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Website: Website http://riftvalley.net

  • Consultancy Call: Final External Evaluation

    Consultancy Call: Final External Evaluation

    Project Location: Garowe (Puntland), Hargeisa (Somaliland) and Nairobi (Kenya)
    Background to the Organisation
    The project is a collaboration between the Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies (IPCS) at the University of Hargeisa (UoH), the Centre for Postgraduate Studies, Research and Capacity Development (CPSRCD) at Puntland State University and the Rift Valley Institute (RVI). The overall aim of the collaboration is “to deliver high quality research by Somalis that will generate useful knowledge of the Somali regions and its communities and that will inform Somali and International development policy”.
    PSU, founded in 1998 and registered as a university in 2004, offers two master’s degree programs in business administration and in development studies and a course in research methods as a cross cutting module. CPSRCD has participated in several social research and survey projects with external partners including UNDP, ILO, SIDA, the University of Sussex and development organizations.
    Since it was founded in 2008 IPCS through diploma and master’s programs has been educating leaders including, but not limited to, customary authorities, members of parliament and members of civil society. IPCS regularly hosts talks by Somali and non-Somali academic researchers at the institute and regularly invites them to lecture on post-graduate courses.
    RVI founded in 2001 conducts long-term research in Eastern and Central Africa. This has included an investigation of local Sudanese peace processes and political settlements, a study on armed groups in the Eastern DRC, land disputes in Mogadishu and the impact of war on Somali men. Capacity building of researchers is integrated into RVI research projects. Furthermore, for over 10 years RVI has run annual educational courses on the Sudans, the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes Region and organizes bespoke courses on individual countries in the region.
    Introduction to the project

    Project objectives: The overall goal of the project is to deliver high quality research by Somalis and Somali institutions that will generate useful knowledge of the Somali regions and its communities and that will inform Somali and international development policy. The specific objectives of the project are;
    To develop individual capacities for research through training in research methodologies, the provision of scholarships, and work placements in research projects
    To develop competence in two Somali higher education institutes for training and research through investments in human resources, research resources and in equipment and facilities
    To support the socio-economic development of Somali communities by enhancing local capacities for evidence based research to generate knowledge that will inform governance and development policies.
    Project strategy

    To achieve the objectives identified above the project has implemented the following set of activities;
    Supported the development of existing, locally founded and managed Somali universities to deliver high quality training courses in social science research.Supported the development of specialist research and training centres specializing in peace and conflict studies and development studies.
    Developed capacities for evidence based research that will inform Somali development policies and bring local knowledge to bear on international development policies.

    Project outcomes and targets (summary with details are annexed in the log frame)
    The project has three key outputs

    Output 1: Somali university teachers, students, development practitioners and policy makers receive quality training in research methodology and are able to undertake and manage research
    Output 2: Individual researchers have increased access to training and support for their research and career development
    Output 3: Development of two specialist research centres in conflict and peace studies and development studies with the ability to produce high quality research on Somalis that can be accessed by a wide range of development actors.

    Purpose of the evaluation
    The purpose of the evaluation is to establish whether the project achieved its targets and goals and whether this has contributed or will contribute to long-term capacity improvement in research and training at the targeted institutions.
    Scope of work

    Period covered by the evaluation
    The evaluation will cover the full period of project implementation from August 2015 and December 2017. The evaluation will assess all the activities of the project, including training in research, curriculum development, evidence-based research and institutional development.
    Evaluation questions
    Effectiveness: Effectiveness refers to the extent to which a development intervention has achieved its objectives, taking their relative importance into account:
    To what extent has or will the investment likely achieve planned results? What difference will this make to the beneficiaries? Have any identified risks been addressed?
    Were the institutional partnerships selected the most appropriate for attaining the investment objectives? Were all the required partners adequately engaged?
    If gender and inclusion targets were set at the investment inception, what is the likelihood of the investment achieving these targets? If not, were there any significant achievements with regards to addressing gender and inclusion issues?
    Were other crosscutting aspects such as Environment, Poverty and Climate Change taken into consideration during in design and implementation?
    How well was the project managed with regards to project implementation, time management and quality assurance? Were there any successful approaches used to manage the project across all locations?

    Relevance: Relevance is the extent to which a development intervention conforms to the needs and priorities of the target groups, the policies of recipient countries and donors and SSF strategy:

    Has the investment been aligned with the needs and priorities of the government, other constituents, the target institutions and the focal beneficiaries?
    Are the investments consistent with SSF Theory of Change? Are the investments consistent and complementary with activities supported by other donors?
    Sustainability: Sustainability is the continuation or longevity of benefits (the continued impact) of the investment beyond the support from donors (SSF).
    Is there any evidence that there will be sustainability of the investment outcomes and impact as well as institutional capacity beyond the project period?

