General Position Summary
The Director of Strategic Learning (DSL) is a key position in the AgriFin Accelerate program responsible for developing and leading cross-cutting programmatic information management, monitoring and evaluation, ensuring that information collected is reflected upon, used to improve ongoing program implementation and sectoral learning, and is incorporated into consistently high quality reports and communications products to drive ecosystem-level impacts.
Essential Job Responsibilities
Strategy & Vision
Lead strategy related to program learning and impact assessment, including selection and management of strategic partners and consultants for MEL, ensuring high quality implementation and strong internal and external learning outputs.
Lead learning for the AFA technical matrix team and senior management team, comprised of country directors and regional experts in financial services, technology product development, digital capacity building and agriculture.
Lead work with program partners (banks, MNOs, etc.) to establish responsive joint learning agendas which serve both partner and program needs, with well integrated data collection planning and implementation.
Lead on MEL plan development for all partner engagements, developing tailored learning agendas and Research, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) activities that inform and improve each intervention, as well as feed into the overall AFA learning program.
Take leadership role in designing and implementing all learning events and engagement with learning partners and communities of practice, working across program team, partners and required consultants.
Work closely with the program donor, the MasterCard Foundation, and its designated Learning Partners to communicate and promote learning as a part of the Foundation community of grantees, including assigned learning partners in digital finance and agriculture.
Lead design and implementation of evaluations and assessments as outlined in the program proposal and work plans, drawing on appropriate research and survey tools and incorporating Mercy Corps’ standards on design, monitoring, and evaluation.
Develop and maintain an overall MEL system with utility and program quality in mind, providing managers and their teams real time information that can steer program implementation as well as informing donors and strategic program direction and that helps strategize future program interventions.
Program Management
Serve on the senior management team and work with the Program Director to design and lead management meetings and strategy sessions.
Set and manage MEL program budget, developing quarterly work plans and budget allocations on an ongoing basis in consultation with the Program Director.
Lead and support the MEL team, including the M&E Manager and Program Data Officer.
Lead and manage annual completion of country benchmark surveys
Lead and manage all required donor reports and program evaluations for the MasterCard Foundation and Mercy Corps.
In the absence of the Program Director, serve as acting program director.
Team Management
Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence.
Promote accountability, communicate expectations and provide constructive feedback via regular performance reviews.
Provide team members with information, tools and other resources to improve performance and reach objectives.
Contribute to country team-building efforts, help team members identify problem-solving options and ensure the integration of all team members into relevant decision-making processes.
Influence & Representation
Identify, build and manage collaborative partnerships with consortium partners, sub-grantees, donors, local governments and other stakeholders.
Communicate effectively to ensure overall project targets and donor obligations are met.
Lead development and implementation of the program communications strategy, working in close coordination with the AgriFin Senior Leadership Team (director, country managers and finance) and in cooperation with the program donor and assigned consultants.
Play a leadership role in development of grant and management reporting, ensuring that materials are timely, high quality and responsive to donors and partners.
Ensure that program-learning outputs are developed at the highest standard, including annual farmer benchmarks, case studies, impact studies, blogs, slide shares and other.
Ensure the program website and social networking communications channels are regularly updated with relevant content and properly managed.
Play a leadership role in developing AFA and participating in learning events, including workshops, conferences and annual learning events per country.
Serve as leading program representative at conferences and events relevant to our learning agenda and ecosystem change objectives.
Organizational Learning
As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve, we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.
Accountability to Beneficiaries
Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.
Supervisory Responsibility
Monitoring & Evaluation Manager, Product Data and Information Manager, Related Consultants
Accountability
Reports Directly To: Agri-Fin Accelerate Program Director
Works Directly With: Country Directors, Technical Matrix Team, Finance Director, Partner Organizations, Donor, Donor’s Learning Partners, Ecosystem Stakeholders
Knowledge And Experience
At least 7 years’ experience in digital financial services, with demonstrated thought leadership through publications and other relevant activities
Strong experience in research, monitoring and evaluation tied to development programming, oriented toward economic development and technology-enabled programming
Strong demonstrable understanding of burgeoning trends and ideas in the M&E field
MA/S or equivalent in Social Science, Management, International Development preferred
Demonstrated experience designing, developing and implementing M&E systems, including data management platforms, data collection tools, survey design, evaluations, etc.
Experience using monitoring data and feedback loops to regularly reflect, iterate and improve programs
Extensive experience working with a variety of donors, preferably in Africa and strong demonstrated writing, presentation and communications ability, with experience in use of social networking and other digital channels
History of working effectively with private sector, government and development partners
Demonstrated ability to support complex programming and meet deadlines
Experience living and working in East Africa region is preferred
Fluency in written and spoken English essential
Website: Website https://www.mercycorps.org/
-
Director of Strategic Learning (DSL)
-
Monitoring & Evaluation Manager
Monitoring & Evaluation Manager Job Responsibilities
Contribute to program-level M&E planning and system development at program start-up. Facilitate indicator planning, design and negotiation with USAID on the M&E systems and development; define with the team, program indicators and targets for all program years, based on the USAID guidance of standard required and applicable indicators; where applicable and desirable, include Mercy Corps Alpha Indicators.
