Programme Manager – Strengthening the Competitiveness of the Cassava Value Chain in Kenya at Self Help Africa

Job Purpose

The overall objective of the European Union-funded Cassava Value Chain Programme is to increase food and nutrition security, employment and income among 20,000 smallholder-farming households (at least 60% women) in seven Counties (Kisumu, Homabay, Migori, Siaya, Busia and Kilifi).

Specifically, the programme intends to increase income levels amongst target households through increased cassava production for both subsistence and trade; it will reduce the hunger gap amongst target households by promoting cassava, a drought-tolerant crop; create 5,600 net equivalent jobs amongst the Farmer Business Groups supported by the programme; increase the decision-making power of female farmers through an integrated gender sensitive approach and improve on the dietary diversity of cassava-producing households through the promotion of intercropping with legumes and pulses, cassava products and nutrition education.

The Programme Manager will be responsible for ensuring successful implementation of the European Union-funded Cassava Value Chain Programme through managing effective partnerships with the implementing organisations. The Programme Manager will be responsible for providing leadership, technical oversight and ensuring direct management of all activities related to the programme. This is a challenging 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.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership and management of all aspects of the programme cycle: design, planning, implementation, quality and accountability, monitoring and evaluation.
• Work in close liaison with implementing partners and other stakeholders including SHA programme staff to coordinate coherent and consistent delivery of the programme objectives;
• Manage the programme budget in close collaboration with the Head of Programmes and Head of Finance
• Compile periodic programme reports as required by the donor and SHA;
• Ensure effective integration of core technical areas – Nutrition, Social Inclusion, Enterprise Development, Agriculture and Natural Resource Management
• Facilitate the capacity of program beneficiaries (farmers’ associations/cooperatives/MSMEs) to identify and venture into sustainable value chain related opportunities;
• Ensure compliance by SHA and partners with contract requirements in planning, financial management, procurement, monitoring and reporting, and facilitate further training where necessary.
• Advise on technical aspects of market/value chain development in the programme as required;
• Advise on technical aspects on working with financial institutions to increase access to finance
• Assess the partners for technical training and capacity building needs and carry out in-house training, as well as arranging external training where required;
• Represent SHA at government, donor, NGO and other relevant events in the field in close coordination with the Head of Programmes and ensure that the Cassava Value Chain Programme collaborates and networks stakeholders;
• Provide technical input for the implementation of the programme including in the preparation of work plans, strategies, training materials, guides and manuals;
• Facilitate effective communication between SHA and stakeholders for effective programme management;
• Act as the focal point with SHA country office to ensure all programming, financial and administrative matters related to the programme are transparently, expediently and effectively managed, in line with established processes, rules and regulations;
• In conjunction with the M&E Coordinator, facilitate monitoring and learning by ensuring that effective mechanisms are in place to monitor activities and outputs and assessments for programme quality and impact and ensure programme implementation is on time, target and budget;
• Create and maintain systems ensuring effective and transparent use of financial resources for timely reporting in line with EU and SHA policies and procedures.
• Ensure the programme has sufficient systems in place to meet programme management standards and comply with donor regulations and good practice;
• Monitor external context and carry out adjustments to project plans, where necessary;
• Ensure all SHA safety and security guidelines are followed and that all safety or security incidents (fires, accidents, theft, etc.) are recorded and reported;
• Ensure efficient use and management of project resources including transport;
• Facilitate effective teamwork, coordination and work planning among development partners;
• Any other tasks as assigned by the Head of Programmes.

Key Relationships:

Internal

• Head of Programmes and Programme Coordinators
• Finance and Administration Team
• Cassava Value Chain Programme staff
• Self Help Africa Kenya Country Management Team

External

• Project implementation partners
• Stakeholders including government, research institutes, financial institutions, external auditors, donors, academic institutions and private companies

Knowledge and Experience:

• At least five years’ experience in the implementation of agri-business projects, market systems/value chain or related projects, at a similar level
• At least 3 Years of staff management experience
• Experience in managing multi-year donor-funded programmes
• A thorough understanding of project cycle management approaches and tools – including participatory vulnerability and capacity assessment and planning, project appraisal, monitoring and evaluation and partners’ capacity building,
• Experience in working with Agricultural MSMEs
• Experience in Agri- Value chain financing and working with financial institutions
• Experience in designing strategies and approaches for enhancing agricultural production and rural livelihoods among small holder farmers
• Familiarity and experience with EU funding and regulations preferred
• Experience in networking among development partners and government departments
• Bachelor’s Degree preferably in Agriculture, Agri-business or a related field.
• Strong computer skills especially with MS Word and Excel and other related packages
• Ability to work in partnerships with local NGOs: diplomatic, supportive (including coaching), capable of ensuring best practice and dealing with performance issues

Role Competencies:

• Excellent verbal, analytical, organisational and writing skills
• People management skills
• Proactive and motivated with a strong commitment to Self Help Africa’s vision, mission and values
• Strong computer skills especially with MS Word and Excel and other related packages
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and team building skills
• Ability and resilience to cope with multiple internal and external demands
• High level skills and experience in capacity building and mentoring skills
• Ability to work as part of team across different cultures
• Ability to work with minimum supervision
• High level of initiative, motivation, commitment and professionalism