Junior Associate: Worplace Nutrition Project at Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN)

Classification: E2-Junior Associate

Direct Reports: 0

Travel Required:50%

Description

Overall Purpose:

The purpose of the Project Assistant will be to provide project management support to the Senior Specialist M&E and Project Manager, in implementing GAIN’s activities under the Workplace Nutrition project. This will include day to day project management with oversight of the executing agencies (EAs), on-going engagement with Executing agency and other key government stakeholders at the national and county levels. The Project Assistant will work closely within the GAIN Kenya team and with key departments in GAIN headquarters for the smooth and coordinated implementation of the project. The person will also provide support to the monitoring of the project with field travel. This is a 2 year fixed contract position. Activities that the Project assistant will directly oversee will include but not limited to, working with executing agencies (EAs) to ensure engagement to ensure timely and quality implementation though regular supervision and monitoring activities.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Project Management
  • Supporting the Project Manager, Workplace Nutrition Project, Kenya in the overall management and implementation of the project
  • Maintain a database of all project beneficiaries
  • Participate in meetings with project partners and other stakeholders as required
  • Under the guidance of the Project manager, support in the overall reporting of the program progress including monthly, quarterly and annual reports for internal GAIN, donor and government requirements.
  • Ensure accurate and timely management of the funds and proper financial reporting, with support from the Project manager and Finance team.
  • Visit the field regularly to ensure that project progress is on track and risk mitigation plan is up to date.
  • Closely follow up with project partners and EAs responsible for implementing and provide technical assistance and undertake regular supervision to ensure the smooth running of the project and timely execution of the below specific activities:
• Monitor
• Support in routine project monitoring
  • Support in continuous and on-going cross-corrections
• Communication
  • Support the development of appropriate communication materials, technical documents, advocacy briefs and related materials to drive key project activities.

Key Organizational Relationships

The person will work closely with:

• GAIN Kenya country team and reporting to Project Manager, Workplace
• Government, executing agencies and other key external stakeholders
• Finance, HR, IT and Legal colleagues in GAIN HQ and Project leads within GAIN

Job Requirements

Competences (Skills and Attributes)

• Excellent project management skills including time and personal organization
• Excellent analytical, writing and presentation skills both verbal & written, with full command of Power Point, MS Excel and MS Word and Outlook
• Willingness and ability to work in a multi-cultural, high pressure, results-driven environment
• High level of professionalism and integrity

Experience:

• Sound experience in project management, implementation, grantee oversight within international development / food industry experience
• Demonstrated success in being part of multi-disciplinary teams, engaging government and private sector stakeholders and collaborators in challenging program environments
• Understanding of country level program delivery, documentation and coordination
• Experience in a global, multicultural organization preferred
• Experience working in a public/private partnership environment highly desirable

Education:

Bachelors in nutrition, health, food science or a suitable equivalent is desirable

Other Requirements

• Fluent written and verbal English and Swahili
• A willingness and ability to travel extensively
• Advocacy, communication and leadership skills
• Eligible to live and work in Kenya, this is a local position