Project Manager Job in Kenya - UN

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Vacancy Announcement no. 004/2012

Joint Initiative Project Manager

Contract type: National Project Personnel (NPP)
Level: NO B
Duty Station: Nairobi with frequent field visits

Duration of assignment: Initial probation of 12 months followed by 24 months with possible extension
depending on available funding

Job Role, Duties And Responsibilities:

Under general supervision of the FAO Representative in Kenya, the direct supervision of the Programme
Coordinator, in close collaboration with Assistant FAO Representative Programme the overall responsibility of the Project Manager for the Joint WFP / FAO / IFAD programme initiative will be to ensure the successful operation and conclusion of the project according to the work plan and project document. 

The following are the duties and responsibilities:

Key Responsibilities:

•          Directly responsible for the management of the WFP / FAO / IFAD joint project. This includes the preparation of coordination and communication structures, contracts and letters of agreement, monitoring progress against indicators, suggesting revisions to the project activities / activity plan where necessary, monitoring expenditure against each budget line, preparation and submission of timely reports.

•          Assist FAO and WFP in joint programme design including all the phases, stakeholders consultation, finalization of county plans, take part in the joint evaluation of implementing partners beneficiary identification and targeting using the Community Based Targeting and Distribution (CBTD) as guided by WFP. Ensure that proposed activities address the food security needs of rural populations and that they are built upon local capacities.

Key Activities:

•          Act as FAO and WFP focal point to ensure that adequate technical support is provided for a smooth implementation of joint programme activities. Ensure appropriate links with national and local authorities, state and research institutions, local civil society, and ensure appropriate coordination and information exchange with them for the implementation of the joint programme;

•          Working in partnership with the field offices and Cps/IPs, ensure proper project technologies and project designs are developed;

•          In collaboration with the field offices, supervise the implementation of field activities by the different partners for the above project;

•          Provide technical advice and support to the implementing partners in close collaboration with FAO, WFP and the NDMA;

•          Establish coordination and reporting structures for the project in line with the project document. This includes the establishment of a project specific steering committee;

•          In collaboration with the relevant FAO technical and operational divisions in headquarters, assist and provide technical advice for the procurement of all required materials for the project;

•          Liaise between the implementing partners and the relevant Livestock and Agriculture Departments to ensure harmonisation of activities, in particular between those funded by WFP and FAO;

•          Report on the progress of the projects at regular intervals and identify weaknesses that can be addressed;

•          Ensure relevant reporting, communication and effective information sharing;

•          Ensure proper advocacy with Donors and Government for the programme;

•          Develop clear project implementation and coordination structures;

•          Ensure that the Joint Initiative programmes are clear, detailed; and also fully integrated within the county programmes plans;

•          Monitor the implementation of the projects in collaboration with the implementing partners, the local and national government and WFP / FAO;

•          Support FAO and WFP activities to monitor the joint programme achievements and to strengthen national counterparts;

•          Ensure adequate monitoring mechanisms are in place to review impact and progress against implementation plans;

•          Assist in internal evaluations of activities carried out under the project;

•          Monitor project expenditure against each individual budget line;

•          Draft the bi annual and final reports on the project for submission to WFP and other donors;

•          Assist in the preparation of emergency-related livestock and agriculture project proposals, and;

•          Perform other related duties and activities upon instructions received from Programme Coordinator.

Expected Outputs:

•          Steering committee meetings conducted after the first quarter and there after every 6 months;

•          Project activities implemented in line with the activity plan, any changes are fully justified and presented to the steering committee;

•          Progress reports submitted to WFP and the steering committee (through the FAO Programme Coordinator) every six months.

Minimum Requirements

Qualification and experiences:

•          At least 7 years of relevant experience in the dry lands, preferably with the government or different international organizations;

•          Excellent understanding of pastoralist livelihood systems and dry land farming approaches;

•          Experience in coordinating a complex project with many stakeholders;

•          Excellent interpersonal communication skills, and the ability to bring diverse stakeholders together over a common goal;

•          Proven report writing ability, and;

•          Excellent written and spoken English

•          Previous experience working with the Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture or Northern Kenya in a managerial /coordination capacity would be an advantage.

•          Computer literacy is essential

FAO is an equal opportunity employer; qualified women are encouraged to apply. Acknowledgements will only be sent to applicants in whom FAO has a further interest.

Interested candidates who meet the above qualifications may send their application letter, and a detailed CV clearly marked CONSULTANT, JOINT INITIATIVE PROJECT MANAGER; STRICTLY BY EMAIL not later than 20 JULY 2012, addressed to:

Office of the FAO Representative in Kenya
FAO Representation in Kenya
United Nations Office at Nairobi
Block P, Level 3, Gigiri
PO Box 30470, 00100, Nairobi Kenya

E-mail : vacancy-Kenya@fao.org

Only email applications will be accepted