UNDP Kenya Programme & Grant Monitoring Officers Job Vacancy

UNDP Kenya Programme & Grant Monitoring Officers Job Vacancy
Post Title: Programme & Grant Monitoring Officers
2 Positions
Vacancy No: 2010-10 (CSDGF)
Type of Appointment: Service Contract (SC) - NOB
Recruitment type: Project Personnel (Professional level)
Location / Duty station: Nairobi, Kenya
Duration of Assignment: 1 Year
Starting Date: January 2011
Direct Supervisor: Programme Manager

Background
UNDP Kenya and Development Partners have established a Civil Society Democratic Governance (CSDG) Facility, under the UNDP Country Programme Action Plan, known as Amkeni Wakenya.

This Facility, under the Democratic Governance Unit, has an objective to support the country in its efforts to uphold democratic governance, human rights and the rule of law through enhanced empowerment of the people and strengthening of relevant governance institutions.

Amkeni provides support to civil society organizations working on the demand side of promoting democratic governance, and the protection and promotion of human rights in Kenya. One of the ways it does this is by funding CSOs who meet specific qualification criteria after various Expressions of Interest/Calls for Proposals.

Position Information
Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Programme Manager, the Programme and Grant Monitoring Officers will review the financial and narrative reports from Implementing Partners (IPs), ensuring that IPs adhere to the UN standards of procurement and Financial Reporting Guidelines and Requirements.

The Programme and Grant Monitoring Officers will also be required to draft individual feedback to the CSOs, documenting areas that need correction and adjustment, and undertake field missions to assess the validity of information provided as well as assess impact and progress of grant-aided activities.

Summary of key functions
    * Day-or- day liaison with CSO’s and other stakeholders to develop close working relationships towards the efficient and effective implementation of the program activities.
    * Facilitate consultations with major stakeholders to identify focus areas and priorities for Calls for Proposals.
    * Liaise with key GJLOS institutions and working groups to ensure information sharing and two-way flows of information and inclusion in dialogue opportunities and joint ventures.
    * Provide support to CSOs particularly those in remote areas to enable them to benefit from the facility.
    * Prepare project documents, progress reports and other background documents as maybe required.
    * Support follow up of recommendations of the Stakeholders Reference Group meetings.
    * Organise dialogues, reflection meetings to promote knowledge sharing among major stakeholders in democratic governance.
    * Act as a Process Facilitator for IPs, for whom the PO has ultimate responsibility for reporting ensuring compliance, and working with these IPs to address any ongoing concerns and weaknesses regarding implementation for their activities.
    * Undertake Outreach and Field Missions to raise awareness of Amkeni’s work, and review partner implementation of project activities, and monitor ongoing activities in the field.
    * Review all Financial and Narrative reports submitted by Implementing Partners and liaise with IPs on queries, and Finance Officers to finalise such reports and approve disbursements.
    * Advice to CSOs on Amkeni Wakenya’s reporting Guidelines and Procedures.
    * Support the Programme Manager in all areas of programme activities.
Key results expected
    * Project assessment of applications from CSOs
    * Reports and analysis of each call for proposals.
    * Linkage between the Facility and GJLOS programme.
    * Effective reporting on the facility.
    * Learning and dialogue platforms on democratic governance.
    * Contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
    * Assess financial and narrative reports of implementing partners.
    * Progress reports on Facility activities.

Competencies
    * Demonstrable expertise in the areas of Democratic Governance and key reform areas covered by GJLOS thematic areas.
    * Demonstrable expertise in grants assessments and reviews
    * Proven understanding and knowledge of the civil society sector in Kenya
    * Proven experience in management and implementation of development programmes in the area of governance, law and human rights, devolution, etc.
    * Strong interpersonal relations and communication skills.
    * Strong Report Writing skills.
    * Basic financial skills especially in the area of financial review of grantee reports
    * Knowledge of Swahili is a must.

Reporting relations
The Programme & Grants Monitoring Officers will be accountable to the Programme Manager–PMU in all aspects of his/ her responsibilities.

Qualifications and Experience
Education
    * A Masters degree in Law, Development Studies, Political Science, Social Studies, or related disciples.

Experience
    * A minimum of 5 years experience in project management or in a related field is required

Terms of service
Incumbents to these positions shall be entitled to an attractive remuneration package commensurate with their qualifications and experience, which will be negotiated with the successful applicants.

This is a non-staff contract under the Service Contract modality of hiring of the UNDP. Individuals engage under a SC serve in their individual capacity and not as representatives of a government institution, corporative body or other authority external to UNDP.

Therefore the incumbents shall not be considered as staff of UNDP, the UN system or the Government and therefore are not entitled to any diplomatic privileges, or to any other special status or conditions.

Duration
The successful applicants shall be contracted for a period of twelve (12) months. Renewal of Contract will depend on satisfactory performance and availability of funds, for the duration of the Amkeni Wakenya Facility.

Application procedure
Interested and qualified applicants should submit a one-page cover letter and updated Curriculum Vitae (giving complete contact details of three professional referees) to the following address not later than Wednesday, December 1, 2010 to:

Vacancy No: 2010-11 (Amkeni Wakenya)
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
P.O. BOX 30218
GPO 00100
Nairobi, Kenya

Email address: jobs.ke@undp.org

Please quote the vacancy number on the subject line of your covering letter and envelope (if application is submitted by hard copy), or on the subject line of the email message (if application is sent electronically).

Additional considerations
   1. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
   2. Acknowledgements will be sent only to applicants who strictly meet the requirements of the position.
   3. Everything being equal, women candidates shall be given preference.

“UNDP is an equal opportunity employer which strives to achieve overall balance in its staffing patterns”.