Job Openings at Strathmore Business School

JOB PURPOSE:

The Grants Coordinator will maintain quality grants management for a portfolio of medium to complex sub-grants. Reporting to the Finance and Administration Manager, this position will work closely with National and County government staff, SBS Finance department to ensure timely and accurate grant reporting, maintenance of grant records, and leadership of the proposal process for new grants.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Facilitate and operationalize strategic and transformational investments under the Economic Development Master Plan for ASALs.
• Identify and scale sustainable community-driven and locally-led initiatives.
• Develop and implement a strategy for mobilizing public and private sector financing.
• Responsible for the monthly accounting for all applicable grants/awards which includes but is not limited to travel advance accruals, revenues, expense allocation, review of all grants-related wire payments. Also prepares the annual NICRA calculation.
• Work together with the program and finance administrators of the grants awarded and their utilization.
• Responsible for monthly/quarterly/annual grants-related reporting.
• Develop and maintain budget monitors and invoice trackers together with the program finance and admin. manager.
• Review and reconcile all monthly field financial reports and
• Reconcile the field accounting books to the corporate G/L.
• Organize and maintain comprehensive financial files and ensure that all financial record retention is compliant with legal and donor agency requirements.
• Assist with the preparation and review of cost proposals.
• Assist the program finance and admin manager to respond to requests from USAID’s Office of Financial Management as needed, including assistance with financial audits and reporting.
• Performs other duties as required.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

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

• Bachelor’s degree in finance and accounting required.
• Must be a member of a finance and/or accounting professional body.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft software – Word and Excel
• Minimum of five years of experience in the accounting field, with strong demonstrated experience in grants finance management.
• In-depth understanding and experience of working with proposals and contracts from institutional donors. Experience in complex planning and budgeting processes including the ability to provide clear guidance on donor policies and procedures.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a demanding environment.
• Able to work flexible hours when needed.

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JOB PURPOSE: 

As the Business / MSME advisor, and with the support of the County Coordinator and County Administrator, the person will be in charge of driving entrepreneurs and businesses through our Kenya SBDC four focus areas which include: Business Development Services, Facilitating Access to Finance, Providing Trade/Market Information and Exploring Policy Innovations. Using the SBDC model, the person will be assigned businesses to who they will assist in thinking through key aspects of their business model, their strategies – be it product design, marketing, supply chain, value chain, or sales and distribution.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Represent Kenya SBDC in relevant meetings within the county.
• Liaise with the Kenya SBDC County Coordinators on the progress of the business including writing periodic progress reports.
• Liaise with the M&E specialist in measurable and quantifiable results.
• Liaise with the Kenya SBDC County Coordinators and Administrators in facilitating our four focus areas,  screening and selection of business applicants, putting together an exciting cohort, and including the collection of relevant information and data.
• Conduct/supervise comprehensive diagnostic assessments of MSMEs, assessing their needs to improve their products and services, quality standards, market strategy, and employee capacity.
• Work hand in hand with MSMEs, business associations, and relevant private and public stakeholders in various sectors, providing firm-level level technical assistance, and advice.
• Attracting high-potential and growth-oriented early-stage ventures for the organization’s program.
• Build relationships with candidate enterprises, leading to the development of a shared vision about enterprise needs and recommendations to improve their competitiveness, create business growth, create jobs, and build a diverse network of MSMEs.
• Coordinate with MSMEs and financial institutions to increase access to finance.
• Co-facilitate business development workshops ensuring the successful adoption and use of the organization’s methodology and tools
• Individualized follow-ups with the businesses: During the implementation of plans made during the advisory, further assist in the proper adoption and use of the organization’s methodology and tools. Ensure that businesses arrive well-prepared for accessing finance and markets.
• Assist in the development of investor presentations for businesses.
• Determine areas of enterprise support and intervention, and oversee technical assistance provided by local and international consultants.
• Direct responsibility for a large portfolio of partner enterprises. Provide management and follow-up of all support activities (mentoring, technical assistance, potential grants) to each partner enterprise.
• Carry out regular site visits at partner enterprises. 50% to 70% of the Advisor’s time is expected to be spent in the field with the private sector.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

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

• Bachelor’s degree in any business-related course.
• Specialization in any of the following fields: ICT, Sales & Marketing, Strategy, Finance, Entrepreneurship, Business Development, Agriculture, Creatives, Textiles.
• 5-8 years experience in developing/supporting businesses e.g., as a senior consultant, an employee of a business development organization or business analyst, senior investment analyst, or senior investment associate.
• Ability to diagnose business needs and understand how to read and interpret business financials and generally understand numbers.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to conceptualize and concretize ideas and hypotheses.
• Love interacting with new people and guiding them on the business journey.