    Additionally:
    A value for money analysis should be undertaken to the extent possible, as part of answering the cost- effective and efficiency related questions in the evaluation criteria. The evaluation should assess the extent to which the consortium put adequate measures in place to ensure cost-effectiveness and efficiency in the delivery of the investment.
    Is there any significant evidence to demonstrate that if the investment had not taken place, the results achieved or likely to be achieved would not have been attained?
    Were there any examples of efforts to ensure value for money and cost-effectiveness?
    What are the key lessons learned and recommendations that can be made for future investments within this area?
    Methodology
    The evaluation will use a mixed-method methodology combining both quantitative and qualitative methods and analysis to strengthen the reliability of data and the validity of the findings.
    Data collection and analysis tools will include literature review of key project documents and reports, focus group discussions and semi structured interviews with beneficiaries, key informant interviews with project managers, consortium partners, trainers, and researchers. The evaluation will also collect case studies to illustrate challenges, achievements of the project.
    Evaluation tasks and deliverables
    The evaluators are expected to provide RVI with the following deliverables:

    A detailed inception report with a work plan and proposed data collection tools to be delivered within fifteen (15) days after signing the contract. The inception report should describe the technical approach (and data collection tools) that will be used in the evaluation, including draft questions, and a detailed work plan.
    A draft evaluation report of the evaluation to RVI and partners to review and comment on;
    A revised and final evaluation report for the RVI and partners responding to comments from the project partners;.
    The evaluation report shall be written in English, be of no more than 40 pages including an executive summary, but excluding annexes.
    Annexes will include detailed information collected during field visits, such as focus discussion reports, summaries of interview sheets, summaries of responses to questionnaires and any case studies documented;
    During the interviews and field visits, the evaluators will take photos at project sites and audio- record some of the interviews of the stakeholders that will be submitted along with the reports.

    Proposed Evaluation Timeline
    Activity
    Inception report, programme document review, work plan and data collection tools developed (3 days)Early February 2018
    Travel to the region to conduct data collection (12 days)Mid February 2018
    First draft report to be shared with the partners for evaluation and input (7 days)28 February 2018
    On-going communication with partners to finalise the external evaluation report (2 days)15 March 2018
    Composition and Qualifications of the evaluation team
    To ensure the independence of the evaluation, and the credibility of the findings, the evaluation will be conducted by external consultant identified through transparent selection processes. The team will have an appropriate balance of expertise in evaluation methodologies, relevant technical expertise and practical experience in conflict and fragile affected states. The team should ideally include an experienced Somali national. The evaluation team leader is expected to be an evaluation professional with at least 5 years’ experience leading and managing complex evaluation assignments, particularly relating to evaluation of training and research projects. The team should include members with skills in data collection, validation and analysis. Fluency in written English is essential.

  • Executive Chef Club Manager

    Executive Chef Club Manager

    Job Description
    Qualifications

    Degree or Diploma in Food Production or related field from a reputable institution
    Over 5 years’ experience in a similar position
    Exemplary qualities in kitchen management, production and accounting

    go to method of application »

  • Head of Programmes

    Head of Programmes

    QUALIFICATIONS
    Essential knowledge and interests
    Proven interest and competency in at least three of the following themes:

    Education and training
    Social research and evidence based policy
    Gender and social inclusion
    Conflict analysis
    Knowledge management

    Essential qualifications and skills

    University qualification at Masters level in a relevant subject.
    Minimum of six years’ relevant programme and organizational management experience in the development sector or relevant field.
    Fluent spoken and written English.
    Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
    Strong analytical skills and proven capacity to develop and implement strategic plans.
    Experience of conducting and managing research.
    Experience of working in the international NGO Sector.
    Proven operational and project management experience.
    Experience of developing and managing organizational budgets.
    A team player with proven management and leadership experience, and excellent interpersonal skills.
    Proven experience of developing and implementing monitoring and evaluation systems.
    Able to travel.

    Desirable experience and skills

    Knowledge and working experience in one or more countries where RVI works.
    Spoken and written French and/ or one or more language of eastern Africa.
    Experience of working with donors and proven success in fundraising.
    Knowledge and practical experience of designing and implementing research.
    Good presentational and facilitation skills.
    Human resources management.

    KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
    Programme Oversight, Development, and Coordination

    Supervise and support the management of existing RVI programmes in Africa, developing working practices and tools for effective project management and implementation.
    Coordinate and support exchanges and synergies between programmes.
    Provide strategic leadership, and support RVI staff in the design and development of new projects and proposals.
    Support the development of relations with project partners and collaborations with other like-minded regional and international organizations.
    Develop and maintain systems for monitoring the quality and impact of RVI’s work, including standards of research.
    Ensure documentation of projects, including narrative reports, budgets and lessons learnt reports, and promote best practice in these areas within the Institute.
    Maintain oversight of programme budgets, monitoring income and expenditure and ensuring that financial reporting complies with RVI’s procedures and policies and the requirements of funders.
    Participate in projects as a researcher or project manager where your services are specified in the proposal or are otherwise appropriate.
    Support and advise the RVI education team in the design and implementation of existing training courses and the development of new ones.
    Advise and assist in the peer-review, author management, editing and preparation of RVI publications.

    Strategic Development

    Work with the Executive Director to advance the development and operationalization of the Institute’s strategy, in consultation with colleagues, Trustees and Fellows.
    Oversee the development and implementation of RVI’s annual work plan, together with programme managers and other staff.

    Partnerships, Collaborations and Networking

    Cultivate and expand RVI’s network of international consultants and regional specialists, and collaborating institutions, including regional and local NGOs and educational and research organizations.
    Represent RVI in external engagements with government and civil society actors.

