Practical Action is an international development agency working with poor communities to help them choose and use technology to
improve their lives today and for generations to come.
We are seeking to recruit highly motivated, results-oriented and proactive team players to fill the following positions:
PRACTICAL ANSWERS/COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
Based in Nairobi
Reporting to the Regional Director, this senior management position is responsible for the strategic leadership and management of our
Practical Answers & Communications Unit ensuring delivery of activities that will ensure sharing of knowledge on poverty alleviating
technologies and dissemination of information on Practical Action’s Programmes.
Key Responsibilities
• Lead the development of innovative information, knowledge generation and dissemination strategies implemented by the
Unit based on cost effectiveness, impact, scalability and sustainability
• Review innovative approaches and technologies developed by Practical Action and other relevant agencies with an aim to
broaden our institutional knowledge base
• Drive forward and manage partnerships within the country and region with local NGOs, CBOs, Government departments
and other relevant partners for the dissemination of information and knowledge materials
• Develop proposals for future work and secure funding for Practical Answers/Communications Unit through liaison with
donors
• Develop programmes for capacity building of local partners and community-based actors to develop and disseminate locally
relevant knowledge products
• Oversee the design and production of publicity materials that depict our work and project a positive image of the organization
• Raise Practical Action’s institutional profile and strengthen our brand as an innovative technology based development agency
• Develop annual business plans and budgets for the Units, oversee their management and implementation
• Line manage Unit staff
• Nurture and maintain strong working relationships with other programmes in the region and within our global network
Qualifications, skills and competencies
• Masters degree in communication/ journalism/ or related discipline
• Post graduate diploma in Project Management, Public Relations, or relevant field
• Minimum 7 years relevant working experience, of which 3 should have been at managerial level
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills with fluency in both English and Kiswahili
• A flair for creative writing and innovation in the field of information transfer
• A proven track record in designing communication projects, developing proposals and fundraising
• Working knowledge of technical skills such as videoing and the use of ICT’s
• Working knowledge of M&E systems for communication and knowledge sharing projects.
AREA COORDINATOR – LAKE VICTORIA CLUSTER
Based in Kisumu
Reporting to the Team Leader, the successful candidate will head up Practical Action’s Lake Victoria Cluster and ensure leadership,
management, continuous development and implementation of programme activities in the Cluster.
He/she will provide technical input in conceptual framework for Energy work within our programmes of work.
Key Responsibilities
• Take lead in the development of Energy project designs that are strategically aligned with Practical Action’s programmes of
work
• Take lead in programme development and fundraising for Energy programme activities
• Engage in Energy policy advocacy and networking at local, national and regional levels
• Ensure timely and accurate development of operational budgets; monitor and manage individual project expenditure to
ensure cost effectiveness and compliance with budgetary requirements
• Coordinate and manage the implementation of projects within the cluster in compliance with donor requirements
• Ensure programme reports achieve organizational standards and fulfill donor requirements
• Effectively document and share projects outputs and learning
• Manage the organization’s resources and assets within the cluster
• Mentor, motivate and line manage programme staff so as to achieve high levels of performance
• Develop, maintain and promote Practical Action’s image within the cluster
Qualifications, skills and competencies
• Bachelors degree in relevant Engineering discipline or relevant Energy field
• Post graduate diploma in project management, community development or related field
• Minimum five years working experience in development work or relevant field of which two must be at management level
• Proven experience in project/programme identification and design
• Proven financial and personnel management skills
• Excellent advocacy and networking skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
AREA COORDINATOR – NAIROBI/NAKURU CLUSTER
Based in Nairobi
Reporting to the Team Leader, the successful candidate will head up Practical Action’s Nairobi/Nakuru Cluster and ensure leadership,
management, continuous development and implementation of programmes activities in the Cluster.
Key Responsibilities
• Champion the development of water and sanitation programme within the cluster in line with Practical Action’s strategy
• Coordinate and manage the implementation of WatSan projects within the cluster in compliance with donor requirements
• Ensure timely and accurate development of operational budgets; monitor and manage individual project expenditure to
ensure cost effectiveness and compliance with budgetary requirements
• Ensure programme reports achieve organizational standards and fulfill donor requirements
• Take lead in programme development and fundraising for WatSan programme activities
• Develop and maintain links with local governance structures, other development agencies, partner organizations and
community groups in the cluster
• Effectively document and share projects outputs and learning
• Manage the organization’s resources and assets within the cluster and line manage staff
• Develop, maintain and promote Practical Action’s image within the cluster
Qualifications, skills and competencies
• Bachelors degree in Environmental Engineering/Science or related development discipline
• Post graduate diploma in Project Management, Community Development or related field
• Minimum five years working experience in development work or relevant field of which two must be at management level
• Proven experience in project/programme identification and design
• Proven financial and personnel management skills
• Excellent advocacy and networking skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
PERSONAL ASSISTANT TO THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR
Based in Nairobi
Reporting to the Regional Director, the successful candidate will provide effective administrative support to the Directorate office to
enable the Regional Director to focus on strategic management roles and programmes development.
