Heiffer International Vacancies

EADD-II Regional Information and Communications Officer

Job Location: Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
Position Type: Full-Time/Regular
Job Level: Senior Specialist
Client: Non U.S. Based Locations
Closing Date: October 10, 2014

Job Description

This posting is scheduled to close on October 10, 2014 or when 200 applications have been received, whichever comes first. Thank you.

Function:

The East Africa Dairy Development-II (EADD-II) Regional Information and Communications Officer is responsible for development and implementation of media dissemination, communication and outreach strategies within East Africa,

including providing background information on EADD-II project intervention information and facilitating media access to the project in East Africa in order to increase its exposure in press and electronic media publications and programming.

S/He is also responsible for ensuring that project information is packaged, disseminated and utilized by appropriate users in conformity with EADD-II’s agenda, systems and procedures.  S/He will support staff capacity building in communications and generate annual and quarterly progress reports.
 

Required Skills

Responsibilities:

• Develop, monitor and report progress regularly on communications annual plans and budgets to ensure that communication plans and activities are implemented on time and within budget.
• Develop and implement EADD-II communication strategy and ensure its operationalization, reaching out to target audiences across the value chain starting from the farmer.
• Communicate to farmers, especially gender and youth to adopt modern dairy farming practices as a business activity, and how collective action, including linkages under the EADD-II program can help sustainability.
• Develop and implement media dissemination and outreach strategies together with communication focal points of the respective EADD-II countries and partners.
• Update and implement branding strategy with a focus on institutional and stakeholder communication of results.
• Manage and deliver a program of communications activities including launch events, publicity stakeholder events, programme website, radio and television features, press releases, impact stories, Publications like brochures, newsletters, annual reports, case study reports, digital stories, posters, and other promotional materials which will enhance effectiveness and visibility amongst stakeholders within the region and ensure proper dissemination.
• Regularly updates and ensure accuracy of the EADD-II website including editorial control and contribute to development of efficient document sharing systems.
• Maintain an up to date database of organizational information with clear filling system for safety and easy access (which may include the use of appropriate platform/software).
• Be the interlocutor between EADD-II partner organizations’ communications focal points and the Heifer International Global Communication Team.
• Stay up to date with latest communications trends and practice in the field of agribusiness and participatory interventions; inform monitoring and evaluation manager of new findings relevant for EADD-II project.
• Develop and maintain working relationships with East African and international press and broadcast media journalists working on East Africa livestock and agribusiness issues.
• Conduct media monitoring for EADD-II in the region and the respective partner organizations, and on issues relevant for EADD-II work in the region and develop a system capturing the results of the media monitoring and the media mentions.
• Contribute to building communications capacity of EADD-II project staff by identifying staff capacity development needs in communications, training in use of communication equipment, writing skills, media relations, etc.
• Contribute and assist to the preparation and presentation of EADD-II Quarterly and Annual Progress Reports.
• Provide relevant additional support to EADD-II in the Region as called upon.

Required Experience

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Development Studies or related field, plus five (5) years of related experience.
• At least two (2) years in a supervisory or leadership capacity.

Preferred Requirements:

• Master’s degree.

Most Critical Proficiencies:

• Good analytical skills and ability to verify information.
• Excellent qualities and management, communication and interpersonal skills.
• A good understanding and sensitivity to issues associated with poverty, hunger and environment, and knowledge of the context to which non-profit organizations operate.
• Ability to promote the vision and strategic goals of EADD-II.
• Computer proficient in word processing, spreadsheets, presentation tools, electronic mail and Internet software (Microsoft Office preferred).
• Strong organizational skills.
• Skilled at strategic thinking and anticipating future developments and trends to incorporate them into organizational plans.
• Demonstrated proficiency in English, oral and written, with knowledge of Kiswahili and/or other East African language.

Essential Job Functions and Physical Demands:

• Preparing and presenting documents in a well-designed and attractive format with superior attention to detail.
• Ability to lead teams effectively and exhibit strong conflict resolution skills.
• Proven team and customer care skills with the ability to train and work cooperatively with a diverse staff, including field staff in several locations.
• Demonstrates integrity by modeling EADD-II's values and ethical standards.
• Openness to change and ability to manage complexities.
• Constant face-to-face, telephone and electronic communication with colleagues both within and outside of Kenya.
• May require constant sitting and moving; working at a computer for extended periods.
• Working with sensitive information and maintaining confidentiality.
• Performing multiple tasks with minimal supervision.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds (9 kilograms) floor to waist.
• Willingness to work with a flexible schedule.
• Willingness to travel both locally and internationally. 

To Apply

EADD-II Regional Resource Mobilization and Partnership Manager

Job Location: Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
Position Type: Full-Time/Regular
Job Level: Manager
Client: Non U.S. Based Locations
Closing Date: October 10, 2014
 

Job Description

This posting is scheduled to close on October 10, 2014 or when 200 applications have been received, whichever comes first. Thank you.

Function:

The East Africa Dairy Development-II (EADD-II) Regional Resource Mobilization and Partnership Manager (RPCM) under the overall guidance of the EADD-II Regional Director, will be responsible for the identification, acquisition, management and growth of a portfolio of prospective partners who provide funding and other means of support to EADD-II.  

The RPCM will be instrumental in driving the organizational efforts to raise matching revenue over the next five years and in supporting Heifer’s expansion into new markets. 

The position will develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders across the project, both at the field level and at Heifer headquarters (HQ) and keep them informed about EADD-II initiatives and be able to communicate those project-wide and externally.

Based at EADD-II Regional Office Nairobi, Kenya, this position reports to the Regional Director and will work closely with both the East Africa team and the resource mobilization and communication teams at Heifer HQ.

Required Skills

Responsibilities:

• Design a roadmap to complete the assigned resource mobilization and partnership goals.  Lead the country program teams towards a long-term resource mobilization plan.
• Create, plan and implement all fundraising strategies and activities building from and expanding upon the success of current private and public efforts.
• Develop and execute a partnership development plan, targeting partners with institutional resources (government, corporations, and family foundations) and aligned missions.
• Identify, research, cultivate, and manage high-level donor relationships consistent with Heifer’s philanthropic strategy.
• Continually track, measure, evaluate and report achievement of Resource Mobilization goals, shared value, with a focus on recommending and incorporating improvements as appropriate.
• Regularly update Regional Director and Senior Director of Global Partnerships and Alliances on fundraising progress, and liaison with Heifer’s Resource Mobilization team at HQ.
• Manage, write, produce, and submit letters of intent, proposals, and reports to regional private individuals and private sector philanthropic and corporate foundations.
• Design a compelling donor experience including regular communications and the opportunity for field visits.
• Develop and implement structured stewardship and communication plan to ensure donors are acknowledged in a timely fashion.
• Cultivate and manage relationships with, and directly solicit support from Philanthropic and corporate foundations and private individuals.
• Foster and cultivate relationships with private sector, philanthropic funding community through participation in relevant industry events, as well as organizational engagement and outreach.
• Strengthen existing relationships with corporate and foundational partners.
• Serve as fundraising liaison with close coordination with the Senior Director of Global Partnerships and Alliances.
• Work closely with Heifer’s Branding and Communications team to develop appropriate partners for public relations/marketing efforts, working with local, national, and international journalists as needed.
• May perform other job-related responsibilities as assigned.

Required Experience

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree plus seven (7) years’ job-related experience.
• At least five (5) years of experience in strategic partnerships, fundraising or public relations with strong communication background.

Preferred Requirements:

• At least 7 years’ experience in some combination of fundraising, partnership, public relations with a strong communication background.
• Master’s degree in relevant field.
• Demonstrated track record of relationship building, project management.
• Experience in diverse donor cultivation and relationship management with a demonstrated track record of mobilizing gifts and managing a portfolio of a high-net worth private donors, foundations and corporations
• Experience fundraising in the international development field preferred.

