Project Manager – Lomidat Project

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 – Lomidat Project
Duty Station: Lodwar, Kenya
Availability: Immediately
Deadline: 11th April 2011

Role

The Project Manager for the LOMIDAT Project will oversee, lead and manage the Technical team working on food facility and livestock market chain on the Lomidat project.

He/She will be responsible for maintaining relationships with the partner, monitoring, and ensuring that the strategies in place enable the project to reach the set objectives.

He/she will support in technical backstopping of relevant areas in other Lodwar projects, DMI, Fodder production, CERF, Emergency projects etc.

Main responsibilities of

A) Program management and development

• Project Action planning, implementation and coordination.
• Networking and collaboration with the Lomidat team.
• Facilitate the technical implementation of result two and the parts of result three of the action as appropriately designed.
• In coordination with the VSF B Lodwar project manager coordinate research activities for the improvement of livestock market chain and the development of new project areas.
• To maintain close linkages with the Lomidat project Butchery/factory and staff
• To work with the Lodwar project manager, in identifying and develop new projects based on the strengths, capacity and local resources of beneficiaries and specific calls from donors.
• To ensure synergy in the Livestock market chain project activities.
• To work with the Livestock traders to develop a clear livestock Value chain, in Turkana.
• To submit timely project reports based on donor guidelines to the Lodwar project.

B) Staff management and development

• Development of a team building strategy to promote an effective and supportive working environment within the Turkana Program.
• Work with the Lodwar 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, the Lomidat and other local stakeholders
• Represent VSF B in the Livestock Market chain Project Management Unit (PMU) meetings and coordination meetings

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 as per donor regulations
• Facilitation of visits by monitoring teams

E) Communication and Information

• Inform and collaborate with the lodwar projects manager on a continuous basis
• Forward relevant project information for the promotion of the Livestock infrastructure development to the Lodwar and regional offices

F) Networking and Liaison

• Liaison and networking with relevant livestock partners and collaborators to improve the performance of the Livestock chain project in a dynamic environment
• Assist the Lodwar Project manager in the Development of a joint and common approach the implementation activities of all projects in for the communities in Turkana and the Ecosystem of north-western Kenya
• Network with Lomidat project manager, General Manager and ensure a common approach and the coordination of activities
• Promotion of team spirit on all levels within VSF belgium

Essential or Minimum Requirements

Education

• University degree in a development related field, Range management, (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, Entrepreneurship, or Agricultural Economics

Knowledge and experience

• 5 years experience in project development and management.
• Should have 3 years experience in a senior position in project management and implementation at least to senior project officer level.
• Experience of working on an EC project is an advantage
• An understanding of the ABCD, VICOBA, PFS, CAHWAs privatization systems, WUA management and VLUP approaches is crucial.
• Good knowledge of project cycle management
• Experience with proposal development and implementation
• Good knowledge of donor rules, in particular USAID, EC.
• Experience with administering budgets
• Ability to operationalise project logical frameworks

Skills

• Computer literacy with very good MS Excel, Word and Power point
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Excellent management skills
• Good writing and reporting skills
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines
• Ability to work independently
• Accuracy and keen for detail skills
• Ability to deal with organizational conflict and crises
• Fluency in written and spoken English
• Excellent 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
• Attentive to detail
• Flexible
• Identify him/herself with the mission, vision and values of VSF-B
• Display of intercultural sensitivity
• Respect in dealing with others
• Willingness to travel (frequent visits to the field, Turkana and the Regional Office Nairobi)

Desirable Requirements

• Knowledge of Turkana language would be an advantage but is not essential
• Experience of working in the Arid Lands of Northern Kenya is desirable

Please send your application letter, CV by e-mail (reference “PM Lomidat”) before 11/04/2011 to recruitment@vsfb.or.ke

This vacancy is open to male and female candidates of Kenyan nationality.

Applications from qualified women candidates are encouraged.

Priority will be given to qualified internal applicants.

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

For more information: www.vsf-belgium.org