Company Founded: Founded in 1958

Agricultural Productivity Coordinator Social Inclusion Coordinator

RTI is currently seeking to fill vacancies for the Kenya Crops & Dairy Market Systems (KCDMS) Activity which is part of the Feed the Future program, America’s initiative to combat global hunger and poverty. In this regard, USAID is partnering with RTI International on a 5-year (Oct 2017 to Sept 2022) cooperative agreement KCDMS Activity to help increase agricultural production and reduce poverty and malnutrition in Kenya. The project will also spur competitive, resilient market systems in Kenya’s horticulture and dairy sectors. We seek to recruit Regional Agricultural Productivity Coordinator for Nyanza Region to be based in the Kisumu office.
Job Summary: The productivity Coordinator leads and coordinates the implementation of the project activities and provide technical expertise focusing on identification of potential and existing technologies/enterprises with potential for growth and the provision of a wide range of business development services (BDS). Maintain relationships with key sector partners, consultants, host county counterparts and stakeholders at county level. Collaborate with colleagues across KCDMS on technical, and strategic planning initiatives. Ensure best practices and lessons learned are captured and disseminated across project and serve as a representative of the project to clients, stakeholders, and partners, providing key inputs for technical or management decisions. Responsible for managing program deliverables including planning and coordination of all activities.
Under the guidance of the USAID/KCDMS Senior Agricultural Productivity Specialist and the Technical/ Deputy Chief of Party, ensure that all KCDMS project supported activities implemented through sub-grantees are effectively and sustainably integrated throughout the Dairy/Crops value-chain.
Essential Duties:

Support the development of the Activity’s strategy for Priority Area 2 – Diverse agricultural production and improved productivity.
Participate in a review of innovative extension and input supply models in the area of responsibility, identify strengths and weaknesses and identify potential private sector partners for collaboration and joint investment under the Partnerships and Innovations Fund.
Identify private sector embedded extension systems; Review business models and viability of incorporating training and extension (T&E) into private sector operations (such as dairy cooperatives or agricultural input suppliers);
Build and maintain relationships with county-level public agricultural extension systems; Work with counties to develop extension strengthening plans; Design technical assistance to support sustainable, county-led training programs and information systems.
Manage technical and administrative personnel and subcontractors in the implementation of a large, complex activity to build capacity of actors in targeted value chains.
Lead in the review of innovative input supply models in Kenya and in the KCDMS zones of Influence, identify strengths and weaknesses, and identify potential private sector partners for collaboration and joint investment under the Partnerships and Innovations Fund.
Support the design of, then oversee interventions to improve farmers and relevant actors’ access to quality inputs.
Lead the Activity’s support for agro dealers strengthening, including associations-building or platform development and identify and coordinate technology demonstration opportunities.
Liaise with Priority Area 1 team to co-design support for “lead firms” that are in the inputs sector (may include business planning, management, accounting, inventory, recordkeeping, capacity building, or investment facilitation.)
Coordinate the development, implementation and reporting on detailed management plans that may include implementation plans, deliverable tracking, etc., for activities in Western Kenya.
Collaborate with Access to Finance Specialist to design innovative financial products that support the needs of input suppliers and farmers.
Facilitate and support market development and business-to-business linkages (especially Producer group to processor).
Contribute to grants management with particular attention to the Productivity component.
Contribute to monitoring and evaluation, learning, and reporting and provide technical oversight and support all data tracking by the in M&E staff of the sub-grantees with attention to Productivity.
Contribute to Social Inclusion activities in line with Productivity.
Ensure project activities meet USAID (SUAP) and NEMA environmental compliance requirements
Collaborate with staff and partners across all priority areas to ensure cross-fertilization of ideas and coordination of activities.
Identify and document technical best practices and lessons learned and compile biweekly/monthly reports on project activities accomplished during those periods.
Report directly to the Director for Productivity Component 2 on all aspects that pertains to the achievement of results.
Any other duties as assigned by your supervisor.

