Policy and Programme Manager at African Women’s Development and Communication Network

Policy and Programme Manager – Ref : FNT/EOI/23/2022

We are currently seeking an exceptional, passionate, dynamic, and gender equality expert to join us, as The Policy and Programme Manager (PPM). Reporting to the Executive Director, the PPM will coordinate FEMNET’s programmes and projects ensuring that the organisation takes advantage of the synergies that enhance the effectiveness of the Network’s Programmes and activities. This is a full-time role based in FEMNET’s secretariat in Nairobi Kenya.

Job purpose

The Policy and Programme Manager will contribute to the conceptualisation of the initiatives and projects to be undertaken under the five key thematic areas – Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Economic Justice and Rights, Women Leadership, Climate Justice and Natural Resources Governance, and Violence Against Women and Girls. The holder of the position will work closely with diverse teams to formulate and implement the annual work plan for the Network in accordance with FEMNET’s contractual obligations and internal policies and processes. The PPM will ensure quality reports are done on a timely basis meeting the necessary standards and responding to strategy. The position holder is also responsible to consult with the Executive Director on matters of programme staff and Board of Directors’ development and ensure the implementation of the agreed plans and monitor progress. The PPM will work closely with the Executive Director and Finance and Operations Manager to ensure that FEMNET has the resources required to sustain the institutional and programmes’ related obligations.

Main Duties include:

Mission, Strategy and Systems

• Provide strategic oversight, technical design and management of programmes to ensure timely delivery of high-quality outputs.
• Works closely with Executive Director in order to develop and fulfil FEMNET mission and strategic goals, including formulation and implementation of the next strategic plan (2019-2023)
• Support the establishment and compliance with systems, policies and procedures.
• Work with the Executive Director, programme staff and other departments to develop, implement and evaluate strategic plans and corresponding work plans in order to improve performance standards and organisational effectiveness.
• Lead and manage program trends analysis for agility and evolvement of programme strategies.
• In collaboration with the Head of Finance and Operations, support drafting and monitoring of program budgets and prepare budget amendments where necessary.

Management and Advisory

• Provide management advisory on all aspects of program, and be a member of the executive management team
• Manage staff development through performance-based management, leadership and job designs
• Support the Executive Director in duties relating to the Board including preparing and Organising the Board Calendar and full Board meetings
• Deputise and represent the Executive Director in her absence or as may be required.
• Support effective and efficient operation of the FEMNET Secretariat including: Organisational development, program support, technical assistance
• Manage the identified risks associated with programmes using generally accepted frameworks and standards.
• Membership strengthening and movement building and Advocacy
• Support the recruitment and retention of diverse and strong like-minded Organisations and individuals to join FEMNET network
• Facilitate effective collaboration between FEMNET Secretariat, members and the broader Women’s movement in Africa and globally.
• Ensure interlinkages and complementarity of the Secretariat and members work.
• Lead in initiating co-creation of programme activities with relevant stakeholders.

Monitoring Evaluation and Learning

• Lead Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning by ensuring that all Program staff prepare their quarterly reports in line with the M& E framework of the organisation, and consolidation into annual narrative reports for internal learning and sharing with different stakeholders including the Board and Members.
• Ensure the timely preparation of narrative and financial reports for on-going programmes/projects according to FEMNET’s contractual obligations in collaboration with relevant project leads and operations department, and coordinate grant closures in line with generally accepted practices, donor requirements and FEMNET policies and procedures.

Resource Mobilisation and Sustainability

• Co-lead and Coordinate resource mobilisation through development of programme/project proposals, identifying and building mutually beneficial relationships with potential partners and ensure that Grant agreements are adhered to accordingly.
• Ensure effective and efficient financial and resource management of all programmes
• Support and strategically contribute to FEMNET’s financial sustainability (FS) in order to strengthen FEMNET’s ability to realize its strategic goals in pursuit of the Organisation’s mission.

Specific responsibility to the (Financial Sustainability), include:

• Working closely with Board members and staff to secure and maintain long-term, flexible and diverse sources of funding to sustain FEMNET’s operations and programmes towards achieving its strategic goals.
• In line with the above maintain good and strong relationships with all FEMNET donors, ensuring accountability and delivery of high impact programmes and co-lead in implementing the Resource Mobilisation Strategy.

Communication and Public Relations

• Generally, support improvement of the ability of programme staff involved in information provision to stakeholder, to ensure that all persons who need our services know how to access them.
• Support the development and maintenance of strategic relationship with key stakeholders in the women’s movement in Africa and globally including CSOs, UN Agencies, African Union Institutions and Organs, Governments and progressive Private Sectors.
• Facilitate modelling of public relations in line with each key stakeholder segments.
• Facilitate innovative information and knowledge sharing internally and externally, using the most common and available traditional and modern channels.
• Represent FEMNET in different for a as may be agreed upon with the Executive Director.

Who we are looking for;

This role offers a unique opportunity for an individual with a genuine passion and commitment to work for the advancement of gender equality and women and girls’ rights by leading programmes of one of the largest and influential Pan-African feminist networks. Additionally, an individual who is

• Approachable with strong interpersonal & listening skills together with the ability to empower their team
• Highly motivated, result oriented and self-driven – able to adopt FEMNET’s policies, rules and regulations with understanding of due process, financial transparency and accountability
• High integrity and ethical behaviour in all dealings and ensure that own behaviour is consistent with FEMNET’s values and standards
• Demonstrate high standards and expertise in all areas of work; managing work stress effectively whilst prioritising multiple tasks and competing deadlines
• Result oriented: Conceive, plan and implement events that drive influence and stakeholder engagement; Consistently meet set goals
• Effective negotiator and problem-solver in complex situations, including with partners;
• Team oriented, versatile, personable and flexible with ability to work in collaboratively with colleagues across regions, in a multi-cultural environment and across different time-zones
• Independent and proactive professional able to contribute to the overall goal of the initiative

Minimum requirements, qualifications, skills and experience

Education and Experience

• At least 6 years’ experience, achievement and qualifications against the majority of the terms of refence above
• Demonstrate commitment and experience in gender and development and/or women’s human rights organising in Africa in all of its diversity—including a commitment to African women’s autonomy and choice and African Feminist Principles
• Experience working at the African regional level and international levels including working with African Union Institutions/Organs and UN Bodies.
• Demonstrate experience in programme/project management, including programme/project conceptualisation, development, resource mobilisation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
• Demonstrate training and/or experience in programme/project management, including programme/project conceptualisation, development, resource mobilisation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
• Proven experience in managing and leading teams and staff team building.
• Strong oral and written communication skills to a wide range of audiences at local, regional and international levels
• Must have Bachelor’s degree and Master’s Degree in a relevant field from a recognised university.
• Demonstrate capacity to communicate and work in both English and French will be added advantage.
• Must be willing to travel frequently within Africa and internationally

Application process

Interested applicants should send their intent letter accompanied by resume with names and addresses of 3 professional referees (not more than 3 pages including telephone and e-mail)