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Job Purpose: 

The holder of this position will take a leading role in the design and development of new and innovative agricultural and natural resource management initiatives for the country programme and assist in the marketing of those initiatives to funders/donors and other stakeholders. He/she will ensure effective and timely delivery of agricultural and NRM programme that demonstrate sustainable impact among SHA targeted communities and ensure effective engagement of partners and stakeholders including private sector in supporting the achievement of programme goals and objectives in line with the Kenya Strategic Plan. He/she will also support in demonstrating quality of programming and impact through contributing to country reporting and documentation of best practices to donors and other stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

Programme Technical Support Functions

• Integrate research designs into demonstration sites/smart learning sites/bulking sites for improved technical advisory services.
• Support capacity building of program/project staff and other partners on agriculture and natural resource management (A & NRM) best practices e.g., climate smart agriculture, post-harvest handling, soil and water management, rangeland management, farmer managed natural regeneration, and tree planting methodologies in line with dryland management strategy.
• Keep the program/project staff and partners up to date with the development of the latest A & NRM information on production, harvesting, pests and diseases, and rainfall patterns.
• Support the program/project manager(s) in the design of appropriate models for A & NRM based on best practices.
• Provide technical support to program/project staff to ensure effective integration of sustainable agriculture and natural resource management strategies and other related practices.
• Work with projects and partners to promote community participation to attain sustainable agriculture, livelihoods and climate change resilience, environmentally sustainable land use practices, and nature-based enterprises.
• Programme Design and Development, Proposal Development, and Documentation Functions
• Support the Head of Programmes (HoP) in resource mobilization and acquisition through programme design and development, and proposal development.
• Provide technical support in development and review of country A & NRM policies, action plans and strategies for the counties where SHA has its presence.
• Ensuring that sustainable A & NRM principles are incorporated in program/project designs and proposals.
• Collect, manage, and analyze scientific research data, develop, and publish peer reviewed documents for visibility and subsequent programme development.
• Work with the other advisors in programmes to ensure integration of information and communication for purposes of outreach.
• Programme Monitoring and Evaluation Functions
• Support monitoring of program/project implementation, and dissemination of information.
• Liaise with the Monitoring and Evaluation Advisor in co-ordinating evaluation schedules for programs/projects and in liaison with the HoP coordinate the engagement of technical personnel/institution to undertake the task.
• Spearhead development and review of program/project evaluation tools as directed by the HoP to maintain quality standards.
• Counterpart Relationship Functions
• Represent SHA-Kenya as directed by the HoP in Sector Technical Working Groups/meetings/workshops/field visits and other relevant forums.
• Nurture and strengthen strategic partnerships, networks and coalitions with civil society organizations, private, and public sector implementing similar programs/projects for continued learning and sharing of experiences and best practices and influence policy and practice.
• Support the HoP in identifying relevant international and national A & NRM coordination networks and participate in those networks to improve programmes quality.
• Gather and provide quality feedback/data/information to be used to develop technical papers and recommendations on key issues for external engagement with decision makers.
• Support county level A & NRM strategic document development e.g., Root and Tuber Crops Development Strategy, etc.
• Any other duties assigned by the supervisor or the Country Director

Key Relationships:

Internal

• Country Director
• Head of Programmes
• Head of Finance and Administration
• Finance and Administration Team
• All Programme Coordinators
• All Senior Technical Advisors (Gender, Nutrition, Enterprise, Policy, and Humanitarian)
• HQ Desk Officer assigned to Kenya.

External

• Project implementation partners
• Donors
• Stakeholders including national government, research institutions, financial institutions, external auditors, donors, Academia, and private companies

Knowledge and Experience:

• At least 5 years of experience in the design and implementation of agricultural projects that are agri-business focused.
• Experience with project implementation through consortiums involving national and international NGOs and Government ministries.
• Experience in designing strategies and approaches for enhancing agricultural production and rural livelihoods among smallholder farmers.
• Experience in networking among development partners and government departments
• Proven ICT skills.
• Strong training and facilitation skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and team working skills.

