THE ROLE
The Senior Project Manager will report to the Director of Programs, Implementation and Quality and will provide overall COSME project leadership. The role will support the team in overall program quality and effectiveness throughout the project cycle. S/he will be engaged in building better partnerships that drive program intervention, manage partnerships & relationship with key stakeholders at county and sub-county levels, while ensuring alignment to Plan Kenya’s Country Strategy and Plan International’s Global purpose. The job holder will manage multi-million-dollar program and must be abreast with donor trends, regulations, environment, reporting and donor retention.
ACCOUNTABILITIES AND MAIN WORK ACTIVITIES
Technical Program Design, Planning and Implementation (25%)
Provide leadership in the project management, while ensuring application of technically sound project planning, implementation, profiling, monitoring and evaluation.
Responsible for implementation and adoption of gender- responsive and socially-inclusive nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation with biodiversity and ecosystem integrity co-benefits in project locations which include mangrove restoration and conservation; Restorative aquaculture-seaweed farming; locally-led forest management and conservation; disaster risk management and Renewable energy options.
Provide skills, knowledge, and inputs necessary to enable local communities, especially women gain climate and risk-informed economic opportunities, restore and conserve the natural environment to reduce future climate risk and increase biodiversity for sustained ecosystem service.
Coordinate and ensure technical trainings from Kenyan and Canadian partners on mangrove and coastal management, beach waste management, Restorative aquaculture, climate adaptation and conservation solutions use community-centred conservation tools such as JGI’s Open Standards for the Practice of Conservation.
Provide team leadership on training of the partners, selected nature-based solutions groups and partners on the various recommended eco-regions approaches (Community Based Natural Resource management, Restorative aquaculture, Climate Resilient Sustainable Agriculture, Sustainable energy options, soil and water conservation, Disaster Risk Management, Advocacy and policy influence etc).
Integrate gender equality and inclusion (GE&I) in project structures including mangrove conservation groups/Community Forest Associations/Seaweed farmers and other value chains operate on principles of equality and address stereotypes, power relationships and intersectional forms of exclusion.
Support initiatives that increase women’s individual and collective agency in all their diversity to exercise their right to participate in gender-responsive NbS that build household and community resilience and enhance biodiversity through provision of skills and knowledge on their rights and provide gender-transformative life skills to make autonomous and informed decision- making for local climate action and biodiversity conservation.
Support women leadership and their participation in climate governance as well as ensuring collective action among women’s rights organizations (WROs) and youth- led organizations (YLOs) in local climate action have result strong evidence-based advocacy and policy making on climate change adaptation.
Support community and partner initiatives that improve gender-responsive, child and youth-friendly governance for climate adaptation, resilience and biodiversity conservation.
Work with relevant ministries, departments, private sector, civil society and partners to achieve project objectives.
Ensure gender- transformative approaches are employed in the project to challenge power and gender inequalities that undermine responsive, locally-led climate change adaptation and biodiversity conservation.
Develop a program capacity building plan of action for partners, CBOs and Community Resource Persons as per context with specific focus on the key objectives.
Ensure timely and efficient expenditure at acceptable levels as per donor requirements
Providing strategic leadership and supporting collaborative partnership engagements within the COSME NbS focus areas across the 2 project counties.
Ensure effective and timely implementation of all levels of interventions and initiatives with communities and partners;
Monitor and support the timely and appropriate utilization of budgeted resources for all program interventions.
Quality Assurance, Monitoring, Reporting & Documentation (20%)
Coordinate program assessments, planning, implementation, monitoring & evaluation, documentation and dissemination of promising practices
In collaboration with the MEAL team develop project monitoring and evaluation framework that ensures that the targets and project milestones are effectively tracked.
Coordinate joint monitoring visits with key partners to track and document program progress in the targeted counties.
Ensure the feedback from monitoring exercises feed into the working of environment technical working group within the program counties.
Support the development and submission of program reports and core documents as per donor standards and guidelines.
Support development of technical papers and or policy briefs on key issues for external engagement with decision makers.
Ensure correct and appropriate branding and media coverage at all times
Donor Engagement, Partnership Management and networking (15%)
Facilitate effective donor engagement
Ensure collaborative roles and partnerships with key county partners, County Government, National Government line Ministries, KEMRI, KFS, KEFRI, Private sector, Community Based organizations, NGO, Learning Research institutions and any relevant authorities.
