Openings at Kenyatta University

ROLE PURPOSE:

The Capacity specialist working with sub-purpose leads and crosscutting experts will provide technical leadership in the design and implementation of capacity strengthening g plan for the programme. Specifically S/he will lead the identification and on boarding of local CSOs to the project in partnership with DCOP and Finance and Administration Manager, will be responsible to monitor and ensure training, mentorship and coaching within USAID HERO programme meets the standards for the industry and USAID. Working with the sub-purpose team leads, lead the adaptation of the USAID Organisational Capacity Assessment (OCA) and other existing tools for use in capacity assessment, development of capacity strengthening  plans(CSPs) and track implementation of the CSP along the three project  objective areas for  counties and partners.  In Partnership with MERL advisor facilitate regular pause and reflects sessions for learning with project stakeholders that includes the 14 counties (MOH), national MOH and social services departments. USAID HERO aims to build capacity of county governments in health financing and social protection. It intends to place Postgraduate fellows in health economics from Kenyatta University that will work alongside County planning and fiscal planners in generating evidence for decision-making. The Capacity-strengthening advisor will co-create and implement this programme with Kenyatta University and county governments ensuring clear selection, placement and tracking follow-up with sub-purpose leads. The Capacity specialist will lead work plan and reporting components on capacity strengthening, lead dissemination and representation on localisation with the donor and other stakeholders and document best practices in capacity strengthening among other roles.  

QUALIFICATIONS 

•  At least a Master’s degree in organisation capacity development (OD), Public policy, Education, health systems strengthening , public health, social sciences, international development, or a related field;
• At least 7 years of experience leading, managing and implementing capacity strengthen work. 
• Experience working with local CSOs on capacity strengthening- identification and follow-up of actions for USAID local partners.
• Familiarity and experience with USAID  localisation approaches
• At least 8-10 of professional experience working in Kenya, especially with the Ministry of Health and county governments.
• Thorough understanding of Devolve governance and mandates of levels of government.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Demonstrates strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to work and collaborate with leadership of local CSOs and partners with different culture, background and capabilities
• Working knowledge of virtual communication platforms: Microsoft Teams, Google Meets, Zoom; Microsoft software packages: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Excellent English language skills, both written and spoken with strong presentation skills. Ability to prepare and disseminate project findings, success stories and other documents effectively.

Additional job responsibilities

• The duties and responsibilities as set out above are not exhaustive and the role holder may be required to carry out additional duties within reasonableness of their level of skills and experience.

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ROLE PURPOSE:The Social Protection Lead will provide technical leadership in the development and delivery of our work on inclusive social protection, including social security. The Social Protection Lead will help in developing and implementing social protection programs and strategies to address the needs of vulnerable populations. This role will require working closely with national government agencies especially the social protection secretariat, county governments, and other stakeholders to ensure that social protection initiatives are designed and implemented effectively. This roles requires collaboration and partnership with other technical leads on the project to ensure social protection activities are well aligned and integrated in USAID HERO program.

Key Areas of Accountability

• Lead and participate in the technical implementation of project activities under the social protection component and related assignments. This will include timely and high-quality delivery of inputs, and contributions to project outputs (e.g. production of reports, policy advocacy, training materials, etc.).
• Led the design and manage the social protection programs: This involves conducting research, needs assessments, and data analysis to identify target populations and develop appropriate program interventions.
• The Social Protection Lead in liaison with the M&E lead will develop monitoring and evaluation frameworks to assess the impact and effectiveness of social protection programs. This involves setting performance indicators, collecting and analyzing data, and reporting on program outcomes.
• The Social Protection Lead will collaborate with policymakers to influence social protection policy development and ensure social protection strategies align with national and USAID HERO focus counties development goals.
• The Social Protection Lead will provide technical guidance and support to government agencies, and other partners, help to build their capacity to deliver and manage social protection programs effectively. This will includes Technical assistance (TA) and accompaniment components that may include; training/mentorship, facilitating workshops, and best practices sessions.
• The Social Protection Lead will collaborate with stakeholders from various sectors, including government ministries, civil society organizations, and international agencies. Facilitate coordination and partnerships to leverage resources, share expertise, and ensure a coordinated and comprehensive approach to social protection.
• The Social Protection Lead will be up to date on emerging trends and research in social protection and identify opportunities for innovation and improvement in program design and delivery. The lead will contribute to knowledge sharing and organizational learning through research, publications, and participation in conferences and forums.
• Build the reputation of USAID HERO and Kenyatta University as a thought leader on social protection by undertaking research and publishing papers that provide innovative, cutting-edge insights.
• Build relations with a wide range of stakeholders (i.e. National and County Governments, Social Protection Secretariat, USAID, bilateral development agencies, consultancy firms, etc.) to strengthen USAID HERO’s reputation while influencing social protection policy thinking. This will include representing USAID HERO in different fora, such as sector working groups and conferences among others.
• Define key information needs for the project and work closely with the MEL Advisor for tracking, collection and dissemination to strengthen social protection schemes
• Identify opportunities for USAID HERO to undertake assignments on social protection and other related areas of interest.
• Actively participate in USAID HERO’s Social Protection technical activities, supporting planning while managing and mentoring staff with the aim of building a cadre of highly competent and trusted social protection specialists.
• Support the DCOP and COP in developing annual work plans, budgets, reports, success stories, and other deliverables
• Manage and coordinate relevant partners in compliance with USAID requirements.
• Contribute to and provide high quality website content on social protection, to further enhance the website so that it can strengthen its influence on national and international thinking
• Continually build self-knowledge and awareness of current trends in social protection across the focus counties and the national level.