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JOB PURPOSE:

The Communications Specialist will work with the Program Team at the main office and the six counties to design and manage all aspects of internal and external program communications. S/he will contribute to developing high-quality knowledge and learning content, including data visualizations, success stories, case studies and other reporting that informs learning activities and adaptive management decisions. The person will also support the promotion of program activities through crucial communication channels and engage critical partners and communities of practice through strategic outreach and innovative communication practices.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collaborate with the Communications Officer to ensure the integration of communications and knowledge management activities that complement and report on county-level program activities.
• Together with the Communications Officer, spearhead the development and execution of the program’s overall communications strategy (internal and external) and develop program branding and messaging in line with the program’s approved Branding and Marketing Plan.
• Support capacity building of local counterparts to effectively communicate with citizens and stakeholders.
• Support the preparation and presentation to USAID of reports and written communications on the progress and impact of program activities, including Monthly Updates, Quarterly Progress Reports, Quarterly Financial Reports, Annual Reports, and the Final Report
• Work closely with Program staff to design program-specific communications and outreach strategies, including identification of strategic channels and key influencers, particularly those related to the promotion of opportunities available.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of grant and subcontract activities specifically related to communication and outreach activities.
• Support the production of Information, Education, and Communication Materials like producing a documentary, brochures, presentations, animations, and newsletters.
• Support communication and branding of Program events and workshops.
• Ensure the accuracy and consistency of public information materials.
• Coordinate press and other media outreach as appropriate.
• Travel to county offices as required.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

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

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, and fluency in English.
• University degree in relevant field and 6+ years of experience drafting reports, documents, and outreach materials, and developing and implementing communications plans
• Experience in development communications on large, complex, multi-country USG-funded programs is highly preferred.
• Experience leading the planning and implementation of outreach and media events, including press conferences and program launches.
• Ability to professionally communicate across all levels of an organization and the public
• Skilled in communication, strategic thinking, and planning.
• Experience of driving better communication practice through lessons learned over time.
• Effective written and oral communication skills and the ability to positively discuss and negotiate with stakeholders.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and tech-savvy.
• Ability to think strategically and identify ways to improve the Program communication activities.
• Ability to present complex information in a compelling manner.
• Must be resourceful and take initiative even when given minimal direction.
• Experience in providing advising or technical assistance to small businesses in marketing, management, accounting, or financing is a plus
• Experience working with other NGOs is a plus.

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JOB PURPOSE: 

