Kenya job: Assistant Programme Manager

Implementing a bi-lateral programme with the Ministry of Education in Kenya - Funded by the Belgian Federal Government for

Closing date: 22 Jul 2009
Location: Kenya - Nairobi

Introduction

VVOB, the Flemish Association for Development Co-operation and Technical Assistance with headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, is implementing development programmes in nine countries in Africa, Asia and South America, with about 70 employees.

With our focus on “Education for Development”, we engage ourselves to contribute to a culturally diverse society and to international solidarity.

VVOB’s programmes are primarily funded by the Directorate-General for Development Cooperation of the Belgian Federal Government.

VVOB’s interventions in Kenya started in 1988. The current Kenya Programme 2008-2013 supports the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Medical Services and will be implemented in two phases: 2008-2010 and 2011-2013. Funding for the second phase is being negotiated.

The collaboration with the Ministry of Education fits within the Kenya Education Sector Support Programme (KESSP). The MOE-VVOB programme consists of two sub-programmes: “ICT Integration in Education” and “Healthy Learning”.

“ICT Integration in Education” aims to create a favourable environment in the education sector for increased integration of ICT for learning. Capacity building for senior and middle level managers of the Ministry of Education is one of its priorities.

“Healthy Learning” focuses on learning of life skills related to health, nutrition and environment in basic education. This sub-programme is linked to the School Feeding Programme and its challenges for sustainability. “Healthy Learning” is starting with 25 model schools in five ASAL districts (Machakos, Kajiado, Samburu, Laikipia East, Narok North). It involves learning initiatives such as school gardens, clubs, income generating projects, community involvement. Capacity building will take place at school level and district coordination involving various government stakeholders will be encouraged. The sub-programme also has a component of capacity building of the senior and middle level managers of the Ministry of Education Head quarters.

The Country Programme is implemented by various teams composed of staff members of the partners (ministries, institutions) and VVOB officers. The team currently has ten members and we wish to expand with an Assistant Programme Manager.

1 Task

The Assistant Programme Manager will support the VVOB programme in Kenya, mainly in documentation and communication, programme monitoring and evaluation, and human resources management. The Assistant Programme manager will mainly achieve this by assisting the Country Programme Manager and the Programme Coordinators when required (by assignment of the CPM) in further operationalizing and professionalizing various aspects of the programme approach.

As a VVOB employee, the APM will be a member of the VVOB Country Programme Team and will contribute to the implementation of the overall VVOB Country Programme, supervised by the Country Programme Manager, and guided by the relevant Programme Coordinator when required.

2 Job Description

2.1 General programme facilitation and support (est. 65%)

- Generate, collect and manage required documentation (reports, minutes, notes, datasheets, photographs…) on activities (meetings, seminars, workshops, training courses…) to ensure continuous communication on the programme with involved partners and stakeholders, at the overall country programme level
- Support the implementation of the sub-programmes, especially regarding communication and documentation on activities. Tasks in this context will be assigned by the Programme Coordinators (in consultation with the CPM) and will be executed with the respective sub-programme teams in a constructive, sensitive and pro-active manner.
- Organise and support monitoring and evaluation activities and especially regarding feedback to various stakeholders, for the overall country programme and for the sub-programmes.
- Support the development and maintenance of the VVOB Kenya website and relevant links to the general VVOB website.
- Collect and analyse information required for planning purposes.
- Collect and analyse information for monitoring purposes (efficiency and effectiveness of the programme), including financial reporting.
- Promote and develop organisational learning and knowledge management.
- Contribute to the organization and implementation of consultative meetings, consultations, workshops, seminars, visits... aimed at achieving the programme objectives
- Represent VVOB when required.
- Within the context of the position, contribute to other programme activities as and when they develop and execute any other duties as assigned by the Programme Manager.
- Contribute to the organisation and implementation of public relation initiatives.

2.2 Administrative office management (est 20%)

- Manage the electronic data sharing system and reference library for the VVOB Kenya country Office
- Prepare briefing documents
- Prepare and manage contracts for short term consultancies.
- Support administrative staff regarding compliance with legal and administrative procedures and guidelines for local personnel.
- Assist with screening of applications for recruitment of local personnel.
- Contribute to the administrative and financial management of the programme, when required
- Develop administrative templates for the overall programme and the sub-programmes when required.
- Propose measures for more efficient administrative office management.

2.3 Facilitate the new VVOB policy towards linking Flemish educational actors with educational actors in Kenya (est.15%)

VVOB developed a new policy for educational exchange and linkages. The Assistant Programme Manager will be assisting in further exploration and implementation of the school linking programme for VVOB Kenya.

- Assist in the selection of schools in Kenya and matching with schools in Flanders
- Support exchange of experiences between teachers
- Capacity building in Kenyan schools on school links
- Advise Kenyan schools on networking
- Support the start-up process in Kenyan schools and respond to ad-hoc needs as required

3 Profile

3.1 Qualifications

A relevant university degree.

3.2 Experience and knowledge

- Minimum of three (3) years of relevant work experience in office and/or project management, including finances.
- Familiarity with the education sector in Kenya is an added advantage
- Proven skills regarding sourcing, generating and sharing of information.
- Proficiency in computer skills and use of relevant software (MS Office, Databases, Internet applications, PowerPoint, website management ...)
- Excellent written and oral command of English and Kiswahili, including good skills in public speaking and presenting.
- Some experience in training needs assessment, capacity building, workshop and training course organization and implementation.
- Experience with human resources management is an added advantage
- Willingness to travel, occasionally, within Kenya; with ability to spend time in remote areas to interact with schools, communities and local stakeholders.

3.3 Competencies

- Capable of working independently and in teams with other VVOB staff and government senior and middle level managers
- Good analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to apply good judgement in the context of assignments given.
- Ability to successfully produce/edit a variety of written reports (including minutes, briefings, newsletters...) and to articulate ideas in a clear, concise style.
- Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environments with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
- Good planning and organisational skills.
- Flexible, able to offer alternative ideas and solutions.
- Keen on acquiring new skills, self development.
- Capable of working independently and in teams with other VVOB staff and government senior and middle level managers.

4. Salary and benefits

Gross annual salary starting from Ksh 115,000/- per month (36 months relevant experience), health insurance.

How to apply

Send application letter + Updated CV with names and current contact details of three referees by e-email to:
The Country Programme Manager Kenya
vvobkenya@vvob.or.ke
Reference Code: RW_7TPJSJ-78