Vacancies at Amref Kenya

JOB SUMMARY

• WaterStarters is a WASH program implemented by Amref Health Africa with funding  MegaGroup, DANIDA and Amref Flying Doctors - Netherlands. The program is testing an innovative financing and management model for rural water schemes which combines grants, community contributions and recoverable finance. The project seeks to demonstrate that use of smart-tech solutions coupled with professional management can guarantee revenue flows for rural water schemes, thereby ensuring sustainability and CapEx recovery. For more information of WaterStarters visit www.waterstarters.org
• The Project Associate will develop and implement strategies that transform rural water projects (franchisees) into commercially viable and sustainable enterprises, ensuring long-term access to clean water for rural communities, with a specific focus on franchisee management, loan repayment, and financial transparency.

KEY RESPONSIBLITIES

Water Enterprise Development and Management

• Support in identification and engagement of potential franchisees as per the WaterStarters selection criteria 
• Provide ongoing training and support to franchisees on business development and management, operational best practices, and customer service.
• Monitor franchisee performance and provide feedback for improvement.
• Conduct thorough financial assessments of existing water projects, identifying revenue streams, operational costs, and potential for profitability within a franchise framework.
• Develop comprehensive business plans for franchisees, including financial projections, pricing strategies, and investment proposals.
• Assess and improve operational efficiency across the franchise network, focusing on cost reduction, water loss management, and infrastructure maintenance.
• Develop and support implementation of appropriate water tariff systems that balance affordability and cost recovery within the franchise model.
• Support establishment of robust management and accounting systems for franchise operations.
• Conduct market research to understand customer needs and willingness to pay for water services within the franchise context.
• Support development of a sustainability framework for WaterStarters Special Purpose Vehicle.

Loan Repayment Monitoring

• Implement systems for tracking and monitoring loan repayments from franchisees, ensuring timely collection.
• Ensure adherence to loan repayment schedules as stipulated in franchise agreements
• Develop and Implement strategies for managing and mitigating loan repayment risks.

Record Keeping and Books of Accounts

• Train franchisees on proper record-keeping and financial reporting.
• Support franchisees to establish and maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records, including books of accounts, ledgers, and financial statements.
• Support franchisees to implement sound accounting practices and ensure compliance with relevant financial regulations.

Stakeholder Engagement and Capacity Building

• Engage with franchisees, community members and local authorities to ensure their participation in project planning and implementation.
• Work with local authorities to ensure the long-term sustainability of the projects.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Support in development of monthly, quarterly and annual reports per organization and donor requirements    

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, economics, finance, accounting or a related field.  
• At least 2 years of experience in WASH related business development and project implementation, preferably in an NGO setting.
• Strong financial analysis and modeling skills.
• Strong bookkeeping and accounting skills.
• Experience with loan tracking software or methods.
• Strong understanding of rural Water development issues and challenges.  
• Knowledge of water sector regulations and standards is a plus.
• Having a good understanding of socio-cultural context of the county will be an added advantage.

Competences

• Able to deliver quality work within tight deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Hard working and results oriented.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

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JOB SUMMARY

• WaterStarters is a WASH program implemented by Amref Health Africa with funding  MegaGroup, DANIDA and Amref Flying Doctors - Netherlands. The program is testing an innovative financing and management model for rural water schemes which combines grants, community contributions and recoverable finance. The project seeks to demonstrate that use of smart-tech solutions coupled with professional management can guarantee revenue flows for rural water schemes, thereby ensuring sustainability and CapEx recovery. For more information of waterStarters visit www.waterstarters.org
• The WASH Project Associate will support in the planning, design and implementation of water, sanitation and hygiene interventions for the WaterStarters project. The successful candidate will report to the project Coordinator with indirect reporting to the WASH programme manager and work very closely with other team members.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Technical Expertise and Support

• Support in identification and engagement of potential franchisees as per the WaterStarters selection criteria 
• Conduct site assessments and feasibility studies for WASH infrastructure projects (e.g., water supply systems, sanitation facilities, hygiene promotion infrastructure).
• Develop detailed engineering designs, drawings, and specifications for WASH infrastructure, including water sources, treatment systems, distribution networks, and sanitation facilities.
• Prepare Bills of Quantities (BOQs) and cost estimates for project activities.
• Ensure designs comply with national and international standards and best practices.
• Oversee the construction and installation of WASH infrastructure, ensuring quality control and adherence to project plans.
• Supervise contractors and subcontractors, providing technical guidance and monitoring their performance.
• Conduct regular site visits to monitor progress, identify challenges, and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure that projects are completed within the agreed timeframe and budget.
• Manage material procurement and logistics.

Stakeholder Engagement and Capacity Building

• Engage with franchisees, community members and local authorities to ensure their participation in project planning and implementation.
• Provide technical training and support to franchisees and community members on the operation and maintenance of WASH infrastructure.
• Support in training of community health volunteers on health promotion using project approved strategies Promote hygiene education and awareness within the project area.
• Work with local authorities to ensure the long-term sustainability of the projects.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Support in development of monthly, quarterly and annual reports per organization and donor requirement 
• Keep the Project coordinator regularly updated on all issues related to the project activities.
• Support in monitoring franchisees financial performance and provide advise on optimizing water sales
• Follow up with franchisees to ensure timely remittance of monthly payments as stipulated in their respective franchise agreements

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, or a related field.  
• At least 2 years of experience in WASH project implementation, preferably in an NGO setting
• Proven experience in designing and supervising the construction of WASH infrastructure.
• Strong understanding of water supply, sanitation, and hygiene principles and practices.
• Proficiency in using engineering design software (e.g., AutoCAD, WaterCAD, EPANET).
• Knowledge of relevant national and international standards and guidelines.
• Possess skills in proposal and report writing, project cycle management and participatory monitoring and evaluation of projects.
• Experience in community engagement and capacity building.
• Experience with borehole drilling, rehabilitation and solar powered water systems
• Ability to speak local dialect, and understanding of the local socio-cultural context

Competences

• Able to deliver quality work within tight deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Hard working and results oriented.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team