QUALIFICATIONS 

• At least a Master’s degree in a subject related to social protection, international development, social policy, or economics.
• Demonstrated experience supporting the Ministry of Health and county governments in strengthening the health system OR experience supporting social protection initiatives in Kenya and/or East Africa preferred.
• At least 5-7 years public sector experience and working with county governments
• At least five years managing complex projects in the areas of HSS social protection experience is a plus.
• Previous programmatic work experience with USAID-funded, or other large institutional donor preferred.
• Demonstrated technical understanding of Kenya’s social protection system.
• Demonstrated success in building, managing, and maintaining effective working relations with key country and county stakeholders.
• Demonstrated capacity to build and maintain productive working relationships with a wide network of local partners and stakeholders.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Exceptional communications and presentation skills (oral and written).
• Demonstrated team player with effective cross-cultural interpersonal skills.
• Ability to resolve sensitive and complicated work issues with senior high-level county counterparts, donor representatives and senior-level staff.
• Working knowledge of virtual communication platforms: Microsoft Teams, Google Meets, Zoom; Microsoft software packages: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Excellent English language skills, both written and spoken with strong presentation skills. Ability to prepare and disseminate project findings, success stories and other documents effectively.

Additional job responsibilities

• The duties and responsibilities as set out above are not exhaustive and the role holder may be required to carry out additional duties within reasonableness of their level of skills and experience.

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ROLE PURPOSE: The Strategic Purchasing lead will provide technical leadership in the development and delivery of work on strategic purchasing of health services and efficiency in provider payment mechanisms. The job holder will provide insights and guidance to the project on the planned transitioning to Social Health Insurance Agency for alignment of project intervention. The role will also liaise with other sector specialists more so Domestic Resource Mobilization(DRM) lead to ensure strategic purchasing takes into accountboth public and private sector as sources of purchasing.

KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY

• Provide Technical Assistance (TA)to the National Hospital Insurance Fund(NHIF) and county governments on aggregate contracting, aligning with the Kenya Health Financing Strategy on making primary care networks(PCN) the main service delivery points.
• Provide TA to USAID HERO focus counties on service level design to implement primary care networks;
• Build the reputation of USAID HERO as a thought leader on strategic purchasing by undertaking research and publishing papers that provide innovative and cutting-edge insights.
• Provide TA to the MOH/NHIF to institutionalize the Health Technology Assessment to inform evidence-based priority-setting, including for the UHC benefit package.
• Provide TA to NHIF in the implementation of the recommendations of “The NHIF We Want” report.
• Lead in identifying design and implementation gaps, factors influencing purchasing performance and provide policy implications of the findings and changes needed to attain the desired set of purchasing activities.
• Assisting USAID HERO focus county governments to develop and implement county health financing policies.
• Support county governments to establish how best to engage and pay health providers care.
• Work with NHIF and county health sector purchasers to make more deliberate decisions about what services to cover, which providers to contract, and the payment methods and rates to use.
• Work with key stakeholders (including MOH at national and county levels, ministries involved in social protection, COG, Kenya Medical Supplies Authority, Kenya Private Sector Alliance, development partners, and civil society) on cross sectorial efforts.
• Provide TA to the NHIF to review and refine its empanelment tools for improved effectiveness and efficiency.
• Examine interventions to increase NHIF’s value proposition to support member retention, particularly for members with little (or no) healthcare utilization and who may have limited access to services.
• Work with the NHIF to ensure provider payment rates are based on actuarial and costing evidence and structured to account for the different cost structures across public and private healthcare facilities
• Engage providers in determining provider payment rates, and subsequently publicly availing information on how the rates are developed, making updated capitation lists available to healthcare facilities and to the public.
• Work with NHIF to develop a mechanism for rewarding quality, so that provider payment rates are adjusted for quality of care (i.e., performance-based payments).
• Provide TA to NHIF on how to evaluate and select healthcare providers based on quality of service, cost-effectiveness, and other performance indicators.
• Work with USAID HERO focus county to support coordinated facility certification and accreditation processes that are a prerequisite to contracting with the NHIF.
• Provide support in development of annual work plans, budgets, reports, success stories, and other deliverables.

