Mercy Corps Job in Eldoret Kenya- Project Manager

Mercycorps Vacancy Announcement

Project Manager 

1 Position

Eldoret

Mercy Corps exists to alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression by helping people build secure, productive and just communities.  

Driven by local needs, our programs provide communities in the world’s toughest places with the tools and support they need to turn the crises they confront into the opportunities they deserve.  

Mercy Corps is looking for committed and dynamic individuals to take up the following positions.

Program / Department Summary:
 

Mercy Corps is implementing the Rift Valley Local Empowerment for Peace (LEAP) program in Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, Nandi, Nakuru, Kericho and Bomet Counties. 

The over-arching goal of LEAP is to strengthen the capacity of local actors and institutions in targeted counties to develop and advance sustainable peace, reconciliation and norms of nonviolence based on justice, accountability and equality. Mercy Corps will support this goal by pursuing two related objectives: 

1) Deepen bridges among divided communities and strengthen transformational platforms that prevent and respond to local conflicts that threaten to destabilize the region; 

2) Strengthen Early Warning and Early Response capacities to support peaceful elections.

General Position Summary:
 

The Project Manager will have extensive experience in Early Warning and Early Response in relation to conflict. 

S/he will be locally-hired and based at the Mercy Corps office in Eldoret. 

S/he will have responsibility for day-to-day administration and implementation of Early Warning and Early Response program activities, trainings, and meetings for stakeholders.  

In conjunction with the Chief of Party, the EWER Project Manager will help review applications and disburse funds for approved projects.

Essential Job Functions:

• 1.    Supervise Data Officers in Eldoret and Nakuru and provide support and training in all their activities. Assist in the development of their professional skills. Conduct staff evaluations as appropriate.
• 2.    Hold frequent meetings with the program team and ensure that each team member understands their responsibilities and accountabilities.
• 3.    Ensure that program activities are implemented according to the implementation plan and in an efficient and effective manner.
• Play a key role in the development of systems and mechanisms to ensure the successful implementation of the program; including submission of quality weekly updates, and ensuring that program progress tracking records are kept up to date.
• Write reports and document work carried out in the field.
• Together with the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, conduct pre-monitoring visits to assess the suitability of proposed projects and conduct assessments of partners.
• Together with the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, conduct monitoring visits to assess the progress and effectiveness of community projects supported by Mercy Corps. Provide follow up recommendations and solutions where there are problems in implementation
• Liaise with other NGOs and government officers to help resolve problems in the field. 
• Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.
• Other duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibility: Directly supervise Data Officers on day-to-day basis. When delegated by Chief of Party, supervisory responsibility of other field based program staff.

Accountability
 

Reports Directly To: Chief of Party
 

Works Directly With: Administration officer, Logistics Officer, Finance Officer and Partner staff

Knowledge and Experience:

• Minimum 4 years experience working with NGOs in peace-building and economic development projects;
• Bachelor’s degree in peace-building, Political Science, Sociology, economic development or related field;
• Proven experience managing programs and conducting trainings in Early Warning and Early Response, conflict mitigation and reconciliation;
•  Experience in managing staff and understanding the need for regular support and follow-up to ensure that project objectives are being met;
• Commitment to working with youth and vulnerable groups in need, regardless of race, tribe, religion or gender;
• Understanding of working with local partners;
• Good problem solving, written and oral communication skills;
• Strong written and spoken English;
• Ability to work without constant supervision and as part of a mixed team;
• Good understanding of Conflict Early Warning and Early Response Systems
• Good knowledge of MS Office software such as Excel, Word, and Access;

Success Factors

• Must be able to work independently while being a strong team player;
• Demonstrated ability to communicate, take direction, assume leadership, and make rational decisions while working remotely from country leadership;
• Effective communication and team-building skills;
• High motivation for working in peace-building and economic development with a focus on youth;
• Ability to live and work successfully in remote and challenging settings with limited resources;
• Initiative and adaptability;
• Strong diplomacy skills in managing a team with different backgrounds, abilities, and technical knowledge.

Interested candidates who meet the above required qualifications and experience

Should submit on or before 1st February, 2013 at 4.00 p.m. a cover letter, detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) listing three professional references (including a recent supervisor) to hrkenya@ke.mercycorps.org

Applicants must clearly indicate on the email subject

The position and location they are applying for, e.g Project Manager   

Applications without the right subject heading will be automatically disqualified. 

Please do not attach any certificates.
 

ONLY Qualified short-listed candidates will be contacted