, take responsibility for delivery and meet tight deadlines.