Project Manager at Self Help Africa

Department: Programmes

Location: Dairy Research Institute, KALRO, Naivasha, Kenya

Reports to: Head of Programmes SHA on Administration issues and Technical Director on Technical issues.

Salary: Ksh240,000 monthly; Consolidated gross salary

Benefits: 22 days annual leave, Medical Insurance (self + spouse and up to 4 children), 10% Employer pension contribution and 25% leave allowance

Job Purpose: The purpose of the job is to manage the delivery of a project; Climate Smart Research and Innovation for Livestock Development in Kenya with a focus on Dairying.

The project will be implemented by a consortium of partners, with Teagasc (Ireland) as lead contractor, substantial roles for Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) who will have overall responsibility for on-station activities and in-country project management by Self-Help Africa (SHA).

The overall objective of this project is to strengthen the dairy sector in Kenya by supporting KALRO in the development of dairy cattle breeding programmes appropriate for the feed resources available in different ecological zones. This will allow KALRO take a leadership role in determining the most appropriate dairy cattle breeding programme appropriate for the feed resource available in the country and contribute evidence to livestock policymaking at county and national level.

The subsidiary objectives are:

• To evaluate different breeds/strains of dairy cattle under alternative feeding/management systems on-station and on-farm and to measure the interaction of breed/strain of cow by feeding system.
• To develop an Economic Breeding Index (EBI) to enable the assessment of the value of different animal traits to farm profitability, and to develop a capacity in Bio-Economic modelling so as to be able to put economic value on traits of importance in the Kenyan environment.
• To disseminate results by sharing knowledge and experience with farmers through outreach and demonstration effects for farmers, and to create linkages with farmers and private sector through dairy co-operatives and dairy processors

The Project Manager will be responsible for providing leadership, working closely with the project technical partners and ensuring direct management for delivery of SHA’s responsibilities under the project.

The Project Manager will be the day-to-day point of contact for the Embassy of Ireland on behalf of the project; will commission external procurement (e.g. monitoring and evaluation activities); prepare reports; and convene Steering Committee meetings.

This is a strategic role within Self Help Africa Kenya for a highly committed and results-orientated person with excellent organisational and communication skills, as well as enthusiasm and initiative.

Qualifications:

Essential:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Animal Production, Veterinary Medicine with a good understanding of the project cycle management and rural development (A Master degree in similar fields will be an added advantage)
• Strong research, evaluation and analytical skills
• Strong computer skills especially with Ms Word and Excel and other related packages