Qualifications/Other Requirements:

Essential:

• Masters Degree preferably in Agriculture, Natural Resources Management, Forestry, Agri-business, or a related field.
• Strong experience in research designs, forestry, agro-ecology and carbon credit will be added advantage
• Proven experience in agronomic practice in the context of project implementation in an international NGO environment. Experience in dryland farming and livestock management will be an added advantage.
• Strong computer skills especially with MS Word and Excel and other related packages.
• Strong M&E skills

Role Competencies:

• Excellent verbal, analytical, organizational, and written skills with fluency in Swahili and English.
• People management skills.
• Proactive and motivated with a strong commitment to Self Help Africas vision, mission, and values.
• Attention to detail and the ability to produce timely and accurate reports.
• Ability to work as part of a team across different cultures.
• Ability to work under pressure and on own initiative.

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Job Purpose:

 Under the overall supervision of the Country Director, the Head of Programmes is responsible for overall programme delivery and business growth of the SHA Kenya country Program. The holder of this position will provide management guidance to programme managers to support programme implementation and co-ordinate service delivery from relevant units within SHA include technical advisors, HR, Finance, and logistics to project managers.

Building a pipeline of projects in collaboration with the Kenya team, Country and Regional Directors, Programmes Director and Head of Programme, funding is central to this role. All new business development needs will align with the Gorta Group strategic plan as well as country and regional strategic plans and drive the achievement of the SDGs. Strengthening private sector engagement is critical to promoting and facilitating sustainable development. The holder of this role will be expanding SHA Kenya private sector engagement and building new strategic alliances, business development and fundraising opportunities.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership and Strategic Direction:

• To lead and engage with the programme team to promote SHAs values in their day-to-day work.
• Lead strategic programme development of the Kenya country programme, in collaboration with the Kenya CD.
• In collaboration with the CD and programme team, implement best practice programme management, strategy, policies, processes, procedures including KPIs to manage, measure and improve service delivery and business performance.
• Lead programme fundraising, identifying new areas of need and potential areas for project development and donor funding in Kenya.
• Ensure that programme management strategies and processes are in place to meet business objectives and operational needs in terms of price, quality and delivery targets and which enables SHA to function and compete effectively in the market.

Programme Management:

• Overall responsibility for the management of SHA programmes in Kenya consistent with international good practice in project cycle management.
• Coordinate effective implementation of programme activities, ensuring up to date and relevant programme implementation work plan is in place and is aligned to relevant project budgets, donor contracts, etc.
• Review and consolidate programme performance reports including but not limited to monthly, quarterly, Annual Programme performance indicators, Donor, Board reports and other ad-hoc reporting needs.
• Ensure rigorous programme monitoring and evaluation, with a focus on outcomes and impact in collaboration with SHA Monitoring and Evaluation technical unit. In collaboration with project managers, oversee baseline, mid-term, end term and impact evaluation components of all projects within the SHA Kenya portfolio.
• Ensure SHA complies with all legal and donor requirements in programme areas; manage programme risks in collaboration with Line manager.
• Ensure good working relationship with all programme stakeholders including Government, civil society, private sector and programme participants, ensuring the inclusion of relevant voices in project planning and design, implementation, monitoring and reporting.

Business Development:

• Support new business development within Kenya
• In collaboration with line manger develop strategic alliances and consortia with relevant partners for private sector, business member organizations, civil society, public and private institutions to co-create and secure funding for innovative sustainable development inventions.
• Lead on all proposal development, co-ordinate with relevant department involved internally as well as external partners. Manage the time process, ensure adherence to timelines for submission as per requirements etc.

