Technical Lead at Micro and Small Enterprise Authority (MSEA)

OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGNMENT 

The objective of this assignment is to provide technical leadership, coordination, and oversight for the effective implementation of KJET project activities under component 2 being implemented by MSEA relating to building the capacities of MSME Clusters and  ensuring alignment with: 

• Project Development Objectives (PDOs)  
• World Bank Procurement and operational requirements  
• Quality standards for MSME cluster development interventions  
• Results-based performance and reporting 

SCOPE OF WORK 

• The Technical Lead shall undertake, but not be limited to, the following responsibilities: 

Technical Oversight and Coordination 

• Provide strategic and technical leadership for KJET implementation activities  
• Ensure alignment of all interventions with project objectives and design  
• Coordinate technical inputs across components and stakeholders  
• Review and validate technical outputs from consultants and service providers  

Program Implementation Support 

• Support planning and execution of Component 2 activities (MSME cluster development and BDS delivery)  
• Ensure quality assurance of BDS delivery, diagnostics, and growth plans  
• Guide implementation of co-investment and value chain interventions  
• Monitor adherence to timelines, outputs, and deliverables  

Procurement and Contract Management Support 

• Provide technical input into procurement processes (TORs, specifications, evaluation criteria)  
• Support evaluation of proposals and contract negotiations (as needed)  
• Monitor consultant performance against contractual obligations  

Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting 

• Support development and tracking of key performance indicators (KPIs)  
• Ensure proper documentation of project activities and results  
• Review periodic reports from consultants and contractors  
• Prepare technical progress reports for MSEA and the World Bank  

Stakeholder Engagement 

• Liaise with relevant government agencies, private sector actors, and 
• development partners  
• Support coordination with County Governments and MSME clusters  
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and technical learning  

Risk Management and Compliance 

• Identify technical, operational, and implementation risks  
• Propose mitigation measures and corrective actions  
• Ensure compliance with World Bank Environmental and Social Framework 
• (ESF), including ESHS requirements; and 
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the CEO of MSEA from time to  

DELIVERABLES 

The Technical Lead shall deliver the following: 

• Inception Report (within 2 weeks of commencement)  
• Quarterly Technical Progress Reports  
• Technical Review Reports (for BDS, cluster diagnostics, and growth plans)  
• Procurement Technical Inputs (TORs, evaluation reports, etc.)  
• Risk Assessment and Mitigation Reports  
• Final Assignment Report  
• Apart from the Inception report, the Technical Lead shall be expected to perform the abovementioned tasks on an ongoing basis during the term of his/her assignment, to the satisfaction of the CEO and within the guidelines set out herein. 

DURATION OF THE ASSIGNMENT 

• The assignment will be for a period of 12 months, renewable based on performance and project needs. 

PROFILE OF THE TECHNICAL LEAD  

Education 

• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in project management, Business Administration, 
• ICT or any relevant field. Relevant professional qualifications will be an added advantage.  

Experience, skills and competencies 

• A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in Project management; 
• Demonstrated experience utilizing diverse, proactive strategies to competitively position his/her organization for new funding and productive institutional relationships; 
• Demonstrated experience in stakeholder management both in the public sector as well as the Development Sector/Donor-funded initiatives;  
• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with management of World Bank funded projects/programs is required. 
• Proven experience in technical management of projects or initiatives; 
• Demonstrated knowledge in proposal writing for various donors locally and internationally; 
• Demonstrated experience managing teams and processes, leading teams to produce deliverables under tight deadlines and at exceptional quality; 
• Excellent analytical, report writing skills and must be computer literate. 
• Capacity to work under pressure and meet tight schedules under minimum supervision. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and able to lead and work in a team.