About IFES:
IFES is an international, nonprofit organization that supports the building of democratic societies. IFES provides targeted technical assistance to strengthen transitional democracies. Founded in 1987 as a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, IFES has developed and implemented comprehensive, collaborative democracy solutions in more than 145 countries.
About the Project:
IFES is currently seeking qualified candidates for a two-year program that aims to promote credible, participatory political processes in Kenya. With this funding, IFES will work with key stakeholders in the country to enhance the participation of citizens in political and electoral processes, increase the capacity of election management body and foster a political environment in which political parties promote inclusion and contribute to peaceful political processes.
Position Summary:
Under the supervision of the Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP), the Program manager will coordinate the overall implementation of the Kenya Election Assistance Program (KEAP) ensuring there is quality programming within the project. Offering technical and administrative support to project activities throughout the grant period including monitoring and evaluation. Principal duties and responsibilities shall include the following:-
Program Management and Implementation
• Assist the Chief of Party (COP/DCOP) in providing vision, strategic direction and overall management of programmatic activities;
• Assist the COP/DCOP to ensure timely execution of program activities within the allocated budget and overseeing specific project activities as directed/delegated by the COP/DCOP;
• Coordinate with USAID, IEBC and other local partners in all aspects of project planning, monitoring, and execution; and
• Monitor the progress of sub grantees and contractors providing programmatic technical assistance to the program
• Work closely with partners to ensure implementation according to the agreed work plan and ensure activities achieve the desired outcome and meet expectations
• Actively participate in KEAP related working groups and relevant meetings
• Alert COP/DCOP of programmatic concerns, challenges and difficulties and put in place risk mitigation measures to ensure program success
Monitoring and Evaluation
• Work closely with the M&E specialist in tracking the progress of the program’s work plan;
• Assist with the development and tracking of the program’s performance management plan (PMP) and developing data gathering tools for monitoring and evaluation;
• Produce reports for inclusion in the main narrative project reports as needed; and
• Assist the M&E specialist in developing tools to capture qualitative information on trainings and outreach activities.
Reporting
• Lead the preparation of program reports (including Quarterly, Annual and Final Reports) and ensure that donor-specified reporting requirements are met in coordination with the DC-based program staff; and
• Draft required progress reports and other program briefings as needed.
Operations/Grants Management
• Oversee budgets preparation in collaboration with Operations Team and approve field project expenses as appropriate.
• Provide financial oversight of projects in collaboration and partnership with Finance and Operations team.
• Monitor pending grant/contract actions and coordinate timely action and response.
• Oversee timely procurement actions in consultation with Contracts and Grants.
Others
• Represent IFES-Kenya at offsite venues for the purpose of business development and information dissemination;
• Represent the COP/DCOP on programmatic issues in cases where the COP/DCOP is away from work;
• Contribute to proposals and drafting of concept papers;
• Provide research support and liaise with members of the community and local officials;
• Establish, maintain and develop relationship with peers, subordinates, donor community and consultants;
• Provide professional developmental opportunities for junior Program staff, evaluate performance and provide feedback; and
• Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree required in relevant field; Master’s degree in international relations, political science, international development preferred.
• At least 8 years’ relevant experience in international development or related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of work experience implementing an international democracy and governance program;
• Experience conducting performance monitoring and evaluation;
• Experience working in the area of electoral assistance preferred;
• Experience with budget management and oversight of single or multiple projects. Experience with managing teams.
Related Skills or Knowledge:
Successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the following attributes:-
• Capacity to work well with minimal supervision;
• Strong professional and collaborative management skills;
• Ability to manage and develop local relationships;
• Strong oral and written communication skills; and,
• Familiarity with political, economic, and social issues in Africa particularly Kenya.
• Experience in program management and supervisory roles.
• Experience in proposal development required
• Thorough familiarity with USAID and other international donor regulations and reporting requirements preferred.
• Detail-oriented and organized.
• Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
HOW TO APPLY:
All applications should be sent to kenyarecruit@ifes.org not later than 5pm on 25th July, 2016.
Applications to include RESUME and COVER LETTER only, no other attachment is required