Job Opportunities at Heifer International

RESPONSIBILITIES and DELIVERABLES

(including approximate percentage effort)

Strategic MLE Implementation

Provide technical guidance and support in the implementation of the overall monitoring, learning, and evaluation framework in line with the CP’s 10-year Program Framework and Heifer International’s global goal and monitoring, learning and evaluation requirements (50%)

i. Collaborate with Mission Effectiveness and global MLE network in the adoption and adaptation of technical MLE standards

ii. Defining the Kenya living wage target for every region Heifer Kenya implements its projects by end of November 2016, and thereafter tracking the progress of its achievement annually.

iii. Deploy and optimize use at country level of Heifer International’s system of record for project and program results

iv. Supervise quality data collection and management in accordance to latest industry standards as adopted by Heifer International’s Mission Effectiveness team.

v. Establishment of quality assurance procedures for data prior to its use

vi. Plan and coordinate Country Program Framework reviews, Project Self Reviews and Planning (PSRP) sessions, midterm and final or end of project evaluations.

vii. Design and implement a system to identify, analyze, document and disseminate lessons learned for program and project results

viii. Develop and set-up of all live projects in Kimetrica system and for all new project established

ix. Developing and maintaining a database for the project beneficiaries in all the key project both internally and in Kimetrica platform on a continuous routine

x. Analyze and discuss emerging issues from progress and evaluation reports and coordinate the development, and monitor and follow up of, action plans for the recommendations to the relevant Program Management and Partners for timely corrective measures

xi. Ensure clear definition of objectives and their results; adequate provision of technical advice for the revision of key indicators. realistic intermediate and end-of-project targets are defined, focused baseline studies are conducted at project start, and clear identification of sources of data and collection methods.

xii. Conduct research to assist project design with relevant secondary information.

xiii. Design project MLE frameworks and log frames

xiv. Provides solutions for more complex data management requirements by leading to development of digital MIS databases, mobile SMS technology etc.

xv. Piloting mobile based data collection processes in partnership with organization such as: Mercy Corps Arifu, we farm, etc.

xvi. Coordinate with Director of Programs to ensure effective project start up, management and closure

xvii. Liaise with Finance and Programs to perform Earned-Value Analysis (EVA) for all projects on semester basis and share report with Senior Management for timely corrective measures.

xviii. Document, package and disseminate lessons learned

Capacity Development

Lead and collaborate in the development of people and management strategies to strengthen MLE effectiveness across the country program and Africa area to meet the requirements of an increasingly competitive environment. (35%)

i. Supervision of communication officer, providing mentoring and coaching on approaches and technical methodologies

ii. Participate in exchanges visits with other country programs and other regional assignments to contribute to the MLE activities of Heifer’s program and external networks

iii. Promote a results based approach to Monitoring, Learning and Evaluation emphasizing on data quality, results, and impacts

iv. Contribute in the recruitment, training and supervision of external parties that are contracted to implement special surveys and studies required for evaluating project effects and impacts

v. Build staff and partners’ capacities on MLE through facilitation of trainings, collaboration, and development of MLE tools

vi. Foster quality participatory monitoring by training and involving primary stakeholder groups in the M&E of activities

vii. Continuously build self and professional development knowledge, skills and competencies

Fundraising

Ensure availability of quality project and program data, information, analysis and insights for country staff, management, resource mobilization staff, marketing team and external donors. (15%)

i. Financial analysis of the country program and project’s work is fully integrated into assessment of results and insights

ii. Routine practices and protocols enable timely, relevant and accurate reporting

iii. Visually appealing formats/infographics for reporting across all stakeholders

iv. Present country program achievements and lessons learned to internal and external audience

May Perform other job-related duties as assigned

Most Critical Proficiencies:

• Proven team leadership and supervisory skills with the ability to train and work cooperatively with a diverse staff, including field staff in several locations.
• Experience with the NGO/Private Voluntary Organization approach, and knowledge of global sustainable development
• Demonstrated ability to implement a logical framework approach or other strategic planning approaches.
• Demonstrated ability of facilitating learning-oriented analysis sessions of M&E data with multiple stakeholders, information analysis and report writing.
• Knowledgeable of current and emerging ideas, research and developments in the field of international development and a commitment to continuous learning and development.
• Confident in and experienced with the use of technology in development
• Demonstrated technical expertise in designing M&E plans
• Proven experience with data collection methods, standard sampling techniques, use of statistical applications
• Experience in evaluations
• Analysis and presentation of both qualitative and quantitative data
• Experience in participatory methodologies (e.g. PRA) that will be applied in Heifer’s context.
• Experience in development-oriented value chain analysis
• Experience in assessing and managing lean experimental data
• Demonstrated proficiency in English, oral and written, with knowledge of English and Kiswahili.