Most Critical Proficiencies:

• Sound understanding of non-profit fundraising principles, both cash and shared value/in-kind funding.
• Exceptional oral/written communication and interpersonal skills are required.  Proficiency in English and regional languages.
• Commitment to humanitarian and development goals.
• Demonstrated strategic ability to cultivate partners/accounts and maximize revenue.
• Knowledge of and experience in fundraising and relationship management
• Computer literacy, including facility with Word, Excel, and other relevant Microsoft Office Suite applications, as well as any fundraising-based software such as Blackbaud/BBEC.
• Capacity to facilitate internal decisions across multiple stakeholders as required, which include but not limited to private sector, government sector, financial sector, NGOs etc.
• Knowledge of and connections to the international funding community in East Africa (and U.S. preferred).
• Success with developing and sustaining relationships with key donors, volunteer leadership, and senior staff.
• Resourcefulness, creativity and strong problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated interest in international development and poverty issues. Awareness of the context to which non-profit organizations operate.
• Knowledge of and experience in strategic communication, PR and marketing concepts, integrated marketing communication development and implementation, including identification of specific audiences, their needs and most effective ways to reach them.

Essential Job Functions and Physical Demands:

• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to navigate challenging situations to achieve goals and deadlines.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills with the ability to work diplomatically and tactfully with a diverse group of people.
• Ability to produce accurate documents in a well-designed and attractive format with impeccable attention to detail.
• Extremely client focused and results oriented.
• Ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks while maintaining strict attention to detail.
• Constant face-to-face, telephone and electronic communication with colleagues and the general public.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds (9 kilograms) floor-to-waist.
• Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally.
• Proven ability to work with remote teams.  Willingness and ability to assign and review the work of direct reports, including those working in remote locations.
• Working in a multi-cultural setting and commitment to promoting teamwork, gender equality, and sensitivity to hunger and poverty issues.
• Creativity and strategic thinking with the ability to take initiative and a willingness to learn.
• Sound judgment, professionalism and a positive attitude with the ability to adapt to a rapidly changing environment.

• Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.

To Apply

East Africa Dairy Development II - Regional Gender Specialist/Advisor

Job Location: Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
Position Type: Full-Time/Regular
Job Level: Senior Specialist
Client: Non U.S. Based Locations
Closing Date: October 10, 2014
 

Job Description

Function:

The East Africa Dairy Development-II (EADD-II) Regional Gender Specialist/Advisor, under the overall guidance of the EADD-II Regional Director, is responsible for developing gender strategy and leading the overall implementation process. 

S/he will lead and support Gender  and Youth Coordinators in each EADD-II country in planning and implementing gender mainstreaming strategies, as well as training staff and other EADD-II partners in the implementation of gender and youth related components of the EADD-II project. 

The Regional Gender Specialist/Advisor serves as an associate and advisor to the Regional Director in carrying out gender related duties at the Regional level. S/he will focus on technical implementation of the strategy and Monitoring, Learning and Evaluation (MLE) of gender related activities at the country level.

Required Skills

Responsibilities:

• Develop a strategic road map, lead and support country Gender and Youth Officers in active and equal participation of women in all aspects of their work and ensure that EADD’s program is an opportunity for promoting gender equality and women empowerment at farm /household and through the dairy value chain
• Develop practical gender mainstreaming strategies, annual operating plans, and support EADD team members and partners to properly implement EADD’s gender standards in all their endeavors.
• Work closely with EADD country Gender and Youth Officers to ensure that gender-specific indicators and activities are developed in projects and gender-disaggregated data are consistently collected, analyzed, documented and used throughout project cycle management.
• Lead in gender analysis studies, baseline assessments, stage gate assessments, midterm reviews, and project evaluations to ensure that assessment tools and data collection procedures address gender-related issues.
• Work directly with the EADD country program teams to strengthen and expand participation of women in existing producer organizations and initiate new business models that reflect and contribute to building diversified livelihoods and leading more women to leadership positions.
• Analyze and package gender-disaggregated project progress reports from country offices prior to submission to the Regional Director.
• Coordinate the documentation of the project progress, lessons, good experience and impact of the project interventions at all levels.
• Lead and support annual performance management; identify capacity gaps/needs of EADD and partners’ staff and develop appropriate strategies to address them in collaboration with human resource department.
• Provide training to EADD teams and partners on gender mainstreaming through organized workshops and/or mentoring & coaching and monitor the application of the training.
• Establish or maintain proactive links with gender-focused networks including local and international humanitarian non-profit/non-governmental organizations, government line bureaus and coordination forums, as well as represent EADD in any meetings on the sector.
• Lead implementation of EADD operational policies, procedures and guidelines, especially gender equity, in all aspects of EADD’s work.
• May as required help to develop strategies for youth participation regionally and at country level.
• May perform additional job-related responsibilities related to respective functions as assigned.

Required Experience

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in gender and development, social development, rural development or any other relevant field, plus five (5) years’ job-related experience.
• Minimum of one (1) year in a supervisory or leadership capacity.
• Experience in development and planning of gender mainstreaming strategy – in relation to gender and women economic empowerment in Dairy Value Chain.
• Demonstrated experience of integrating gender and diversity issues into livelihood & Dairy Value Chain interventions.

Preferred Requirements:

• Experience working effectively within medium to large international agency.
• Strong research background, particularly to gender equality.

Most Critical Proficiencies:

• Knowledge of and skilled with developing and conducting gender analysis, including organizing and facilitating gender trainings.
• Good understanding of the sustainable livelihoods approach and related issues.
• Prior experience training/accompanying/learning in the field.
• Well-developed assessment, analytical and planning skills.
• Computer literacy, including facility with Word, Excel, and other relevant Microsoft Office Suite applications, as well as any other databases.
• Experience leading strategy development and implementation monitoring in collaboration with staff.
• Proven ability to synthesize and distil information from a variety of sources, to draw lessons from project documentation and to summarize complex   information accurately and concisely.

Essential Job Functions and Physical Demands:

• Sensitivity to the needs and priorities of disadvantaged populations particularly women and children.
• Excellent oral and written reporting skills with the ability to prepare and present documents in a well-designed and attractive format with superior attention to detail.
• Working in a multi-cultural setting and commitment to promoting teamwork, gender equality, and sensitivity to hunger and poverty issues.
• Excellent communication and negotiating skills with the ability to relate to individuals diplomatically and tactfully.
• Constant face-to-face, telephone and electronic communication with colleagues and the general public.
• Ability to work under pressure in response to changing needs and ability to work well in a team.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally, occasionally on short notice.
• Sound judgment, professionalism and a positive attitude with the ability to adapt to a rapidly changing environment and in sometimes difficult circumstances.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds (9 kilograms) floor to waist.
• Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.

To Apply

East Africa Dairy Development-II Regional Production Advisor

Job Location: Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
Position Type: Full-Time/Regular
Job Level: Senior Specialist
Client: Non U.S. Based Locations
Closing Date: October 10, 2014

Job Description

Function:
The Regional Production Advisor will be responsible for strategic planning and technical guidance to the project in each of the East Africa Dairy Development-II (EADD-II) countries on issues related to increased production and productivity relating to the dairy industry.  

Leading and working through a team of country Production Advisors and other consortium staff, he/she will provide technical guidance and support to producer organization boards, staff and farmers on dairy production and productivity issues.