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Master's degree in business administration, economics, public health or a related field.
• Additional certifications or training in strategic procurement or supply chain management for healthcare sector/industry preferred.
• Familiarity and experience workingand or supporting NHIF or social protection schemes
• Demonstrated experience supporting the Ministry of Health/NHIF in strengthening the health system OR experience supporting strategic purchasing initiatives in Kenya and/or East Africa is preferred.
• At least five years’ experience managing complex projects in the areas of HSS strategic purchasing is an added advantage
• Previous programmatic work with USAID-funded, or other large institutional donor, activities preferred.
• A strong understanding of the national health insurance system, regulations, and policies.
• Knowledge of the Kenya healthcare landscape, reimbursement systems, and payment models is highly desirable.
• Have the ability to analyze complex data, identify trends, and develop strategic plans for purchasing healthcare services and products. A strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make informed decisions based on data.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Excellent negotiation skills and the ability to establish and maintain relationships with key stakeholders.
• Familiarity with procurement methods, procedures, and best practices in the purchasing of healthcare services and products. This includes knowledge of sourcing strategies, supplier selection, contract management, and performance evaluation.
• Strong leadership skills, the ability to motivate and guide others, and effective project management capabilities are essential for success in this role.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Exceptional communications and presentation skills (oral and written).
• Demonstrated team player with effective cross-cultural interpersonal skills.
• Ability to resolve sensitive and complicated work issues with senior high-level county counterparts, donor representatives and senior-level staff.

Additional job responsibilities

• The duties and responsibilities as set out above are not exhaustive and the role holder may be required to carry out additional duties within reasonableness of their level of skills and experience.

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ROLE PURPOSE:

The Communication Officer will be responsible leading communication and media efforts of the program in close collaboration with the Deputy Chief of Party (DCoP). More specifically, the Communications Officer will play a key role in ensuring that there is an effective communications strategy and campaign for civic engagement and civic awareness, including in relation to reforms; will support implementation of the Program Communication Strategy; develop local media contacts; and design media-related activities to build the identity of the program in the fourteen counties. The Communications Officer will lead and advise on the production and dissemination of a broad range of communications for the USAID HERO Project. S/he will support program reporting and lead on communications to County Governments’ Media, USAID, and other institutional stakeholders. The Communications Officer will fill a critical gap in developing internal and external communications through proactive responses to information requests, refining success stories to appeal to specific audiences, and production of relevant knowledge products including a monthly newsletter. S/he will support the HERO Team in articulating programmatic impact in our communities to advance profile-raising, advocacy and learning goals. The Communications Officer will actively elevate the program’s reputation as a reference point for an informed and meaningful voice on key issues related to the program health financing activities.

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in media and communications, journalism, social studies, or relevant field.
• A minimum of 6 years of experience in coordinating and producing written and audio visual content for donor engagement, public advocacy, media, and community relations.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in required, including supporting report writing, editing, and proofreading program documents.
• Experience coordinating internal and external communications.
• Excellent computer skills, including experience with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher.
• Experience with Adobe’s design suite a plus.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Proven experience in international development communications.
• Experience with representation and liaison with donors and peer organizations.
• Ability to deliver high quality products with short deadlines.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members.
• Willingness to learn and collaborate with others.