The People and Culture Manager will manage, develop, lead and direct the routine functions of the People and Culture (HR) department including hiring and interviewing staff, administering pay, benefits and leave, and enforcing company policies and practices.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prepare recommendations to top management concerning people and culture policies and practices with guidance from Creative Associates Human Resources.
• Develop human resource plans and strategies to meet organizational, contractual, and local Kenya labour law requirements.
• Ensure that the program policies and practices comply with applicable laws and regulations in Kenya and the at county levels.
• Adapt and develop Creative policies regarding human resources activities, including recruitment, compensation, benefits, training, employee relations, and performance management.
• Ensure proper procedures are in place for the recruitment and selection of new personnel.
• Liaise with the MEL team on the training of personnel on the new procedures and then follow up with them to ensure that all proper procedures are being properly applied.
• Train staff in proper contract documentation and filing.
• Assisting in the creation and execution of surveys/polls that may be needed during the Program period.
• Represent KSBDC in relevant meetings.
• Conduct research concerning local benefits and employee relations, as requested.
• Process, verify and maintain documentation in accordance with Creative digital record keeping relating to personnel activities, including recruitment, training, grievances, performance evaluations and classifications.
• Study and analyze positions and prepare position descriptions based on job responsibility questionnaires and personal interviews.
• Record and track data from position descriptions and job salary evaluations to ensure compliance with the local compensation plan (LCP), consistency, equity, and accountability.
• Identify staff vacancies, recruit and interview candidates, contact candidate references, and perform work history authentication along with background checks to select applicants. –
• Ensure employee orientation, provide dress code information, provide comprehensive information about policies, job duties, working conditions, wages, benefits, professional development opportunities and promotion.
• Administer compensation, benefits and performance management systems, health and safety protocols, and team building and wellness programs.
• Advise managers on all organizational policy matters, including equal employment opportunity, prevention of sexual harassment, anti-trafficking and fraud and abuse prevention. Recommend changes as needed.
• Plan and conduct new employee orientation to foster positive attitude toward organizational objectives, which includes planning and managing the onboarding process and training for all new hires.
• Analyze training needs to design employee development, language training, and health and safety programs.
• Serve as a link between management and employees by handling questions, interpreting and administering employment contracts, and helping to resolve work-related problems.
• Conduct exit interviews to identify reasons for employee termination.
• When needed, contract with vendors to provide employee services such as background verification, health and life insurance, and transportation.
• Assist supervisors and staff with understanding and using the Performance Evaluation System.
• Mediate conflict, grievances, and harassment cases.
• Assess labour law risks in consultation with the home office and local counsel and advice on risk mitigation measures to ensure the program has labour flexibility to expand and contract.
• Develop professional HR substantive expertise through continuous learning activities such as attending relevant USAID courses, workshops or meetings, reading professional research journals, or conducting research on industry best practice to support CARI-Guatemala program and staff development.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

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

• University degree in human resources, management, business administration or a related field.
• Experience in sourcing, recruiting and interviewing professional and management candidates.
• Experience working on programs funded through international cooperation is desired.
• Demonstrated ability to solve challenging and complicated administrative issues.
• Strong organization, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in developing and implementing programs across complex organizations with software and systems related to sourcing and management of candidates.
• Proficiency at using Microsoft office software: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.
• Excellent record-keeping and documentation skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically.
• Certification in human resources is desired.
• Considerable knowledge of employment law is desired.

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JOB PURPOSE:

• Ensure the alignment of M&E activities within the program goals.
• Ensure the M&E system demonstrates the impact of the program on MSMEs at the counties for accountability.
• Establish SMART objectives, logic models, monitoring frameworks and evaluation plans for the annual work-planning process.
• Facilitate technical leadership and support towards the project and collaborating with staff in planning and implementing M&E systems and activities, data-based programs, and decision-making.
• Ensure quality through policy compliance, effectiveness, and efficiency of the M&E system, guidelines, and standard operating procedures are being followed.
• Establish methodologies to access valid and reliable information.
• Ensure project development including preparation and management of the MEAL budget, staffing plan, and project design.
• Establish monitoring frameworks for the Kenya SBDC projects, as well as for funding proposals.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop the overall framework for project M&E systems in collaboration with donor and senior project staff, including requirements, reporting, baseline, and evaluation surveys; develop and monitor project management plans to systematically document performance.
• Maintain existing indicator tracking tools; develop additional databases and tracking tools as needed to demonstrate the effectiveness of project interventions.
• Ensure adherence to specific monitoring and reporting requirements for USAID funded projects.
• Analyze data for accuracy, flag validation or quality issues, and contribute to system fixes.
• Supervise the collection of accurate quantitative and qualitative data and maintain quality of the project’s electronic database.
• Analyze quantitative and qualitative data, proactively identifying issues and concerns and supporting decision-making for improved performance.
• Conduct field visits for data validation and to monitor the quality and completeness of data sets; coordinate data collection at project sites to monitor program development and ensure timely compilation and reporting of data; capture and document lessons learned; and champion the scaling up best practices.
• Lead annual program reviews to progress and document good practices and lessons learned.
• Coordinate implementation of beneficiary accountability and feedback mechanisms.
• Lead evaluation events by drafting terms of references, facilitating the development of quantitative and qualitative tools, conducting data collection, leading data analysis and presentation of final reports, and facilitating reflections on key learning.
• Plan and budget appropriately for quality MEAL activities.
• Ensure a unified approach to partner self-assessment and programmatic close-out reporting.
• Ensure quality and timely submission of quarterly reports; manage preparation of additional reports for USG, USAID and other donors as required.
• Aggregate and analyze data from across Kenya SBDC’s information platform to contribute to management decision-making and reporting.
• Ensure quality and timely submission of quarterly reports; manage preparation of additional reports for USG, USAID and other donors as required.
• Generate monthly indicator reports for tracking progress against key indicators as needed.
• Create and integrate graphics in reports and information products to help visualize data in a meaningful way.
• Edit content and presentation of all reporting and deliverables before submission to ensure superior quality and professionalism.
• Contribute to developing and reporting of project reviews, assessments, surveys, and other analytic or evaluation processes and products.
• Coordinate responses to requests for information.
• Promote knowledge management and collaborative learning processes at the project and program levels, generating robust evidence for the project and programmatic learning that leads to action, decision-making, and influence.
•  Promote a culture of reflection, evidence-based learning, and information sharing within the Kenya SBDC, USAID, and County government team, ensuring that learning is incorporated into evolving program plans.
• Build capacity of implementing program staff in MEAL skills relevant to their job requirements and professional development goals.
• Support recruiting, interviewing, and training new M&E staff and/or consultants.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

