Project Manager at Candle of Hope Foundation

Background and the positions Context

In the marginal agricultural areas like Makueni and Kitui Counties, consecutive below average rains have resulted in crop failure, according to the SRA. The October to December (OND) short rains is the main production season in marginal agricultural areas, accounting for 70 per cent of annual production. Yet, in over four consecutive seasons since 2021, many households did not plant, and among those who did, most crops either wilted or failed to germinate, according to the Short Rains Assessment. Poor households in these areas also rely on livestock as a source of food and income, which has been challenged by the significant deterioration in livestock conditions and productivity as a result of the drought. Household purchasing power is expected to decline as agricultural labour opportunities remain low, the value of livestock declines, and staple food prices increase amid an imminent sixth season of poor rains and subsequent poor local production

Candle of Hope Foundation contracted as a Service Provider by FAO Kenya is going to implement a 4.5 months project in Makueni and Kitui Counties. This project will promote the transversal application of the Cash+ approach (cash transfer + livelihoods protection/rehabilitation activity) across all county projects. Cash+ is one of the humanitarian activities on which FAO has a clear added value, and for which through this programme we could draw results and lesson learned. This approach will provide individuals with cash assistance to meet their basic food needs while also providing inputs to support a path towards a sustainable livelihood during and after the cash assistance ends. In order to strengthen its technical and operational capacities in implementing this project, COHF is seeking a highly motivated Project Manager. S/he will work under the overall supervision of the Executive Director, the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator and in close collaboration with the relevant County Steering Committee (CSG) team members.

Duties and Responsibilities.

Under the overall supervision of the Head of Office, the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator, the Project Manager will perform the following tasks:- 

• Implement and coordinate all project activities ensuring efficient and quality project(s);
• Establish and maintain close collaboration and working arrangements with national/international staff, experts and support personnel engaged in the project(s) and provide day to day support as needed;
• Coordinate, prepare, update and manage the project(s) workplan(s), operational manuals(s) and information for planned deployment of short-term expertise and procurement actions, and monitor their implementation consistent with FAO rules and procedures, donor requirements and political/security constraints;
• Manage beneficiary selection respecting FAO AAP commitments and follow up processes to ensure compliance with the criteria.
• Keep track of the main milestones and activities and deliverables, with regards to  the gender/age/geographical considerations in the outreach activities of the project and lead immediate corrective actions with the project team and partners to ensure effective and timely participation;
• Coordinate the training activities addressing the enhancement of the capacities and service delivery of the related units of MoA and other partners.
• Maintain effective relationships with and ensure the buy-in of project partners, beneficiaries and stakeholders including for example private sector organizations, associations and cooperatives, and identify and develop opportunities for partnership where possible;
• Ensure familiarity and compliance with FAO commitments to Accountability to Affected Population including Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse guidelines and FAO Grievance Redressal Mechanism;
• Organize, and prepare background information and updates on project progress (including achievements and bottlenecks) for regular project meetings;
• Prepare project progress reports in line with donor requirements and FAO rules and procedures in a timely manner;
• Ensure visibility of project activities and achievements in close collaboration with the reporting and communication team;
• Contribute to the formulation of concept notes and/or project documents for relevant or follow up projects;
• Ensure the dissemination of information related to FAO Grievances/PSEA related information among affected communities and raising awareness on access to the dedicated channels of communication; 
• Perform other related duties as required.