Gender and Youth integration in program activities through the implementation strategies.
Develop working agreements / MOUs with partners as per need.
Coordinate stakeholder / partner forums on COSME counties strengthening strategic NbS alliances.
Coordinate reflection and learning forums for community and partners for purposes of providing forums for experiential learning & reflection.
In liaison with Partners, lead/support development of data collection and monitoring tools as required.
Strengthen advocacy on prioritization and increased resource allocation for climate change adaptation; NRM including mangrove restoration and conservation; Restorative aquaculture-seaweed farming; disaster risk management; sustainable agriculture and Renewable energy options related activities by county government and other CSOs.
Build capacity of community groups on advocacy to engage service providers and participate in forums to relating to conservation and sustainable management of coastal and marine ecosystems and related interventions.
Financial Responsibility (15%)
The incumbent will have oversight of all financial aspects of the COSME project
The incumbent will act within the provided delegated authority for all financial related processes
S/he will track projects activity budgets during implementation phases, manage and report on any variances to the line manager and the Country Office Finance and Grants manager.
Ensure compliance with all donor requirements and contractual obligations.
Monitor expenditures to promote prudent Project budget management.
Capacity Building and People Management (10%)
Lead the day to day running of the Project taking into consideration safety and security of the PU staff, leave and general welfare of all staff and liaise with the relevant offices for necessary support.
Provide strategic leadership that inspires the Project team towards the realization of Project purpose and goal.
Promote team cohesiveness and integration at the Project team level and interface with the rest of the existing Program Unit team.
Manage the performance, mentorship and coaching for all direct reports and dotted line reports
Liaise with HR for any staff development issues as per the training needs analysis for the PU
Logistics Admin and Procurement Oversight (10%)
Support the development and usage of procurement plans in execution of project activities.
Oversight on asset, fleet, office and inventory management
In close collaboration with the Procurement, Administration and Logistics Officer, ensure smooth operations for effective and efficient implementation of the project.
Support procurement functions including engagement of service providers.
Development and submission of administration related reports.
Risk Management (10%)
Provide leadership in risk mapping and documentation.
Consultatively with project team identify and put mitigation measures for project risks.
Continually monitor the risks environment and act as appropriate.
Ensure all Project staff understand Project risks and related responsibilities.
Safeguarding Children and Young People (Safeguarding) and Gender Equality and Inclusion (GEI) (5%)
Understands and puts into practice the responsibilities under Safeguarding and Gender Equality and Inclusion policies and Plan International’s Code of Conduct (CoC), ensuring that concerns are reported and managed in accordance with the appropriate procedures.
Leads the orientation of programme staff to ensure that they are properly inducted on and understands their role in upholding Plan International’s safeguarding and GEI policies;
Ensures that Plan International’s global policies for Safeguarding Children and Young People and Gender Equality and Inclusion are fully embedded in project design, during implementation and as principles applied in day-to-day work of Programme team;
Ensures that Plan Kenya contributes to Plan International’s global efforts to ensure safeguarding and GEI, including making sure that relevant reporting and data are submitted.
Other duties (5%)
Any other duties as assigned by the line manager.
LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES
Setting and communicating ambitious but realistic work goals and priorities, explaining how these contribute to Plan International’s purpose.
Setting high standards for self and others’ behaviour, inside and outside work. Championing our values and commitment to rights, gender equality and safeguarding. Supporting the health, well-being and both physical and psychological safety of our staff, including their safety to speak out.
Holding self and others to account for what we have agreed, dealing with poor performance quickly, firmly and constructively.
Creating a positive team spirit, helping people work well together, to reflect and continuously improve the efficiency and quality of what we do.
Collaborating with team members, colleagues and partners in finding creative solutions to problems by sharing information, experience and ideas and actively seeking their input.
Motivating and developing others by taking an interest, giving constructive feedback and praise, ensuring they are properly trained and helping them develop their potential.
Positive about change and supporting others in adjusting to it, helping them understand.
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES
Understands Plan International in Context, including its purpose, values, and global strategy, and can communicate these to varied audiences, including how Plan International will deliver on its objectives through the theory of change.
