Programme Manager at WTS Energy

Overview of Role

• Support the implementation of Ireland’s foreign policy and development priorities, including The Global Island: Ireland’s Foreign Policy for a Changing World; Ireland’s international development policy A Better World and Global Ireland: Ireland’s Strategy for Africa to 2025 in the region.
• Report to the Deputy Head of Mission/Head of Cooperation and lead the effective management of programmes, grants and partnerships, in-line with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) standards ensuring delivery effectiveness and efficiency, robust oversight, value for money and risk management.
• Contribute to the overall effectiveness and visibility of the Embassy by managing partnerships and grants, facilitating strategic planning/review processes, documenting and communicating learning and best practice.
• Performance manage Programme Officer including their learning and development and work effectively in a whole of Embassy approach.
• Contribute to overall strategic planning, annual business planning and lead on reporting and supporting the design and implementation of a new mission strategy to guide our work between 2023 and 2027.
• Provide high quality briefing material as required, including regular analysis of the policy, legal and socio-political environment relating to business plan priority areas nationally, regionally and globally.
• Develop and maintain a strong network of key stakeholders in Kenya (including Government of Kenya, Development Partners, research institutes, Civil Society, media and the private sector) and countries of accreditation.
• Represent the Embassy in meetings of relevant sector working groups and coordination structures and provide timely and trusted reporting ensuring that Ireland’s policy priorities are effectively promoted. Identify opportunities to integrate our development cooperation efforts into other areas of the mission strategy in a manner that strengthens coherence and builds synergies
• Work with the Embassy team to ensure a coherent and joined up approach to our overall mission business plan and strategy.

Other duties as may be required.

Essential requirements candidates must be able to demonstrate:

• Candidates must hold a completed post-graduate qualification in international development/relations, economics, and/or relevant field.
• Candidates must be able to demonstrate excellent written and spoken English. Applicants may be contacted in advance to establish language proficiency and a short written language test may be required.
• A minimum of eight years relevant experience working in a senior management role (managing people and complex projects) within a development and/or humanitarian agency nationally, regionally and/or internationally. Preference will be given to candidates with evidence of international management experience.
• Demonstrable experience working in at least two of our priority areas (climate smart agriculture, private sector development, gender equality and inclusive governance.)
• Candidates must have demonstrable experience with budgeting and financial management gained through budget-holding responsibilities.
• Excellent project management experience with proven experience of managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders and taking decisions.
• Experience in building and sustaining strong collaborative relationships, networks and multi-stakeholder partnerships and effectively representing organisations at senior levels.
• Demonstrable experience of leading strategic planning and learning/evaluation processes.
• A sound understanding of the political economy and the socio-economic environment in Kenya, including a clear understanding of the relevant Kenyan development/humanitarian policies and institutional frameworks.
• A proven capacity for delivering timely results and taking responsibility for quality outcomes demonstrating sound judgement.
• A high degree of flexibility and adaptability including managing competing priorities and delivering results at pace.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a small and high performing team.
• High degree of integrity and trust.
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly in Kenya and the region up to 30 days/year.