Operations Management

• In collaboration with the HOFA, manage overall programme budget, ensuring expenditure is as per workplans and budget tracking is compliant with programme scope, SHA and donor guidelines.
• Ensure regular communication is maintained among field sites including between the field, the Kenya Head Office and the programme support staff in HQ and the UK.
• Ensure adherence to timelines for all proposals and review proposals as necessary; Ensure strict compliance with donor contract requirements and reporting deadlines;
• Travel to the project sites as and when needed.

Safety and Security:

• Ensure field site safety and security guidelines are prepared and reviewed at least biannually.
• Ensure all safety or security incidents (fires, vehicle accidents, theft, etc.) are appropriately recorded and reported by project coordinators to relevant parties.
• Actively monitor field site safety and security and advise the RD of new developments.

Logistics/Finance/Administration:

• Liaise with Kenya CD in identifying areas for improvement across all support areas.
• Work closely with the HoFA and Project Managers to prepare and review budgets and anticipated results.

People Management:

• Provide direct line management to Programme Coordinators and Project Managers and through them support the management and development of all project staff.
• Maintain good team communication, ensure excellent team dynamics and actively manage all direct reports to ensure optimum performance across all programme staff.
• To mentor and coach direct reports as part of people management brief to ensure SHA attracts and retain the best talent within the Kenya programme.
• To ensure a Performance Development Review (PDR) is completed for each direct report (to include a training needs analysis) and the follow-up meetings as agreed.
• Ensure compliance with all organizational HR policies and procedures and local labour laws in relation to the selection, recruitment and retention of all programme staff.
• Create and maintain proper conditions for learning - establish a safe environment for sharing of ideas, solutions, and difficulties and the capacity to detect, analyze and respond quickly to deficiencies.
• Lead in the recruitment of all new programme staff with relevant personnel. Ensure the Kenya program has the appropriate skill set and managerial expertise for efficient service delivery.

Representation:

• In coordination with the Kenya CD and EA RD represent SHA at national, regional and international levels; to donors, local and national government authorities, other NGOs, and any other parties as required.
• Support the CDs strategic co-operation initiatives with government, private sector and national/international NGOs and CBOs active in the programme areas.
• In coordination with the CD, lead on national and regional policy engagements.
• Ensure that relationships and formal agreements with government and partners are maintained and updated as appropriate.
• Ensure proper programme documentation and sharing with partners within and external to SHA programme.

Key Relationships

Internal

• SHA Kenya CMT
• SHA East Africa RD (HQ)
• SHA Programme Officer (HQ)
• SHA Programme Funding Team (HQ)
• Global Technical Advisors (HQ)

External

• Government of Kenya Ministry of Agriculture, central and devolved offices
• Key institutional donors (EU, Irish Aid, Teagasc, GEA)
• Public Government institutions such as Kenyan Agriculture and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), KEBS, KEPIS and other Stakeholders
• International research institutes
• International NGOs, social enterprises and private sector and consultants
• Academic Institutions (Universities)
• Business Leaders/Owners
• Business Membership Organisations (KESPA, BIK, BCC etc

Aptitude Requirements

• Excellent analytical skills
• Excellent writing and presentation skills
• Ability to work under pressure and on own initiative
• Ability to contribute to a small team environment
• Excellent interpersonal skills

Qualifications, Capacities and Experience

• Advanced degree in the areas of Agriculture, Agribusiness, Livelihoods, Rural Development, Project Management, Development Studies or any related economy, sociology, international development or Environment
• Minimum of 5 years experience in programme and people management at a senior level in similar/related role; Experience and evidence of programme development, proposal writing and a proven ability to secure donor funding
• Strong understanding of and practical experience in agriculture, food and nutrition security, private sector engagement and related activities.
• Strong understanding and practical experience on project cycle management, monitoring, evaluation and reporting at a high level
• Good team-worker; able to work closely with a small team with minimum direct supervision.
• Commitment to international and humanitarian NGO codes, standards and practices;
• Ability and willingness to travel to remote areas across the all counties where SHA Kenya work;
• Expertise in rural enterprise development value chains, credit, cooperatives, farmers associations;
• Clean driving license.