Website: Website http://www.globalcommunities.org/

Program Assistant

Job Description
The PA provides administrative, procurement, logistic and planning support to the AIMS program.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Schedules appointments and meetings for staff including reserving meeting space and equipment.
Maintains program calendars and sends out reminders of impending appointments.
Monitors program work plans and ensures that it is updated.
Serves as administrator for work plan system and trouble shoot on issues. Support draw process by reviewing draws for consistency, preparing approved activity draw for submission to finance and program management teams.
Supports in drafting of reports and letters and other documents as requested.
Support business advisory process.
Maintains physical and electronic program records including ensuring SharePoint and Podio files are up to date and supporting data entry.
Attends staff meetings and takes minutes.
Assists in planning and overseeing program events.
Prepares information packets for meetings and events.
Supports the development of Power Points and other presentations for staff.
Supports procurement of program requests in coordination with procurement department including off-site business meetings, trainings and events, supplies.
Support the reconciliation of AIMS program inventory for all the three country offices
Organizes transport including approvals and booking of flights and lodging
Monitors and updates travel plans for AIMS
Helps update and maintain manuals including organizing reviews.
Acts as liaison between different departments including finance, procurement and logistics, and IT
Monitors program email and ensure timely responses following up with appropriate technical and management staff on the responses.
Adheres to Global Communities Kenya office Standards of Professionalism
Maintains strict confidentiality of all privileged information

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in Administration, Marketing, Economics, IT, Agriculture or other business related topics.
Experience in agriculture a plus. Other supplementary training and experience in software and IT applications relevant to the position.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum of 3 years of experience providing support to donor-funded programs
Previous exposure to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) engaged in agribusiness development is preferred
Competent in use of software designed for statistical analysis, graphic illustrations, charts, maps, etc.
Sensitive to cultural differences when working with NGO partners, and able to adapt Global Communities policies and procedures to the local context
Proven organization, record keeping and administration skills
Ability to work constructively in a team
Good written and verbal communication skills; able to fit in broader reporting matrix
Ability to interact clearly and effectively with Program counterparts
Demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills.
Exhibits ability to multitask on a regular basis.
Pays close attention to detail. Is proficient in the use of Microsoft programs such as Word, Excel, and Power Point and Podio

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Excellent command of English language including written and spoken
English Effective use of written and spoken Kiswahili

October 25, 2024
Cooperative Specialist

This position is based in the Global Communities Kenya office in Westlands and has operations in and around Nairobi. The Cooperative Specialist will report to the Cooperative Development Chief of Party at Global Communities Headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland. The position is for the period of January 2016 and September 30, 2016 with the possibility of extension, subject to donor funds.
Responsibilities:
Position Description
The USAID/EMIRGE Cooperative Specialist will be responsible for the management and leadership of program operations in Kenya while contributing to the larger multi-country EMIRGE Cooperative Development Program. In Kenya, the Cooperative Specialist will be responsible for providing strategic leadership to the EMIRGE program in Kenya and working to develop the capacity of three cooperatives in the service sectors in collaboration with the EMIRGE Kenya team. The Cooperative Specialist (CS) will be responsible for managing the Global Communities side of the research component in collaboration with USIU. The Cooperative Specialist will also be responsible for monitoring the progress, milestones and achievements of the cooperatives over the life of the program and be responsible for program administration including all monthly and semiannual progress report. The EMIRGE CS will report directly to the EMIRGE Chief of Party at Global Communities’ headquarters in Washington, DC and work locally with the Kenya Country Director, EMIRGE Program Officer and all consultants to accomplish the workplan.
Critical to this position is a strong understanding of the cooperative business model and background in working with cooperatives to strengthen their operations, management, financial and governance systems. Candidates should be open to working in a nontraditional working environment with remote management and be natural communicators. Candidates interested in this position should have at least 5 years of experience working with worker owned cooperatives, service and consumer cooperatives to strengthen their business goals and management capacity to achieve those goals. Experience working with youth is also important. This program does not work with or facilitate SACCOs
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
The Cooperative Specialist will specifically be responsible for;
Serving as the primary representative for the EMIRGE Kenya program;
Providing training and mentorship to the nascent cooperatives that EMIRGE is supporting which includes but is not limited to: good governance, operational management, cooperatives membership roles and responsibilities, strategic business planning;
Work to finalize strategies and implement research program in close coordination with USIU and Chief of Party at Global Communities headquarters.
Identify organizations and meet with existing partners and stakeholders that can provide strategic value to EMIRGE efforts to facilitate a more supportive legal enabling environment, a robust research program and facilitate worker co-ops;
Support the collection, analysis and management of data/knowledge to track program progress and to provide recommendations for ongoing improvements;
Develop and submit all program reports including monthly performance reports, learning documents, quarterly blogs and USAID semi-annual reports;
Manage a program budget;
Meet internal programmatic deadlines such as finance, M&E, workplan and reporting;
Represent Global Communities in cooperative forums as requested.
Manage EMIRGE Program Officer
Report to EMIRGE Chief of Party located in Silver Spring, MD
Qualifications:
Kenyan national
Candidates should have at least 5 years’ experience working with worker owned cooperatives, service and/or consumer cooperatives to strengthen their business goals and management capacity to achieve those goals;
Bachelor’s degree in cooperative business model, business administration, finance or other relevant background;
Excellent critical thinking skills;
Excellent writing and reporting skills;
Experience in writing program reports, developing curriculum, writing concept notes or similar;
Public speaking skills, able to lead workshops and engage with individuals with a variety of backgrounds in the cooperative sector;
Demonstrated ability to provide training to cooperatives, business associations or other income generating groups;
This position requires comprehension of Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel to complete job requirements;
Ability to be flexible with time schedule to allow for communication via Skype or other software with EMIRGE Program team in Silver Spring, MD
Languages skills: Fluency in written and oral English and Kiswahili
Note: this position description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed in this position. It is not intended as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.Interested applicants are requested to read and complete very carefully the following application form. Deadline for submission is February 12, 2017 at 4 Pm.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

