Project Summary: MSI will support the Development Partners’ Group (DPG) to organize and facilitate meetings, increase collaboration and communication amongst members, and enhance collaborative relationships with Kenyan government and non-government counterparts. MSI will also provide limited secretarial support to the Heads of Mission (HOM). This will help to enhance the Development Partners’ (DP) collective ability to achieve their commitments to fostering effective development cooperation (EDC) by advancing knowledge-sharing and communication among the DPs and with Kenyan counterparts. MSI will provide coordination and secretarial services to the DPG as the latter liaise with the Government of Kenya (GOK), the county governments, private sector, civil society and other stakeholders in supporting the government and people of Kenya to enhance alignment and harmonization of DP programs and strengthen partnerships to achieve development results.
MSI’s primary role is to share information, facilitate communications, and enhance collaboration amongst the DPs in the implementation of the Kenya Vision 2030 and other Kenyan government sector development plans. MSI will also aim to improve communications and a more coordinated and harmonized inputs from the DPG and the HOMs in support of Kenya’s efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and other development objectives.
Position Summary: The Executive Secretary will be primarily responsible for liaising and organizing with DPG members on a regular basis to hold collaborative meetings. The Executive Secretary will draft minutes, maintain records of these meetings, and make special notes for follow up actions. They will act as the focal point for collecting information and facilitating the flow of strategic and technical information amongst the DPs, as directed by the COR, in collaboration with the DPG co-chairs, with a view to promote further alignment and harmonization. They must manage sensitive information discreetly and safeguard their use and distribution; this requires the incumbent to provide adequate measures for securing information.
**Please note: Only Kenyan citizens are eligible for this position**
Responsibilities:
Organize and facilitate monthly DPG/HOMs meetings; maintain minutes and records of these meetings; and follow up on actions recommended.
Invite relevant GOK counterparts to DPG/HOMs discussions on a regular basis.
Liaise with, facilitate and participate in consultations on key issues with DPG, GOK and other partners; summarize views and recommendations for decision-making as requested by DPG/HOMs members.
Collect and share information on development cooperation and events with the DPG, GOK, COG and other partners.
Collect, circulate and summarize key documents to inform DPG discussions and decision-making.
Acts as focal point for collecting information and facilitating the flow of strategic and technical information amongst the DPs, as directed by the COR, in collaboration with the DPG co-chairs, with a view to promote further alignment and harmonization.
Qualifications:
A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree (economics, international relations, social sciences, organizational management) in a development related field.
At least five (5) years of demonstrated professional experience, particularly in the development field, to include.
Serving as an executive secretary in a similar organization made up of high-level members (e.g., a trade organization made up of business leaders).
Working with and representing development partners to partner governments, counties, civil society and other stakeholders.
Working in partnership with partner governments and decentralized government entities;
Experience working in East Africa, Africa, or other developing countries;
Understanding of key stakeholders, geography, culture, and institutions in Kenya.
S tro ng c o m m unicatio n, in t erp erso nal and diplo macy skills with the p r o v en ability to fo ster g ood will and build co nse nsus at all organizatio nal l e v els.
Ability to effectively take into account the views and perspectives of a diverse set of stakeholders.
Ability to organize and facilitate meetings within Nairobi and other parts of Kenya.
High level of computer literacy (Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point).