Desired Skills and Experience
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree in agricultural economics, agronomy, agribusiness management or related field and 6 years of experience, Master’s degree and 3 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Skills & Abilities

Excellent oral and written skills in English. Fluency in Kiswahili preferred.
Demonstrated ability to be collaborative across projects, flexible and creative.
Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills.
Excellent knowledge of MS Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel
Ability to multi-task
Ability to work well with others
Ability to listen and communicate well both verbally and in writing
Ability to work independently
Attention to detail and accuracy
Ability to obtain proper security clearances as noted by contracts

Essential Competencies/Behaviors:

Critical Thinking: Obtains information, identifies key issues and relationships, and breaks down problems into simple tasks or activities.
Integrity/Trust: Demonstrates honesty, is widely trusted, keeps commitments, treats people with dignity and respect, admits mistakes; doesn’t misrepresent him/herself for personal gain.
Interpersonal Effectiveness/Teamwork: Ability to develop positive working relationships and work effectively with others.
Initiative/Results Oriented: Takes action to achieve goals beyond what is required, is pro-active, and is a self-starter.
Motivational Fit: Is motivated to work, would fit in well with organization.
Technical/Professional Knowledge: Performs complex tasks in area of expertise.

Physical/Mental Demands
Physical and mental demands of this role include those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job, as outlined above. Examples include: remaining in a stationary position for long periods of time; operating a computer and other office machinery; thinking, learning, and concentrating effectively and frequently communicating with other people, both within RTI and outside of RTI; frequently moving about inside and travel between offices and laboratories; frequently conducting laboratory site inspections(if applicable), ability to handle the stress associated in meeting frequent, multiple and tight deadlines, ability to work in excess of 40 hours per week as workload and deadlines may require, ability to have regular, reliable and predictable attendance.
Disclaimer
The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

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October 26, 2024
Team Leader Operations Production

Job Purpose
Support Manager, Payments Production Core Services in Optimisation, Improvement and champion performance improvement in Outward Money Transmission by consulting, facilitating, optimising and monitoring of strategic initiatives and processes with the purpose of providing Excellent service to Branches and Business Units while ensuring the following:

Losses are kept to a minimum.
Routine directives are followed across products under own and the Payments Manager’s control.
Effective management and development of subordinate staff.

Key Responsibilities/Accountabilities
Provide leadership in the execution of Client Experience and Shared Services Strategy

Adhering to telephone etiquette standards.
Following up on queries and adhering to laid down procedures in this respect.
Attending to queries turnaround times (48 hours).
Meeting deadlines.
Ensuring that work is processed timeously and accurately.
Adhering to customer requests.
Educating customers in respect of products and services offered by Payments as and when required.
Taking ownership of complex, unresolved queries ensuring prompt resolution.
Ensuring that a high standard of communication with the frontlines is maintained.
Liaison with various divisions in the bank.
Marketing and networking with internal and external clients.
Analysing client’s needs in order to better serve them.

Implement and Monitor Operational Risk Policies and Standards

Ensuring accurate processing of all transactions.
Good understanding of T24 Model bank.
Ensuring that all payments and receipts are processed on value date.
Ensuring that all due diligent checks have been conducted with regard to compliance.
Ensuring that subordinate staffs are continually updated on new types of transactions and fan-outs.
Verify and confirm relevant information on applications and source documents received from clients, in terms of the laid down procedures in respect of fraud prevention.
Identify potential high-risk aspects within processes, procedures and documentation of transactions.
Ensure that daily/weekly/monthly checks and scrutiny are completed as required.

Implement Compliance Policies and Standards

Responsible for the implementation and adoption of all Compliance, Anti-Money Laundering and Sanctions related requirements contained in policies, procedures and processes. This includes the consideration and approval of PEP on-boarding and continued business engagement in instances where no adverse information is available.

Manage a team of Payments Officers

Minimise risk to the bank by maintaining organised and consistent workflows in line with turnaround, cut-off times, deadlines; value dated payments as well as the action of all foreign exchange/ bank trade exception and transaction reports.
Identify potential high-risk aspects within processes, procedures.
Influence the implementation of Money Transfers and strategic initiatives and ensure that appropriate action is taken.
Ensure that the performance appraisals of subordinate staff are conducted on a quarterly basis.
Management of subordinate staff work performance and providing regular feedback to staff in this respect.
Coaching and motivating subordinate staff.
Delegating work to subordinate staff.
Disciplining subordinate staff.
Involvement in the Recruitment process – ensuring that the correct caliber of staff is recruited.
Identifying training needs of subordinate staff and conducting career development discussions with them.
Management and monitoring of subordinate staff absenteeism and leave records.
Monitoring of subordinate staff time management (usage regarding personal e-mails/ private telephone calls) and ensuring that it does not impact negatively on work performance.
Attending to the house keeping matters of the section.
Effective handling of conflict management.
Conducting regular meetings with staff.