Lead the Activity in the design of the detailed M&E plan, including design of data collection tools and methodologies, M&E workflow, data flow, data integrity, data quality assurance, database design and protocols, secondary research to inform baseline assessments and measurement frameworks, and ensuring alignment with Mercy Corps and Industry standards.
Champion the inclusion of qualitative data collection and analysis for both direct and supplemental measurements of program performance. Train teams in appropriate methods for focus group discussion and key informant interviews and lead field-based qualitative data collection as needed.
In coordination with MEL team, drive the capacity building of program staff on design and M&E concepts through trainings and new hire orientation, including designing and delivering formal trainings. Design comprehensive orientation for all new staff.
Work closely with the Activity’s research partners to define and execute a research strategy including overseeing this partnership and its work.
Contribute to program visibility and advocacy work by assisting in dissemination of program research and learning information.
Coordinate closely and the Leader with Associate agency to ensure our activities and data are shared and synced up together and tell one cohesive story.
Requirements for the Monitoring & Evaluation Manager Job
A/S or equivalent experience in international development, economics, agricultural economics, statistics, bio-statistics, nutrition or other relevant subject with strong quantitative background, and at least six years of experience in progressively increasing M&E responsibility in international development projects. The candidate must have experience in leading the M&E of a large project.
Strong conceptual knowledge about theories of change, logic model, food and nutrition security indicators,
M&E plan, data quality assurance, data utilization, and gender integration into M&E.
Demonstrated experience and expertise in developing and operationalizing a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation plan.
Demonstrated expertise and experience in developing and operationalizing routine monitoring system designed to track both output and outcome indicators.
Strong quantitative background and demonstrated expertise in designing annual monitoring surveys including probabilistic sampling strategy and estimating sample size, developing appropriate weights, and analyze quantitative data.
Demonstrated expertise in designing qualitative studies, in-depth knowledge about qualitative sampling, and experienced in using interview and interactive tools to generate qualitative information and analysis.
Experienced in developing data quality assurance strategies, data management, and data visualization.
Demonstrated expertise and experience in data utilization strategies and can creatively think about active data sharing techniques.
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and other language(s), as required. -
Program Director
The Program Director is responsible for the overall strategy and delivery of the YES! program across five countries in Africa. S/he will take on the challenging role of balancing clear strategy and management systems with localization across diverse economies and contexts.
S/he will function as the lead relationship manager with The Coca-Cola Africa Foundation and the Coca-Cola System including bottlers and business unit representatives, and other private sector, government and NGO stakeholders. S/he will cultivate new relationships with private sector actors and others to enhance and grow the program, including donors to enable a follow-on Phase 2.
Program Director Job Responsibilities
Maintain regular and hands-on contact with corporate and untraditional donors and partners, including ability to respond to quickly and articulately to questions and concerns.
Ensure effective in-country relationship management between program teams and local Coca-Cola bottling companies and business units.
Support development of pipeline of private sector partnerships, including facilitating agreements and bringing together diverse partners for collaboration.
Ensure effective coordination and collaboration amongst NGO partners and government entities, and consistently cultivate new relationships.
Ensure that an effective communication strategy is in place to share program progress and successes with program donors, HQ, government and other stakeholders.
Function as a technical lead or support for a range of technical areas, including market facilitation, private sector engagement, social enterprise incubation, and youth development.
Drive effective private sector engagement across the program, ensuring that linkages to private sector opportunities form the basis of the program (rather than just conducting training).
Take a Making Markets Work for Youth approach, recognizing concepts of mixed livelihoods in youth employment.
Develop, manage, and revise program budgets across the five countries.
Ensure rigorous accountability to donor rules and regulations and that all spending is donor-compliant, program-effective and cost efficient.
Work collaboratively with support departments (finance, logistics, and HR) to ensure that effective program management tools are in place, and that the project is delivered on time, on scope and on budget.
Support the Results, Learning and Research Coordinator in the evolution of YES! M&E and Learning systems across the five countries and their ability to generate rigorous learning products.
Promote influence based on findings from the YES! program to local and international stakeholders, as well as to Mercy Corps internally.
Manage a small coordinating team in Kenya, with oversight for YES! program teams (about 15 people) in five countries.
Oversee capacity building to increase Mercy Corps staff’s capacities in private sector engagement and youth development in all countries, as well as providing close mentoring to YES! team leads.