Manages legal and reputational risk including risk assessment, communication, risk management and reporting in full compliance with Plan International’s core risk-related standards (Child and Youth safeguarding and Protection, Gender equality and inclusion, Counter Fraud Safety and Security.
Managing activities and resources including skills in strategic thinking, planning and organising, financial planning and monitoring, and programme and project management, including MERL principles and procedures for cost allocation and cost recovery.
Managing people and information including skills in assessment and coaching, evidence-based management, communication skills, both speaking and writing, and digital working, including personal digital skills.
Programme and project management: -Aware of the programmes that Plan International delivers directly and through partner organisations. -Aware of the programme and project management procedures relevant to their role.; -Complies with financial procedures and controls relevant to their role; -Seeks opportunities to reflect on and learn from all work.
Digital working: Identifies ways to use digital to improve the effectiveness of work activities. Understands how digital enablers can contribute to achieving Plan International’s purpose. Utilises the digital tools available in line with privacy and safeguarding guidelines.
Evidence-based management: Understands the importance of high-quality data and the implications of poor data. Understands what data Plan International needs to inform decision making. Interprets a range of sources to inform evidence-based decisions relevant to their role.
TECHNICAL EXPERTISE, SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
Qualifications/ experience essential:
Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, Rangeland Management, Forestry, or Climate Change from a recognized University.
Minimum of 7 years’ experience in implementing sustainable natural resource management programs; sustainable utilization and management of coastal and marine ecosystems and climate change adaptation in Kenya integrating sustainable livelihoods with demonstrable competencies in designing, planning, implementation, documenting and reporting
3 Years in a leadership/managerial role
Technical knowledge in NRM, Agriculture/Food security, Climate change adaptation and Livelihoods.
The holder of this position must be a result orientated person.
Excellent interpersonal, communication, networking and representation skills;
Proven leadership qualities, problem-solving and negotiation skills, and evidence of successful team player.
Experience desired:
Applying a “three pronged” approach to gender and inclusion: policy dialogue; gender and inclusion mainstreaming; and targeted programming for girls and women.
Working with women and youth in livelihood programmes
Working with local partnerships in projects
Application of Social Action Research and evidence-based policy advocacy.
Languages required
High level English oral and written communication skills, including representation and liaison skills. Knowledge of Kiswahili is an added advantage
TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES
Shapes work programmes with relevant leaders and stakeholders, aligned with relevant strategies, and balancing global and local priorities with opportunities
Designs projects with clear objectives and measurable results contributing to overall outcomes.
Coaches partners as part of daily work by explaining key concepts, standards and resources; and working alongside others to apply effective evidence-based practice.
Identifies, assesses and nurtures mutually beneficial relationships with appropriate partners. [supporting partnership relationships]
Embeds capability building of relevant stakeholders into programme and project design
Mainstreams gender and inclusion into programming and influencing work by applying strategies for gender transformative change.
Uses participatory approaches and the engagement of our Primary Impact Groups and other key actors and stakeholders throughout the programme and project cycle, including monitoring and evaluation.
Works politically to engage with and influence key actors and stakeholders in own field(s), including government, inter-governmental organisations and the private sector
Knowledge:
Experience in Human Rights Based Approaches.
Financial inclusion: Including marginalized and excluded people, and particularly girls and women, in the financial systems, including banking and digital finance products for vulnerable groups and use of savings groups.
Skills & Behaviours:
Uses rigorous evidence and analysis to make choices and drive change over different time scales, short term and long term
Understands key issues, principles and strategies for the field and using them in analysis:
Appreciates and implements the conceptual basis of climate change adaptation, sustainable natural resource management, livelihoods and governance.
Understands the linkages between resilience and climate change adaptation and potential economic options such as Restorative aquaculture.
Knowledgeable on the roles and responsibilities of national governments and actors, NGOs/CSOs, diaspora and private sector in strengthening climate change governance, NRM and Livelihoods and how to engage with such actors
Draws from the potential relevance and contribution of development programmes and actors in supporting to Restorative aquaculture, NRM and how to engage with such actors
Highly approachable, trustworthy and confidential
Excellent communication and presentation skills
Excellent planning, coordination, and reporting skills
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