Engage with various stakeholders in the Bank and Outside

Builds and maintain credible and value adding relationships with stakeholders, including executives, peers, internal and external partners.
Collaborates with other areas through continuous interactions to ensure that best practices are implemented, and a standard approach is followed.

Reporting to various governance committees

Provide relevant, accurate and timely reporting to senior management, governance committees and the regulator as allocated.
Partner with business units to oversee the optimization of business processes to increase operational efficiency.
Identify, implement and evaluate projects that have a medium to high impact on customer experience
Quality Management System in line with ISO Standards– ISO 9001:2015
Ensure that the quality management system conforms to the requirements of the International and local Standards.
Ensure that processes are delivering their intended output by monitoring at every stage in the value chain.
Report on the performance of the quality management system and on opportunities for improvement.
Ensure the promotion of exceptional client experience throughout the organisation.

Preferred Qualification and Experience

University Graduate majoring in Banking, Finance, Economics, Mathematics or related disciplines.
Banking experience
Exposure to other bank operations is an added advantage
5 – 7 years experience in Opearations support

Knowledge/Technical Skills/Expertise

Computer Literacy
Relevant years’ experience in a Funds Transfer environment.
An in-depth knowledge of Outgoing TTs processing.
Good knowledge on both T24 model bank.
An in-depth knowledge of SWIFT and various messages.
An in-depth knowledge of Nostro Accounts
Knowledge of basic banking accounting.
Knowledge of various systems in use at Payments.
A basic knowledge of the Money Laundering Act

October 26, 2024
Manager, Infrastructure and Operating Systems Database Administrator Economist

Job Purpose
The job holder is responsible for the Operational functions and compliance to standards for; Mainframe operations, Open systems operations and Wintel operations. The jobholder is managing the resolution of Incidents raised against Infrastructure and Operating Systems, Systems monitoring tools, preventative maintenance, data backup and restore, capacity and access management and Deployment, including planning and control, installations, hardware and software upgrades, modifications and enhancements and end-of-life replacements.
Key Responsibilities/Accountabilities

Deployment, including infrastructure- deployment planning and control, installations, hardware and software lifecycle management (upgrades (including capacity), modifications and enhancements and end-of-life replacements)
Plan and oversee the successful rollout of new IT services or changes to existing IT services
Design and implement efficient procedures for the distribution and installation of changes to IT services
Ensure that hardware and software being changed is traceable, secure and that only correct, authorized and tested versions are installed
Communicate and manage expectations of the Customer during the planning and rollout of new or changes to existing IT services
Agree the exact content and schedule of deployment through liaison with Change management
Implement changes to IT services into the operational environment using the controlling processes of Configuration management and Change Management
Element Monitoring
Set up and maintain the mechanisms for detecting meaningful events.
Detect events and incidents that may impact business operations.
Respond to alerts that may impact business operations.
Develop and manage a preventive maintenance routine
Maintain maintenance schedule
Ensure scheduled and non – scheduled maintenance is performed and reported
Manage Patch deployment
Manage the generic application of identified patches across all technical platforms as per identified vulnerabilities and vendor notifications.

Preferred Qualification and Experience

First Degree in Information Technology/ Computer Sciences or equivalent.
At least 5 years experience in a similar role, with leadership experience

Knowledge/Technical Skills/Expertise
Other qualifications, certifications or professional memberships ITIL Foundation, CompTIA A+ certification, Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) certification, Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) certification, Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) certification, VMware Certified Professional (VCP), IBM Websphere, IBM System p, IBM Storage, Predictive Analytics Modeler, ITIl

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October 26, 2024
ICS Programme Administrator ICS Programme Coordinator ICS Project Officer ICS Programme Manager

Role overview
Provides full administrative support to the ICS team in operations, logistics, finance, information management and meeting
Skills, Knowledge and Experience required ;

Administration
Sound organisational and administrative skills with the ability to prioritise a varied workload and meet deadlines.
Experience of effective liaison with different teams and contacts.
Experience of working proactively and flexibly without close supervision.
Excellent attention to detail.
Experience of planning and administering meetings/events.
IT and Finance
Strong information technology skills, particularly Microsoft Office.
Ability to develop and maintain information systems.
High levels of numeracy and ability to make financial calculations according to agreed current guidelines.
Communication
Experience of communicating effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, verbally and in writing
Strong verbal and written English language skills.
Youth work
Experience of working with young people from diverse backgrounds would be an advantage.
Out of hours working
Some out of hours working will be required from time to time to support events.

