Project Manager – Garissa

VSF-Belgium is a recognized developmental International NGO founded in 1995 working with disadvantaged communities to increase their standards of living, improve food security and livelihood sustainability through improved animal health and animal production.

In East Africa, our programmes focus on community based animal health services, capacity building of local institutions and governments, conflict mitigation and sustainable natural resource management.

Position Title: Project Manager – Garissa
Duty Station: Garissa, Kenya
Availability: Immediately
Deadline: 11th April 2011

Role

The Project Manager will oversee, lead and manage the field operations of the emergency team in Garissa.

He/She will be responsible for maintaining relationships with the various stakeholders, monitoring, and ensuring that the project meets its objectives. He/she will support in technical backstopping of relevant areas in other Garissa based projects

Main responsibilities of

A) Program management and development

• Project programming, implementation and direct management in line with both donor and VSF B guidelines and regulations
• Ensure effective monitoring and evaluation of the project
• Co-ordinate and manage the projects in Garissa by providing technical and strategic leadership
• Identify and develop project proposals based on the needs of beneficiaries and specific calls from donors.
• Ensure project implementation progress is in line with the activity work plan.
• Ensure that donor regulations are adhered to and that VSF Belgium administrative, financial and implementation controls are observed.
• Participate and contribute to relevant project related network and links.
• Develop work plans, financial projections and verify all financial reports on the project
• Manage the flow of technical reports and compilation of the same in the project narratives for internal and donor reporting.
• Support internal and external monitoring and evaluation exercises.
• Respond to cross cutting issues affecting the community in cooperation with specific Districts Expert agencies and build on arising community needs for furtherance of humanitarian Intervention as required.

B) Staff management and development

• Development of a team building strategy to promote an effective and supportive working environment within the Garissa Program.
• Work with the Garissa team to form a strong technical team.
• Coach and mentor staff in order to ensure that they perform to the best of their abilities and are fully aware of the theory and practise of development work and the project management cycle.

C) Representation of VSFB

• Development of relationships with Government representatives, in Garissa and other local stakeholders
• Represent VSF B in various project forum and networking levels in the target districts of operations.

D) Financial Management

• Ensure that projects are implemented in full compliance with both donor and VSF B guidelines and regulations
• Authorizing all expenditures for the project and monitoring expenditure on line items as per the approved budget
• Timely reporting and proposal amendments as per donor regulations
• Co-financing

Essential or Minimum Requirements

Education

• University degree in a development related field, (a degree in Veterinary science or animal science would be an advantage but is not essential)
• Post graduate training in either Pastoralism and ASALs policy, Development studies, community development

Knowledge and experience

• At least 5 years experience in project development and management.
• Should have held a senior position in project management at least to senior project officer level for a minimum of 3 years
• Good knowledge and working experience on an EC/ECHO/OFAD project is desirable
• Dynamics of community engagement and participatory methods and monitoring field operations
• Ability to operationalise project logical frameworks
• Management of project budgets
• Experience working in the Arid Lands of North Eastern Kenya is desirable

Skills

• Computer literacy with very good MS Excel, Word and Power point
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Good writing and reporting skills
• Ability to work independently, under pressure and meet strict deadlines
• Fluency in written and spoken English, Kiswahili and local language
• Excellent management, planning and organizational skills
• Ability to prepare and present issues at all levels
• Proven ability to work with a range of stakeholders including civil authorities, donors and project partners

Attitudes

• Team player
• Accuracy and attentive to detail
• Flexible
• Display of intercultural sensitivity
• Respect in dealing with others
• Willingness to travel (frequent visits to the field locations and the Regional Office Nairobi)

Please send your application letter, CV and list of 3 references (one must be your current employer) by e-mail (reference “PM Garissa”) on or before 11th April 2011 to recruitment@vsfb.or.ke

This vacancy is open to Kenyan male and female candidates.

Applications from qualified women candidates are encouraged.

Qualified Internal candidates will be given preference.

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

For more information: www.vsf-belgium.org