Openings at Solidaridad Eastern & Central Africa Expertise Centre (SECAEC)

Objective of the study

The objective of the study is to conduct research that adequately responds to the following questions on the basis of the contextual realities in the coffee and fruits and vegetable (Potato, Banana, Pineapple, Avocado, Beans and Cabbage) sectors in Kenya and Uganda and provide information to the target beneficiaries as per the indicators of project objectives and expected results specified in the project results framework.

1. What are the specific bottlenecks for farmers in accessing and sustaining equitable profits for their products and services offered in the coffee, fruits and vegetable supply chains?
2. Are there gender-specific peculiar challenges faced by women and youth?
3. Which nodes of the supply chains offer maximum return on investment for farmers?
4. What type of business model(s) are/is suitable for promotion to Coffee, fruits and vegetable farmers to adopt to take opportunities in participating and profiting from the high-level return nodes of the supply chain?
5. What is the consumption pattern for coffee, fruits and vegetables can local consumption be promoted in the selected countries?
6. Which are market access avenues available for farmers e.g. are there digital platforms through which farmers can sell their products and services?
7. What are the specific unique challenges in the markets and what are suitable solutions to overcome for the farmers to benefit?
8. What are the ongoing lobby and advocacy interventions in relation to fair value distribution and sustainable consumption and by which civil society in the coffee, fruits and vegetable sectors organizations in Kenya and Uganda?

The consultancy/consultant team will be primarily responsible for:

1. Development/design of the research tools including questionnaires for the research and checklist and tools for group interaction including FGD with target beneficiaries at National/county/ village levels.
2. Share the reseach design including process, methods, and questionnaires/checklist with the programme team, collect feedback and finalize the research study design.
3. Submit an inception report.
4. Debrief/discuss with the programme team about effectiveness of questionnaires, checklists, and other tools used in the pre‐test, collect feedback and finalize them.
5. Orient, train, and supervise the enumerators.
6. Ensure the quality of information collected from fields, cross-check with the validity of information collected and verify/revise where needed.
7. Update progress of the reseach study on a weekly basis to the M&E Officer.
8. Analyze data and prepare quality reports.
9. Give a presentation of the draft report to Solidaridad, and;
10. Submit a final report (a compiled version of the report ‐ both hard copy and electronic version in word format) to the project after incorporating the feedback and suggestions from Solidaridad.

Experts/Consultant’s Profile:

Consultancy firms/companies with verifiable research work in the coffee, fruits and vegetable sectors and who fulfill the following requirements are encouraged to express their interests.

• Relevant degree(s) in social sciences or development studies,
• Strong experience with and knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods and sampling strategies
• Experience in business development research with expertise in business modeling / cost-benefit analysis,
• An expert with a gender background in the team
• Experience in designing and conducting studies using experimental or quasi-experimental techniques.
• Statistical analysis skills and strong proficiency with data analysis packages.
• Proven experience in conducting baseline study surveys, impact studies and evaluations, preferably in the Coffee and fruits and vegetable sectors.
• Excellent communication and written skills in English
• Demonstrated experience in analytical research in the fields of policy, industry, agriculture and environment.

How to apply:

Applications should be submitted by 20/06/2022. All applicants must meet the minimum requirements described above, those unable to meet the requirement will not be considered. Remember that Solidaridad is an equal opportunity employer. Each application package should include the following:

• A brief proposal for the study with methodology and work plan (not more than 15 pages). The financial proposal should have a budget with breakdowns of different costs involved, to the finer detail. Budget with aggregated figures will not be accepted.
• A sample/samples of previous related work.
• Updated CVs for the team leader and team members
• Contact details of 3 references with complete contact information.

Consultancy Period:

The overall time frame of the survey will be around 30 working days, which will include inception meetings, finalizing the survey methodology, training of enumerators, data collection, data analysis, report writing, and presenting findings of the survey.

The completed proposal together with a budget and work plan (inclusive of relevant taxes), 1 Hard copy in a sealed envelope (1soft copy enclosed) clearly marked and should be submitted to; procurement.eca@solidaridadnetwork.org

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RESULT AREAS

Budget Monitoring and financial reporting 40%

• Generates reports on Funding Utilization from the organization reporting system and checks burn rates on a quarterly basis
• Ensure all funds to projects allocation is correctly done by all the consortium partners
• Ensures the reports from the accounting system are aligned with the data reported in the project management system. In case of the variances, alert the IT team of the discrepancies
• Ensure strict adherence to the approved budgets.
• Review quarterly reports for partners will slow burn rate and update the management team
• Monitor and review activities to ensure that only budgeted costs have been incurred.
• Supports in the review of yearly annual plans and ensures they are well aligned with the activity work plan
• Prepare and submit timely, accurate, and complete grant financial reports
• Prepare management reports for decision-making purposes
• Support and participate in year-end processes
• Prepare and submit funds movement on a half-yearly basis for monitoring

Monitoring and Compliance 20%

• Monitor Project expenses against the approved budget.
• Reconcile Staff cost with payroll for the project staff under grants.
• Ensure donor regulations are adhered to.
• Support and coordinate grants end closure processes

Risk Management 20%

• Facilitate audit process for assigned grants both internal and external audits
• Provide relevant information for audit responses
• Review grants PRFs for budget availability and proper coding
• Provide and maintain grants financial information for safe custody and access

Administration: 20%

• Attend program technical meetings and provide feedback and updates on the financial aspect of the assigned grants.
• Ensure good storage of financial reports and records in line with the Solidaridad ECA and donor requirements
• Verify all supplier invoices for accuracy and matching to receipt of services and goods;
• Ensure the travel authorization is correct, approved and in compliance with ECA travel policy requirements;
• Monitor, prepare and submit details of outstanding advances, commitment, and sub-grant reports as applicable;
• Prepare payments to suppliers, staff advances and event participants at the field office;
• Maintain records of payments and ensure that documentation on all payments are complete, accurate, and in line with Solidaridad ECA policies;
• Effectively manage other assignments as may be delegated to you by the supervisor from time to time.

Specific Job Requirements:

1. Accounting skills.
2. Demonstrable ability to work with minimum supervision.
3. Computer skills: proficient at using excel and accounting software.
4. Ability to solve complex problems and to exercise independent judgment.
5. The person must be results-oriented, able to handle public relations, able to satisfy stakeholders and committed and respect for diversity.
6. Strong budgetary, financial management and analytical skills.
7. Ability to lead a multi-cultural team with an empowering and outcome-oriented approach.

Knowledge and experience

1. Bachelor of Commerce, Economics, Accounting or Finance, Business Management/Administration or related degree.
2. CPA(K)/ACCA.
3. Professional membership with a recognized body.
4. At least four (4) years of Grant management experience.
5. Practical experience in using ERP accounting-based systems is preferred.
6. Excellent experience in using advanced excel will be an added advantage.
7. Understand the funding environment and funder requirements.

How to apply:

Interested candidates that meet the above qualifications should send their one-page cover letter (including salary expectations and availability) and CVs to:

Email: hr.eca@solidaridadnetwork.org