Competencies and Behaviour
At VSO we believe progress is only possible by working together. Whether you want to join us as an employee, or as a volunteer working in your own country, overseas or online, our selection process includes an assessment based on these core competencies:

Ability to be open minded and respectful
Ability to be resilient and adaptive to new situations
Ability to facilitate positive change and build sustainable working relationships
Ability to seek and share knowledge

Equal Opportunities
VSO promotes equal opportunities and values a diverse workforce.

VSO reserves the right to close this job early if we receive a sufficient number of applications.
Applicants are advised that VSO does not require any payment or expense during the entire recruitment process. Any request in this direction should be immediately reported as contrary to the values and practices of our organization.

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October 26, 2024
Communication and Knowledge Management Assistant

The USAID-funded Tusome Early Grade Reading Activity is designed to dramatically improve primary literacy outcomes for approximately 7 million Kenyan children in grades 1–3, by enhancing teachers’ capacity to effectively deliver classroom instruction, improving schools’ access to appropriate books and other learning materials, and providing instructional support and supervision through a network of curriculum support officers. Communications is an essential component in the overall Tusome goal of improving literacy outcomes for Kenyan children in grades 1-3. The purpose of the post of Communications and Knowledge management Assistant, is to assist the activities of the Tusome project and other partners as part of the communication campaign of the program.
Essential Duties

Assist the planning and monitoring of the implementation of the program’s communication
Develop and implement local partnership initiatives with local stakeholders
Assist the Head of Communications program in the design and production of promotional materials
Ensure regular collection of data from the outreach activities carried out by NGO partners for their statistical analysis in the database.
Submit a monthly detailed report on the progress of the activities of the program responsible for communication
Assist the manager in the preparation of quarterly reports of program activities and the production of success stories (success stories).
Contribute to the management of relations with the local press and the development of press releases (press releases)
Contribute to Tusome’s performance communication by compiling daily media bulletins and any other news pieces that are shared with the mission and RTI.
Contribute to building the Tusome photo database/video library: Continuously highlight Tusome interventions through photography and video documentation by external teams
In collaboration with the Head of Communications, provide support for the preparing of infographics and one-pagers that help tell the story of Tusome
May provide support in oversight of production management of literacy lessons for pupils grade 1-3 for TV and radio
Assist as needed with developing messages for dissemination to the general Kenyan public about available TV and radio lessons as well as safe health messages, support efforts to creatively disseminate these messages within the scope of Tusome.

Minimum Required Education & Experience
Bachelor’s Degree and 1 year of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
Skills & Abilities

Excellent knowledge of MS Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel
Ability to multi-task
Ability to work well with others
Ability to listen and communicate well both verbally and in writing
Ability to work independently
Attention to detail and accuracy
Ability to obtain proper security clearances as noted by contracts

October 26, 2024
Grants Manager

Job Summary: The Tusome Senior Grants and Partnership Fund Manager will be responsible for the administration and management of the third round of the Tusome Youth Grants Fund under the USAID-funded Tusome Early Grade Reading Activity in Kenya. The duties under this position will include leadership, management, and reporting functions for a grants component to ensure compliance with the terms of the contract. The work will involve close coordination with other members of RTI’s technical, contractual, and administrative units. This individual will ensure adherence to RTI financial and accounting policies and procedures and strictly maintain the integrity of grants program. He/She will report to the Deputy Chief of Party, Operations.

Programme Description: The Tusome Early Grade Reading Activity in Kenya is a basic education initiative to improve the reading skills of the approximately 5.4 million individual Kenyan children who will begin primary school during the 2015-2020 school years. The programme has added an additional approximately $280,000 USD to support youth group activities during the final 6 months of the project. . Given the tight timeframe, Tusome will re-engage youth groups previously engaged through the grants program.