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

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum of 7 years’ experience in M&E.
• Demonstrate experience in implementing and providing oversight to an organizational M&E system.
• Proven time management and organizational skills, delivering work with a high degree of accuracy and diligence with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrate experience in data analysis visualization software and presentation software e.g., Excel spreadsheets, word processing, and databases.
• Experience in driving better organizational practice through lessons learned over time, necessary.
• Experience in conducting and leading program evaluation, from design and formulation of methodology, analysis and presentation of results and formulation of recommendations.
• Effective written and oral communication skills and the ability to positively discuss and negotiate with stakeholders.
• Demonstrate experience in data processing and solving complex issues through analysis and definition.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and tech savvy.
• Ability to think strategically and identify ways to improve the Program activities.
• Ability to present complex information in a compelling manner.
• Must be resourceful and take initiative even when given minimal direction.
• Experience in providing advising or technical assistance to small businesses in marketing, management, accounting, or financing.
• Experience working with other NGOs is a plus.

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JOB PURPOSE: 

The Private Sector Development Coordinator will serve as Kenya Small Business Development Centers (Kenya SBDC) technical and cooperative development manager. The primary role will be to provide technical leadership and program management for the USAID-funded program. The individual will have a role in contributing to the program objectives by working directly with cooperatives, building relationships with cooperatives and stakeholders as well as managing parts of the program. The person will liaise with individuals on the project team in areas of cooperative financial management, business management, business plan development, producer group accounting and operations, governance, financial models, and access to financial institutions and services.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide program management for Kenya SBDC Cooperatives Capacity Building and Policy Work.
• Lead implementation of the Cooperative Development Program activities in KSBDC.
• Liaise and regularly visit program partners, including cooperatives, government ministries, organizations and agencies and private businesses.
• Provide guidance to cooperatives through training or mentorship.
• Manage various parts of the program (e.g., work plan, overseeing the budget, track program activities and deliverables, produce donor reports, assist in coordinating M&E activities as directed by the M&E program specialist.
• Ensure the project is compliant with USAID rules and regulations (e.g., maintaining proper records and files, adhering to standard operating procedures, etc.).
• Develop and maintain relationships with National and County Ministries and their leadership.
• Provide support to organize trips and events associated with the program as necessary.
• Keep information and documents up to date on the project.
• Lead capacity building risk assessment and strategies to embed results into the program decision-making.
• Engage with business units and cross-functional stakeholders to align program objectives, roadmaps, milestones and manage key metrics.
• Conduct benchmarking activities and develop resources such as toolkits, checklists, and questionnaires.
• Maintain positive, proactive relationships with key suppliers and stakeholders.
• Contribute to internal and external reporting and communications on program progress.
• Represent Kenya SBDC externally.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

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

• Program management duties such as report writing, event planning, procurement of supplies, services and management of consultants is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in business or in a related field or comparable years of experience in cooperative development.
• 7 years of experience working with USG-funded programs and cooperatives.
• Experience working with and building the capacity of cooperative businesses and organizations.
• Experience managing relationships with local, regional, and government officials and agencies.
• Strong track record of being flexible and adaptable to program changes and needs.
• Ability to manage support staff.