Additional job responsibilities

• The duties and responsibilities as set out above are not exhaustive and the role holder may be required to carry out additional duties within reasonableness of their level of skills and experience.

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ROLE PURPOSE:

The grants and compliance officer will report to the Finance and Administration Manager and will be responsible for providing the day to-day supervision, guidance, and monitoring of all USAID HERO sub grants.

Key Areas of Accountability

• Administer the full grant cycle of sub-award management activities, from solicitation through selection, pre-award assessment, negotiation, monitoring/compliance visits, and closeout efficiently and in a timely fashion in line with Kenyatta University guidelines and USAID requirements.
• Support sub awardees in management of sub grants by facilitating training and mentoring programs to strengthen their capacity to receive and manage USG funds.
• Coordinating and undertaking capacity assessment for the partners with a view of determining their ability to receive and manage program funds.
• Support the Finance and Administration Manager in drawing annual action plans with the partners and driving the process of smooth implementation for quality programming.
• Undertake quarterly reviews on the partner’s capacity assessment action plans and continuous follow up to ensure that the capacity gaps are addressed within the stated timelines.
• Manage sub grants agreements by ensuring compliance with the terms, rules, regulations, legal and regulatory requirements governing the award.
• Lead the team in monthly monitoring of sub awardee budgets, expenditure tracking, timely reporting and implementation of risk mitigating measures.
• Ensure timely, accurate Monthly reporting from partners to allow consolidation and submission of the program and finance report within the set timelines.
• Review and verification of expenditure, bank reconciliations and other related documentation on a monthly basis.
• Support in Planning, coordinating, monitoring, and reporting all sub grants and related grants management activities which program will carry out.
• Support the manager in coordinating all other partner’s requirements especially the annual audit and reviews.
• Work closely with the Finance team to ensure accurate and timely disbursement and liquidation of sub-award expenses. Ensure a comprehensive review of partner budgets.
• Maintain an updated grants matrix for each sub awardee that informs regular decision making as well as used as a reference tool when reviewing partner cash requests.
• Ensure timely training of sub-grantees to understand and comply fully with funder requirements. Develop and implement institutional strengthening tools/plans for the partners.

QUALIFICATIONS 

• A university degree in business administration, accounting, finance or related field Certified Public Accountant (CPA,(K)), Certified Financial analyst (CFA) or ACCA or any other relevant certification is a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS/LLB) with 5-7 years of experience with sub award administration and compliance for USG-funded projects (USAID/PEPFAR preferred); or master’s degree with 3-5 years of experience with sub award administration and/or compliance for USG-funded projects.
• Strong working knowledge of USG rules and regulations.
• Familiarity with federal OMB (Office of Management and Budget) circulars
• Familiarity with Kenyan health sector, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Kenya is highly desirable.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Excellent negotiation skills and the ability to establish and maintain relationships with key stakeholders.
• Familiarity with procurement methods, procedures, and best practices in the purchasing of healthcare services and products. This includes knowledge of sourcing strategies, supplier selection, contract management, and performance evaluation.
• Strong leadership skills, the ability to motivate and guide others, and effective project management capabilities are essential for success in this role.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Exceptional communications and presentation skills (oral and written).
• Demonstrated team player with effective cross-cultural interpersonal skills.
• Ability to resolve sensitive and complicated work issues with senior high-level county counterparts, donor representatives and senior-level staff.

Additional job responsibilities

• The duties and responsibilities as set out above are not exhaustive and the role holder may be required to carry out additional duties within reasonableness of their level of skills and experience.

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ROLE PURPOSE:

The overall objective of the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Specialist is to assist USAID HERO on mainstreaming gender-sensitive and socially inclusive approaches in line with the projects GESI policies during development and implementation of all projects. GESI mainstreaming on USAID HERO will address differentiated needs based on gender and include underrepresented groups, such as elderly, children and youth, people with disabilities, and others under the social protection work stream and other relevant areas based on the projects context.

KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY

• Provide programming recommendations in close coordination with the program and MEL teams to improve USAID HERO’s approach to GESI integration in activities by incorporating GESI analysis in activity design, integrating GESI during implementation and MEL.
• Draft USAID HERO’s GESI strategy policies, procedures, guidance, and templates and make recommendations to improve GESI integration in line with USAID HERO’s project lifecycle.
• Review all concept notes and project documents prior to submission alongside the program team for donor approval.
• Facilitate GESI trainings and provide strategic technical guidance on GESI integration to project staff, county government and relevant government entities, and stakeholders.
• Work closely with the program and MEL team to ensure that GESI targets, indicators and learning are considered and captured on a regular basis
• Contribute to project reports and deliverables as required and demonstrate the status of GESI activities toward achieving expected results.
• Document learning and widely disseminate GESI knowledge-sharing related to and from all levels of government, and with all stakeholders across the public and private sectors.
• Develop appropriate GESI resources and tools for project staff.

