The International Rescue Committee, IRC, is bidding on a USAID RFA for the FANIKISHA Institution Strengthening Project in Kenya.
The FANIKISHA project aims to improve the health status and well-being of Kenyan citizens through improving the capacity of national Kenyan CSOs to strengthen the institutional and technical capacity of smaller affiliate CSOs.
The RFA response is due 26 April 2011 and the project is anticipated to start 1 August 2011 and run for 5 years.
The anticipated budget range is $38m to $44m.
*Position is contingent upon award of contract.
Scope of work
The COP is responsible for ensuring that the project is implemented in accordance with the cooperative agreement, and all applicable USAID and USG regulations. The COP will be the primary representational link with USAID staff.
The COP will work closely with the USAID in-country Mission to provide project updates, discuss strategies, obstacles, performance plans, and indicator success. The COP will liaise with USAID contracting officers, technical support staff and outside contractors.
The COP will represent the project to all key stakeholders, government officials and donors at coordination fora and other related seminars and meetings. The COP will ensure that project initiatives adequately address the needs of the beneficiary population in the most cost-effective manner.
- Provide leadership and direction, define and implement activities to achieve the greatest coverage and impact possible;
- Prepare in coordination with key project staff strategic work-plans with clear objectives and achievement benchmarks, long-term and short-term priorities, implementation plans, financial projections and tools for evaluation;
- Manage the overall project by planning, monitoring and evaluating project activities in accordance with the cooperative agreement;
- Lead the provision of technical expertise in the domain of institution strengthening;
- Identify short-term technical assistance needs and arrange for the provision of needed assistance; Manage sub-agreement partners; ensure coordinated inputs and technical/managerial quality from all partners/collaborators;
- Provide financial and technical management to ensure the best use of resources by preparing sound budgets, monitoring project expenses, and ensuring timely submission of financial reports to the donor;
- Ensure that the project is implemented in accordance with the cooperative agreement, donor regulations, and internationally recognized quality standards;
- Ensure that Project initiatives adequately address the needs of the most vulnerable beneficiary population in the most cost-effective manner;
- Report to USAID through both formal and informal debriefings, annual and semi-annual reports;
- Maintain an on-going dialogue with the USAID AOTR and timely respond to AOTR's inquiries;
- Forge and maintain solid cooperation with partner organizations and government officials;
- Manage external relations by representing the project and the organization in the public and ensuring the distribution of information about project achievements and lesson learned;
- Manage project properties according to IRC and USAID regulations.
Requirements
- Masters degree required, PhD preferred;
- Minimum of ten years of overseas management experience;
- Strong background in institution building and/or civil society development;
- Public health background preferred;
- Proven leadership and strategic planning capabilities;
- Experience managing large teams and working in tandem with local and international partners;
- Demonstrated budget management ability;
- Previous experience as USAID Chief of Party or Deputy Chief of Party desirable;
- Effective and persuasive writing and public speaking;
- Proven sound judgment and decision-making skills;
- Computer Literate in MS Office (Word, Excel, Access, Outlook);
Position reports to the Country Director, Kenya.
Specific Security Situation/Housing: Family post.
How to apply
Please apply online: www.ircjobs.org or
Closing date: 28 May 2011