    Personnel Management and Development

    Line manage RVI Programme Managers.
    Work with staff to identify organizational staffing needs.
    Support the professional development of staff through structured trainings.
    Assist in the recruitment, hiring and supervision of staff and consultants.
    When required, prepare and approve job descriptions of programme personnel.
    Deputize for the Executive Director as required.

    Fundraising and Communications

    Support the expansion and diversification of RVI’s funding sources.
    Work with Programme Managers to identify new projects and funding opportunities, and prepare funding bids and proposals that fall within the aims of the Institute and support the long-term development of RVI’s programmes.
    Negotiate and conclude funding agreements with funders.
    Monitor the implementation of programmes, and develop tools and systems to do this.
    Ensure compliance with donor contract requirements, and RVI’s own internal policies and procedures.
    Represent RVI in discussions with funders, international organizations and officials from governments of the countries in the region, and at seminars and conferences.
    Publicize RVI and raise its profile in the region through participation in public events, official functions and media appearances.

    Knowledge Management

    Maintain an on-going analysis of political, social and economic developments in the regions and countries where RVI works, ensuring that RVI’s programmes, operations and strategies are informed by this analysis.
    Ensure reporting on RVI programmes is completed on schedule and is of expected quality.
    Oversee preparation of monthly narrative and financial reports for RVI internal circulation.
    Chair weekly meetings of Nairobi-based RVI staff according to an established schedule, and bi-monthly meetings with programme managers.
    Assist in the collection and addition of new contacts to the RVI contact database and updating of existing contacts.
    Maintain contact and calendar data in Daylite or other database software used by RVI; file documents appropriately in RVI Dropbox or other RVI online storage systems.
    Assist in the creation, testing, revision and updating of manuals, templates and guidelines related to the areas of responsibility outlined in this job description.

    Security

    Ensure that RVI’s programme of work is delivered in a safe and secure manner.
    Monitor the security situation in countries where RVI works.
    Develop and update RVI security protocols in consultation with staff and the Executive Director.
    Ensure adherence to security protocols and procedures for programmes in Africa.

  • Head of Finance and Operations

    Head of Finance and Operations

    The Rift Valley Institute (RVI) seeks an experienced and dedicated Head of Finance and Operations. This is a full-time position, based in Nairobi, involving travel between Nairobi and RVI’s offices in the region and in the UK. The Head of Finance and Operations manages a Finance and Administration team. Essential qualifications are membership of a recognized UK accountancy body, working experience of the NGO sector, and management experience. The application deadline for this post is 21 February 2018.
    General
    Location
    Nairobi, with travel to RVI offices in Juba, Hargeysa and London.
    Salary level
    Competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.
    Employment type
    Five days a week
    Start date
    March 2018 (negotiable)
    Essential qualifications and skills

    Membership of one of the major UK accountancy bodies.
    Minimum of five years’ relevant experience.
    Fluent spoken and written English.
    Working knowledge of QuickBooks, other financial accounting systems, and Excel.
    Experience of working in the international NGO Sector.
    Experience of developing and managing organisational budgets.
    Team player with excellent interpersonal skills.
    Willingness to travel.

    Desirable experience and skills

    Operational and project management experience.
    Experience of field operations in one or more East African country.
    Experience of establishing financial systems.
    Human resources management.

    Benefits 28 days annual paid leave, travel insurance, pension plan, medical insurance, training allowance.
    Responsibilities
    The Head of Finance and Operations is overall responsible for the efficient and effective financial management of the Institute. The Head of Finance and Operations will work with colleagues to develop and standardise the Institute’s financial and operations management tools and procedures, and ensure their implementation throughout the organisation. The Head of Finance and Operations line manages the Finance Manager and, indirectly, the Finance Officer in Nairobi, and monitors and supports all programme staff on financial management. The Head of Finance and Operations reports to the RVI Executive Director. This is a senior position within the Institute. The Head of Finance and Operations is a member of the senior management team and participates in decisions that supports the development of the Institute.

    Financial oversight

    Overall responsibility for the Institute’s financial operations.
    Maintenance and regular updating of RVI financial management documents, including monthly project and institutional accounts, cash-flow forecasts, balance sheets, income and expenditure forecasts.
    Assist in drafting, review and approval of all project funding proposals with particular attention to cashflow and overhead recovery implications.
    Ensure effective and timely financial reporting to funders.
    Co-ordinate the production and management of the Institute’s annual budgets.
    Support the Institute’s fundraising efforts, and maintain an overview of the funding pipeline.
    Liaison and negotiation with external agencies as appropriate, including banks, insurance brokers, payroll providers, and others as may be required.
    Co-ordination of all audits, including the annual institutional audit, and production of the Annual Report and Accounts for submission to the RVI’s Board of Trustees, the Charities Commission, and Companies House.
    Ensure maintenance of the Institute’s registration and compliance with financial regulations and other legal requirements (including taxation and registration) in Eastern and Central Africa, the UK, the EU, and the United States.
    Advise the Board on their responsibilities as defined by the Charities Commission and the Companies Act.
    Actively contribute to the senior management team of the Institute, taking joint responsibility for the conduct of the Institute’s affairs, and attending all Board Meetings and other governance meetings as required.
    Create, test, revise and update financial policies, manuals, templates, and guidelines and information sheets.