Essential Job Functions and Physical Demands:

• Preparing and presenting documents in a well-designed and attractive format with superior attention to detail.
• Ability to lead teams effectively and exhibit strong conflict resolution skills.
• Proven team and customer care skills with the ability to train and work cooperatively with a diverse staff, including field staff in several locations.
• Excellent time management skills, high self- motivation and ability to work under pressure on multiple tasks, demands and deadlines with a positive and constructive attitude.
• Constant face-to-face, telephone and electronic communication with colleagues both within and outside of Kenya.
• May require constant sitting and moving; working at a computer for extended periods.
• Working with sensitive information and maintaining confidentiality.
• Performing multiple tasks with minimal supervision.
• Willingness to work with a flexible schedule.
• Willingness to travel both locally and internationally

Required Experience

Minimum Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in the fields of Development studies, Social Science, Economics or related to rural sociology, sustainable human and community development or other related field with 3 years of experience.

Preferred Requirements:

• Demonstrated experience in coordinating and working with international donors and grantees on MLE systems.
• Experience in supporting and monitoring field based programs.
• Experience in managing databases and coordinating evaluations, surveys and impact monitoring at a senior level.

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RESPONSIBILITIES and DELIVERABLES
(including approximate percentage effort)

 

Program Management (25%)

1. Assume overall responsibility for the management of all Heifer Kenya programs and provide line management support to all Program Managers and Project Coordinators.
2. Support Program Managers and Project Coordinators (PC’s) in the management of the field resources and project budgets and ensure these are used in compliance with approved guidelines (vehicle and motorcycles management, etc.).
3. Implement annual performance management process for all Program Managers and Project Coordinators and support them to ensure these cascades to all Program staff.

 

 

DELIVERABLES

 

1. Staff performance management system for all program staff implemented on a quarterly and annual basis for all program staff ensuring the achievement of at least 80% of the set performance targets.
2. Enhanced compliance and accountability in the management of project resources, achieving at least 90% compliance
3. Over 80 % of the planned milestones are achieved by the projects
4. Ensure 100% compliance with donor all the project donor contractual obligations by all the project staff.

Program Planning and Budgeting (15%)

 

 

1. Support all project teams to develop annual budgets and work plans consistent with project documents and donor contracts.
2. Support teams in undertaking the necessary review and updating of the work plans and budgets to respond to emerging field implementation challenges and project review processes.
3. Review all support in the execution of Letters of Agreement (LOA) between the beneficiary groups and/ or Producer Organizations and Heifer Kenya.
4. Support in the review of the Heifer Kenya Country program Framework.

 

 

DELIVERABLES

1. Project work plans and budgets (annual, quarterly and monthly) developed for all approved projects every financial year and implemented in line with project documents and work plans
2. Periodic and timely reviews of budgets and re-forecasting of all approved projects work plans undertaken and shared with Headquarters and respective donors, ensuring alignment with the donor contracts
3. Effective management of partnerships between beneficiary groups and producer organizations who are supported by the project, to ensure 100% adherence with the LOAs.
4. Biannual and annual review of the Kenya Country Program Framework with clear actions to address any gaps that may be observed.

Budget Management and Monitoring (15%)

• In coordination with the finance department undertake quarterly budget monitoring and variance analysis with all Program Managers and support the projects in reviewing and tracking spending to adhere to annual budgets.
• Support Program Managers and the Country Program to plan and undertake corrective management actions arising out of budget monitoring reports.
• Approve program related requests for imprest and reconciliations in line with work plans and financial management procedures.

 

DELIVERABLES

• Monthly and Quarterly budget for all ongoing projects s highlighting status of project spending and presenting these in the monthly operational meetings
• Implementing and tracking all the proposed corrective measures to address any variances beyond +/-10%, ensuring that the spending is brought on track within the planned period
• Ensure program request for impress and reconciliations approved in line with work plans and financial management procedures

 

 

Program Reporting (20%)

• Review regular quarterly, semi- and annual reports from the Program Managers and Project Coordinators and support them to comply with requirements of quality reporting and timeliness.
• Review donor reports from the Program Managers and Project Coordinators to ensure they comply with requirements in terms of quality and timelines and ensure these are of the highest standards.
• Compile quarterly Country Program Reports to provide oversight of the Country Program implementation.
• Compile the Heifer International Annual Board ends report.