Provide detailed reports for a range of stakeholders.
Requirements for the Program Director Job
BA/BS degree in a relevant field.
A minimum of 5 years’ experience setting up and managing economic development, youth employment or market facilitation programs.
Experience in Africa required.
Expertise in strategic planning and management across complex multi-component programs or portfolios.
Excellent and patient relationship management skills.
Experience working with corporate partners a plus.
Excellent written and presentation skills required, for a range of audiences.
Excellent oral and written English skills required.
Demonstrated expertise in working with the private sector to facilitate economic opportunities for youth or other vulnerable groups. -
Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Manager
General Position Summary
The Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Manager is responsible for leading the overall integration of monitoring, evaluation & learning in Mercy Corps’ Activity. S/he is responsible for facilitating a participatory process in order to develop Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning strategies and frameworks tailored to this Activity.
The Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Manager shall closely work with Mercy Corps’ Program Performance and Quality Team during the first year of the program. S/he shall support the different Managers of the Activity to develop workplans with clear targets and timeframes including defined roles and responsibilities.
Essential Job Responsibilities
Contribute to program-level M&E planning and system development at program start-up. Facilitate indicator planning, design and negotiation with USAID on the M&E systems and development; define with the team, program indicators and targets for all program years, based on the USAID guidance of standard required and applicable indicators; where applicable and desirable, include Mercy Corps Alpha Indicators.
Lead the Activity in the design of the detailed M&E plan, including design of data collection tools and methodologies, M&E workflow, data flow, data integrity, data quality assurance, database design and protocols, secondary research to inform baseline assessments and measurement frameworks, and ensuring alignment with Mercy Corps and Industry standards.
Champion the inclusion of qualitative data collection and analysis for both direct and supplemental measurements of program performance. Train teams in appropriate methods for focus group discussion and key informant interviews and lead field-based qualitative data collection as needed.
In coordination with MEL team, drive the capacity building of program staff on design and M&E concepts through trainings and new hire orientation, including designing and delivering formal trainings. Design comprehensive orientation for all new staff.
Work closely with the Activity’s research partners to define and execute a research strategy including overseeing this partnership and its work.
Contribute to program visibility and advocacy work by assisting in dissemination of program research and learning information.
Coordinate closely and the Leader with Associate agency to ensure our activities and data are shared and synced up together and tell one cohesive story.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Understand, maintain and innovate the technical components (including hardware, software, database, etc.) MEL information and data management system that improves MC’s ability to implement quality programs through better collection, management, analysis and presentation of data, and represent impact to donor, government bodies, peer organizations and communities using standard technologies.
Serve as technical advisor for technology for data management systems and real-time data flow, utilizing appropriate software platforms for cloud aggregation, data processing and manipulation, and data visualization and utilization. This includes learning and testing new software platforms, as well as working with tech partners, to develop both project and country level information management systems.
Assist teams in setting up appropriate summary statistics and relational calculations in program databases and link them to tracking dashboards. Help develop the appropriate workflow.
Organizational Learning
As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve, we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.
Accountability to Beneficiaries
Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specificallyto our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.
Supervisory Responsibility
Program M&E team
Accountability
Reports Directly To: Chief of Party
Works Directly With: Activity component leads, Activity field teams, coordination with other MEL teams in-country
Knowledge and Experience
MA/S or equivalent experience in international development, economics, agricultural economics, statistics, bio-statistics, nutrition or other relevant subject with strong quantitative background, and at least six years of experience in progressively increasing M&E responsibility in international development projects. The candidate must have experience in leading the M&E of a large project.
Strong conceptual knowledge about theories of change, logic model, food and nutrition security indicators, M&E plan, data quality assurance, data utilization, and gender integration into M&E.
Demonstrated experience and expertise in developing and operationalizing a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation plan.
Demonstrated expertise and experience in developing and operationalizing routine monitoring system designed to track both output and outcome indicators.
Strong quantitative background and demonstrated expertise in designing annual monitoring surveys including probabilistic sampling strategy and estimating sample size, developing appropriate weights, and analyze quantitative data.
Demonstrated expertise in designing qualitative studies, in-depth knowledge about qualitative sampling, and experienced in using interview and interactive tools to generate qualitative information and analysis.
Experienced in developing data quality assurance strategies, data management, and data visualization.
Demonstrated expertise and experience in data utilization strategies and can creatively think about active data sharing techniques.
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and other language(s), as required.
Success Factors
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
Strong facilitation skills.
Ability and willingness to both lead and follow as appropriate.
