Job Summary
You will provide overall leadership in the management of all WASH projects in the Country Program. You will also work closely with the Business Development Manager to seek and respond to WASH-related fundraising opportunities aimed at increasing access to sustainable WASH services for the poor and vulnerable in communities in Kenya. Additionally, you will manage WASH partnerships with church and non-Church partners, private sector partners, and Government line ministries to build synergies and promote coordination in WASH programming.
Job Responsibilities:
Manage and implement all activities throughout relevant project cycles – project design, start-up, implementation and close-out – to ensure efficient and effective implementation in line with CRS program quality principles and standards, donor requirements, and good practices. Ensure WASH program team and partner staff use the appropriate systems and tools.
Act as a key resource person in project design and proposal development in WASH programming area, gap-filling and taking on growth responsibilities, as needed.
Effectively manage talent and supervise the WASH team. Manage team dynamics and staff well-being. Provide coaching, strategically tailor individual development plans, contribute to the recruitment process of project staff, and complete performance management for direct reports.
Champion learning with WASH project staff and partner teams. Analyze and evaluate project performance data following MEAL policy. Proactively identify issues and concerns and use participatory processes to overcome implementation obstacles.
Coordinate the identification of staff capacity and technical assistance needs of partner organizations and capacity strengthening and required interventions to support quality project implementation.
Help identify, assess and strengthen partnerships relevant to the WASH sector, applying appropriate application of partnership concepts, tools and approaches.
Coordinate and monitor financial and material resources relevant to project needs. Through planning and oversight ensure efficient use of project resources
Promote MEAL and knowledge management by leading program/project reviews and reflections with staff and partner representatives and documentation of good practices and lessons learned for assessments, to adjust strategies and implementation plans, to inform future programming initiatives and approaches, and to contribute to organizational learning.
Required Qualifications and Experience:
Masters degree in Civil or Water Engineering or related field;
At least 6 years work experience in WASH programming; experience in management positions in donor funded WASH projects is an added advantage;
Demonstrable experience in budget management;
Previous experience in business development/fundraising in the WASH sector.
Competencies Relevant for the Specific Position:
A broad grasp of socioeconomic policy issues with respect to WASH development in both rural and urban settings;
Technical knowledge in WASH, Social Protection, Gender, and Environment;
Experience working with government line ministries, private sector partners, civil society, donors, and local communities;
Diplomacy, tact, and negotiating skills;
Training/coaching skills;
Strong conceptual and analytical skills;
Ability to work independently, think innovatively and strategically, and work effectively within a team;
Fluency in written and spoken English;
Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
Detailed understanding and experience of gender and diversity issues and commitment to addressing inequalities in all the key areas of responsibility;
Demonstrate high levels of initiative and innovation;
Flexibility in tasks undertaken;
Ability to work under pressure and deadlines;
Understanding of development/relief issues;
Commitment to humanitarian principles and action;
Strategic thinking and vision;
Strong financial/budget management skills required.
MEAL Competencies:
Track portfolio and project MEAL requirements – both CRS MEAL Policies and Procedures (MPP) and donor requirements.
Work with MEAL staff and partner staff to implement the MPP and donor MEAL requirements applicable to your projects.
Complete the annual MEAL procedure self-assessment for your project, and develop action plan to advance MEAL practice.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
County program lead – Turkana County
County program lead – Isiolo County
WASH officer – Urban School WASH project
WASH officer – WASH/Agric project
Key Working Relationships:
Internal:
Head of Programs
Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning department.
Business Development Manager
Other Program Managers
EARO Regional Technical Advisor WASH
CRS’ finance, human resources, fleet and procurement department.
External:
Ministry of Water and Irrigation at National and County levels
CRS’s church and non-church partners
WASH program consultants and contractors
Private sector partners in the WASH sector
Other INGOs, NGOs, and CBOs implementing WASH projects or as members of WASH cluster coordination forums.
Required Travel (where and expected %):
20% field travel.
Work Environment
Nairobi and field locations.
Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff)
Serves with Integrity
Models Stewardship
Cultivates Constructive Relationships