October 24, 2024
Policy & Legislative Affairs Officer

The program will be designed to

promote the adoption and implementation of cooperative legislation and policies that support and strengthen cooperative businesses in 25 counties;
strengthen the business acumen and performance of cooperative businesses while integrating and empowering youth and women within cooperative business structures in targeted urban and peri-urban markets to increase economic participation and county revenue growth; and
improve understanding of the psychosocial behavioral impacts associated with membership in cooperatives and determine whether those behaviors contribute positively to household and community resilience strategies.

The Policy & Legislative Affairs Officer (P&LAO) will report to the CLEAR Kenya Policy & Legislative Affairs Specialist (P&LAS).
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
The Policy & Legislative Affairs Officer will work closely with the P&LAS and the CLEAR/Kenya Team Leader to interact directly with county government officials on aspects of the devolution of cooperative functions at the county level, and provide capacity building to cooperative officials in various county government bodies.
S/he will assist in organizing and leading workshops with county officials, facilitating public forums, and designing technical approaches that enhance the enablingenvironment for cooperative business in Kenya.
The P&LAO will work locally with the team and the HQ based CLEAR leadership to accomplish the work plan.
The successful candidate must be open to working in a nontraditional working environment with remote management and be a natural communicator who thrives in a diverse team.
Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Working closely with the P&LAS, legal entities and consultants to develop county government-related policy and legislation focused on the devolved cooperative function;
Assisting the facilitation of county workshops with officials and cooperative stakeholders to review and finalize cooperative bills for county assemblies;
Supporting the identification of organizations and continue to deepen relationships with existing partners and stakeholders to facilitate a more supportive legal enabling environment for Kenyan cooperatives;
Supporting advocacy groups within counties for the improvement of cooperative business enabling environments;
Working closely with other program staff and county government officials to design and develop cooperative-related internship programs for youth;
Assisting on the development of program-related communication efforts and reports;
Meeting internal and external programmatic deadlines;
Representing Global Communities in cooperative forums as requested.

Education and Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Law, Political Science, Public Administration, or any other social science-related field of study.
At least four (4) years of experience working in the legal field, public policy sector, governance-related donor-funded programs, and/or with local government economic development units.

Skills and Responsibilities

Excellent critical thinking skills;
Have excellent team working skills which include working in multiple time zones;
Excellent verbal, writing and reporting skills;
Polished public speaking abilities with demonstrated abilities to lead collaborative, outcome oriented workshops related to policy and legislation;
Working knowledge of policies related to the cooperative sector in Kenya;
Experience interacting and working with elected and appointed officials at the county level;
Ability to build consensus among peers, meet deadlines under pressure, and work successfully with a diverse team and stakeholders.
Proficiency level of comprehension of Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint);
Ability to be flexible with time schedule to allow for communication via Skype or other communication software with the Washington-based Program team;

Language Skills: Fluency in written and oral English and Swahili
Working Conditions

Based in Nairobi, 20% travel within the country as required to perform duties;
Able to work at a computer keyboard for extended periods of time.
Flexibility to join international team calls outside of core working hours.