Has an internal and external network of experts to draw upon as needed. -
Program Director, Youth Employment Program Country Director Consultancy Opportunity: Institutional and Context Analysis
General Position Summary
The Program Director is responsible for the overall strategy and delivery of the YES! program across five countries in Africa. S/he will take on the challenging role of balancing clear strategy and management systems with localization across diverse economies and contexts. S/he will function as the lead relationship manager with The Coca-Cola Africa Foundation and the Coca-Cola System including bottlers and business unit representatives, and other private sector, government and NGO stakeholders. S/he will cultivate new relationships with private sector actors and others to enhance and grow the program, including donors to enable a follow-on Phase 2.
Essential Job Responsibilities STRATEGY & VISION
Provide overall strategic direction to the program, and ensure that program objectives are attained across a breadth of work streams in five countries.
Take an adaptive management approach to develop and innovate new processes, activities or services to improve impact.
Lead the development of the proposal and strategic plan for an anticipated YES! Phase 2.
Balance views of multiple stakeholders in strategic planning, including Coca-Cola and private sector actors.
RELATIONSHIP & PARTNER MANAGEMENT
Maintain regular and hands-on contact with corporate and untraditional donors and partners, including ability to respond to quickly and articulately to questions and concerns.
Ensure effective in-country relationship management between program teams and local Coca-Cola bottling companies and business units.
Support development of pipeline of private sector partnerships, including facilitating agreements and bringing together diverse partners for collaboration.
Ensure effective coordination and collaboration amongst NGO partners and government entities, and consistently cultivate new relationships.
Ensure that an effective communication strategy is in place to share program progress and successes with program donors, HQ, government and other stakeholders.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Function as a technical lead or support for a range of technical areas, including market facilitation, private sector engagement, social enterprise incubation, and youth development.
Drive effective private sector engagement across the program, ensuring that linkages to private sector opportunities form the basis of the program (rather than just conducting training).
Take a Making Markets Work for Youth approach, recognizing concepts of mixed livelihoods in youth employment.
BUDGET AND OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT
Develop, manage, and revise program budgets across the five countries.
Ensure rigorous accountability to donor rules and regulations and that all spending is donor-compliant, program-effective and cost efficient.
Work collaboratively with support departments (finance, logistics, and HR) to ensure that effective program management tools are in place, and that the project is delivered on time, on scope and on budget.
M&E AND LEARNING
Support the Results, Learning and Research Coordinator in the evolution of YES! M&E and Learning systems across the five countries and their ability to generate rigorous learning products.
Promote influence based on findings from the YES! program to local and international stakeholders, as well as to Mercy Corps internally.
Represent YES! at conferences, technical working groups, and seminars related to youth employment and empowerment.
STAFF MANAGEMENT AND SUPPORT
Manage a small coordinating team in Kenya, with oversight for YES! program teams (about 15 people) in five countries.
Oversee capacity building to increase Mercy Corps staff’s capacities in private sector engagement and youth development in all countries, as well as providing close mentoring to YES! team leads.
REPORTING
Provide detailed reports for a range of stakeholders.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Design and write proposals for YES! Phase 2, building on learning from Phase 1.
Identify opportunities to develop new activities or additions to YES! ORGANIZATIONAL LEARNING
As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve, we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.
ACCOUNTABILITY TO BENEFICIARIES
Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
Directly: YES! Results, Learning & Research Coordinator, YES! Innovation and Digital Coordinator
Indirectly: Five country-level Program Managers and their teams.
Accountability
Reports Directly To: Regional Director
Works Directly With: Country-level YES! teams, Country-level finance teams, HQ Regional Finance Officer, HQ Director of Corporate Partnerships, The Coca-Cola Africa Foundation staff
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
BA/BS degree in a relevant field.
A minimum of 5 years’ experience setting up and managing economic development, youth employment or market facilitation programs.
Experience in Africa required.
Expertise in strategic planning and management across complex multi-component programs or portfolios.
Excellent and patient relationship management skills.
Experience working with corporate partners a plus.
Excellent written and presentation skills required, for a range of audiences.
Excellent oral and written English skills required.
Demonstrated expertise in working with the private sector to facilitate economic opportunities for youth or other vulnerable groups.
SUCCESS FACTORS
The successful YES! Program Director will demonstrate an entrepreneurial and innovative mindset coupled with excellent stakeholder management skills. S/He will be a doer able to step back to see the big picture while getting involved in detailed delivery processes. The Program Director should be able to proactively cultivate relationships with the private sector and should be able to demonstrate strong organizational and managerial skills. Successful Mercy Corps team members have a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability and thrive in evolving and challenging environments.
LIVING CONDITIONS / ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
The Program Director will be based in Kenya’s capital city – Nairobi. The location is accompanied and secure. Housing is family accommodation with unlimited freedom of movement beyond the house/office. There are many international schools in Kenya. Staff have a high degree of access to services (medical, electricity, water, etc). This position requires 50% travel to Tunisia, Liberia, Nigeria and Uganda (all capital cities).