    Programme support

    Support programme staff in all aspects of financial management and reporting of programmes, visiting country offices on a regular basis.
    Ensure staff, local partners and consultants are trained in RVI’s financial management and reporting procedures and are standardised across the Institute.
    Develop procedures for and undertake financial due diligence assessments of partner organisations

    Human resources

    Recruit and line-manage RVI financial and administrative staff and consultants.
    Develop and review procedures and policies relating to staff recruitment, induction, appraisals, management and succession of staff.
    Prepare and approve contracts and job descriptions for staff, consultants and service providers, in collaboration with programme managers.
    Regularly review the Institute’s staff salary structure and remuneration policies.
    Ensure compliance with employment regulations and other legal requirements in various jurisdictions in Eastern and Central Africa, in the UK, and the United States, and liaising with local legal and accountancy advisors.
    Ensure staff and consultants travel and leave plans are coordinated and recorded so there is minimal disruption to the Institute’s workflows.

    Administration

    Negotiate and maintain the Institute’s insurance cover including liability Insurance, and indemnity and travel and medical insurance for staff and consultants.
    Review and approve all service contracts, including office leases.
    Ensure RVI offices have the necessary equipment and IT support in place for staff and consultants.
    Fundraising
    Maintain good working relations with funders and, as required, support and develop new funding opportunities.
    Represent RVI, as reqired, in discussions with funders, international organisations, government officials, and persons of influence.

    Risk management

    Ensure the Institute has policies and practices in place that mitigate financial and environmental risks to the Institute, including security protocols, insurance policies, and fraud and anti-bribery regulations.
    Ensure the RVI offices are safe and healthy environments conducive to productive work.

  • Consultancy Call: Final External Evaluation

    Consultancy Call: Final External Evaluation

    Project Location: Garowe (Puntland), Hargeisa (Somaliland) and Nairobi (Kenya)
    Background to the Organisation
    The project is a collaboration between the Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies (IPCS) at the University of Hargeisa (UoH), the Centre for Postgraduate Studies, Research and Capacity Development (CPSRCD) at Puntland State University and the Rift Valley Institute (RVI). The overall aim of the collaboration is “to deliver high quality research by Somalis that will generate useful knowledge of the Somali regions and its communities and that will inform Somali and International development policy”.
    PSU, founded in 1998 and registered as a university in 2004, offers two master’s degree programs in business administration and in development studies and a course in research methods as a cross cutting module. CPSRCD has participated in several social research and survey projects with external partners including UNDP, ILO, SIDA, the University of Sussex and development organizations.
    Since it was founded in 2008 IPCS through diploma and master’s programs has been educating leaders including, but not limited to, customary authorities, members of parliament and members of civil society. IPCS regularly hosts talks by Somali and non-Somali academic researchers at the institute and regularly invites them to lecture on post-graduate courses.
    RVI founded in 2001 conducts long-term research in Eastern and Central Africa. This has included an investigation of local Sudanese peace processes and political settlements, a study on armed groups in the Eastern DRC, land disputes in Mogadishu and the impact of war on Somali men. Capacity building of researchers is integrated into RVI research projects. Furthermore, for over 10 years RVI has run annual educational courses on the Sudans, the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes Region and organizes bespoke courses on individual countries in the region.
    Introduction to the project

    Project objectives: The overall goal of the project is to deliver high quality research by Somalis and Somali institutions that will generate useful knowledge of the Somali regions and its communities and that will inform Somali and international development policy. The specific objectives of the project are;
    To develop individual capacities for research through training in research methodologies, the provision of scholarships, and work placements in research projects
    To develop competence in two Somali higher education institutes for training and research through investments in human resources, research resources and in equipment and facilities
    To support the socio-economic development of Somali communities by enhancing local capacities for evidence based research to generate knowledge that will inform governance and development policies.
    Project strategy

    To achieve the objectives identified above the project has implemented the following set of activities;
    Supported the development of existing, locally founded and managed Somali universities to deliver high quality training courses in social science research.Supported the development of specialist research and training centres specializing in peace and conflict studies and development studies.
    Developed capacities for evidence based research that will inform Somali development policies and bring local knowledge to bear on international development policies.

    Project outcomes and targets (summary with details are annexed in the log frame)
    The project has three key outputs

    Output 1: Somali university teachers, students, development practitioners and policy makers receive quality training in research methodology and are able to undertake and manage research
    Output 2: Individual researchers have increased access to training and support for their research and career development
    Output 3: Development of two specialist research centres in conflict and peace studies and development studies with the ability to produce high quality research on Somalis that can be accessed by a wide range of development actors.

    Purpose of the evaluation
    The purpose of the evaluation is to establish whether the project achieved its targets and goals and whether this has contributed or will contribute to long-term capacity improvement in research and training at the targeted institutions.
    Scope of work

    Period covered by the evaluation
    The evaluation will cover the full period of project implementation from August 2015 and December 2017. The evaluation will assess all the activities of the project, including training in research, curriculum development, evidence-based research and institutional development.
    Evaluation questions
    Effectiveness: Effectiveness refers to the extent to which a development intervention has achieved its objectives, taking their relative importance into account:
    To what extent has or will the investment likely achieve planned results? What difference will this make to the beneficiaries? Have any identified risks been addressed?
    Were the institutional partnerships selected the most appropriate for attaining the investment objectives? Were all the required partners adequately engaged?
    If gender and inclusion targets were set at the investment inception, what is the likelihood of the investment achieving these targets? If not, were there any significant achievements with regards to addressing gender and inclusion issues?
    Were other crosscutting aspects such as Environment, Poverty and Climate Change taken into consideration during in design and implementation?
    How well was the project managed with regards to project implementation, time management and quality assurance? Were there any successful approaches used to manage the project across all locations?