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JOB PURPOSE: 

The primary role of the Policy Specialist will be to provide dedicated support to Kenya SBDC in adhering to USAID policy, stakeholders policies, partnerships, programs, and communications through a variety of tasks. The Policy Specialist will be expected to monitor, review, analyze, interpret, propose, and draft public policies. The person will also take the lead in policy dialogues with relevant stakeholders such as colleagues from foreign governments, multilateral development banks, donors, regional organizations, and private sector organizations.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Draft talking points, briefing memos, and other documents that clearly convey Kenya SBDC policy priorities for a variety of audiences.
• Able to communicate and influence at all levels, whether guiding strategy and policy design, negotiating complex contracts, or designing and facilitating technical workshops.
• Track and analyze relevant legislation hearings and mark-up sessions.
• Coordinate closely with USAID representatives in other offices, including USAID’s Bureau for Legislative and Public Affairs, to message policy priorities.
• Ensure adherence to specific monitoring and reporting requirements for USAID-funded projects.
• Analyze data for accuracy, flag validation or quality issues, and contribute to system fixes.
• Supervise the collection of accurate legislation.
• Ensure a unified approach to partnerships.
• Work across all our centers in the 6 counties to ensure a standardized policy system framework within the model.
• Support Kenya SBDC engagement with the government accountability office.
• Deliver reports and presentations of legislation findings to the program manager and assistant program manager.
• Make Policy recommendations based on research findings.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

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

• Masters degree in law or a related field such as public policy
• More than 6 years of experience in implementing public policy.
• Familiarity with Kenya legislative processes and USAID legislative processes is an added advantage

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JOB PURPOSE:

The Procurement Officer will be responsible for evaluating suppliers, negotiating contracts, and ensuring that approved products and services are cost-efficient and of high quality. The person will ensure all vendor contracts meet the USAID requirements.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support the project team in the  development of the Master Procurement Plan and contribute to regular updates of the plan in reference to annual project work plans.
• Support the Finance and Administration Manager in the development of vendor prequalification exercise, solicitation documents, evaluation templates, managing responses, and evaluation preparation for vendor selection.
• Maintain the documentation of all procurement processes.
• Solicitation of quotations from vendors for the procurement of goods and services as per Strathmore University Procurement policies and  USG guidelines.
• Conduct market research pertaining to prevailing market prices of products and services.
• Prepare quotation matrix for review and approval by the Program Finance and Administration Manager and Deputy Chief of Party.
• Ensure best procurement practices are observed at all times e.g., all certifications regarding conflict of interest and disclosure of relationships in procurement processes.
• Perform vendor checks for the exclusion list of parties through SAM.g,ov, OFAC and UN sanctions list.
• Support the Subcontracts Manager in ensuring all procurements are allowable and not restricted or prohibited under the USAID regulations.
• Conduct vendor appraisals and document any performance concerning decision- making.
• Maintain a systematic filing system of both hard and electronic copies of all procurements and subcontracts procured by the project.
• Support audits and reviews through availing of requested documentation when needed.
• Assist the Finance team to resolve audit issues related to procurement as needed.
• Review and provide recommendations to strengthen procurement policies and procedures.
• Manage the project’s property inventory, covering both non-expendable and expendable items, and ensure all assets are properly accounted at all times.
• Maintain and update complete inventory records.
• Perform any other tasks as may be assigned by the Finance and Administration Manager.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

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

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Procurement or Finance and Accounting is required.
• Minimum of three (3) years’ experience handling procurement-related functions.
• Demonstrate ability to effectively handle multiple concurrent procurements.
• Demonstrate good customer relations (both internally & externally).
• Professional fluency in written and spoken English.