Mercy Corps Team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit to a field posting. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and Mercy Corps’ policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.
go to method of application » -
Deputy Chief of Party, Livestock Market Systems
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Program Management
Provide leadership and strategic vision to the livelihood diversification; and pastoral livestock and marketing components of the program including workplan development, market analysis, partnership selection and management, and overall sector strategy.
Monitor adherence to grant agreement, Mercy Corps policies and procedures and relevant external rules and regulations. Oversee performance of consortium partners and sub-grantees.
Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) and Reporting
Facilitate the achievement of program targets and objectives and lead efforts to design effective M&E systems. Evaluate program results and make recommendations for improvement in program implementation.
Assess and analyze impact and adaptively manage the project to meet results.
Oversee the scheduling and production of formal and informal reports and workplans on all aspects of the program in a timely and efficient manner.
Ensure that M&E staff focus on assisting programs to generate practical information that can be used for ongoing program decision-making while also capturing results at the impact level.
Team Management
In close partnership with the COP, create a work atmosphere conducive to professional growth and development of excellent personnel at all levels.
Implement, and ensure all staff are effectively using, the performance planning and management system, establishing performance expectations and regularly providing constructive feedback.
Promote accountability by conducting staff annual performance reviews with direct supervisees, and ensuring that supervisory staff do the same in a timely manner.
Organizational Learning
As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve – we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.
Accountability to Beneficiaries
Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
Direct supervision of: Livelihoods and value chain component technical teams, program operations staff and possibly other county-based staff.
REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Chief of Party
WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: Project team, MC Kenya operations, finance and HR team, LWA lead and partner organizations.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
MA/S in international development, livestock, agriculture, business, economics, or related field of study
5-10 years of overseas experience including five years in a senior management position
Strong understanding of U.S. government compliance issues
Strong written and oral communication skills in English, including report development, writing and editing
Strong management skills, with good understanding of relevant cross-cultural issues
Experience in value chain development, facilitation and agribusiness is added advantage
Proven experience managing a large, complex team in multiple field offices.
Strong written and oral communication skills in English, including report development, writing and editing.
5+ years’ experience in Kenya or the Horn of Africa preferred
Knowledge of Kiswahili and relevant local dialects (e.g. Somali, Borana,Turkana etc) is preferred. -
Consultancy services for financial, accounting and operations management and reporting Consultancy
The primary objectives of this short-term consultancy is for the Consultant to support CTS with accounting and reporting, cash forecast operations and procurement.
If the consultant successfully completes the assignment and is interested, the position is intended to transition into a full-time position.
Scope of work
The financial, accounting and operations management and reporting consultant, under the supervision of CTS’ Wajir-based Microfinance Manager (MFM) is responsible for the everyday finance, administrative & operations management of CTS’ Wajir branch.
This includes accounting and financial reporting, overseeing and providing supervision support to the Finance Officers, developing and monitoring budgets and forecasts, supervising and leading procurement and human resources (HR), ensuring adherence to funder and CTS rules and regulations.
The specific sets of activities to be performed by the consultant are as follows:
1) Timely completion of accounting and financial reporting requirements for submission to the funding agencies and CTS Head office;
2) Ensure payments are released within sufficient bank liquidity levels and alert the Microfinance Manager when levels drop;
3) Provide Administrative and Operational Support to the Wajir Branch team;
4) Coordinate with staff on travel advances to ensure that travel advances are cleared within the allowable time;
5) Review travel claims of CTS staff and consultants for correctness and verify that claims conform to travel authorizations and regulations regarding routings, per diem, accommodation, and use of proper transportation;
6) Manage Cash accounts as per Finance Manual guidelines;
7) Facilitate external and/or funding agency auditors on their auditing assignments or special assignments;
8) Provide leadership and direction in ensuring efficient and effective utilization of administrative office resources and ensures employees work in an environment conducive to their professional satisfaction and development;
9) Provide leadership in ensuring the application of procurement procedures and that they are continuously reviewed to ensure efficient and effective support and are compliant with the funder requirements;
10) Provide direction, oversight and interpretation of policies and procedures that guide the day-to-day operations for CTS;
11) Review and recommend updates to finance and operations policy manuals as required;
12) Provide technical direction and oversight on compliance issues relating to HR, procurement and administrative procedures;
Input provided by Implementing Agency (CTS)
Aside from providing office space in Wajir, CTS will provide the Consultant with a computer and administrative support including communication facilities (internet and use of office phone).
Expected Outputs
The following outputs are expected from the Consultant:
Accurate monthly financial reports prepared and submitted to MC and CTS Head office by 8th of month following that of reporting;
Accurate budgets and up to date budget monitoring reflecting burn rates for decision making by the 8th day after the end of the reporting month;
Timely and accurate monthly forecasting;
Timely preparations and facilitation for audits when they fall due;
Ensure optimal utilization of administrative office resources by availing utilization reports and staying within budget;
No financial and management control findings including compliance and ensuring that management takes appropriate corrective action when failures are identified within an agreed upon timeframe.
