Nairobi - Managed Programmes Officer job in Kenya

Vacancy: Nairobi - Managed Programmes Officer

Team / Programme: Programme Operations

Location: Nairobi

Grade: TBC (Competitive Package)

Post Type: National

Child Safeguarding: Level 3 - the responsibilities of the post may require the post holder to have regular contact with or access to children or young people

Role Purpose:
 

The Nairobi - Managed Programmes Officer supports the Coordinator in the overall management of partner implemented SC funded programmes. 

These programmes are implemented in various parts of the country and currently cover the technical areas of Child Protection, School Health and Nutrition, Child Rights Governance and Inclusive Quality Basic Education. 

S/he provides support to the effective delivery and development of these programmes. 

When required by the line manager the Nairobi-Managed Programmes Officer will represent Save the Children with all relevant government authorities, INGOs and NGOS, and visitors. 

He/she will ensure that programme implementation and operations are managed in accordance with Save the Children’s policies and its Mission, Vision and Values.

Scope of Role:

Reports to: Nairobi - Managed Programmes Coordinator

Dimensions: Save the Children has supported children in Kenya since before its Independence in 1963 and has had a consistent operational presence in the country since 1984. 

We provide support to children through developmental and humanitarian relief programmes delivered both directly and through local partners. Current programming focuses on child protection, child rights governance, education, Health, HIV/AIDS, livelihoods, nutrition and WASH. 

Save the Children has an operational presence in Dadaab Refugee Camp, Garissa, Mandera, Meru and Wajir. 

Currently, we have a staff complement of approximately 260 staff and a confirmed budget of approximately US$18 million this year.

Staff directly reporting to this post: SHNP Programme Assistant.

Key Areas of Accountability:

Strategic Programme Management

• Contribute to the development, review and revision of the partner implemented programme strategy. This will include participating in country child rights situational analysis, providing input and feedback on revised Country Strategy Plans and Thematic Programme Plans in coordination with the line manager
• Participate in development of proposals to ensure compliance with strategic plan
• Liaise with the Programme Development and Quality (PDQ) team to receive technical support, M&E, documentation of best practices and advocacy – as well as participation in development of concept papers and project proposals.
• Support the Programme Coordinator in planning and project cycle management to ensure successful project implementation of all projects

Quality Programme Implementation, Management and Reporting

• Ensure that appropriate and timely support is requested from technical advisers and programme quality teams for program design and strategy, M&E, advocacy and planning.
• Contribute to strategy and proposal development within the area under the overall leadership of the Programme Development and Quality team. In coordination with line manager, responsible for ensuring that proposals are relevant, contextualized and inclusive of all required support and staffing costs at the field level.
• Ensure that the programmes as implemented by partners are appropriately monitored reviewed and evaluated on a continuous basis according to organisational quality standards and in coordination with the Programme Development and Quality team. 
• Ensure understanding and participation in all aspects of programme cycle management are in place ensuring lessons learned are taken into account for SC and the partners.
• Support external visits from Save the Children and other key stakeholders in collaboration with relevant teams within SC Kenya office.

Budget Management

• Together with the Programme Coordinator support the preparation of quarterly and annual project budgets
• Assist the line manager in effective financial management of Nairobi based programmes, including phasing of budgets as per work plans, monthly review of spend reports, identification of errors and required re-classes
• Ensure effective and efficient utilization of project resources and assets for intended purpose

Reporting:

• Assist in the production of all reports by SC and partners and that they are produced in accordance with specific project/donor requirements and within set time lines for all projects
• Review partner reports to ensure high quality standards are met, prior to submission to the Programme Coordinator
• Proactively liaise with the Programme Development and Quality team and the Reporting Coordinator to ensure that they develop and implement capacity building plans for partner programme teams to improve reporting quality and compliance with donor regulations and formats.

Partner Management

• Work closely with partner organisations to support them through involvement in project planning, implementation, monitoring, reporting and evaluation to achieve in partnership all of the stated accountabilities as noted above .
• Collaborate the relationship between Awards Finance Officer and relevant partner staff to promote financial reporting.
• Coordinate with the National Partnerships and Children’s Sector Coordinator to ensure timely agreements are made and updated and all required documentation is shared between SC and the partners
• Ensure capacity development needs are identified with partners and plans for implementation are shared for action

Representation Accountabilities
 

Establish, maintain, and improve active and regular working relationships and take a joint role in representing the principles and work of SC to representatives of other organizations (UN, NGOs, INGOs, counterparts, donors, government authorities etc) who are working and visiting the Programme

Skills and Behaviours (our Values in Practice)
 

Accountability:

• Holds self accountable for making decisions, managing resources efficiently, achieving and role modelling Save the Children values
• Holds the team and partners accountable to deliver on their responsibilities - giving them the freedom to deliver in the best way they see fit, providing the necessary development to improve performance and applying appropriate consequences when results are not achieved

Ambition:

• Sets ambitious and challenging goals for themselves (and their team), takes responsibility for their own personal development and encourages others to do the same
• Widely shares their personal vision for Save the Children, engages and motivates others
• Future orientated, thinks strategically

Collaboration:

• Builds and maintains effective relationships, with their team, colleagues, members and external partners and supporters
• Values diversity, sees it as a source of competitive strength
• Approachable, good listener, easy to talk to

Creativity:

• Develops and encourages new and innovative solutions
• Willing to take disciplined risks

Integrity:

• Honest, encourages openness and transparency

Qualifications and Experience

• Diploma in an area of social development or equivalent, with Bachelors degree preferred
• Recommended a minimum of 2 years management experience in programme implementation and operations.
• Technical expertise and implementation experience in at least two of Save the Children’s current programming thematic areas: child protection, child rights governance, education, health, HIV/AIDS, livelihoods, nutrition and WASH.
• Excellent understanding of child rights programming approaches
• Knowledge of civil society networks in Kenya that focus on child rights issues – and experience of working with these networks on programming and/or advocacy for children preferred.
• Demonstrable experience of working with partner sub-grants with a variety of donors preferred.
• Skills and experience in report writing, M&E and budget monitoring are essential.
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills including influencing, negotiation and coaching
• Highly developed cultural awareness and ability to work well in an international environment with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures
• Familiarity with programming in the local cultural context, local government and local languages is a distinct advantage.
• Strong results orientation, with the ability to challenge existing mindsets
• Experience of solving complex issues through analysis, definition of a clear way forward and ensuring buy in
• Ability to present complex information in a succinct and compelling manner
• Ability and willingness to dramatically change work practices and hours, and work with incoming surge teams, in the event of emergencies
• Fluency in English, both verbal and written
• Commitment to Save the Children values

How to Apply

The application process is now open and will close on 30th September 2013 at 5.00 p.m. 

To apply for this position, please send a short cover letter and CV to Kenya.jobapplications@savethechildren.org indicating the position title on the subject line.