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor’s degree preferably in international development, gender and inclusion, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 3 years of experience is required.
• Demonstrated experience in mainstreaming GESI into existing projects, designing GESI-specific projects, or other technically relevant work experience
• An understanding of the dynamics of full-scale invasion and war dynamics in Ukraine and how it relates to the GESI
• Experience working in international organisations or on donor-funded programmes preferred

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Excellent negotiation skills and the ability to establish and maintain relationships with key stakeholders.
• Strong leadership skills, the ability to motivate and guide others, and effective project management capabilities are essential for success in this role.
• Exceptional communications and presentation skills (oral and written).
• Demonstrated team player with effective cross-cultural interpersonal skills.
• Ability to resolve sensitive and complicated work issues with senior high-level county counterparts, donor representatives and senior-level staff.

Additional job responsibilities

• The duties and responsibilities as set out above are not exhaustive and the role holder may be required to carry out additional duties within reasonableness of their level of skills and experience.

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ROLE PURPOSE:

The Project officer will provide technical, financial and administrative support in the delivery of USAID HERO work streams. The project officer role will support with facilitating activity implementation, office administration and undertake financial management roles that will ensure the office runs smoothly, program activities are implemented seamlessly supporting the project deliver on its mandate.

KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY:    

Project Implementation

• Conceptualizes, plans and implements activities that support the completion of project goals and objectives in coordination with the Regional Coordinator, DCOP and the rest of USAID HERO technical team.
• Develops activity proposals that details rationale, target beneficiaries, activity design, expected outcomes, and activity budget.
• Regularly provides technical inputs to all on-going project activities.   

 Networking, Partnership

• Supports the USAID HERO team, in delivering project activities in the assigned region.
• Develops linkages with different stakeholders such as local government units, national and local government agencies, civil society organizations, and the private sector towards building a support network for the project in the area;

Administration

• Prepare and ensure cash flow allocation for the implementation of project activities on a monthly basis. 
• Disburse funds as per approved budget for the region. 
• Facilitate meeting reimbursement to participants such as daily subsistence allowances.
• Ensure all office equipment is well maintained and updated in the Assets Register and keep records of all equipment assigned to staff.
• Processing travel and accommodation requests for USAID HERO and managing vehicles scheduling for project activities.

Office Management

• To manage and maintain the front desk and reception area of the office.
• Provide clear and accurate general information about USAID HERO Project to callers/ visitors according to communication strategy.
• Conference/Meeting Logistics Support:
• Assist with the logistical coordination and planning of meetings and conferences (which includes venue arrangement, workshop materials, event participant travel & accommodation)
• Manage the daily administrative workflow of the Project. This includes providing basic administrative support, including scheduling meetings, taking notes, managing letters and invitations, updating the team calendar with events such as training, completing forms, updating program documents.

Financial Management

• Maintain an up-to-date assets register for USAID HERO equipment and supplies held at the region office.
• Manage office float in compliance with the University and donor rules and regulations

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration or related qualification.
• At least five years of experience in a busy office environment.
• Knowledge of Administrative Assistant roles, Finance practices, and procedures.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions and establish and maintain good working relationships with officials, other employees, and the general public.
• Ability to perform a variety of important urgent, confidential, and complex tasks with constantly changing priorities for the Administrative and sometimes management staff.
• Excellent oral communication and cohesive interpersonal skills, with the ability to work under pressure and deal with people of varied orientations.
• Considerable skill in the operation of a computer. Proficiency in all Microsoft Office programs. Excellent analytical skills, high attention to detail
• Ability to establish and maintain office records and files, interpret rules and regulations, and apply them to work situations.
• Dynamic, Creative & innovative person with considerable tact and poise.
• Have self-drive and motivation.
• Strong time-management and organizational skills

Additional job responsibilities

• The duties and responsibilities as set out above are not exhaustive and the role holder may be required to carry out additional duties within reasonableness of their level of skills and experience.