Implementation arrangements
The consultant will work in close collaboration with the CTS Micro Finance Manager.
S/he will report to the MC Finance and Sub-grants Manager
S/he will be required to spend the entire assignment period on-site, in Wajir.
Assignment Period
The assignment will be for a period of three calendar months, with a possibility of transitioning into full time based on performance.
The performance of the consultant will be judged by
Whether tasks are carried out according to the SoW
Accuracy and completeness of periodic financial reports submitted
Speed and efficiency in work, according to planning
Work planning, priority setting, efficiency measures
Ability to work independently
Terms of Payment
A contract shall be signed between Mercy Corps and the Consultant.
The consultant shall be paid on a monthly basis (withholding taxes as per Kenyan tax laws) for the entire project Payment to the consultant will be performance based with not less than 33.33% of the total budget withheld and paid only when the CTS & Mercy Corps are satisfied that all outputs have been met and are of high quality standards.
Qualifications and experience required
A university degree in Commerce, Finance, Accounting or a related business field is required and certification CPA, ACCA is an added advantage;
Minimum 3 years of progressive working experience in Micro-finance environment with adequate exposure to project accounting, financial management, including budgeting, grants and contracts;
1-3 years hands-on working experience with donor-funded programs is preferred;
Strong analytical skills coupled with a solid understanding of financial and procurement systems;
Good administrative, operational and analytical skills;
Good knowledge of spoken and written English;
Good negotiation and interpersonal skills;
Proficiency in MS-Excel and MS-Office programs;
Understanding of financial records reconciliation
Must have demonstrable hands-on experience with an accounting system;
In-depth knowledge of Wajir town, leadership, local language and culture.
go to method of application » -
Innovation and Digital Coordinator
Program/Department Summary
Youth Empowered for Success (YES!) is a partnership with the Coca-Cola Africa Foundation (TCCAF) and Harambee which seeks to enhance employment for 25,000 young people in six African countries by 2018, and 500,000 by 2022. Mercy Corps is the lead implementer in Kenya, Uganda, Liberia, Nigeria, and Tunisia. The program has three work streams:
Core YES! Model: Localizing the YES! model in 6 countries to improve the employment and entrepreneurship of 18,000 youth;
Innovation and Digital: Driving innovation in youth employment in Africa through the identification, incubation and scaling of breakthrough business solutions for youth employment;
Thought leadership: Research and learning on youth economic empowerment in Africa, building an evidence base enabling partnerships to scale to reach 500,000.
General Position Summary
YES!’s Innovation and Digital work stream was approved in December 2016, which seeks to identify, incubate and scale breakthrough solutions for youth employment in YES! target countries. Through the Innovation and Digital Coordinator, the program seeks to support two types of initiatives:
Core investments, which support the development and scaling of products and services in the Human Resource, training or job match sector, whose businesses are directly geared towards facilitating and enhancing employment and employability; and
Ancillary investments, which develop of new methods sales or business which have the ability to enhance youth employment and/or create jobs.
The YES! Program will support these initiatives through project-based financing, technical support, convening, and connection to youth within the program.
Essential Job Functions
Strategy Development
Lead the development of YES! Digital and Innovation Strategy, including pipeline development, contracting, technical support and more.
Revise strategy in line with emerging opportunities, including new funding and fundraising opportunities.
Work with Results, Learning and Research Coordinator to establish methods for measuring and evaluating investment impact.
Pipeline Development
Develop a pipeline of potential partnerships, covering a breadth of organizations including job matching, training and more.
Maintain strong connections with the regional start-up scene, maintaining responsiveness to opportunities.
Work creatively with target partners to ideate and co-develop concepts for new products and services.
Conduct Due Diligence, vet, and prepare documentation on longlisted and shortlisted partnerships.
Take a collaborative and supportive approach when working with private sector partners.
Contracting and Partner Administration
Work with Mercy Corps legal teams to develop suitable contracting mechanism and contracts for YES! Innovation and Digital partners.
Function as focal point for contracting and partner management.
Partner Support
Provide technical support to YES! Innovation and Digital partners, including on market research, product development, and human-centered design.
Convene different actors and stakeholders for collaborations, where appropriate.
As required, bring in external expertise to support partners.
Research & Thought Leadership
Work with the Results, Learning and Research Coordinator to ensure effective learning from YES! Innovation and Digital partnerships.
Participate in, and generate insights, for Thought Leadership events on innovation and business solutions to youth employment. -
Senior Finance and Grants Officer
General Position Summary: Working in the Finance Department under the direction of the Country Finance Manager, the Senior Finance and Grants Officer is responsible for the accounting and documentation of all financial transactions in a timely and accurate manner for the Mombasa office.
