Project Manager at Heifer International

• The project strengthens production and productivity, leverages digital technology, promotes blended financing, and mobilizes strategic partnerships for catalytic investments in favor of behavior and social norms change for increased resilience, income, and improved practices within the beef and poultry ecosystem. The project activities will be implemented in nine counties in Kenya, with an operational hub in Nairobi and Eldoret, and satellite offices in Kajiado and Isiolo.

FUNCTION

• The Project Manager will be responsible for the overall management and successful implementation of the KLMP project. S/he will ensure full compliance with the donor contract, reporting, and financial regulations process. S/he will oversee the performance management of project staff.

This position is contingent upon donor approval and funding.

Essential Character Traits

• Heifer International Kenya is looking for a self-motivated, values and result oriented and an individual of high integrity and accountability to fill in the position of Project Manager.

Responsibilities & Deliverables

• Project management and program effectiveness (40%): Day-to-day management and implementation to ensure achievement of project objectives and outputs & activities.
• Provide overall leadership and management of the Project including technical, team, and operational.
• Collaborate with the project team and Signature Program Technical Lead and other function heads to develop annual workplans and budgets.
• Coach staff to assist them in carrying out their assignments to achieve individual and project targets and facilitate their performance management processes.
• Work closely with the Signature Program Technical Lead and other function heads in relevant departments to ensure timely review, submission, and dissemination of project information and reports.
• Project planning, monitoring, and reporting (30%)
• Ensure compliance with donor requirements and Heifer’s internal policies and procedures.
• Accountable for quality and timely reporting, project reviews and documentation, and sharing of learnings.
• Responsible for Project documentation, audits, and global indicator monitoring and evaluation reports.
• Oversee regular documentation and dissemination of Project Success stories and lessons learned.
• Stakeholder’s management (25 %)
• Build and manage relationships and represent the organization and the Project at the county and national levels.
• Maintain regular communication and engagement with the donor.
• Collaborate with relevant local, international, and private sector partners or stakeholders.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing through establishing strategies and creating appropriate forums for multi-stakeholder’s engagement and learning.
• Develop strategies for capturing and sharing Project knowledge with the donor.
• Develop the project exit strategy.
• May perform other job-related duties as assigned (5%)
• Any other job-related tasks assigned by the line manager or Country Director

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in project planning and management, agriculture, agribusiness, business administration, enterprise development, and other relevant qualifications.
• Seven (7) years of relevant experience in Program management, extension, and community development work.

Preferred Requirements

• Master’s Degree in relevant professional discipline.
• Four (4) years of supervisory/managerial experience.
• Thorough knowledge of programming processes, systems, and principles, and the ability to provide leadership and support to staff working at community level.
• Strong poultry value chain and livestock sector experience.
• Strong background and experience in the capacity building of producer organizations including dairy cooperatives.
• Partnership management experience and working through partnership structures, consortiums, and private sector partners.
• Sound business knowledge especially in the agricultural and agribusiness sector.
• Solid knowledge and foundation in proposal development, financial and budget management, and of project management cycle.
• Sound knowledge of value chain development on various agricultural commodities including the Poultry and Livestock sectors.

Most Critical Proficiencies

• Strong business skills, leadership, strategic, and innovation skills.
• Strong communication skills in both English, Swahili, and other local languages of the cluster area.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the latest developments in advancing good/best practices in dairy value chain development.
• Demonstrated creativity, ability to think systematically, willingness, and ability to incorporate innovative solutions and design catalytic activities within the value chain (e.g., the concept of quality-based pricing).
• Demonstrated ability to design and implement strategies aimed at providing institutional capacity building’ to key partner institutions with a view to building a more efficient, competitive, and sustainable dairy industry. This requirement is in line with the need to have in-built ‘exit strategies’ within the project as a measure of ensuring that there are self-sustaining businesses by project end.
• Ability to manage training programs targeted at farmers in animal husbandry, feed, and health.
• Knowledge of and experience in setting up cottage industries for processing for onward supply to niche markets as well as implementing supply promotion/stimulation strategies in the context of the Poultry and Livestock sub-sector.
• Experience in building and managing strategic partnerships with the public and private sector including in extension and processing.
• Strong computer literacy, preferably with Microsoft Office Suite.

Essential Job Functions And Physical Demands

• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to relate to individuals diplomatically and tactfully.
• Must be courteous, honest, and of high integrity, especially in high-pressure situations.
• Proven interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to relate to individuals and groups diplomatically and tactfully.
• Self-starter and self-motivator with the ability to work in a multicultural setting.
• Must be a team player and can execute and manage multiple tasks with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.