The Youth Fund is a flexible grants-under-contract mechanism to engage the youth network currently established in over 20,000 villages and additional youth groups in various parts of the country. The anticipated outcome is the use of new and innovative ways of supporting quality education and rapid achievement of project outcomes through intensive youth-led and youth managed support. RTI anticipates issuing up to 23 different grants to youth organizations, worth approximately $280,000 USD total. The programming must be very rapid, with start-up, activities, and closeout completed by the end of November. Regular communication with each youth group is necessary to ensure that the work stays on track and is completed within the tight time frame available.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

General

Responsible for day-to-day administration of partners that may be engaged through grant or other contractual mechanisms under RTI policies and procedures, encompassing the solicitation phase through closure.
Monitor compliance with (a) award-specific requirements and (b) applicable regulations (2CFR200, 22 CFR 228, ADS 303, ADS 591, etc.) as incorporated in fund awards.

Pre-Award

Create and issue Requests For Proposals (RFPs) with the input and oversight of the project team, including Chief of Party, Deputy Chiefs of Party, and RTI Office of Contracts.
Review and negotiate all grant applications and participate in evaluation committee, in coordination with others on the project team.
Coordinate and conduct compliance review(s) and pre-award surveys
Ensure that the grants package is complete and accurate and uploaded in GMS (Grants Management System).
Provide guidance to grantees on rules and regulations applicable to assistance instruments as well as program reporting

Capacity Building

Using the information collected pre-award develop a monitoring plan for grantees
Provide capacity building training to local organizations which has been customized to meet the organization’s needs
Coordinate and facilitate any capacity building activities among the Technical teams or outside firms/consultants
Support partners to account for leverage

Post Award:

Coordinate execution of award documents (pre-award authorizations, awards, modifications, etc.)
Maintain grant files including records on monitoring and evaluation and other quality control activities (financial, programmatic, proof of performance)
Ensure compliance with award terms and conditions
Coordinate field activities and communication among grantees and USAID (e.g., legal, finance, status reporting, procurement)
As feasible, make routine site visits to ensure compliance and program objectives are met
Support technical staff to undertake visits to grantees, as feasible.
Work with communications to ensure there are photos and other media content to report on success stories and other updates from youth groups.
Review and process grantee invoices for compliance and coordination with Technical teams for performance measurement
Close-out completed grants and ensure audit trail for all necessary grant documentation
Facilitate the invoicing/deliverable review process with partners and subcontractors under the Tusome Activity
Track all deliverables, ensuring grantees stay up to date on their work, troubleshoot problems as they arise, and keep management apprised of the status of all youth grants.

Desired Skills and Experience
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Master’s degree and 9 years of relevant experience in grants management/administration and international development projects, or Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, International Relations, or related field with 12 years of relevant experience.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

A proven ability to identify high-potential business ideas, demonstrated experience working collaboratively with youth and/or institutional and private partners, and experience implementing activities designed to leverage private investments to support development goals
At least 8 years relevant experience in grants management/administration and international development projects, preferably USAID-funded, or relevant work experience in projects supported by international organizations (UN, World Bank, IDB), preferably in Kenya or East Africa
Strong background in management and administration, finance and accounting is highly desirable
Demonstrated experience providing training and developing capacity building/sustainability plans for local organizations
Solid knowledge of USAID and USG assistance-related regulations (2CFR200, 22 CFR 228, ADS 303, ADS 591)
General knowledge of accounting principles and procedures
Proficient in Microsoft Office package, especially Excel
Excellent communication and people skills
Functional fluency in English (both oral and written)

October 26, 2024
Project Coordinator

Job Details

Coordination of the Education for Life (LNGB) Project by providing managerial and technical support to the project officers and ensure adherence to all the grants’ requirements
Management of budget planning and expenditure tracking; overall monitoring of project implementation; timely submission of donor reports and steering major project evaluation activities-baseline, midline and endline ealuations
Ensure proper engagement and management of partners by steering their financial and programming capacity assessments and organizing Partners feedback and capacity building forums
Engage in evidence based lobbying and advocacy through various networks and CSO platforms on matters girls education and protection
Coordination of project quality assurance visits by donors, fund managers and VSO staff
Provide duty of care for all the project staffs, volunteers and implementing partners including ensuring adherence to safeguarding and child protection policies by all
Work cooperatively as a member of the Inclusive Education programme and support in the continuous programme design, resource mobilization and establishing relevant partnerships with Development partners and Government departments
Any other duties as may be required from time to time by the Programme Manager

