About CRS:
Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. We welcome as a part of our staff and as partner’s people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need.
Job Title: Project Manager - Early Childhood Development (ECD) (Ref: 2016/48)
Grade: 9
Reports to: Education and Protection Program Manager (dotted line to SCORE Project Coordinator)
Based in: Nairobi
JOB PURPOSE
The Project Manager - ECD is responsible for the day to day implementation of the Strengthening Capacities for Women Religious in ECD (SCORE ECD) project funded by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation focused on ECD capacity building for Catholic Sisters. The project works in three countries: Kenya, Malawi, and Zambia, with the aim of building the capacity of Catholic Sisters to 1) improve ECD technical capacity, 2) increase organizational sustainability, and 3) enhance Sisters’ networking and learning on ECD. This position is the lead for Kenya’s project.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Project Manager - ECD is responsible for all aspects of implementation of the project in Kenya. S/he will work closely with the National Association of Sisterhood of Kenya (AOSK), our Local Implementing Partner to coordinate and oversee the development and implementation of SCORE ECD with a focus on Sisters working with children 0-5 affected by HIV/AIDS. All planning and implementation will be done in close coordination with AOSK with the aim of increasing the organizational sustainability of Sister Congregations.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:
1) Project Management
- Serve as overall Project Manager for the project, ensuring quality implementation in compliance with CRS and donor policy; provide technical and programmatic leadership.
- With partner staff, review project goals and objectives on a regular basis and develop an annual work plan; oversee work plan implementation.
- In coordination with partner staff, design and implement relevant, effective, efficient, sustainable interventions that achieve project goals and objectives in a timely manner, using donor-approved project documents and work plans to guide implementation.
- Prioritize participation of Sisters throughout the programming process and ensure interventions address identified priority needs by congregations.
- Collaborate with CRS’ Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Coordinator and SCORE-ECD Coordinator to provide guidance to partner staff and congregations. Work with MEAL to ensure CRS and partner staff are using the MEAL tools and systems to ensure complete and accurate data is collected and reported monthly, and that the reliable data informs project decision-making, captures project impact, and meets CRS agency-wide, regional, and donor, reporting requirements.
- Routinely analyze MEAL data, field visit findings, and other feedback. Based on this learning, modify programming as necessary in order to meet project targets and objectives.
- Lead and coordinate the development of Detailed Implementation Plans (DIPs) and oversee implementation of project activities in line with the approved plans, and according to approved budget and donor guidelines.
- Ensure CRS policies and procedures are adhered to at all times.
- Maintain accurate project records and any other responsibilities that may be assigned to you from time to time.
2) Technical Quality
- Provide guidance and technical oversight to ensure ECD training for Sisters is developed according to international and Kenyan ECD standards; ensure interventions meet the specific needs of children 0-5 affected by HIV/AIDS.
- Design training materials and organize trainings taking into account the specific needs of Sisters and congregations.
- Work closely with AOSK to build capacity of Sister congregations to implement ECD activities.
- Keep abreast of technical developments and new research in ECD.
- Manage ongoing relations with project participants and address any issues in a timely manner.
- Prepare and submit timely, quality progress reports that meet organization and donor requirements to the SCORE-ECD Coordinator (EARO).
- Provide technical reports or other M&E special reports as requested.
- Contribute to the development of organizational learning through information sharing with counterparts in Malawi and Zambia.
- Coordinate and work with ECD consultants who provide support to the project.
3) Management Quality
- Provide overall financial management of the project. This includes, but is not limited to, monthly reviews of Budget Comparison Report (BCR) against donor line items, timely submission of budget tracking forms, budget maintenance forms, cash forecast forms, and annual budgets.
- Ensure accurate and timely reporting of program finances and progress status, review actual financial performance against the budget, and explain variances on a regular basis.
- Ensure that project expenditure is undertaken in line with CRS finance policies and procedures, CRS sub-recipient monitoring policies, and donor requirements.
- In collaboration with finance department, provide guidance to partners on financial management and stewardship.
4) Partnership Management
- Conduct monthly site supervisory and mentoring visits to partner congregations
- Lead in identification of partner capacity gaps and strengthen capacities to improve project implementation.
- Collaborate closely with AOSK and partner congregations on financial, managerial, and other capacity building initiatives.
- Provide substantive and timely feedback on partner reports.
5) Communications and Networking:
- Foster linkages with other CRS/Kenya projects and pursue opportunities for project integration.
- Support the development and dissemination of up-to-date information, education, and communication (IEC) materials, as necessary.
- In collaboration with partners, identify and document lessons learned, sound practices, and success stories.
- Work with partners to appropriately package and share project information – including MEAL findings and reporting – with community stakeholders.
- Draft, review, and obtain appropriate approval for project reports, as necessary, and ensure timely submission to donor.
6) Representation and Program Growth
- Organize and lead monthly ECD meetings with key stakeholders including the Ministry of Education, local universities, ECD experts, Sisters, and representatives of the Catholic Church.
- Maintain close communication and coordination with ECD stakeholders within Kenya.
- Collaborate closely with SCORE-ECD Coordinator, HQ ECD technical experts, regional Technical Advisors, and ECD consultants; disseminate lessons learned.
- Represent CRS at provincial/county/district stakeholder meetings and other external meetings as needed.
Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff):
These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.
- Knowledge of CRS program quality standards, partnership principles, and Catholic Social Teaching principles is preferred
- Serves with Integrity
- Good Stewardship of resources
- Cultivates Constructive Relationships
- Promotes Learning
Supervisory Responsibilities (if none, state none): None
Key Working Relationships:**
Internal: CRS/Kenya Education and Protection Unit Staff, CRS/Kenya programming and operations departments, SCORE-ECD Coordinator, CRS HQ and regional staff, CRS ECD staff in Malawi and Zambia, as well as appropriate regional technical advisors.
External: National Association of Sisterhood of Kenya (AOSK), partner congregations and Sisters, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, Kenyan universities, ECD experts, and HIV/AIDS stakeholders in country.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIREMENT
Knowledge
- Degree in Early Childhood Development, Education, Social Work, Health or related field.
- At least 3 years of ECD field experience including experience in ECD curriculum development and trainings
- Strong background in working with children 0-5 affected and infected by HIV/AIDS
- Demonstrated commitment to development through local empowerment
- Demonstrated knowledge in project cycle management
- Experience working with Catholic Sisters strongly preferred
- Excellent written and oral communications skills.
- Ability to work both independently, and as member of diverse task teams.
- Advanced computer literacy (Microsoft Office)
Skills & Abilities
- Practical experience in ECD training
- Proven experience working with partner staff
- Ability to professionally represent CRS to other organizations
- Budget management experience
- Strong organizational and planning skills
- Strong interpersonal, multi-cultural and training/mentoring skills
- Ability to undertake field visits for monitoring and mentorship events
Required Travel:** 40% travel to field locations
Disclaimer:
This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.
HOW TO APPLY:
Written applications indicating the reference number of position applied for and CV including day-time contact phone numbers, as well as names and contact information of three references should reach the below-mentioned by Close of Business Friday October 14, 2016.
Human Resources Manager
Catholic Relief Services – Kenya Program
E-mail: hr@ke.earo.crs.org
Please indicate the Reference Number on the ‘email subject. Only Shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Note: Catholic Relief Services (CRS) does not charge any fees from applicants for any recruitment. Further, CRS has not retained any agent in connection with this recruitment