S/he will also be responsible for reporting, file maintaining, tracking and monitoring sub grantees and ensuring compliance with the terms and conditions of the sub grant agreement.
Essential Job Functions: Financial Management:
Prepare the monthly bank reconciliations;
Maintain the bank file, ensuring that all bank information is properly filed and updated;
In the absence of the cashier, finance officer will maintain custody of the office cash fund, make daily payments of the approved transactions and other duties related to office cash handling ensuring proper segregation of duties is applied;
Review expense reports (travel expense reports and operational expense reports) for accuracy and completeness and ensure that expense reports have been fully approved and documented before payment;
Prepare payment vouchers and ensure that all transactions are properly and fully documented and recorded in the cash/bank sub journal and in this process proper segregation of duties is applied;
Record payment vouchers daily in the cash/bank sub journal;
Assist with month end balance sheet account reconciliations;
Providing support to the finance officers in field offices;
Make sure that all supporting documentation is prepared and filed according to MC procedures;
Assist the Finance Manager in responding to audit inquiries;
Sub Grant Management:
Conduct sub grantee pre-award assessments and recommend modifications to the sub grant agreement and/or monitoring plan to lessen financial and compliance risks;
Assist in the preparation and review of sub grant agreements;
Responding to requirements of sub-grant monitoring and trainings in respective areas as required;
Provide on-going training and support to sub grantees in Mercy Corps sub grant financial procedures and assist in conducting formal sub grantee training workshops;
Review sub grantee financial reports for correctness and completeness and ensure that reports are submitted on time;
Assist in sub grantee site audits and prepare site visit reports;
Follow up on all sub grant compliance issues and audits and document resolutions;
Maintain sub grant tracking as well as financial files in accordance with the Field Finance Manual;
Process sub grantee payments and reconcile sub grant financial tracking to general ledger reports;
1Assist in sub grant close-outs ensuring that all requirements of the sub grant agreement have been met and that sub grant funds have been properly settled;
Responsible for ensuring that all sub-grant records in country are in order and completed;
Other:
Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission;
Other duties as assigned.
Organizational Learning: As part of Mercy Corps’ agency-wide Organizational Learning Initiative, all team members are responsible for spending 5% of their work time in formal and/or non-formal professional learning that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.
Accountability: Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.
Supervisory Responsibility: NoneReports Directly To: Country Finance Manager
Works Directly With: Finance team members in Nairobi, All Program staff in Mombasa and support staff in Mombasa and Nairobi offices.
Knowledge and Experience:
A minimum of four years of finance experience, including budgeting and grant management or auditing;
A university degree in finance, accounting or a related business field is required and certification CPA, ACCA is an added advantage;
Two years work experience in the Finance Department and working with sub grantees in an International Non-governmental Organization;
Good understanding of major international donor rules and non-profit accounting;
Prior experience with computerized general ledger software;
Advanced computer skills in MS Office programs, particularly Excel and Access;
Strong analytical skills coupled with a solid understanding of financial and procurement systems; Prior auditing experience is considered a plus;
Excellent oral and written English skills
Success Factors:
The ability to interact effectively with international and national personnel is required;
A demonstrated ability to multi-task, meet deadlines and process information in support of changing program activities is necessary.
A high professional standard of finance and procurement ethics as well as the willingness and ability to enforce compliance with Mercy Corps and donor policies and procedures is essential.
The ability to effectively monitor sub grantee compliance as well as to provide support and training for sub grantee personnel is critical.
The Senior Finance and Grant Officer must be willing to travel to Mercy Corps field offices, sub grantee’s offices and project sites. -
Area Manager Senior Area Manager Program Director
Program / Department Summary: Mercy Corps implements high-quality, analytical development work and peacebuilding programs in difficult places.
We have been operating in Kenya since 2008 and are presently implementing development programs across the Central, Rift Valley, North Western and Northern Eastern regions of Kenya.
The Area Manager will oversee implementation of a one-year election violence prevention and response program beginning in December, 2016.
The program will pursue three inter-related objectives;
1) Identify and map the relationships between key influential actors, in identified at-risk areas, capable of mobilizing people toward and away from violence;
2) Develop or expand upon existing structures that facilitate coordination and information sharing related to electoral security planning and response between identified local influencers, including community leaders, local administrators, and the security sector, and;
3) Electoral security structures develop plans and processes that enhance prevention and responses to early indicators of violence.
The Area Manager will be responsible for managing and supervising project activities and the performance of project partners.
He/she and his/her team will work with electoral bodies and the security sector—along with civil society—to establish and strengthen existing local networks, establish county level Early Warning Early Response (EWER) Hubs, and link them to Uwiano platform.