    Relevance: Relevance is the extent to which a development intervention conforms to the needs and priorities of the target groups, the policies of recipient countries and donors and SSF strategy:

    Has the investment been aligned with the needs and priorities of the government, other constituents, the target institutions and the focal beneficiaries?
    Are the investments consistent with SSF Theory of Change? Are the investments consistent and complementary with activities supported by other donors?
    Sustainability: Sustainability is the continuation or longevity of benefits (the continued impact) of the investment beyond the support from donors (SSF).
    Is there any evidence that there will be sustainability of the investment outcomes and impact as well as institutional capacity beyond the project period?

    Additionally:
    A value for money analysis should be undertaken to the extent possible, as part of answering the cost- effective and efficiency related questions in the evaluation criteria. The evaluation should assess the extent to which the consortium put adequate measures in place to ensure cost-effectiveness and efficiency in the delivery of the investment.
    Is there any significant evidence to demonstrate that if the investment had not taken place, the results achieved or likely to be achieved would not have been attained?
    Were there any examples of efforts to ensure value for money and cost-effectiveness?
    What are the key lessons learned and recommendations that can be made for future investments within this area?
    Methodology
    The evaluation will use a mixed-method methodology combining both quantitative and qualitative methods and analysis to strengthen the reliability of data and the validity of the findings.
    Data collection and analysis tools will include literature review of key project documents and reports, focus group discussions and semi structured interviews with beneficiaries, key informant interviews with project managers, consortium partners, trainers, and researchers. The evaluation will also collect case studies to illustrate challenges, achievements of the project.
    Evaluation tasks and deliverables
    The evaluators are expected to provide RVI with the following deliverables:

    A detailed inception report with a work plan and proposed data collection tools to be delivered within fifteen (15) days after signing the contract. The inception report should describe the technical approach (and data collection tools) that will be used in the evaluation, including draft questions, and a detailed work plan.
    A draft evaluation report of the evaluation to RVI and partners to review and comment on;
    A revised and final evaluation report for the RVI and partners responding to comments from the project partners;.
    The evaluation report shall be written in English, be of no more than 40 pages including an executive summary, but excluding annexes.
    Annexes will include detailed information collected during field visits, such as focus discussion reports, summaries of interview sheets, summaries of responses to questionnaires and any case studies documented;
    During the interviews and field visits, the evaluators will take photos at project sites and audio- record some of the interviews of the stakeholders that will be submitted along with the reports.

    Proposed Evaluation Timeline
    Activity
    Inception report, programme document review, work plan and data collection tools developed (3 days)Early February 2018
    Travel to the region to conduct data collection (12 days)Mid February 2018
    First draft report to be shared with the partners for evaluation and input (7 days)28 February 2018
    On-going communication with partners to finalise the external evaluation report (2 days)15 March 2018
    Composition and Qualifications of the evaluation team
    To ensure the independence of the evaluation, and the credibility of the findings, the evaluation will be conducted by external consultant identified through transparent selection processes. The team will have an appropriate balance of expertise in evaluation methodologies, relevant technical expertise and practical experience in conflict and fragile affected states. The team should ideally include an experienced Somali national. The evaluation team leader is expected to be an evaluation professional with at least 5 years’ experience leading and managing complex evaluation assignments, particularly relating to evaluation of training and research projects. The team should include members with skills in data collection, validation and analysis. Fluency in written English is essential.

  • Executive Chef Club Manager

    Executive Chef Club Manager

    Job Description
    Qualifications

    Degree or Diploma in Food Production or related field from a reputable institution
    Over 5 years’ experience in a similar position
    Exemplary qualities in kitchen management, production and accounting

    go to method of application »

  • Head of Programmes

    Head of Programmes

    QUALIFICATIONS
    Essential knowledge and interests
    Proven interest and competency in at least three of the following themes:

    Education and training
    Social research and evidence based policy
    Gender and social inclusion
    Conflict analysis
    Knowledge management

    Essential qualifications and skills

    University qualification at Masters level in a relevant subject.
    Minimum of six years’ relevant programme and organizational management experience in the development sector or relevant field.
    Fluent spoken and written English.
    Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
    Strong analytical skills and proven capacity to develop and implement strategic plans.
    Experience of conducting and managing research.
    Experience of working in the international NGO Sector.
    Proven operational and project management experience.
    Experience of developing and managing organizational budgets.
    A team player with proven management and leadership experience, and excellent interpersonal skills.
    Proven experience of developing and implementing monitoring and evaluation systems.
    Able to travel.

    Desirable experience and skills

    Knowledge and working experience in one or more countries where RVI works.
    Spoken and written French and/ or one or more language of eastern Africa.
    Experience of working with donors and proven success in fundraising.
    Knowledge and practical experience of designing and implementing research.
    Good presentational and facilitation skills.
    Human resources management.

    KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
    Programme Oversight, Development, and Coordination

    Supervise and support the management of existing RVI programmes in Africa, developing working practices and tools for effective project management and implementation.
    Coordinate and support exchanges and synergies between programmes.
    Provide strategic leadership, and support RVI staff in the design and development of new projects and proposals.
    Support the development of relations with project partners and collaborations with other like-minded regional and international organizations.
    Develop and maintain systems for monitoring the quality and impact of RVI’s work, including standards of research.
    Ensure documentation of projects, including narrative reports, budgets and lessons learnt reports, and promote best practice in these areas within the Institute.
    Maintain oversight of programme budgets, monitoring income and expenditure and ensuring that financial reporting complies with RVI’s procedures and policies and the requirements of funders.
    Participate in projects as a researcher or project manager where your services are specified in the proposal or are otherwise appropriate.
    Support and advise the RVI education team in the design and implementation of existing training courses and the development of new ones.
    Advise and assist in the peer-review, author management, editing and preparation of RVI publications.

    Strategic Development

    Work with the Executive Director to advance the development and operationalization of the Institute’s strategy, in consultation with colleagues, Trustees and Fellows.
    Oversee the development and implementation of RVI’s annual work plan, together with programme managers and other staff.

    Partnerships, Collaborations and Networking

    Cultivate and expand RVI’s network of international consultants and regional specialists, and collaborating institutions, including regional and local NGOs and educational and research organizations.
    Represent RVI in external engagements with government and civil society actors.

    Personnel Management and Development

    Line manage RVI Programme Managers.
    Work with staff to identify organizational staffing needs.
    Support the professional development of staff through structured trainings.
    Assist in the recruitment, hiring and supervision of staff and consultants.
    When required, prepare and approve job descriptions of programme personnel.
    Deputize for the Executive Director as required.

    Fundraising and Communications

    Support the expansion and diversification of RVI’s funding sources.
    Work with Programme Managers to identify new projects and funding opportunities, and prepare funding bids and proposals that fall within the aims of the Institute and support the long-term development of RVI’s programmes.
    Negotiate and conclude funding agreements with funders.
    Monitor the implementation of programmes, and develop tools and systems to do this.
    Ensure compliance with donor contract requirements, and RVI’s own internal policies and procedures.
    Represent RVI in discussions with funders, international organizations and officials from governments of the countries in the region, and at seminars and conferences.
    Publicize RVI and raise its profile in the region through participation in public events, official functions and media appearances.

    Knowledge Management

    Maintain an on-going analysis of political, social and economic developments in the regions and countries where RVI works, ensuring that RVI’s programmes, operations and strategies are informed by this analysis.
    Ensure reporting on RVI programmes is completed on schedule and is of expected quality.
    Oversee preparation of monthly narrative and financial reports for RVI internal circulation.
    Chair weekly meetings of Nairobi-based RVI staff according to an established schedule, and bi-monthly meetings with programme managers.
    Assist in the collection and addition of new contacts to the RVI contact database and updating of existing contacts.
    Maintain contact and calendar data in Daylite or other database software used by RVI; file documents appropriately in RVI Dropbox or other RVI online storage systems.
    Assist in the creation, testing, revision and updating of manuals, templates and guidelines related to the areas of responsibility outlined in this job description.

    Security

    Ensure that RVI’s programme of work is delivered in a safe and secure manner.
    Monitor the security situation in countries where RVI works.
    Develop and update RVI security protocols in consultation with staff and the Executive Director.
    Ensure adherence to security protocols and procedures for programmes in Africa.

  • Head of Finance and Operations

    Head of Finance and Operations

    The Rift Valley Institute (RVI) seeks an experienced and dedicated Head of Finance and Operations. This is a full-time position, based in Nairobi, involving travel between Nairobi and RVI’s offices in the region and in the UK. The Head of Finance and Operations manages a Finance and Administration team. Essential qualifications are membership of a recognized UK accountancy body, working experience of the NGO sector, and management experience. The application deadline for this post is 21 February 2018.
    General
    Location
    Nairobi, with travel to RVI offices in Juba, Hargeysa and London.
    Salary level
    Competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.
    Employment type
    Five days a week
    Start date
    March 2018 (negotiable)
    Essential qualifications and skills

    Membership of one of the major UK accountancy bodies.
    Minimum of five years’ relevant experience.
    Fluent spoken and written English.
    Working knowledge of QuickBooks, other financial accounting systems, and Excel.
    Experience of working in the international NGO Sector.
    Experience of developing and managing organisational budgets.
    Team player with excellent interpersonal skills.
    Willingness to travel.

    Desirable experience and skills

    Operational and project management experience.
    Experience of field operations in one or more East African country.
    Experience of establishing financial systems.
    Human resources management.

    Benefits 28 days annual paid leave, travel insurance, pension plan, medical insurance, training allowance.
    Responsibilities
    The Head of Finance and Operations is overall responsible for the efficient and effective financial management of the Institute. The Head of Finance and Operations will work with colleagues to develop and standardise the Institute’s financial and operations management tools and procedures, and ensure their implementation throughout the organisation. The Head of Finance and Operations line manages the Finance Manager and, indirectly, the Finance Officer in Nairobi, and monitors and supports all programme staff on financial management. The Head of Finance and Operations reports to the RVI Executive Director. This is a senior position within the Institute. The Head of Finance and Operations is a member of the senior management team and participates in decisions that supports the development of the Institute.

