Project Officer at Micro Enterprises Support Programme Trust (MESPT)

Key Responsibilities

• Formulating and implementing work plans and budgets for programme activities.
• Promote functional collaboration with County Governments, Central Competent Authorities, and project/ development stakeholders.
• Take the lead in operationalizing the project implementation strategies and activities as defined in the project work plan.
• Work closely with farmers’ organizations in the respective/assigned Counties to identify opportunities, risks, and approaches for the Value Chain programme.
• Identify and review internally produced content and research new and innovative best practices to be incorporated in the Value Chain Programme.
• Analyze data for the purpose of improving the beneficiary training programme.
• Linking and integrating Value Chain various Models defined by programmes in value chain development.
• Ensure requisite site visits for key programme stakeholders are carried out to track financial and programmatic implementation Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning.
• Participate in programme planning & review and programme co-ordination meetings for MESPT.
• Participate in setting and tracking programme performance targets in line with overall strategic goal of the Programme.
• Support in data tracking, coding, and development of the value chain database in collaboration with MEAL to compile reliable and comparable data at an appropriate level of detail.
• Contribute to analytical work, advisory services and knowledge products related to the value chain, including studies and action plans, benchmarks, and indicators to monitor progress, training, and dissemination activities.
• Strengthening the linkages between Competent Authorities and County Governments for data collection coherence.
• Participate in preparation of activity, monthly, quarterly, biannual, and annual programmatic and financial reports.
• Facilitate documentation and sharing of information and lessons learnt with partners and other programme staff.
• Make complete and accurate periodic programme reports

Strategic Planning & Team Support

• Contribute to the formulation and review of MESPT Value Chain programme strategy and planning
• Work with other MESPT staff to identify and develop new ideas and strategic opportunities that contribute to the growth of the organization.
• Participate in fundraising proposal & concept note writing for new projects.
• Support Value Chain team members with information, tools and resources to improve performance and achieve objectives.
• Promote accountability, communicate expectations and provide constructive feedback informally or formally during regular one-on-one performance reviews
• Maintain a work environment that promotes mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence

Partnerships & Networking

• Identity partnership opportunities for MESPT leverage among the relevant stakeholders.
• In liaison with the Programme Manager represent the programme at county and national government levels, donors, partners, and other relevant events.
• Coordinate day to day activities with consortium partners, sub grantees, local government and other implementers, as well as with other MESPT programmes

Facilitate access to credit for farmers

• Sensitize and disseminate information to farmers on available credit products from the financial service providers.
• Coordinate trainings of farmer organizations on financial literacy, savings, and credit.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Any Other Duties that may be assigned by the Supervisor/Manager

Key Relationships Internal

• Programme Managers
• Finance team
• Project officers
• Programme Assistants
• Human Resource officer
• ICT Team
• Communication Officer
• Credit Team
• Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning Team

External

• Partner organizations & County Government Officials.
• Stakeholders including farmer groups, co-operatives, donors, and private companies.

Knowledge, Experience and Skills

• Minimum of 5 years relevant experience implementing agricultural programmes using the value chain and market systems approaches.
• Experience working in community development in non-governmental organizations.
• Experience in Monitoring & Evaluation will be an added advantage.
• Certification in Project Management will be an added advantage.
• Excellent computer skills especially with MS Word and Excel and presentation related packages.

Qualifications/Other Requirements:

• A minimum of bachelor’s degree in agribusiness, agriculture education and extension, agriculture economics or agronomy.

Professional Qualification or equivalent

• 3 years driving experience and license