The project team will leverage different players and networks to preempt political manipulation by providing administrative and logistical support to enable stakeholders to monitor risks, and develop actionable plans for prevention and response.
General Position Summary: Under the direction of the Project Director, the Area Manager will be responsible for the overall planning and implementation of project activities in Nairobi and possibly select areas of Central as needed.
The Area Manager will directly manage the program staff based in the Nairobi and possible Central and ensure project activities are implemented according to schedule, budget and required quality.
Essential Job Functions:
Manage the day-today operations of activities in the Nairobi and possibly in select area of Central as needed;
Work with the Project Director and in accordance with approved proposal, budget and timelines;
Coordinate and share information with the Project Director and the greater program team to ensure overall program targets and donor obligations are being achieved;
Visit project sites regularly, including partner sites, to provide appropriate technical assistance, monitor and oversee activities;
Ensure full application of participatory methodologies like Participatory Learning and Action and Appreciative Inquiry in facilitation of community dialogue meetings, and trainings and workshops;
Support the project and partner staff to establish a system to monitor and evaluate program activities and impact on an ongoing basis. Ensure that program monitoring is being done on a regular basis and that adequate monitoring reports are prepared;
Work with the Project Director to regularly coordinate and keep updated with relevant county government and IEBC officials and institutions, security sectoral, stakeholders and community members relevant to project;
Participate in peace, election and conflict-related coordination meetings and professionally represent Mercy Corps in these meetings;
Support the development of partnerships with national and international NGOs, CBOs and other agencies involved in election conflict management initiatives and other Mercy Corps activities;
Build the capacity of select implementation partners to improve their technical, organizational and management capacity;
Regularly meet with and communicate with the Project Director to discuss program achievements, especially when they deviate from the original plan;
Participate in project team meetings as required;
Work with Project Director to organize and facilitate field visits for donors and Mercy Corps staff;
In collaboration with the Project Director, monitor security developments and report to Mercy Corps Senior Management as per the Mercy Corps Kenya security procedures and protocols;
Jointly prepare donor reports with the Project Director and other staff to capture program impact;
Provide direct and ongoing supervision and managerial support to project and partner staff based in Nairobi or Central to ensure effective implementation of program activities;
Oversee the development of program, staff and partner work plans, and ensure regular one-to-one sessions and performance reviews to review progress and resolve any concerns or issues;
Support and facilitate team and partner development, encourage active participation of team members and support positive relationships between members;
Identify training needs and opportunities for project staff to ensure that they have adequate resources to complete program objectives, and to enable learning and growth;
Ensure that project staff have the necessary facilities and office equipment for the smooth functioning of the program;
Maintain close cooperation with the Finance and Administration departments and other staff to ensure that the program is in full compliance with all the established operational, administrative and financial procedures;
Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission;
Other duties as assigned.
Organizational Learning: As part of Mercy Corps’ agency-wide Organizational Learning Initiative, all team members are responsible for spending 5% of their work time in formal and/or non-formal professional learning that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.
Accountability: Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.
Supervisory Responsibility: All Project Officers in Nairobi and Central; possible oversight of partner activities.
Accountability
Reports Directly To: Project Director
Works Directly With: Project team (in all locations), coast based team, l implementing partners, Government, IEBC, security sector, HR, operations, and Finance teams.
Knowledge and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in conflict management/peace building, social sciences or other relevant field. A Master’s degree is preferred;
Minimum of five years’ relevant professional experience managing conflict management or other peace building or capacity building related projects preferably within NGOs;
Demonstrated experience working on past Kenyan election violence prevention programs and with electoral processes and stakeholders is a preferred;
Experience in managing teams and facilitating planning and program development processes;
Experience in both community level programming and government focused capacity building;
Experience working in conflict environments is required;
Excellent verbal communication, negotiating, organization and prioritization skills;
Excellent quantitative skills and financial management knowledge is preferred;
Leadership skills, and proven experience in developing effective teams;
Strong organizational and managerial skills;
Demonstrated problem solving skills;
Demonstrated experience in coaching, conducting workshops and community meeting facilitation;
Excellent written communication skills with demonstrated ability to develop and write quarterly reports independently;
Experience in building and maintaining strong/productive relations with implementing and strategic partner agencies is preferred. This includes coordinating with government authorities and counterparts;
Excellent computer skills, including all Microsoft applications;
Demonstrated skills to successfully communicate and initiate and maintain positive relationships with beneficiary’s community.
Success Factors:
Demonstrated cultural sensitivity and appropriate flexibility;
Ability to effectively communicate with Mercy Corps target populations and partners;
Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to meet deadlines, and work independently and cooperatively with team members;
Willingness to travel frequently to remote locations;
Ability to quickly learn and implement new information/concepts
Must be able and willing to be impartial during the election period.
go to method of application »