 

DELIVERABLES

 

• All project progress reports (quarterly, semi- and annual reports) from the Program Managers and Project Coordinators are compliant with expected quality standards and timelines
• All donor reports from the Program Managers and Project Coordinators are compliant with expected quality standards. timelines and donor formats
• 4 Kenya Country Program Quarterly Reports are compiled annually within the stipulated timelines
• Heifer International Annual Board Ends report compiled and submitted within the stipulated timelines

 

Program Development and Fundraising (15%)

• Provide leadership to the Program development work with all the regional teams to grow and develop Heifer Kenya’s Programs portfolio.
• Support Heifer Kenya’s fundraising work through background information gathering, Concept Development and proposal development.
• Support field teams in ensuring that Heifer Kenya interventions are appropriately designed and benefitting correctly targeted beneficiaries and creating the desired impact with participants

 

 

DELIVERABLES

 

 

1. At least 2 fundraising opportunities identified and responded to annually.
2. Resource mobilization plans developed to enable achievement of the objectives of the Country Program Framework
3. At least 3 partnerships are annually established for the purpose of program development
4. Effective designs and models are developed and incorporated in new projects in order to achieve the required scale and impacts

Documentation and lessons learning (10%)
A. Support country projects in developing and documenting lessons learnt and experiences for dissemination and sharing to inform future project development.
B. Perform any other duty as may be assigned by the Country Program director.

 

 

DELIVERABLES

1. At least two successful cases per year per ongoing project are documented from projects and disseminated through different platforms
2. Lessons learnt from projects documented and disseminate to stakeholders before end of each project
3. Successful business models documented before end of projects for replication or scale up

Any other duties as assigned by the supervisor

 

 

Most Critical Proficiencies:

 

 

• Good understanding of annual work planning and budgeting and budget monitoring.
• A good understanding of monitoring and evaluation processes.
• Solid project management and reporting skills.
• Sound project and proposal development skills.
• A good understanding and sensitivity to issues associated with poverty, hunger and environment, and knowledge of the context to which non-profit organizations operate.
• Solid knowledge and experience in extension methodologies.
• Experience in Agribusiness development, especially developing livestock value chains, market facilitation approaches and development of farmer business institutions.
• Knowledge and experience in training and participatory training methodologies.
• Team leadership skills, with good abilities of addressing conflicts amongst diverse teams and constituents.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Proficient knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, presentation tools, electronic mail (Microsoft Office preferred) and Internet.
• Demonstrated proficiency in English and Swahili, both oral and written.

 

 

 

Essential Job Functions and Physical Demands:

 

 

• Preparing and presenting project reports and presentations in a well-designed and attractive format with superior attention to detail.
• Demonstrated creativity, ability to think systematically, willingness and ability to incorporate innovative solutions.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work cooperatively, tactfully and diplomatically with culturally diverse groups of people.
• Willingness and ability to assign and review the work of line managed staff and to use participatory management skills with junior and senior staff.
• Proven team leadership and supervisory skills with the ability to train and work cooperatively with a diverse staff.
• Regularly conduct stakeholder analysis to strengthen partnerships and leveraging of resources
• Constant face-to-face, telephone and electronic communication with colleagues and the general public to scale up country program visibility and publicity.
• May require constant sitting; working at a computer and focusing for extended periods of time and performing office work in the field and/or in remote conditions.
• Working with sensitive information and maintaining confidentiality.
• Ability to manage and execute multiple tasks with little supervision while meeting sometimes inflexible deadlines.

 

 

 

Required Experience

 

 

 

Minimum Requirements:

 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Rural Development, Project Planning and Management, Agriculture, Agribusiness and Animal Science and other relevant qualification
• Seven (7) years of relevant experience in Program management, extension and community development work.

 

 

Preferred Requirements:

 

• Master’s Degree in relevant professional discipline.
• Four (4) years of supervisory/managerial experience.
• Thorough understanding of programming processes, systems and principles, and the ability to provide leadership and support to staff working at community level.
• Solid skill, knowledge and foundation in proposal development and of the project management cycle.
• Sound understanding of value chain development on various agricultural commodities including dairy and livestock sectors.
• Sound understanding of integrated development issues and critical analysis of the root causes of poverty in Kenya.
• Knowledge of development issues, trends, challenges and opportunities and implications to community development.
• Demonstrated knowledge of strategic planning processes.