Job Opportunities at Kenya Markets Trust

The Water Resources Management Technical Lead will be responsible for development and overseeing delivery of the water resources management strategy, provision of the technical oversight and overall management of the WRM team. S/he will provide overall leadership in the development and delivery of WRM component strategies for the program. The role reports directly to the Chief of Party. 

Specific Duties

• Provide strategic leadership and management to the WRM team
• Provide guidance and ensure timely & quality delivery of the WRM component by Sub Grantees in the program 
• Develop innovative approaches to water resources management & conservation financing including Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) and other private sector financing models
• Develop strategies for watershed operations to meet water supply and conservation goals or to ensure regulatory compliance with clean water laws or regulations.
• Strengthen the human and institutional capacity of national and county governments in developing and implementing water resource management and allocation plans at the local/regional level
• Take lead in reporting, documentation and development of knowledge management products for the Water Resource Management Component.  
• Support capacity building of key stakeholders on water resource management at both national and target counties. 

​Education & Experience: 

• Master’s degree in water resources management, environmental science or engineering, natural resources management or other relevant fields
• At least 7 years or more experience in project origination, development, and management and/or financing with specific emphasis on water resources management
• Good understanding of the institutional framework for Water Resources Management and Water Services 
• Experience engaging with governments, government institutions, private sector actors, civil society organizations and communities including Water Resources Users Group
• Strong written and oral communication, supervision, and excellent interpersonal skills 
• Proficiency in Microsoft office (Outlook, Word, Excel, and Power point).

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Number of Positions: 2

The Water Resources Specialists will support the WRM technical lead in the design and implementation of strategies and interventions related to water resources. This position will report to Water Resources Management Technical Lead. The positions will be based in Kakamega and Homabay.

Specific Duties

• Work closely with community structures such as Water Resources Users Associations (WRUAs), Basin and Sub Basin Catchment Committees, Water Resources Authority, County Governments and Private sector and other key stakeholders to develop actions that will ensure participatory and sustainable management of water resources within the target areas
• Strengthen the capacity of WRUAs and government officials on catchment protection / watershed management. 
• Support development and strengthen institutional linkages with the private sector companies and other statutory institutions including WRA, KFS, etc. and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) for better water stewardship and catchment protection. 
• Support in the design and implementation the Payment for Ecosystem Services and other private sector financing models for water conservation 
• implementation of freshwater related advocacy strategies, including engagement with governmental and private sector institutions
• Steer coordination initiatives between water services and water resources management actors in the target counties. 
• Support in the reporting, documentation and knowledge management for the WRM component and dissemination to key stakeholders. 
• Provide technical support to water services team in development of water safety plan and disaster risk reduction plans 

Education & Experience: 

• A Bachelor’s degree in Water Resources, Hydrology, environmental management, conservation, natural resources management or related field. A master’s degree in the relevant field will be an added advantage 
• At least 5 years’ relevant experience in development organizations / government / private sector, etc. 
• Technical proficiency in conservation and integrated water resources management.
• Good knowledge and working experience in watershed management, climate variability, community conservation initiatives, etc.;
• Good communication skills (written/oral), good team player with strong interpersonal skills 
• Fluency in English and Kiswahili. Knowledge of local languages and cultures are added advantages;
• Strong relationship management skills and capacity to influence at multiple levels across national and county governments and the community. 
• Experience in undertaking WRM advocacy initiatives, including engagement with governmental and private sector institutions

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Communications and Outreach Manager will oversee and manage all areas of project communications and reporting. He or she will oversee the program communications and branding strategy, and ensure that all communications platforms comply with USAID regulations and contractual requirements and are delivered on time. This position will report directly to the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Lead. 

