PALWECO Jobs in Busia

1. Community Development OfficerThe Programme for Agriculture and Livelihoods in Western Communities (PALWECO) is a bilateral five-year-programme covering Busia County, which comprises the Sub-Counties of Busia, Bunyala, Butula, Nambale, Samia, Teso South and Teso North.
The Programme aims at reducing poverty, improving livelihoods and living standards of the population of Busia County.
The Programme seeks to recruit a qualified and experienced candidate to fill the following vacant position:
Community Development Officer
Overall Responsibility: Supporting the Community Development Specialist (CDS) in planning and implementation of community development and capacity building activities in the programme and project areas including support to sub – counties in planning for food security and community development interventions by ensuring proper community mobilization, community organization, community needs assessment, and gender equity and social inclusion strategies are applied during different programme stages.
Specific Responsibilities:

Support in planning and implementation of household economy and food security interventions including small livestock production, kitchen garden promotion, household environment and food storage interventions at the Sub – County level

Support in coordination for inclusion of gender and vulnerable groups dimensions and ensuring other cross – cutting issues are integrated throughout the program activities and capacity building at community level

Assisting the Community Development Specialist in designing household economic strengthening interventions, support in development of interventions for credit and savings services and conducting monitoring of implementation of community activities using participatory approaches

Coordinating with the concerned Government agencies at both County and Sub County levels to ensure that all are supporting each other in relevant community development and capacity building activities

Working closely with the community Facilitators in the Sub – Counties, the CDO will generate lessons, strategies and best practices in field implementation, document good practices and support replication and dissemination of the same to enhance operations

Support in establishing linkages and networks with like – minded partners and stakeholders within the County in implementation of food security and livelihood interventions

Support in preparation of TORs for relevant studies/surveys and support in supervision of the work of consultants;

Work with various counterparts within the Ministries of Agriculture, Social Services and Youth. Main counterpart will be the Director of Social Services.

Any other task assignedQualifications:

A university degree in fields related to community development, social sciences, or management / organisational development;

At least 3years relevant working experience in the field of community development

Working directly with the communities; including vulnerable groups, women and gender issues would be preferable;

Experiences in project/program using participatory development tools, and community driven approaches;

Comprehensive computer skills: in particular MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and basic database management.

Good communication and interpersonal skillsQualified Women are encouraged to apply.
Location: Busia, Kenya
Reporting: Chief Technical Advisor and County Director of Social Services
Period: Two years with possible extension
2. Junior Expert in Agricultural Value Chains
The Programme for Agriculture and Livelihoods in Western Communities (PALWECO) is a bilateral five-year-programme covering Busia County, which comprises the Sub-Counties of Busia, Bunyala, Butula, Nambale, Samia, Teso South and Teso North.
The Programme aims at reducing poverty, improving livelihoods and living standards of the population of Busia County.
The Programme seeks to recruit a qualified and experienced candidate to fill the following vacant position:
Junior Expert in Agricultural Value Chains
Responsibilities

Planning and implementation of agribusinesses in support of small livestock, horticulture and high value trees.

Support the formation and institutional organization of crop and livestock producer groups and individuals for efficient access to farm inputs and produce markets.

Support development of business training materials for SMEs (farmers, collection centers operators, input suppliers)

Assist in designing and implementing community business plans to either start or expand their businesses.

Identifying and establishing linkages between farmers, produce buyers, input suppliers, financial institutions and extension support services.

Participate in other tasks relevant for implementation of the Programme.Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in any of the following areas: general agriculture, animal production, horticulture, agribusiness, economics, business management, food science & technology and nutrition.

At least 3 years working experience in the field of agriculture and value chains desirably agribusiness development

Maximum age of 32 years

Good communication and interpersonal skills

Interest and willingness to work in a multi-cultural environmentLocation: Busia, Kenya
Reporting: Chief Technical Advisor and counterpart Trade Officer, Ministry of Trade, Cooperatives and Tourism, Busia County
Period: One year with possible extension
3. Supply Chain Officer (Procurement)
The Programme for Agriculture and Livelihoods in Western Communities (PALWECO) is a bilateral five-year-programme covering Busia County, which comprises the Sub-Counties of Busia, Bunyala, Butula, Nambale, Samia, Teso South and Teso North.
The Programme aims at reducing poverty, improving livelihoods and living standards of the population of Busia County.
The Programme seeks to recruit a qualified and experienced candidate to fill the following vacant position:
Supply Chain Officer – Procurement
Responsibilities

Ensuring compliance with the Public Procurement and Disposal Act and Regulations

Maintaining database of approved sources of supply, and research into new and alternative sources;

Advising management on all matters regarding value for money on all procurements

Receiving all the tender applications and compiling them for the Tender Committee;

Conducting market research and advising on market forces; and any other duties that may be assigned from time to time.

Preparing Purchase requisitions Local Purchase Orders (LPOs); Cash/LPO procuring and proper storage;

Conduct regular financial and procurement monitoring visits to sub-counties and partner organisations

Generating procurement reports and providing appropriate recommendations to management

Copy and file monthly payment vouchers, receipts and finance reports

Keep the agreements and contract files up-to-date

Facilitate financial audit and implementation support missions

Undertaking the capacity building of the Programme’s partner organizations in the field of public procurementQualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Procurement related studies from a recognized institution plus a professional procurement qualification (CPA II/Basic CIPS)

At least five years practical experience in a programme procurement set up

Knowledge of GoK financial systems and procurement procedures

Experience in computer application and software packages

Basic knowledge of accounting

Good communications and interpersonal skills

Fluency in ( reading English and Swahili

Ability to work under pressure and meet crucial deadlines

Fluency (reading, writing and speaking ) in English and in KiswahiliLocation: Busia town and all Busia Sub counties, Kenya
Reporting: Financial Management and Procurement Specialist
Period: Two years with possible extension
4. Programme Accountant
Responsibilities

Preparation of programme accounts

Preparation and submission of periodical financial reports

Verification of supplier’s invoices for payment, including service providers request for funds, and timely implementation of payment procedures

Timely posting of all project accounting vouchers on the accounting software

Exercise proper custody of all posted vouchers and other accounting documents

Verify finance reports and reconcile returns from sub counties and partner organizations

Conduct regular financial monitoring visits to sub counties and partner organizations

Facilitate financial audit and implementation support missions

Advice the management on accounting matters

Perform any other duty assigned by the SupervisorQualifications

Bachelors degree in accounting and finance from a recognized institution plus a professional accounting qualification ( CPA (K), ACCA or equivalent)

At least 5 years practical experience in a programme financial management set up and acquainted with accounting procedres in GoK accounting and financial systems and bilateral financed programmes

Good knowledge of computer applications in accounting such as ACCESS , SUN and QUICK BOOKS

Good communications and interpersonal skills

Used to work under pressure and meet crucial deadlines

Fluency (reading, writing and speaking ) in English and in KiswahiliLocation: Busia, Kenya
Reporting to: Financial Management and Procurement Specialist
Period: Two years with possible extension
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send letters of applications, CV accompanied with copies of academic and professional certificates, and testimonials.
Applications should be in an envelope that clearly indicates the post applied for and send to the address below so as to reach on or before 5th December 2014
Programme Director
Programme for Agriculture &Livelihoods in Western Communities (PALWECO)
OFF ALUPE ROAD
Off. Tel: +254552322166
P.o Box 306, 50400
Busia,Kenya
Or Send an email to : info@palweco.com
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted