Project Manager at Strathmore Business School

JOB PURPOSE:

• The Project Manager will oversee day-to-day planning, execution, and delivery of project activities across the seven target counties, ensuring that timelines, budgets, and quality standards are met. The position requires strong coordination skills to manage teams, partners, and stakeholders for effective implementation of animal feed and livestock value chain strengthening interventions.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Project Planning & Execution

• Develop detailed implementation plans, work plans, and activity schedules aligned with the project timeline.
• Coordinate all project activities including baseline assessments, training programs, cooperative strengthening, and market linkages.
• Ensure timely procurement of inputs (certified seeds, processing equipment, training materials).
• Manage establishment of 7 demonstration plots (1 acre each) across target counties.
• Oversee installation and operationalization of small-scale feed processing units.

 Field Coordination & Implementation

• Coordinate activities across seven counties (Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Uasin Gishu, Nandi, Trans Nzoia, and Nyandarua).
• Work closely with county agricultural departments and extension services.
• Facilitate farmer mobilization and cooperative engagement at ward level.
• Organize and coordinate training sessions, workshops, and trade fairs.
• Conduct regular field visits to monitor progress and provide technical support

Budget & Financial Management

• Prepare detailed budget breakdowns for each activity component.
• Monitor expenditures against approved budgets and ensure cost-effectiveness.
• Process procurement requests and vendor payments in compliance with Strathmore University and donor requirements.
• Track budget utilization and provide monthly financial reports to the Project Director.

Team Coordination & Supervision

• Directly supervise the Project Coordinator and Administrative Associate.
• Coordinate activities of outsourced experts (Agricultural Extension Officer, Seed Expert,
• Quality Assurance Expert, Market Analyst).
• Organize team meetings and ensure effective communication.
• Support capacity building and professional development of team members.

Partner & Stakeholder Liaison

• Maintain regular communication with KALRO, KEPHIS, KEBS, ILRI, TradeMark Africa, and other technical partners.
• Coordinate with business associations (KAM, KNCCI) for market linkage activities.
• Facilitate partnerships with input suppliers and service providers.
• Engage with farmer cooperatives and CBOs at implementation level.

 Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Ensure all activities meet technical quality standards and donor requirements.
• Monitor compliance with traceability mechanisms and quality assurance protocols.
• Oversee KEBS/KEPHIS certification processes for feed products.
• Ensure gender and youth mainstreaming targets are achieved (40% women, 30% youth).

Monitoring & Reporting

• Collect and compile progress data from field activities.
• Prepare monthly progress reports for the Project Director.
• Contribute to interim and final project reports.
• Document lessons learned and best practices.
• Support the MEAL team with data collection and verification.

Risk Management

• Identify operational risks and implement mitigation measures.
• Address implementation challenges promptly and effectively.
• Report significant risks to the Project Director with proposed solutions.
• Maintain the project risk register with quarterly updates. P

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

The post holder will be required to have and demonstrate evidence of the following qualifications, attributes, and skills:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• Minimum 5-7 years' experience in development project management.
• Proven experience managing donor-funded projects (Irish Aid, USAID, or similar).
• Strong understanding of Kenyan agricultural value chains and cooperative systems.
• Demonstrated financial management and budget oversight skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and project management tools.
• Excellent organizational and coordination skills.
• Willingness to travel extensively.