Programme Development and Quality Lead at Veterinaires Sans Frontieres

Reporting to: Country Director

Expected Start Date: 01 February 2020

Duration: One year, subject to extension based on availability of donor funds and acceptable performance.

Overall Responsibilities:

The position requires a charismatic, dynamic, articulate and highly skilled individual with exceptional ability and capacity to provide all rounded support to the management of the country programs in a busy and highly fast paced environment. Based in Nairobi and with frequent travels to field project sites, and under the direct supervision of the Country Director, the Programme Development and Quality Lead

will in close collaboration with the Project Team Leaders and Country Office Management Team, undertake the following duties:

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the design and strategic development of the overall country program in accordance with the organization’s strategic plan, government development plans and donor priorities that effectively responds to and addresses the critical short-term emergency and long term development needs of target beneficiaries.
• Support fundraising efforts and program portfolio development through effective liaison, coordination, networking and communication with potential donors, partners, counterparts and target beneficiaries.
• Effectively lead in the development of project concept notes and proposals
• Ensure strict adherence to program management compliance issues, including guidance and technical backstopping to field project management teams on quality program implementation through field visits.
• Coordinate, collaborate, cooperate and liaise with the country and field level program management teams to ensure effective follow up on all issues relating to field program implementation through effective communication, information management and timely response actions.
• Lead and supervise field assessment missions to identify and prioritize needs and programming opportunities
• In cooperation with the Team Leaders and Country Office Management Team, ensure timely preparation and submission of quality country program reports, project specific reports and any other thematic reports
• Spearhead the preparation of thematic presentations, articles, publications and other such materials as may be necessary for enhancing learning and raising the profile of the organization’s work
• Link up with the Finance Department and closely follow up on project specific budgets and ensure timely planning on project implementation and prudent budgetary control
• Support the development of Terms of References for open technical staff positions and scheduled consultancies and other such contracts, agreements, memorandum of understanding etc in line with the requirements
• Support the development of effective M & E tools and ensure their application in collection of quality program data, safe management of a central data base and reporting in conjunction with the MEALS Officer.
• Support program procurement processes and procedures in close cooperation with the Operations Team to ensure quality supplies and adherence to laid down procurement procedures in line with program requirements.
• Induct, guide and supervise the work of short-term consultants and interns in line with their terms of references and support the review and finalization of consultancy reports.
• Represent VSF Suisse in key technical thematic and cluster coordination meetings, government partners and donor meetings in Kenya, Somalia and Djibouti and support the work of cluster thematic groups and other initiatives relevant to the organization’s programming strategies, notably the FSL and WASH Clusters.
• Act on behalf of the Country Director and attend to other pressing program related matters as may be assigned from time to time.

Qualifications, Experience & Skills required

• Adaptability and flexibility: Ability to manage a large workload and multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines.
• A basic degree in Veterinary Medicine/Animal Health Science or other relevant field with a Masters in International Development, Social Sciences, Economics, Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Veterinary medicine or other relevant field.
• At least 10 years’ of progressive relevant experience in, but not restricted to, a pastoral/agro-pastoral setting) in NGO work at the middle to senior management level
• Excellent working knowledge of a variety of donor funds management and reporting requirements
• Ability to establish priorities, plan, coordinate and effectively execute functions under pressure with minimal supervision to meet tight deadlines
• Excellent communication (spoken and written English) skills, ability to prepare and present information and prepare written documents /communications in a clear and concise style.
• Excellent ability to make presentations, articulate issues and negotiate on sound options, defend positions and recommendations will be highly desirable.
• Creative, proactive, flexible and adaptable in delicate and challenging circumstances is highly desirable
• Excellent computer skills, proficiency in various computer software packages including word processing, spreadsheet and internet applications; familiarity with database management desirable.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Excellent organizational, managerial and report writing skills.
• Must be a team player with positive attitude towards learning and supervision and ability to mentor, coach, guide and supervise subordinate staff
• Ability to travel on short notice, manage tight deadlines and cope with life in remote, harsh and mostly risky environments
• Person of integrity –honesty and good moral standing