JOBS IN KENYA - 2/19/2015

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Kenya Cereal Enhancement Programme (KCEP)
Recruitment of Programme Coordination Unit Staff
Background:
The Kenya Cereal Enhancement Programme (KCEP) will be implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (MoALF) with funding by the European Union (EU) and supervision by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
The Programme which shall cover 8 counties has the objectives of contributing to national food security by increasing the production of the targeted cereal staples (Maize, Sorghum and Millet and pulses), increasing incomes of the smallholders in the production areas, and supporting smallholder farmers in graduating from subsistence to commercial agriculture.
The programme will run for a period of seven (7) years.
The Programme Coordination Unit (PCU) for KCEP located in Nairobi shall be responsible for the overall coordination and management of the programme.
In addition, the programme will have two sub-units of the PCU, one in Nakuru and the other in Siakago Town (Embu County).
Terms of Reference 1. Senior Monitoring and Evaluation / Knowledge Management Specialist (SMEKM) – Nairobi (Ref KM004)
Under the overall direction of the Senior Programme Coordinator and the direct supervision of the Programme Coordinator(PC), the SMEKM will work very closely with the PCU technical specialists and the M&E Officers.
The SMEKM will coordinate the establishment and operation of an integrated Programme Learning and Communication and Strategy System.
The system will mainly link five functions: learning and adaptation for continuous improvement, performance-oriented M&E system, internal (PCU) and external (stakeholders) communication, innovation and experimentation, and information management.
Responsibilities

Oversee the development and implementation of the KCEP-CRAL Programme Learning and Communication System and Strategy;

Ensure the key functions in programme M&E by all the programme implementing partners and the PCU structure, and put in place and in function the main tools for data collection, recording, reporting and management in a feasible way;

Lead the process of development and updating of an overall M&E framework and M&E plan for the programme, ensuring that the programme M&E is aligned to the existing mechanisms and systems of key stakeholders i.e. IFAD (RIMS), EU and GOK;

Ensure the programme measures and interventions in climate change adaptation are well monitored and evaluated as an integrated part of the M&E system, and innovations and good practices are well documented and disseminated;

Develop and implement processes and guidelines for systematic capture of knowledge, good practices and innovation, and the sharing and use of same to improve programme implementation, including in the development of the AWPB and progress and performance reporting system;

Support advocacy efforts through providing evidence of programme impact gathered through the M&E system;

Coordinate the development and implementation of capacity building programmes for PCU staff, the counties and implementing partners, including coaching and mentoring;

Provide assistance/guidance in implementing the Programme Learning System;

Coordinate surveys and case studies to assess achievements and outcomes of KCEP activities;

Develop a multi-stakeholder communication strategy along the seasonal performance of the programme including a portal for web-based feedback of beneficiaries, private sector partners and county administrations

Coordinate the dissemination of the findings from the impact assessment studies.

Foster partnerships for broader knowledge-sharing and learning;

Oversee communication support to awareness raising and sensitisation of programme participants;

Lead the process of preparing the AWPB and progress reports; Undertake any other duty as may be revised in the TOR and assigned by the PC.Qualifications

Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics, Rural Development, Communications or other relevant field.

At least 8 years relevant work experience, in programme/project M&E and knowledge management and communication;

At least two recent professional experiences proving that the candidate has been directly responsible for:

Developing and managing performance-based M&E system;

Developing and coordinating innovationcentered knowledge management system;

Developing and implementing comprehensive communication and visibility plans

Developing website whose purpose is to: document the project profile and the periodic reporting to results and to provide a forum for stakeholders feedback during the implementation period

Writing reports, articles and or pamphlets depicting programme interventions and results;

Proficiency in the use of databases, modern information and communication technology (ICT) in development, and other computer applications;

Demonstrated skills in quantitative and qualitative analysis and data management;

Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing successful communication and knowledge management strategies for sustainable development, or in planning and implementing strategies at management level;

Experience in analysing complex programmes or policies;

Demonstrated experience in providing meaningful analysis results in support of programme/project management decision making;

Strong computer and communications skills (oral, written, presentation);

Ability to communicate in Kiswahili and English.2. Civil Engineer (CVE) – Nairobi
(Ref. CVE05)
Under the overall direction of the Senior Programme Coordinator reporting to the PC, the CVE will oversee the implementation of the civil works related to the construction and refurbishment of warehouses and road spot improvements.
Responsibilities

Oversee the preparation of tender documents for the studies, supervision and construction/refurbishment of warehouses and road spot improvements;

Review and develop specific project guidelines for county staff on warehousing and spot road repair (in association with KERRA)

Supervise civil works activities under the programme and report on progress to the PC;

Ensure the programme civil works’ compliance with environment protection and sustainable climate change adaptation;

Contribute to the preparation of the AWPB and progress reports;

Undertake any other duty assigned by the PC.Qualifications

An recognized university degree in rural civil engineering plus professional registration; Master-level degree qualification will be an added advantage;

At least 10 years relevant work experience in rural engineering with donor-assisted projects or government services;

At least two recent professional experiences proving that the candidate has been directly responsible for:

Developing specific construction and management guidelines for rural road repairs according to KERRA recommendations and along the Kenya Roads 2000 guiding policies.