Key Responsibilities
• Screen telephone calls, enquiries and requests and handle them appropriately
• Handle routine correspondence and make follow up on pending matters with limited direction
• Organize and maintain the Regional Director’s diary and make appointments
• Organize and attend meetings, take minutes and ensure the Regional Director is well-prepared for meetings
• Maintain proper filling system and update Directorate Sharepoint site
• Serve as focal point for general communications and announcements for the Regional office, to/from UK and other country
offices
• Work closely with Managers to ensure the Regional Director is briefed on important issues
• Carry out specific assignments as assigned by the Regional Director and present findings
• Handle all travel and accommodation arrangements for the Regional Director
• Serve as the contact person for international visitors to the EA regional office; including their travel and accommodation
arrangements
Qualifications, skills and competencies
• At least Diploma in Secretarial Studies/Business Administration or relevant field
• At least two years relevant work experience
• Excellent administrative and organizational skills and ability to prioritize appropriately
• Good inter-personal skills and ability to work in a team
• Ability to handle confidential information in a discreet and professional manner
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
ACCOUNTS / ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Based in Kisumu
Reporting on a day to day basis to the Area Coordinator and functionally to the Financial Accountant in Nairobi Office, the successful
candidate will be responsible for all financial and administrative duties in the field office.
Key Responsibilities
• Provide support to project staff in financial and administrative matters, ensuring compliance with organizational and donor
requirements
• Monitor project expenditures in line with approved budgets
• Assist in the preparation of new project budgets
• Ensure that all expenses are captured and coded accurately and ensure timely and accurate processing of payments
• Ensure timely cheque and cash disbursement according to established procedures
• Manage the cash balances in the field office and ensure adequate cash is available for project implementation
• Ensure timely submission of financial records to the Nairobi office
• Provide timely logistical support to the field office
• Coordinate use of timesheets and allocation of costs to the respective projects
• Carry out any other duties as may be assigned by the supervisor.
Qualifications, skills and competencies
• Diploma in Business Management
• Minimum CPA Part 1
• At least two years work experience in a relevant field
• Knowledge of accounting packages and proficiency in MS Office Applications
• Strong analytical and organizational skills and high level of integrity
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Qualified and interested candidates should submit an application letter together with a CV and names of three professional referees to
Practical Action by email to: recruitment@practicalaction.or.ke to be received no later than 17th June 2011.
Female candidates are encouraged to apply.
Only short listed candidates will be contacted.
Practical Action is an “equal opportunities” employer.
improve their lives today and for generations to come.
We are seeking to recruit highly motivated, results-oriented and proactive team players to fill the following positions:
PRACTICAL ANSWERS/COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
Based in Nairobi
Reporting to the Regional Director, this senior management position is responsible for the strategic leadership and management of our
Practical Answers & Communications Unit ensuring delivery of activities that will ensure sharing of knowledge on poverty alleviating
technologies and dissemination of information on Practical Action’s Programmes.
Key Responsibilities
• Lead the development of innovative information, knowledge generation and dissemination strategies implemented by the
Unit based on cost effectiveness, impact, scalability and sustainability
• Review innovative approaches and technologies developed by Practical Action and other relevant agencies with an aim to
broaden our institutional knowledge base
• Drive forward and manage partnerships within the country and region with local NGOs, CBOs, Government departments
and other relevant partners for the dissemination of information and knowledge materials
• Develop proposals for future work and secure funding for Practical Answers/Communications Unit through liaison with
donors
• Develop programmes for capacity building of local partners and community-based actors to develop and disseminate locally
relevant knowledge products
• Oversee the design and production of publicity materials that depict our work and project a positive image of the organization
• Raise Practical Action’s institutional profile and strengthen our brand as an innovative technology based development agency
• Develop annual business plans and budgets for the Units, oversee their management and implementation
• Line manage Unit staff
• Nurture and maintain strong working relationships with other programmes in the region and within our global network
Qualifications, skills and competencies
• Masters degree in communication/ journalism/ or related discipline
• Post graduate diploma in Project Management, Public Relations, or relevant field
• Minimum 7 years relevant working experience, of which 3 should have been at managerial level
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills with fluency in both English and Kiswahili
• A flair for creative writing and innovation in the field of information transfer
• A proven track record in designing communication projects, developing proposals and fundraising
• Working knowledge of technical skills such as videoing and the use of ICT’s
• Working knowledge of M&E systems for communication and knowledge sharing projects.
AREA COORDINATOR – LAKE VICTORIA CLUSTER
Based in Kisumu
Reporting to the Team Leader, the successful candidate will head up Practical Action’s Lake Victoria Cluster and ensure leadership,
management, continuous development and implementation of programme activities in the Cluster.
He/she will provide technical input in conceptual framework for Energy work within our programmes of work.
Key Responsibilities
• Take lead in the development of Energy project designs that are strategically aligned with Practical Action’s programmes of
work
• Take lead in programme development and fundraising for Energy programme activities
• Engage in Energy policy advocacy and networking at local, national and regional levels
• Ensure timely and accurate development of operational budgets; monitor and manage individual project expenditure to
ensure cost effectiveness and compliance with budgetary requirements
• Coordinate and manage the implementation of projects within the cluster in compliance with donor requirements
• Ensure programme reports achieve organizational standards and fulfill donor requirements
• Effectively document and share projects outputs and learning
• Manage the organization’s resources and assets within the cluster
• Mentor, motivate and line manage programme staff so as to achieve high levels of performance
• Develop, maintain and promote Practical Action’s image within the cluster
Qualifications, skills and competencies
• Bachelors degree in relevant Engineering discipline or relevant Energy field
• Post graduate diploma in project management, community development or related field
• Minimum five years working experience in development work or relevant field of which two must be at management level
• Proven experience in project/programme identification and design
• Proven financial and personnel management skills
• Excellent advocacy and networking skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
AREA COORDINATOR – NAIROBI/NAKURU CLUSTER
Based in Nairobi
Reporting to the Team Leader, the successful candidate will head up Practical Action’s Nairobi/Nakuru Cluster and ensure leadership,
management, continuous development and implementation of programmes activities in the Cluster.
Key Responsibilities
• Champion the development of water and sanitation programme within the cluster in line with Practical Action’s strategy
• Coordinate and manage the implementation of WatSan projects within the cluster in compliance with donor requirements
• Ensure timely and accurate development of operational budgets; monitor and manage individual project expenditure to
ensure cost effectiveness and compliance with budgetary requirements
• Ensure programme reports achieve organizational standards and fulfill donor requirements
• Take lead in programme development and fundraising for WatSan programme activities
• Develop and maintain links with local governance structures, other development agencies, partner organizations and
community groups in the cluster
• Effectively document and share projects outputs and learning
• Manage the organization’s resources and assets within the cluster and line manage staff
• Develop, maintain and promote Practical Action’s image within the cluster
Qualifications, skills and competencies
• Bachelors degree in Environmental Engineering/Science or related development discipline
• Post graduate diploma in Project Management, Community Development or related field
• Minimum five years working experience in development work or relevant field of which two must be at management level
• Proven experience in project/programme identification and design
• Proven financial and personnel management skills
• Excellent advocacy and networking skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
PERSONAL ASSISTANT TO THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR
Based in Nairobi
Reporting to the Regional Director, the successful candidate will provide effective administrative support to the Directorate office to
enable the Regional Director to focus on strategic management roles and programmes development.
Key Responsibilities
• Screen telephone calls, enquiries and requests and handle them appropriately
• Handle routine correspondence and make follow up on pending matters with limited direction
• Organize and maintain the Regional Director’s diary and make appointments
• Organize and attend meetings, take minutes and ensure the Regional Director is well-prepared for meetings
• Maintain proper filling system and update Directorate Sharepoint site
• Serve as focal point for general communications and announcements for the Regional office, to/from UK and other country
offices
• Work closely with Managers to ensure the Regional Director is briefed on important issues
• Carry out specific assignments as assigned by the Regional Director and present findings
• Handle all travel and accommodation arrangements for the Regional Director
• Serve as the contact person for international visitors to the EA regional office; including their travel and accommodation
arrangements
Qualifications, skills and competencies
• At least Diploma in Secretarial Studies/Business Administration or relevant field
• At least two years relevant work experience
• Excellent administrative and organizational skills and ability to prioritize appropriately
• Good inter-personal skills and ability to work in a team
• Ability to handle confidential information in a discreet and professional manner
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
ACCOUNTS / ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Based in Kisumu
Reporting on a day to day basis to the Area Coordinator and functionally to the Financial Accountant in Nairobi Office, the successful
candidate will be responsible for all financial and administrative duties in the field office.
Key Responsibilities
• Provide support to project staff in financial and administrative matters, ensuring compliance with organizational and donor
requirements
• Monitor project expenditures in line with approved budgets
• Assist in the preparation of new project budgets
• Ensure that all expenses are captured and coded accurately and ensure timely and accurate processing of payments
• Ensure timely cheque and cash disbursement according to established procedures
• Manage the cash balances in the field office and ensure adequate cash is available for project implementation
• Ensure timely submission of financial records to the Nairobi office
• Provide timely logistical support to the field office
• Coordinate use of timesheets and allocation of costs to the respective projects
• Carry out any other duties as may be assigned by the supervisor.
Qualifications, skills and competencies
• Diploma in Business Management
• Minimum CPA Part 1
• At least two years work experience in a relevant field
• Knowledge of accounting packages and proficiency in MS Office Applications
• Strong analytical and organizational skills and high level of integrity
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Qualified and interested candidates should submit an application letter together with a CV and names of three professional referees to
Practical Action by email to: recruitment@practicalaction.or.ke to be received no later than 17th June 2011.
Female candidates are encouraged to apply.
Only short listed candidates will be contacted.
Practical Action is an “equal opportunities” employer.