Required Skills

Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic direction and lead efforts to undertake technical productivity analysis in each EADD-II County programs.
• Direct and support country-based Production Advisors and management on practical strategies to increase production and productivity within the respective countries through use of relevant input on Animal Health & husbandry, feed/nutrition, water management system etc.
• Provide technical inputs to each country offices to develop systems, procedures, methods and formats to monitor production, quality, pricing, expenses and income associated with dairy production at farm level and at the producer organization level
• Develop a farm business model as a profitable sustainable and growth proposition to small holder farmer, which could be used to replicate and advise interested farmers particularly youth to adopt dairy farming.
• Lead and support county teams in designing a system and implement plans to support Producer organizations to setup robust extension systems and link producer organizations to input and service providers.
• Design appropriate curricula to help country offices plan and implement training programs as they relate to the dairy enterprise management.
• In association with the Regional Monitoring and Evaluation Manager, create, execute and monitor action plans to support country offices build livestock data bases at dairy farmer business associations with a view of the enterprises to use the data for improving management and profitability of the enterprises
• Lead the country teams in designing a program to select and support the development of model farms and put in place strategies to upscale adoption of productivity enhancement technologies.
• Create system and lead country Production Advisors develop strategies and creative initiatives to nurture and build linkages between producer organizations, local governments, private sector BDS providers and other development players.
• Orchestrate consortium and external partnerships to bring best farm practice to the project.
• Represent the project at Regional level and thus coordinate the counties’ team to ensure that all project deliverables related to production and productivity are achieved.
• In coordination with the Regional Gender Specialist, design and lead systems to streamline gender and youth activities which promote production and productivity.
• Coordinate the compilation of weekly, monthly, quarterly reports and ensure that a robust data base is maintained at regional level to track productivity and use of inputs and services.
• May perform other job-related responsibilities as assigned.

Required Experience

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science or other related field, plus five (5) years’ experience in dairy production, dairy value chain management, agriculture development, or a closely related field

Preferred Requirements:

• Master’s degree in Animal Science or a related field, plus at least seven (7) years’ experience in dairy production management with a background in dairy enterprise management.
• Experience in developing private public partnerships especially at regional level working in matrix reporting environment.
• Possess the experience and ability to inculcate dairy as a financial viable business proposition at both the farm and producer organization.
• East Africa Dairy experience.

Most Critical Proficiencies:

• Clear understanding of the dairy value chain and Heifer’s Value based model.
• Proven team leadership, project management, motivational and supervisory skills with ability to train and work cooperatively with a diverse staff.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the latest developments in advancing good/best practices in value chain development that reaches women, youth, and underprivileged.
• Demonstrated creativity, ability to think systematically, willingness and ability to incorporate innovative solutions and design catalytic activities within the production dairy value chain (e.g. the concept of business development services provision).
• Demonstrated experience in setting robust and sustainable extension systems for producer organizations. This requirement is in line with the need to have built-in exit strategies within the project as a measure of ensuring that there are self-sustaining businesses by project’s end.
• Having a business approach to dairy farmer small holder farmers with a passion for farmer development and being completely farmer centric.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in facilitating development of farm-level business plans and feasibility studies including the computation of the associated key financial ratios and benchmarks.
• Experience in implementing supply promotion/stimulation strategies in the context of dairy sub-sector.
• Computer literacy, including facility with Word, Excel, and other relevant Microsoft Office Suite applications, as well as any other databases.
• Proficient in communicating in English and local languages, oral and written.

Essential Job Functions and Physical Demands:

• Proven interpersonal and communication skills with ability to relate to individuals and groups diplomatically and tactfully.
• Constant face-to-face, telephone and electronic communication with colleagues and the general public.
• Sensitivity to the needs and priorities of disadvantaged populations particularly women and children.
• Excellent oral and written reporting skills with the ability to prepare and present documents in a well-designed and attractive format with superior attention to detail.
• Working in a multi-cultural setting and commitment to promoting teamwork, gender equality, and sensitivity to hunger and poverty issues.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines with minimum supervision.
• Ability to work under pressure in response to changing needs and ability to work well in a team.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally, occasionally on short notice.
• Sound judgment, professionalism and a positive attitude with the ability to adapt to a rapidly changing environment and in sometimes difficult circumstances.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds (9 kilograms) floor to waist.
• Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.

To Apply