VSF-Belgium Project Manager Jobs Kenya.

VSF-Belgium Project Manager Jobs Kenya.
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 – DMI & TLDP Projects
Duty Station: Lodwar, Kenya
Duration: 1 Year renewable
Availability: Immediately

Role
The Project Manager for DMI and TLDP Projects will oversee, lead and manage the Technical team working on both projects. He/She will be responsible for maintaining relationships with partners, management of the Lodwar office, monitoring, and ensuring that the strategies in place enable the projects to reach the set objectives.

The project manager will also facilitate the exit strategy of the TLDP project to TUPADO by ensuring proper handover of project activities and assets.

Context
DMI Project
The DMI project is focused on coordination of partner activities; provision of technical and strategic leadership and ensuring project development and management is in line with VSF Belgium’s strategy, donor and legal requirements. The partners involved in this project include Oxfam GB, Practical action, VSF Germany, ACTED, Arid Lands Resource Management Project and relevant District Steering Groups)

TLDP Project
The TLDP project is focused on improvement of pastoralists’ way of life through access to treatment for their livestock, increasing their involvement in decision making on issues affecting land and resources.

Additional objectives of the project include establishment of Community Based Animal Health Service, improvement of drug purchasing capacity, development of water sources and giving support to privatisation of veterinary services. The partner involved in this project is Turkana Pastoralist Development Organization (TUPADO).

Main Responsibilities
Program management and development
* Project programming, implementation and direct management in line with both donor and VSF B guidelines and regulations
* Ensure effective monitoring and evaluation of the projects as well as plan and coordinate with project partners on a monthly basis
* Co-ordinate and manage the DMI and TLDP projects in Lodwar by providing technical and strategic leadership
* Identify and develop project proposals based on the needs of beneficiaries and specific calls from donors.
* Development of team building strategies and mechanisms to ensure effective involvement of staff in management of the program.
* Coach and mentor staff working on the projects 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.
* Development of relationships with Government representatives, donors and partner agencies at both local and national levels.
* Development of a joint common approach to cross border implementation between Karamoja cluster communities and the Turkana of Kenya. Network with development partners and ensure a common approach and the coordination of activities.

Financial Management
* Financial Management of the project through monitoring expenditure on line items as per the approved budget, timely reporting and proposal amendments as per both donor and VSF B guidelines and regulations.
* 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 and proposal amendments as per donor regulations
* Co-financing

Networking and Liaison
* Liaison and networking with relevant livestock partners and collaborators to improve the performance of the DMI and TLDP project in a dynamic environment.
* Development of a joint and common approach to cross border implementation between Turkana and the Karamoja cluster communities in Uganda.
* Network with development partners and ensure a common approach and the coordination of activities.

Essential or Minimum Requirements
Education:
* University degree in a development related field (a degree in Veterinary science or animal science would be an advantage but is not essential)
* Post graduate training in either organisational development, community based, participatory approaches, or business administration
* Qualification in financial management

Knowledge and experience:
* Minimum 5 years experience in programme management especially in pastoralist areas, project development and management.
* Minimum 5 years in a Management position.
* Good knowledge of project cycle management and experience with proposal writing and managing budgets
* Experience with participatory community empowerment monitoring and evaluation approaches
* Proven experience of monitoring and evaluation of development projects
* Good knowledge of donors rules, in particular EC, ECHO and USAID;

Skills:
* Strong management, planning, organizational and coordination skills
* Proven ability to work with a range of stakeholders including civil authorities, donors and project partners
* Ability to work independently, under pressure and meet strict deadlines.
* Prepare and present issues at all levels
* Accuracy, good writing and reporting skills
* Computer literacy with very good MS Excel, Word and Power point
* Strong interpersonal and communication skills
* Ability to deal with conflict and crises
* Knowledge of either Turkana or Pokot languages would be an advantage but is not essential
* Experience of working in the Arid Lands of Northern Kenya
* Fluency in written and spoken English

Attitudes:
* Identify him/herself with the mission, vision and values of VSF-B;
* Proactive and self-driven
* Displays intercultural sensitivity;
* Respect in dealing with others;
* Affinity for NGO work in general;
* Willingness to travel (regular visits to the field)
* Strong team player and adept at creating a strong team spirit

Please send your application letter, CV and list of 3 references by e-mail (reference “DMI & TLDP PM”) on or before 05/10/2010 to recruitment@vsfb.or.ke

This vacancy is open to male and female candidates of Kenyan nationality.
Applications from qualified women candidates are encouraged.
Only short listed candidates will be contacted.
For more information: www.vsf-belgium.org