Desired Skills and Experience

Bachelor of Education or social science degree: post degree qualification in development, project management or related area would be an advantage
Evidence of managing projects in education or related sectors
At least 3 years relevant experience in formulation, implementation and review of development strategies and effective project management
Experience in developing and implementing Education/child protection advocacy and campaign strategies
Experience working with most marginalized and disadvantaged communities
Ability to work effectively as a team member and with minimal supervision
Excellent written and oral communication
Evidence of effective problem solving and organisational skills
Evidence of professionalism and high integrity
Evidence of openness to learning to improve own performance

October 26, 2024
Solution Engineer – Cardinal Commerce Senior Technical Account Management (Cardinal Commerce)

Job Description

The Cardinal Commerce Global Customer Services team (GCS) is dedicated to ensuring an excellent Customer experience throughout the design, implementation and ongoing support of our authentication and data solutions, which we offer to both merchants and issuers alike.

What a Solution Engineer Does At Visa

As a Solution Engineer, you will be responsible for assisting Clients understand, compare and contrast the solutions that are available for integrating Cardinal’s Authentication Solutions for EMV 3DS. You will work side by side with sales, business development, and/or account management teams to ensure the client and their technology team understands all the technical aspects, requirements and final solution design for the Client.

In This Role, You Are Expected To

Work with the Client’s technical team to define how the product will be deployed
Manage RFI/RFP requests and contracting processes, standardize best practices, and establish SLAs to drive rapid cycle times and maximum opportunity conversion to support sales efforts
Partner with our internal client-facing teams to ensure seamless client transitions, interacting with and influencing all levels of the organization, including senior executives
Be able to expertly present Cardinal’s solutions in a manner that enables the client to understand how our solutions integrate and are supported
Manage multiple customer engagements concurrently
Complete Solution design documentation for various Cardinal products and Services

Why this is important to Visa

In today’s constantly evolving payment technology & authentication landscape, a successful Solution Engineer is a subject matter expert who has the capability to guide our customers through understanding and implementing complex browser and native application (SDK) authentication flows. As the ecosystem continues to change and as new regulations are implemented, it’s imperative that we have well equipped Solution Engineers who are market focused, solution driven, and understand both the business and technical implications of how these technologies are deployed.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or University, within a Business, Finance or Technology discipline
8+ years of successful technical support and/or relationship management experience
High degree of proficiency in MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
Ability to work in a virtual environment while travelling; i.e. solid time management, organization, negotiation and influence skills
Proven analytical and decision-making abilities
Able to proactively identify business opportunities and persuasively influence both internal and external constituents
Superior teamwork, interpersonal and communication skills
Developed information seeking skills and ability to communicate for results
Advance negotiation, influencing and collaboration skills
Candidate must be a self-starter and have a disposition to work independently with a commitment to detail in an organized manner
Demonstrated strong project leadership capabilities
Ability to translate technical communications from engineers into client facing material
Strong organization skills including resolution management and follow up
Experience in owning and defining business processes in a technology company

Additional Information

Payments industry knowledge
Experience working in fast paced, high-growth start up environments a plus
High degree of proficiency in SalesForce preferred

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October 26, 2024
Senior Partnerships Advisor

RTI is currently seeking to fill a vacancy for the Kenya Crops & Dairy Market Systems (KCDMS) Activity which is part of the Feed the Future program, America’s initiative to combat global hunger and poverty. In this regard, USAID is partnering with RTI International on a 5-year (Oct 2017 to Sept 2022) cooperative agreement – KCDMS Activity – to help increase agricultural production and reduce poverty and malnutrition in Kenya. The project will also spur competitive, resilient market systems in Kenya’s horticulture and dairy sectors. RTI is seeking qualified candidates for a Senior Partnerships Advisor. The position is open to Kenyan nationals and will be based in Nairobi with regular travel to Eastern and Western Kenya. This position will report to the Deputy Chief of Party/Technical Director.

Responsibilities

Provide technical assistance for the development and oversight of strategic partnerships across all KCDMS Priority Areas, which include value chain partnerships, access to finance, agricultural policy, agri-nutrition training and behavior change, communications, access to markets, social inclusion, policy, and business development services, among others.
Work in collaboration with KCDMS Priority Area Leads to ensure all partnerships take a market facilitation approach
Support KCDMS Relationship Managers across all Priority Areas to manage partnerships, troubleshoot emerging issues, and ensure private sector partners achieve results on schedule
Identify opportunities for strategic partnerships with public and private sector actors, and lead partnership negotiations.
Lead the design of economic recovery activities, in collaboration with KCDMS technical staff and partners
Build the capacity of KCDMS staff to understand and implement market systems development.
Contribute to project technical reporting and project communications
Collaborate with other implementing partners
Take on additional assignments as requested by the Chief of Party and Deputy Chief of Party.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree – agricultural economics, agronomy, agribusiness management or related field.
Minimum of 12 years’ experience on projects with similar magnitude and complexity in developing countries.
Demonstrated success using the market facilitation approach in agricultural development projects.
Demonstrated success working with the private sector in Kenya (preferably in horticulture or dairy value chains)
Written and verbal fluency in English.
Demonstrated ability to be collaborative across projects, flexible and creative.
Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills, including the ability to build and manage cooperative high-level relationships and motivate subordinates
Excellent knowledge of MS Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability.
Culturally sensitive and respectful.

No applicant will ever be asked for any payment either to secure a role with RTI International or as a follow-up to having been awarded a position with RTI International. If anyone ever approaches you asking for any such payment, please immediately email ethics@rti.org

October 26, 2024
Market Systems/Value Chain Specialist

RTI is currently seeking to fill a vacancy for the Kenya Crops & Dairy Market Systems (KCDMS) Activity which is part of the Feed the Future program, America’s initiative to combat global hunger and poverty. In this regard, USAID is partnering with RTI International on a 5-year (Oct 2017 to Sept 2022) cooperative agreement – KCDMS Activity – to help increase agricultural production and reduce poverty and malnutrition in Kenya. The project will also spur competitive, resilient market systems in Kenya’s horticulture and dairy sectors. We seek to recruit a Market Systems/Value Chain Specialist to be based in the Nairobi office.

Job Summary

The Market Systems/Value Chain Specialist is responsible for leading Priority Area 1, Competitive, Inclusive and Resilient Agricultural Market Systems. S/he will be responsible for managing day to day activities with private sector agricultural value chain actors. This position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya with frequent travel to Western and Eastern Kenya.

Essential Duties

Leads development of project market systems development strategy in line with the principles of facilitation and making markets work for the poor (M4P)
Designs and facilitates capacity building activities for lead firms (agribusinesses)
Oversees access to finance and business development services activities
Leads project collaboration and learning around market systems development; Participates regularly in learning events; Contributes to the design of studies to inform implementation.
Contributes to the development of a Partnerships and Innovation Fund (grants) to catalyse private agribusiness investment and the strengthening of market systems; Participates in the selection of grantees
Collaborates with other Priority Area Leads to design coordinated interventions.
Builds capacity of project staff on the market systems approach.
Assists in the development of scopes of work for local grantees and subcontractors; Oversees local partner performance.
Contributes to project activity monitoring, including quarterly and annual reporting.
Supervises a team of approximately 10 staff, including staff in regional offices.

Minimum Required Education & Experience

Master’s degree in business administration, public administration, economics, agricultural or rural development and at least 10 years international experience with successful market systems development projects with management responsibility. An MBA is an added advantage.
A minimum of 10 years’ experience on projects with similar magnitude and complexity in developing countries.
Demonstrated success in implementing projects aimed at increasing the competitiveness and inclusiveness of market systems using facilitation approaches.
Education and technical expertise in a field related to agricultural development such as: agricultural economics, marketing, agribusiness management or related fields.
Demonstrated success using facilitation in at least one of the following: the USAID value chain approach, M4P, or Market Systems Development approach, which led to greater competitiveness and inclusiveness in markets.
Private sector experience is a plus.

Skills & Abilities

Excellent oral and written skills in English. Fluency in Kiswahili preferred
Demonstrated ability to be collaborative across projects, flexible and creative
Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills.
Excellent knowledge of MS Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel
Ability to multitask
Ability to work well with others
Ability to work well with others
Ability to listen and communicate well both verbally and in writing
Ability to work independently
Attention to detail and accuracy

Do not apply if you had applied.

No applicant will ever be asked for any payment either to secure a role with RTI International or as a follow-up to having been awarded a position with RTI International. If anyone ever approaches you asking for any such payment, please immediately email ethics@rti.org

October 26, 2024