    Financial oversight

    Overall responsibility for the Institute’s financial operations.
    Maintenance and regular updating of RVI financial management documents, including monthly project and institutional accounts, cash-flow forecasts, balance sheets, income and expenditure forecasts.
    Assist in drafting, review and approval of all project funding proposals with particular attention to cashflow and overhead recovery implications.
    Ensure effective and timely financial reporting to funders.
    Co-ordinate the production and management of the Institute’s annual budgets.
    Support the Institute’s fundraising efforts, and maintain an overview of the funding pipeline.
    Liaison and negotiation with external agencies as appropriate, including banks, insurance brokers, payroll providers, and others as may be required.
    Co-ordination of all audits, including the annual institutional audit, and production of the Annual Report and Accounts for submission to the RVI’s Board of Trustees, the Charities Commission, and Companies House.
    Ensure maintenance of the Institute’s registration and compliance with financial regulations and other legal requirements (including taxation and registration) in Eastern and Central Africa, the UK, the EU, and the United States.
    Advise the Board on their responsibilities as defined by the Charities Commission and the Companies Act.
    Actively contribute to the senior management team of the Institute, taking joint responsibility for the conduct of the Institute’s affairs, and attending all Board Meetings and other governance meetings as required.
    Create, test, revise and update financial policies, manuals, templates, and guidelines and information sheets.

    Programme support

    Support programme staff in all aspects of financial management and reporting of programmes, visiting country offices on a regular basis.
    Ensure staff, local partners and consultants are trained in RVI’s financial management and reporting procedures and are standardised across the Institute.
    Develop procedures for and undertake financial due diligence assessments of partner organisations

    Human resources

    Recruit and line-manage RVI financial and administrative staff and consultants.
    Develop and review procedures and policies relating to staff recruitment, induction, appraisals, management and succession of staff.
    Prepare and approve contracts and job descriptions for staff, consultants and service providers, in collaboration with programme managers.
    Regularly review the Institute’s staff salary structure and remuneration policies.
    Ensure compliance with employment regulations and other legal requirements in various jurisdictions in Eastern and Central Africa, in the UK, and the United States, and liaising with local legal and accountancy advisors.
    Ensure staff and consultants travel and leave plans are coordinated and recorded so there is minimal disruption to the Institute’s workflows.

    Administration

    Negotiate and maintain the Institute’s insurance cover including liability Insurance, and indemnity and travel and medical insurance for staff and consultants.
    Review and approve all service contracts, including office leases.
    Ensure RVI offices have the necessary equipment and IT support in place for staff and consultants.
    Fundraising
    Maintain good working relations with funders and, as required, support and develop new funding opportunities.
    Represent RVI, as reqired, in discussions with funders, international organisations, government officials, and persons of influence.

    Risk management

    Ensure the Institute has policies and practices in place that mitigate financial and environmental risks to the Institute, including security protocols, insurance policies, and fraud and anti-bribery regulations.
    Ensure the RVI offices are safe and healthy environments conducive to productive work.

  • Consultancy Call: Final External Evaluation

    Consultancy Call: Final External Evaluation

    Project Location: Garowe (Puntland), Hargeisa (Somaliland) and Nairobi (Kenya)
    Background to the Organisation
    The project is a collaboration between the Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies (IPCS) at the University of Hargeisa (UoH), the Centre for Postgraduate Studies, Research and Capacity Development (CPSRCD) at Puntland State University and the Rift Valley Institute (RVI). The overall aim of the collaboration is “to deliver high quality research by Somalis that will generate useful knowledge of the Somali regions and its communities and that will inform Somali and International development policy”.
    PSU, founded in 1998 and registered as a university in 2004, offers two master’s degree programs in business administration and in development studies and a course in research methods as a cross cutting module. CPSRCD has participated in several social research and survey projects with external partners including UNDP, ILO, SIDA, the University of Sussex and development organizations.
    Since it was founded in 2008 IPCS through diploma and master’s programs has been educating leaders including, but not limited to, customary authorities, members of parliament and members of civil society. IPCS regularly hosts talks by Somali and non-Somali academic researchers at the institute and regularly invites them to lecture on post-graduate courses.
    RVI founded in 2001 conducts long-term research in Eastern and Central Africa. This has included an investigation of local Sudanese peace processes and political settlements, a study on armed groups in the Eastern DRC, land disputes in Mogadishu and the impact of war on Somali men. Capacity building of researchers is integrated into RVI research projects. Furthermore, for over 10 years RVI has run annual educational courses on the Sudans, the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes Region and organizes bespoke courses on individual countries in the region.
    Introduction to the project

    Project objectives: The overall goal of the project is to deliver high quality research by Somalis and Somali institutions that will generate useful knowledge of the Somali regions and its communities and that will inform Somali and international development policy. The specific objectives of the project are;
    To develop individual capacities for research through training in research methodologies, the provision of scholarships, and work placements in research projects
    To develop competence in two Somali higher education institutes for training and research through investments in human resources, research resources and in equipment and facilities
    To support the socio-economic development of Somali communities by enhancing local capacities for evidence based research to generate knowledge that will inform governance and development policies.
    Project strategy

    To achieve the objectives identified above the project has implemented the following set of activities;
    Supported the development of existing, locally founded and managed Somali universities to deliver high quality training courses in social science research.Supported the development of specialist research and training centres specializing in peace and conflict studies and development studies.
    Developed capacities for evidence based research that will inform Somali development policies and bring local knowledge to bear on international development policies.