Develop standard designs and bill of quantities for agro-product warehousing in respect of phytosanitary standards

Supervise (former district) county staff

Providing standard technical advice to private sector operators at local level3. Agribusiness Officer (ABO) – Siakago Town
(Ref. ABO10S)
Reporting to the VCS, the ABO will be focussing on the Maize and Sorghum/Millet value chain.
Responsibilities

Guide service providers on the identification, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of value chain support activities, including the promotion of entrepreneurial skills in farmers’ organisations;

Facilitate linkages and contracts between business model stakeholders including distributors, local promoters and farmers;

Ensure adequate synergies between Components 2 and 3 of the programme, in collaboration with the Financial Services Expert;

Monitor the development of innovative business models and, in collaboration with the Knowledge Management and Communication Officer and the Planning and Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, ensure related knowledge management, including the identification of policy lessons, and participate in developing the Programme Learning System;

Guide the preparation and implementation of the various value chain related studies;

Contribute to the preparation of the AWPB and progress reports;

Undertake any other duty assigned by the PC.Qualifications

Master’s degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Rural Development or a related discipline from a recognized university.

At least 6 years working experience in a similar field;

Fluency in English and Kiswahili4. M&E/KM Officers (MKM) - Nakuru or Siakago Town
(Ref. vMKM14N or MKM14S)
Reporting to the SMEKM, the two MKMs based respectively in Nakuru and Siakago Town, will focus on the Maize and Sorghum Millet value chain correspondently.
Responsibilities (at sub-unit level):

Ensuring the operation of the programme M&E and knowledge management systems at the sub-unit level and their vertical integration with the national PCU and the programme counties;

Actively participating in revising the programme objective hierarchy and log-frame matrix in line with the changing implementation context;

Responding to information needs of programme management, implementing partners and primary stakeholders, the cooperating institution and funding agencies;

Providing data and information to performance questions, key indicators and targets for each programme component and for each level of the objective hierarchy in the required formats;

Record, consolidate, report and analyse progress against the AWPB in the required format of such progress reports;

Reviewing existing social and economic data for the programme area to assess if it can provide good baseline data for impact evaluation, identifying gaps to be filled;

Assisting in drawing up the TOR, designing and costing out programme surveys and studies;

Ensuring the application of the required formats and procedures for operational monitoring;

Reporting the identified needs and assisting in drawing up the TOR for specific evaluation studies,

Reviewing existing M&E and knowledge management systems of implementing partners and identifying where support is needed; collecting, compiling and analysing reports prepared by implementing partners and preparing consolidated progress reports of regional level to timely submit to the

PCU in accordance with approved reporting formats;

Reviewing monitoring reports to assess interim impacts and identify causes of potential bottlenecks in implementation;

Collaborating with implementing partners and primary stakeholders to develop feasible and effective discussion events where M&E data are analysed and corrective actions can be agreed upon;

Guiding and supervising organisations that are sub-contracted to implement special surveys or studies required for evaluating programme effects and impacts;

Training on M&E and facilitating M&E design and implementation processes with implementing partners and primary stakeholders at regional and county levels;

Undertaking and facilitating others to implement the M&E plan, regularly revising and updating performance questions, indicators, methods, formats and analytical processes.Qualifications

Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics, or a related field from a recognized university.

A post graduate diploma/certificate in MIS or M&E will be an added advantage;

At least 6 years’ working experience at management in M&E of donor-funded programmes

At least two recent professional experience proving that the candidate has been directly responsible for:

Identifying programme output and outcome indicators that are coherent with the sector medium term plans and the local development plan (CIDPs)

Conducting a base line survey for selected indicators

Developing an M&E system for the programme

Organizing the communication on the result of the M&E

Preparing terms of reference for the above.

Ability to use advanced computer packages for quantitative and qualitative analysis and data base storage;

Good knowledge and experience on the project cycle related activities and developments in the sector;

Strong computer and communications skills (oral, written, presentation); and (g) Fluency in English and Kiswahili.Application Process
1. Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for the above positions. Female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.
2. Each application should be accompanied by a CV and cover letter indicating the Reference Number for the position.
The prescribed format of the CV should be downloaded from the ministry’s website: Ministry of agriculture livestock and fisheries
Applicants for positions in the Nakuru or Siakago Town sub-units should clearly indicate the preference (Nakuru or Siakago) as in the reference numbers.
Photocopies of Identity Card and relevant certificates and credentials should be enclosed.
3. Those who had previously applied should re-apply if they meet the qualifications
4. Each application in a sealed envelope should be addressed to:
The Principal Secretary
Ministry of Agriculture,
Livestock and Fisheries,
State Department of Agriculture,
P.O. Box 30028-00100,
Nairobi.
The applications should be received by Friday 27th February, 2015 at 10.00am.
Only Shortlisted candidates will be notified.
Canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification.