Administrative Assistant, Community Facilitators, Drivers and Junior Expert in Agricultural Value Chains

Ministry of State for Planning, National Development & Vision 2030
 

Busia County

Introduction
 

PALWECO (Programme for Agriculture & Livelihoods in Western Communities) is a programme aiming at reducing poverty, improving livelihoods and living standards of the population of Busia County.
 

We seek to recruit qualified and experienced candidates to fill the following vacant positions;
 
1. Administrative Assistant 

1 Position

Duties and responsibilities
 

Reporting to the Programme Director, the holder will,

Carry out daily administrative duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Supervise Office Secretary and Office Attendant

Organise and coordinate transportation and logistics for the programme staff.

Supervise the work of drivers, keep track on logbooks and keep records on fuel consumption.

Keep up all HR related files on Programme staff.

Assist in staff recruitment as assigned by the Supervisor.

Assist in handling monthly work sheets of staff including record keeping.

Handle office equipment inventory list and its upkeep.

Qualifications

Demonstrated ability to work constructively in a team.

Ability to negotiate solutions to problems.

Diploma in Human Resource Management or equivalent

At least 3 years’ experience in office administration/finance

Knowledge of modern office procedures

Demonstrated skills with knowledge in most common computer applications

Demonstrated planning and organisation skills

Good written and oral communication skills

2. Community Facilitators 

7 Positions

Duties and responsibilities
 

Reporting to the respective District Development Officers, the holder will,

Organize and publicize community meetings and bringing people together to discuss issues relating to the services provided by the Programme

Support communities to access PALWECO services.

Prepare plans and implement activities with PALWECO’s Technical Advisers on community empowerment and social development, agricultural value chains, rural roads and market infrastructure.

Lobby and facilitate participatory activities in the field related to PALWECO.

Ensure that mainstreaming of cross-cutting themes of gender equality, HIV/AIDS, rule of law, democracy, human rights and climate change are integrated into field activities of PALWECO.

Work closely with District Technical Steering Group (DSTG) and keeping the District Development Officers informed about essential field issues related to the programme.

Collaborate with NGOs, CBOs and all district level department officers to support their activities implemented under the programme.

Support community level planning to ensure that expected results of all the programme components are achieved.

Conduct regular monitoring of field activities and report back to DDO for District level monitoring purposes and to CTA/PALWECO for its M&E purposes.

Write field visit and monthly progress reports.

Requirements

At least a Bachelors degree in any of the following areas: Community Development, Sociology, Social Work, Environmental Studies, Rural Development, Agriculture, Gender, Anthropology or other related subjects.

Highly motivated, respected and willing to serve communities.

Good knowledge of the local social, cultural and administrative systems.

Strong coordination skills, with ability to manage projects for a variety of stakeholders.

Energetic and decisive; demonstrates ability to work independently and meet deadlines in a fast paced environment.

Strong written and oral communication skills in both English and Kiswahili.

Ability to plan, organize and conduct community development and training activities with high degree of professionalism.

Ability to work independently, as a team member, and work flexible hours when needed.

Ability to effectively communicate with high and low- literacy populations.

Team and consensus building skills.

Fluency in at least one of the local languages is an advantage.

Ability to work in an ethnically diverse environment.

Willingness to ride a motor cycle.

3. Drivers 

5 Positions

Duties and responsibilities
 

Reporting to the Administrative Assistant, the holder will,

Drive the vehicle for official purposes only

Carry out daily checks on the vehicle.

Accurately fill the vehicle mileage log on every trip made and ensure proper filing is done;

Ensure safety procedures whenever handling a motor vehicle; includes ensuring passenger safety and comfort;

Update the emergency contact document kept in the vehicle;

Ensure that equipment like first aid boxes, fire extinguishers, flash light, tow ropes, jumper cables and other tools are always in a serviceable condition;

Adhere to Kenya highway code and all traffic regulations while driving;

Transport PALWECO guests to and from the regional airports;

Qualifications and experience

Possess ‘O’ levels (KCSE) with any other relevant post-secondary training

Demonstrated ability to work well in a team;

Hold a valid certificate of Good Conduct;

Valid drivers’ license (class BCE) with a clean driving tract record

At least four years driving experience in a busy environment both in urban and rural areas;

Experience in maintenance and repair of motor vehicles preferred;

Knowledge of the local terrain and various routes within the Programme area.

4. Junior Expert in Agricultural Value Chains (AVC)

1 Position
 

Duties and responsibilities
 

Reporting to the Programme Technical Advisor of AVC, the holder will,

Participate in planning and implementation of agricultural activities supported by the PALWECO programme

Support direct and indirect programme beneficiaries in the planning, implementation and reporting on activities related to agricultural value chains

Assist the Programme in monitoring and evaluation, as per Results Based Management principles and frequent field visits

Assist in the capacity development of direct beneficiaries

Participate in other tasks deemed relevant for the implementation of the Programme.

Qualification and experience

Bachelor’s degree in any of the following areas: general agriculture, agribusiness, economics, business management, food science and technology, nutrition.

Four years working experience in the field of his/her competence. Experience in participative planning methods is desirable.

Maximum age of 32 years

Good communication and writing skills

Fluency in spoken English and Kiswahili

Interest and willingness to work in a multi-cultural environment and in rural conditions

Pro-active with ability to take initiative and work with a team.

Salaries for the above posts will be negotiated based on qualification and experience.
 

Interested and qualified candidates should send letters of application, CV accompanied with copies of academic and professional certificates, and testimonials. 

Candidates should indicate their current position and expected remuneration. 

Applications should be in an envelope that clearly indicates the post applied for and sent to the address below so as to reach him on or before 22nd June 2012 at 10.00 am
 

PALWECO

P.O. Box 306 - 50400, 

Busia, Kenya, 

Tel: 05522166

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.