    Project outcomes and targets (summary with details are annexed in the log frame)
    The project has three key outputs

    Output 1: Somali university teachers, students, development practitioners and policy makers receive quality training in research methodology and are able to undertake and manage research
    Output 2: Individual researchers have increased access to training and support for their research and career development
    Output 3: Development of two specialist research centres in conflict and peace studies and development studies with the ability to produce high quality research on Somalis that can be accessed by a wide range of development actors.

    Purpose of the evaluation
    The purpose of the evaluation is to establish whether the project achieved its targets and goals and whether this has contributed or will contribute to long-term capacity improvement in research and training at the targeted institutions.
    Scope of work

    Period covered by the evaluation
    The evaluation will cover the full period of project implementation from August 2015 and December 2017. The evaluation will assess all the activities of the project, including training in research, curriculum development, evidence-based research and institutional development.
    Evaluation questions
    Effectiveness: Effectiveness refers to the extent to which a development intervention has achieved its objectives, taking their relative importance into account:
    To what extent has or will the investment likely achieve planned results? What difference will this make to the beneficiaries? Have any identified risks been addressed?
    Were the institutional partnerships selected the most appropriate for attaining the investment objectives? Were all the required partners adequately engaged?
    If gender and inclusion targets were set at the investment inception, what is the likelihood of the investment achieving these targets? If not, were there any significant achievements with regards to addressing gender and inclusion issues?
    Were other crosscutting aspects such as Environment, Poverty and Climate Change taken into consideration during in design and implementation?
    How well was the project managed with regards to project implementation, time management and quality assurance? Were there any successful approaches used to manage the project across all locations?

    Relevance: Relevance is the extent to which a development intervention conforms to the needs and priorities of the target groups, the policies of recipient countries and donors and SSF strategy:

    Has the investment been aligned with the needs and priorities of the government, other constituents, the target institutions and the focal beneficiaries?
    Are the investments consistent with SSF Theory of Change? Are the investments consistent and complementary with activities supported by other donors?
    Sustainability: Sustainability is the continuation or longevity of benefits (the continued impact) of the investment beyond the support from donors (SSF).
    Is there any evidence that there will be sustainability of the investment outcomes and impact as well as institutional capacity beyond the project period?

    Additionally:
    A value for money analysis should be undertaken to the extent possible, as part of answering the cost- effective and efficiency related questions in the evaluation criteria. The evaluation should assess the extent to which the consortium put adequate measures in place to ensure cost-effectiveness and efficiency in the delivery of the investment.
    Is there any significant evidence to demonstrate that if the investment had not taken place, the results achieved or likely to be achieved would not have been attained?
    Were there any examples of efforts to ensure value for money and cost-effectiveness?
    What are the key lessons learned and recommendations that can be made for future investments within this area?
    Methodology
    The evaluation will use a mixed-method methodology combining both quantitative and qualitative methods and analysis to strengthen the reliability of data and the validity of the findings.
    Data collection and analysis tools will include literature review of key project documents and reports, focus group discussions and semi structured interviews with beneficiaries, key informant interviews with project managers, consortium partners, trainers, and researchers. The evaluation will also collect case studies to illustrate challenges, achievements of the project.
    Evaluation tasks and deliverables
    The evaluators are expected to provide RVI with the following deliverables:

    A detailed inception report with a work plan and proposed data collection tools to be delivered within fifteen (15) days after signing the contract. The inception report should describe the technical approach (and data collection tools) that will be used in the evaluation, including draft questions, and a detailed work plan.
    A draft evaluation report of the evaluation to RVI and partners to review and comment on;
    A revised and final evaluation report for the RVI and partners responding to comments from the project partners;.
    The evaluation report shall be written in English, be of no more than 40 pages including an executive summary, but excluding annexes.
    Annexes will include detailed information collected during field visits, such as focus discussion reports, summaries of interview sheets, summaries of responses to questionnaires and any case studies documented;
    During the interviews and field visits, the evaluators will take photos at project sites and audio- record some of the interviews of the stakeholders that will be submitted along with the reports.

    Proposed Evaluation Timeline
    Activity
    Inception report, programme document review, work plan and data collection tools developed (3 days)Early February 2018
    Travel to the region to conduct data collection (12 days)Mid February 2018
    First draft report to be shared with the partners for evaluation and input (7 days)28 February 2018
    On-going communication with partners to finalise the external evaluation report (2 days)15 March 2018
    Composition and Qualifications of the evaluation team
    To ensure the independence of the evaluation, and the credibility of the findings, the evaluation will be conducted by external consultant identified through transparent selection processes. The team will have an appropriate balance of expertise in evaluation methodologies, relevant technical expertise and practical experience in conflict and fragile affected states. The team should ideally include an experienced Somali national. The evaluation team leader is expected to be an evaluation professional with at least 5 years’ experience leading and managing complex evaluation assignments, particularly relating to evaluation of training and research projects. The team should include members with skills in data collection, validation and analysis. Fluency in written English is essential.