October 24, 2024
Cooperative Specialist & Team Lead Collaborating, Learning & Adapting (Cla) Program Officer

Job Description
Global Communities is seeking a qualified and experienced Cooperative Specialist and Team Lead for the USAID/Kenya Cooperative Development Program (CDP). The program will be designed to support three pillars 1) promote the adoption and implementation of cooperative legislation and policies that support and strengthen cooperative businesses in 25 counties; 2) strengthen the business acumen and performance of cooperative businesses while integrating and empowering youth and women within cooperative business structures in targeted urban and peri-urban markets to increase economic participation and county revenue growth; and 3) improve understanding of the psychosocial behavioral impacts associated with membership in cooperative businesses and determine whether those behaviors contribute positively to household and community resilience strategies.
The Cooperative Specialist will report to the USAID/Kenya CDP Chief of Party at Global Communities Headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland. S/he will be responsible for the management and leadership of program operations in Kenya, and will serve as the Country Program Representative.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Cooperative Specialist and Team Lead will be responsible for providing strategic leadership to the CDP program in Kenya in collaboration with the Chief of Party (COP). The Cooperative Specialist and Team Lead shall be responsible for the management and implementation of in-country operations. The Cooperative Specialist and Team Lead will work with key stakeholders and cooperative partners to develop capacity of cooperatives in the service sectors in collaboration with the CDP Kenya team. S/he will also be responsible for management and oversight of the program’s three core objectives, monitoring the progress, milestones and achievements of the cooperatives over the life of the program, and be responsible for oversight and delivery of program administration including annual and monthly budgets in coordination with the team Finance team. The CDP Cooperative Specialist and Team Lead will be expected to work locally with the Kenya Country Director, and will supervise a team of at least three (3) in-country staff and local consultants to accomplish the work plan. This position will have at least two direct reports and oversee a team of up to five individuals.

Critical to this position is a strong functional understanding of the cooperative business model and have a background in working with cooperatives to strengthen their operations, management, financial and governance systems. The successful candidate should be open to working in a nontraditional working environment with remote management and have good communication and cooperation skills. Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Serving as the primary in-country representative for Global Communities’ CDP Kenya program;
Providing day to day team management and have a flexible schedule for working with HQ Management team and COP;
Designing, implementing and monitoring work plan for all three pillars in collaboration with HQ Management team
Working in close collaboration with the program Chief of Party to accomplish program goals, objectives and targets;
In coordination with COP represent program in forums and meetings.
Building cohesive team spirit among and between team members in collaboration with HQ Management team
Providing training and mentorship to the nascent cooperatives that the program will be supporting which includes but is not limited to: good governance, operational management, cooperatives membership roles and responsibilities, and strategic business planning;
Supporting the collection, analysis and management of data/knowledge to track program progress and to provide recommendations for ongoing improvements;
Working closely with universities and technical vocational programs in Kenya to support youth employment in various cooperative sectors;
Working closely with other program staff and county government officials to design and develop cooperative-related internship programs for youth;
Expanding cooperative networks and integrating cooperative businesses into existing business forums and commercial networks;
Developing program reports including monthly performance reports, learning documents, quarterly blogs and USAID semi-annual reports;
Managing the program budget and expenditures in collaboration with Finance team;
Meeting internal programmatic deadlines such as finance, M&E, workplan and reporting;
The duties listed above are not inclusive of all the duties of the position at Global Communities. Global Communities reserves the right to change and update position descriptions at any time.

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Agriculture, Cooperative Economics or related field of study with at least 10 years of experience working with cooperatives in various sectors including service industry and agriculture to strengthen their business goals.
Master’s degree in similar field of study with at least 7 years of relevant experience preferred;

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Ability to design educational content and provide capacity building around complex cooperative business strategy and business planning, feasibility studies, and best practices in cooperative governance and membership roles and responsibilities, knowledge of accounting a plus;
Demonstrated work in value chain and/or market systems analysis programming;
Knowledge of share valuation and strategies for building equity;
Established cooperative network;
Experience working with start-ups and assisting them become profitable;
Experience managing teams of at least 3 full-time staff and consultants;
Excellent critical thinking skills;
Knowledge of the Collaboration, Learning and Adapting (CLA) approach and how to successfully incorporate CLA into program management plans;
Oversee and participate in both the Cooperative Legislative Affairs and Policy program implementation as well as the Collaboration, Learning and Adaptive objectives in up to 25 counties in collaboration with country team.
Experience in writing program reports, developing curriculums, and writing concept notes and Scopes of Work; USAID reporting skills a plus;
Strong public speaking skills with the ability to lead workshops and engage with individuals with a variety of backgrounds in the cooperative sector;
Demonstrated experience in team building and successful collaboration efforts;
Proficiency level of comprehension of Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint);
Ability to be flexible with time schedule to allow for communication via Skype or other communication software with the Washington-based Program team;
Excellent verbal, writing and reporting skills,
Ability to travel domestically at least 25% of the time, potential for international travel as needed;
Kenyan National strongly preferred.