Specific Duties 

• Take lead in preparing the Communication and Branding Strategy for the program in close liaison with the MEL Lead, the Chief of Party and USAID team. 
• Take lead in preparing external communications materials, including media campaigns, project success stories, and other communications products for dissemination to project stakeholders, beneficiaries, and partners.
• Build the capacity of the program staff in developing content from project activities.
• Integrate, edit, and finalize program communications products, including draft written materials, success stories, press releases, and regular reporting requirements (monthly, quarterly etc.)
• Maintain and develop content for the project’s website in coordination with the IT team and USAID team 
• Work with program staff to develop and produce marketing, outreach, and materials for events. 
• Manage and store all documents and reports in the agreed reporting system for the program
• Serve as liaison with media groups to cover specific and relevant project activities, such as opening and closing ceremonies further serve as the point of contact for local media inquiries.
• Provide quality assurance on USAID branding and marking.
• Liaise with relevant stakeholders, including institutional and private sector partners, to increase program visibility and maximize coordination.
• Monitor press coverage—including news wires, local newspapers, television and radio.
• Coordinate on-demand information for USAID or other stakeholders.
• Represent the Western Kenya Water program at events and meetings as required.

Education & Experience: 

• Degree in communication, journalism, public relations or equivalent qualification. Master’s degree qualification in relevant field a definite advantage.  
• At least 7 years’ relevant experience, with demonstrated working exposure in development communication. At least 2 years in a managerial position.  
• Demonstrated competencies in development of products such as communication materials, documentation and publication (including web-based documentation) in program implementation
• Knowledge of computer systems and applications, especially those related to interactive digital media
• Advanced level of proficiency in publishing software and MS Office applications i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, MS Project, Outlook, etc.
• Strong communication skills, both interpersonal and written, to fulfill the technical and managerial responsibilities proposed.
• Previous experience and knowledge management for USAID or other international donor-funded programs desired. 

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The incumbent will assist the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) technical lead in the design and implementation of the program’s MEL plan and in tracking of progress data, reporting & undertaking the knowledge management activities for the program. S/he will support in the development of the necessary data collection tools and oversee the timely delivery of the baseline, midline and other surveys for the program. This position will report to the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Lead. 

Specific Duties 

• Support in the development and implementation of the program’s Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) plan;
• Support the MEL Lead in the development and execution of the knowledge management strategy and dissemination materials for the program;
• Collect and organize data-calls to the relevant programmatic teams to solicit information on progress of project activities and service delivery projects;
• Strengthen the capacity of the program staff including those of the sub grantees on Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning;
• Support the MEL Lead in ensuring data quality through regular quality control reviews and Data Quality Audits (DQAS);
• Support in the design and delivery of rigorous baseline, midline and other specialized assessments of technical activities to determine efficacy of proposed interventions and measure program impact;
• Provide support to the technical teams in the development of activity indicators & targets and further track progress on both the quantitative & qualitative of the agreed upon indicators;
• Work with the technical teams to develop appropriate MEL plans and intervention logic for the various key activities for the program
• Conduct periodic participatory MEL for the program field activities to measure both quantitative and qualitative impact. 
• Support the MEL Lead in the development of quality (quarterly and annual) reports for the program

Education & Experience: 

• A degree in a social science, Statistics, Monitoring & Evaluation or related fields. Masters degree in relevant field will be a definite advantage. 
• At least 5 years working experience in a Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning, and research environments. 
• Experience in developing MEL frameworks and plans and MEL indicators. 
• Experience designing and leading trainings on MEL for program teams, partners and government officials. 
• Experience in Collaborating, Learning and Adapting (CLA) & other knowledge management practices 
• Proficiency in MS Office applications i.e., word, excel, PowerPoint, MS Project, Outlook and statistical packages
• Qualitative and/or quantitative digital data management skills including GIS Mapping
• Good written and verbal communication and strong report writing skills 

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The Policy and Governance Specialist with be responsible for the development and operationalization of Western Kenya Water Program’s Policy and Governance Strategy. S/he will have a key role in liaising and collaborating with internal and external partners, including the target county governments, water utilities, water sector institutions, civil society organizations, communities and private sector actors. S/he will support the development of the necessary legislation & policy framework and steer policy dialogue that stimulates enabling environment & investments for expanding water services at County and National level. The position will report to the Deputy Chief of Party and will be expected to work directly with other staff in water service delivery and water resources management. 

