Project Manager, CASCADE at Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN)

About the Role

• GAIN and CARE are implementing the CAtalyzing Strengthened policy aCtion for heAlthy Diets and resiliencE (CASCADE) that aims to improve food security and contribute to the reduction of malnutrition of at least 5 million women of reproductive age and children under 5 in Benin, Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia and Mozambique. The programme has two strategic objectives: it aims to increase access to and consumption of healthy diets, as well as increasing the resilience of households to economic and climate change-related shocks across the six countries, with a focus on women of reproductive age and children.
• The Project Manager provides functional, technical and leadership to project teams in the CASACDE project.
• They will lead a high performing cross-functional project team, and establish, manage and maintain relationships with relevant partners and stakeholders. They are responsible for the overall project management leadership and ensure the project team implement project activities within approved plans, budget, and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities include

• Responsible for the management and implementation of the CASCADE project
• Monitor risks and develop contingency plans to respond to emergencies. Escalate issues when appropriate.
• In consultation with the Head of Policy and Advocacy provide strategic leadership in the design, planning and implementation of the project as per the GAIN Project Management Guidelines (PMG).
• Define project scope, activities and objectives in line with the GAIN business plans, programme frameworks, and organizational strategic priorities.
• Monitor, attend and engage to represent GAIN, in key national-level and country-level policy fora and meetings as needed.
• Develop project implementation plan for the CASCADE project as well as relationship management between GAIN and CARE in Kenya in consultation with the Head of Policy.
• Synthesize and generate evidence from GAIN  programmes that can help drive the policy agenda for nutritious and safe food in Kenya.
• Support the Head of policy and Advocacy in the drafting of reports, policy papers and briefs, factsheets and other policy documents by drawing from GAIN learnings, values and priorities.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with civil society, INGOs, government entities, private sector and other organizations.  

About you

• The ideal candidate should have experience managing projects with a focus on policy, advocacy and influencing in addition to proven experience in delivering projects on time / on budget, using project management processes and tools including risk management, benefits management, financial management and quality assurance. Proven ability in staff management, including coaching, motivation, performance assessment, conflict prevention and management is required.
• The post holder should be able to tie policy and nutritional outcomes for effective implementation of interventions in addition to proven experience working with multiple stakeholders in government, private sector actors and civil society partners. You should be able to mobilize individuals within and outside your reporting line.
• Experience working in a matrix setting is highly desired combined with excellent skills in project management and strategic planning. The candidate should have degree or recognized international accreditation in project management, postgraduate university degree in business management, sustainable development, economics, Nutrition, development studies, peace and conflict studies or related field preferred.