LANGUAGE SKILLS
Fluency in written and oral English and Swahili
WORKING CONDITIONS

Based in Nairobi office with travel within and outside the country as required to perform duties.
Able to work at a computer keyboard for extended periods of time.

go to method of application »

October 23, 2024
Research Brief Development Consultant Animated Video Production

Global Communities formerly CHF international is looking for a consultant to develop a research paper brief under its USAID funded EMIRGE program. Interested bidders are requested to respond with a brief proposal on the same.
Issue date: August 06, 2018
Scope of Work: Development of a Research Brief
Purpose
The main objective of this SOW is to seek a consultant, to deepen discussion, suggestions and recommendations of issues raised from the research, and to elaborate a paper regarding the Kenyan context specifically on the subject of the research.
This paper will inform a publication that USAID/EMIRGE will be producing on best practice in strengthening the cooperative movement in Kenya.
The source of the information will be from: “Trust Effects on Attitudes, Behavior, and Community Empowerment Outcomes in Kenyan Agricultural Co-operatives” by USAID, Global Communities and United States International University (USIU –Africa) – see attached.
Expected outcomes
Paper elaborated as a result of the research by Global Communities.
The paper shall have approximately and at most two pages (A4 – format), including tables and graphics and must be written in English.
Among others, some questions should be considered within this document such as: The paper should present an overview of the research work done, define the research, findings and recommendations. It should also demonstrate a proposition approach, with great emphasis on the recommendations and evidences to support those propositions.
The paper will be analysed and approved by USAID/EMIRGE.
Level of Effort
Works description

a) Gather, organize and systematize the literature from the research;
b) Analyze information and data, and recommendations.
c) preparation of a draft paper

Expected man days: One (1) day
Works description

Preparation of the final paperExpected man days: Half a day(0.5 days)

Total Man days: 1.5 days
Deliverables:

First draft paper for review: Preliminary version of the final document. It must contain an outline of the final document and an analytical text containing an executive summary and recommendations organized in bullet points.
Final paper with not more than 2 pages presented in word A4 format, with 1.5 spacing, in Arial size 11 font. It shall be delivered to USAID/EMIRGE through email. f) Qualifications
At least 3 years’ experience in publishing similar documents.
Experience in the elaboration of technical documents and analytical skills.
Previous work experience with the USAID will be an asset.
Knowledge of international documents, such as the Millennium Development Goals, Sustainable Development Goals and other key documents

Timelines
The contracted person will be required to deliver the work latest by August 28, 2018.
The consultant must be able to commence the assignment immediately.
Proposal submission
The interested bidders should submit a proposal immediately upon receipt of this SOW but not later than August 09/08/2018.
The proposal should include

A fees proposal providing their quotation for the provision of the stated services. The bidder should provide a breakdown of the computation of the fees. Global communities will evaluate the proposed financial fees for reasonableness.
A brief summary of the proposed approach and timelines.
Samples of works done in the last three years. Share the links of the published work.
Applicants PIN and registration certificate

Engagement and Payment terms

Global Communities will engage the consultant through a Local purchase order.
Payment will be made upon receipt and acceptance by Global Communities of the deliverables herein stated.

CLICK HERE to download the Research paper document

go to method of application »