Specific Duties 

• Conduct a landscape assessment of county WASH policies and legislation for the sector and recommend improvements by designing and leading strategies to strengthen the capacity of county governments on the established gaps. 
• Support in budget tracking and investment planning to influence budgetary allocations towards water services WSP staff in key technical areas of WASH planning and budgeting budget allocations in target counties. 
• Support target counties develop / refine their water policies & legislation to ensure proper enabling environment.  
• Conduct stakeholder assessment and support strengthening WASH stakeholder coordination in target counties and national level 
• Support policy, stakeholder and community dialogue initiatives to enhance participation of right holders in planning and prioritization of WASH investments in target counties. 
• Support capacity strengthening initiatives in target county governments and communities to enhance accountability and service provision
• Support the program team in undertaking targeted research to inform evidence-based advocacy. 

Education & Experience: 

• A degree in economics / water engineering / Public Policy and Administration / governance, communication / development studies / urban development or other relevant field.  Possession of a masters degree in relevant field will be an added advantage. 
• At least 5 years’ working experience in policy advocacy & governance in the water sector and good understanding of the water sector institutions & actors in Kenya. 
• Experience in analyzing complexity & designing and implementing investment plans, policy, governance and advocacy strategies that respond to the key structural weaknesses standing in the way of universal access to WASH.
• Good written and verbal communication and strong report writing skills 
• Strong diplomacy and ability to engage with broad range of stakeholders at local and national levels
• Strong relationship management skills, with the ability to engage direct and indirect reports and peers.

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The Gender and Youth Inclusion Advisor will provide support to program teams in mainstreaming gender issues in the design and implementation of all the program components. S/he will lead in the development and implementation of the Gender and Youth strategy for the Western Kenya Water Program. S/he will take overall responsibility in conducting gender, youth and social inclusion analyses and ensure that they are well reflected in the design of the program interventions. The position will report to the Deputy Chief of Party and will be expected to provide support to all the program staff and partners in mainstreaming gender & youth concerns in their work across all the target areas. 

Specific Duties 

• Develop the gender and youth mainstreaming strategy for the program and oversee its implementation.
• Support in activity implementation, monitoring to ensure they reflect the gender lens
• Support the program teams in generating lessons learned from integration of gender and youth strategies & action plans to effectively engage women, youth and other vulnerable groups.
• Identify policy, legal or regulatory constraints that present challenges or opportunities for gender, youth, and other vulnerable groups and institute strategies of overcoming the same in collaboration with the target county governments, water utilities, target communities and/or private sector.
• Supporting monitoring, evaluation and learning activities as related to the Gender and Youth Strategy and action plans. 
• Design the gender & youth inclusion training curriculum & materials and manage their dissemination to program staff, partners, and beneficiaries – target county governments, water utilities, communities and other stakeholders. 
• Ensure gender mainstreaming in all interventions from their design, inclusion in the annual work plans, planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and reporting to USAID
• Support documentation of case studies, progress reports and development of other knowledge management materials from a gender lens. 

Education & Experience: 

• A bachelor’s degree in Gender Studies, Social Sciences, Education, Development Studies or relevant discipline. Preferred Master’s Degree in a relevant discipline.  
• At least 5 years’ working experience in providing technical assistance support on gender & youth integration issues to public and / or private sector actors. 
• Experience in developing training curriculum and conducting training to staff, partners, county governments and utilities. 
• Experience working collaboratively with institutional and private‐sector partners and stakeholders in Kenya with good understanding of WASH development dynamics in Western Kenya. 
• Good understanding of gender and youth inclusion in the context of WASH in Western Kenya.
• Strong relationship management skills, with the ability to engage direct and indirect reports and peers
• Excellent written and oral communications skills in English – understanding of local languages will be an added advantage