Kenya: Programme Manager

Apr 25, 2016 | Peace Direct
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Peace Direct is looking for a dynamic and experienced Programme Manager to oversee some of Peace Direct’s projects in sub-Saharan Africa. In particular the postholder will be responsible for managing a large EU-funded livelihoods and peacebuilding project in Kismayo, Somalia, which is being implemented in partnership with the Somali based NGO, Social-life and Agricultural Development Organisation (SADO).

The ideal candidate will have at least 5 year’s experience of managing large EU-funded projects, particularly in insecure locations. We are looking for someone who has demonstrable experience of working with local organisations, can speak fluent Somali and will be based in Nairobi. This post will involve frequent travel to Somalia, including Kismayo and Mogadisho.

Main Responsibilities
  • Programme management: Provide overall supervision of key projects, ensuring the objectives and activities are delivered on time and to a high standard by Peace Direct’s local partners.
  • Capacity building: Provide technical and organisational capacity building support to SADO and other partners to ensure that Peace Direct’s local partners feel adequately supported and are able to deliver work to a high standard.
  • Field monitoring. Conduct regular field monitoring visits to Kismayo and other locations in order to track the progress of all activities.
  • Donor liaison and reporting: Ensure high quality, timely donor liaison, including regular visits to the EU Delegation in Nairobi and other key donors. In addition, review and draft high quality narrative and financial reports, and ensuring that all reporting requirements are met.
  • Programme Development: Work withlocal partners to explore new opportunities to scale up existing work and develop new programmes.
  • Internal and external communication: Provide regular updates on the progress of the project to SMT and to external audiences as necessary.
  • Advocacy: Build relationships with key influencers in Kismayo including, religious leaders and clan elders.
  • Representation: Represent Peace Direct at relevant events, as directed by the Head of Programmes.
Specific tasks:

Programme Management:

  • Ensure the effective implementation of specific programmes with Peace Direct’s local partners, in particular an EU-funded livelihoods and peacebuilding project based in Kismayo, Somalia.  
  • Provide effective distance and in-country monitoring, technical advice and support to local partners to ensure that all programmes are implemented and reported to a high standard
  • Develop and implement systems for the tracking of progress against agreed targets.

Capacity Building:

  • Provide technical and organisational capacity building support to SADO and other partners to ensure that Peace Direct’s local partners feel adequately supported and are able to deliver work to a high standard.
  • Deliver and/or arrange training as requested to SADO and other partners to help improve programme management, M&E and organisational management.
  • Research and identify areas of best practice in peacebuilding and livelihoods as it relates to the objectives of the EU-funded livelihoods and peacebuilding project in Somalia.

Donor liaison and reporting

  • Conduct regular visits to the EU Delegation in Nairobi and ensure that the EU Delegation is regularly updated on the progress of the livelihoods and peacebuilding project based in Kismayo.
  • Review and provide timely feedback to SADO and other partners on all financial and narrative reports.
  • Ensure that all narrative and financial reports are delivered on time and to a high quality.

Field Monitoring

  • Conduct regular field monitoring visits to Kismayo, Mogadisho and other locations in order to track the progress of all project activities.
  • Collect qualitative and quantitative information (including case studies and photos) from project participants to support Peace Direct’s communication needs as well as to provide evidence of impact.

Programme Development

  • Work withlocal partners to explore new opportunities to scale up existing work and develop new programmes.
  • Support partners to conduct field research and consultations that build an evidence base for future work.
  • Proactively seek out potential new sources of funding for Peace Direct’s work, in conjunction with the Head of Programme Funding and under the direction of the Head of International Programmes.    

Internal Relations:

  • Work very closely with colleagues in the International Programmes team to help deliver Peace Direct’s strategy
  • Ensure that all projects being managed by the postholder are fully integrated into all other aspects of Peace Direct’s work
  • Perform any other tasks as directed by the Head of International Programmes

Contribute to the strengthening of Peace Direct’s reputation as a leading peacebuilding organisation (External relations):

  • Represent Peace Direct at relevant meetings and conferences, under the Direction of the Head of International Programmes
  • Co-ordinate activities with Peace Direct’s Senior US Representative to ensure a high profile for Peace Direct’s work
  • In coordination with the Head of International Programmes and the Head of Research and Engagement, participate in, and organise, advocacy meetings with key stakeholders.

Organisational Learning:

  • Ensure that learning from evaluations and field reports is adequately captured and disseminated throughout Peace Direct.
  • Work closely with other colleagues to promote organisational learning.
  • Ensure that other staff within the organisation have adequate knowledge about Peace Direct’s work in Somalia to enable them to do their job effectively.

Communications:

  • Support the communications needs of Peace Direct by contributing to the collection of good quality case studies and photos, particularly during in-country visits.
  • Contribute to PD’s publications, publicity events and other events, where appropriate

Travel:

  • Conduct regular overseas visits to Kismayo, Mogadisho and other insecure locations.
  • Occasional travel to other countries.

Environment:

  • The position is expected to be based in Nairobi, to ensure good communication with SADO’s office and the EU Delegation. As Peace Direct does not have an office in Nairobi we expect that this position will be home based and/or co-located in another NGO office.

Discretion to Act:

Working within the framework of the strategic plan, the post holder will take responsibility for his/her own work and for reaching targets set for him/her.

Person specification

Essential

  • Strong programme management skills, with a particular emphasis on managing EU-funded projects
  • Able to travel regularly and work effectively in Somalia, bearing in mind local conflict dynamics. It is expected that the post-holder will travel to Somalia every six weeks.
  • Excellent relationship building and facilitation skills.
  • Excellent written and spoken English
  • Ability to relate effectively to a wide range of stakeholders from unskilled young adults to senior politicians
  • Proven ability to successfully manage complex multi-year projects
  • Strong financial management skills (including strong MS Excel skills)
  • At least 5 years’ experience of working for an NGO in a similar field
  • Relevant degree

Desirable

  • Fluent Somali speaker
  • Prior experience of livelihoods and/or peacebuilding
  • Relevant Master’s degree