October 23, 2024
Program Officer – Collaborating, Learning And Dissemination

Global Communities is seeking for a Program Officer to lead the development and implementation of a knowledge management and learning plan under the USAID/EMIRGE Kenya Program. In collaboration with the Program Team Lead and HQ leadership, the Program Officer will engage project beneficiaries and other stakeholders in collecting, analysing and disseminating lessons emerging from program implementation, roundtable discussion and workshops, both internally and externally.
This is a full-time contract position for up to six months. There could be a possibility for a contract extension or conversion depending on the program budget, priorities, and donor approval.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop a detailed learning plan in close collaboration with EMIRGE Kenya Team Lead and HQ Team, to capture lessons learned from the program activities and disseminate them in various platforms such as the program learning website, reports, blogs, and relevant media outlets.
Become immersed in ongoing project research efforts in coordination with EMIRGE and USIU-A teams. Draw on existing and ongoing research to create innovative thought pieces that contribute to ongoing discussions on relevant thematic topics in the areas of social capital, cooperatives and community resilience.
Ensure that lessons learned and best practices are documented in innovative formats and that programmatic evidence-based knowledge and evaluations are gathered, extracted, managed and disseminated on an on-going basis.
Facilitate knowledge-sharing opportunities through roundtables, workshops, and discussion forums among cooperative stakeholders at the national and county level focusing on the program activities, and document relevant learning key points that can be disseminated internally and externally.
Support country team lead, consultants and key partners and collaborators in identification of learning opportunities to ensure a pipeline of advice on all aspects of learning, as required.
Contribute to production of key program reports and publications drawing on innovative use of technology for maximum consumption
Perform administrative duties up to 15% of the time to assist with the writing of reports, communicate with HQ leadership team, and other tasks as assigned.

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, or related field.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Creative, results-oriented, and guidance self-starter with preferably at least two (2) years of experience working in progressively junior roles in learning, knowledge dissemination and/or communications in a development, humanitarian, academic, professional network or similar environment.
Excellent writing skills required. Proven ability to draft and publish mid to high-level thought provoking, well researched materials.
Excellent planning/organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize and manage simultaneous critical tasks.
Strong ability and history of successfully facilitating outcome oriented roundtable discussions, workshops and forums, with the aim to contribute to the knowledge management and learning strategies of the program.
Ability to travel domestically at least 15% of the time.
Experience evaluating training and capacity building interventions, and/or experience in evaluation in the co-operative development.
Ability to process and present information in creative ways to generate appropriate formats for different audiences.
Ability to build consensus among peers, meet deadlines under pressure and work successfully with a diverse team and stakeholders.
A strong interest or understanding of cooperative enterprises and inclusive businesses a plus.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Excellent command of English language including written and spoken English.
Effective use of written and spoken Kiswahili.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Based in the Nairobi Office. Occasional travel to other regions of Kenya.
Extended periods of time sitting on a computer operating a keyboard.

October 23, 2024
Program Assistant

Job Description
The PA provides administrative, procurement, logistic and planning support to the AIMS program.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Schedules appointments and meetings for staff including reserving meeting space and equipment.
Maintains program calendars and sends out reminders of impending appointments.
Monitors program work plans and ensures that it is updated.
Serves as administrator for work plan system and trouble shoot on issues. Support draw process by reviewing draws for consistency, preparing approved activity draw for submission to finance and program management teams.
Supports in drafting of reports and letters and other documents as requested.
Support business advisory process.
Maintains physical and electronic program records including ensuring SharePoint and Podio files are up to date and supporting data entry.
Attends staff meetings and takes minutes.
Assists in planning and overseeing program events.
Prepares information packets for meetings and events.
Supports the development of Power Points and other presentations for staff.
Supports procurement of program requests in coordination with procurement department including off-site business meetings, trainings and events, supplies.
Support the reconciliation of AIMS program inventory for all the three country offices
Organizes transport including approvals and booking of flights and lodging
Monitors and updates travel plans for AIMS
Helps update and maintain manuals including organizing reviews.
Acts as liaison between different departments including finance, procurement and logistics, and IT
Monitors program email and ensure timely responses following up with appropriate technical and management staff on the responses.
Adheres to Global Communities Kenya office Standards of Professionalism
Maintains strict confidentiality of all privileged information

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in Administration, Marketing, Economics, IT, Agriculture or other business related topics.
Experience in agriculture a plus. Other supplementary training and experience in software and IT applications relevant to the position.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum of 3 years of experience providing support to donor-funded programs
Previous exposure to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) engaged in agribusiness development is preferred
Competent in use of software designed for statistical analysis, graphic illustrations, charts, maps, etc.
Sensitive to cultural differences when working with NGO partners, and able to adapt Global Communities policies and procedures to the local context
Proven organization, record keeping and administration skills
Ability to work constructively in a team
Good written and verbal communication skills; able to fit in broader reporting matrix
Ability to interact clearly and effectively with Program counterparts
Demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills.
Exhibits ability to multitask on a regular basis.
Pays close attention to detail. Is proficient in the use of Microsoft programs such as Word, Excel, and Power Point and Podio

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Excellent command of English language including written and spoken
English Effective use of written and spoken Kiswahili

October 23, 2024