Urban Programme Manager

Reporting to ACD Programmes
Responsible for Urban Project Mangers (Child Protection, Education, Heath and HIV and Environmental Health)
Start Date Required ASAP
Contract Length 1 year

General Description of Programme:
In 1992, GOAL established an office in Nairobi. Since then GOAL has provided assistance to those who are living and working in the slums of Nairobi. In 1996, GOAL began implementing programmes in the city targeting street children and providing basic services to families living in poverty in the slums. It is estimated that there are 135,000 street children in Nairobi, the capital city.

1) GOAL Kenya operates a development programme in Nairobi through a variety of health, HIV and education initiatives. Its overall objective is to empower vulnerable children and youth in difficult circumstances to enjoy their rights and fulfil their potential for sustainable well-being. GOAL also works with local partners in the area of urban water and sanitation in Nairobi in the construction of bio-latrine community centres.

2) GOAL Kenya is also implementing emergency initiatives such as transitional shelter in South Rift and a food security response in Eastern Province (Diocese of Kitui).

Background to the role

The development of a programme approach is central to achieving GOAL’s strategic objectives and is an integral part of development best practice and international standards. In addition to this, adopting a ‘Programme Based Approach’ is central to complying with Irish Aid MAPS guidelines. According to MAPS, the elements of a programme include the following;

- Clear organisational policy level goals and objectives based on a global analysis of the development context
- Coherent and synergistic strategies based on organisational policy
- A clear results framework with programme-level objectives, indicators and baselines
- Strategic partnerships with actors committed to common goals
- Institutional capacity building to strengthen partners and interventions
- Relationships with a wide range of institutional actors
- Mechanisms to create vertical and horizontal linkages between partners for lesson-learning and alliance-building towards meeting programme objectives
- Capacity to adapt overall programme level strategies to a country or regional context
- Demonstrated linkages between country-level strategic objectives and overall programme-level objectives
- Linkages to policy and the wider institutional environment (e.g. poverty reduction strategy papers) with a view to advocacy for pro-poor outcomes

- It is necessary for GK to move away from a project oriented approach and adhere to the above requirements

Summary of the Role
The aim of this role is to ensure the transition from the current ‘projectised’ approach to a programme approach. This will involve supporting the integration of the different elements of the current GOAL Kenya programme to meet the agreed programmatic criteria.

1. Strategic programme development

- Oversee the completion of the research set out by GOAL’s CPC and in conjunction with the ACD facilitate the planning and development of a child protection and education programme founded on the basis of this research and ensure that this research informs all areas of GK programming.

- To support the ACD in the review and implementation of GKs partnership strategy and in conjunction with the Programme Development Manager (PDM), build the capacity of GK to support strategic partnerships and the transition from direct implementation to a model that supports development of civil society partners.

- In conjunction with the PDM, ensure that the GK programme is compliant with key donors (currently MAPS and Global Fund).

- Ensure optimal programme targeting and evidence-based programming.

- Based on lessons learned in GOAL Kenya there may be opportunities to support and strengthen GOAL’s programmatic approach regionally, this role will require field visits in consultation with GOAL Dublin.

- Assist in the restructuring of the programme implementation team providing input into job descriptions of the key specialists required and leading the performance management process for supervisees.

2. Technical support

- Provide technical support with health, HIV, child protection & partnerships to technical focal points and ensure that partners are getting the technical support that they require from GK.
- Liaise with the GOAL technical team, including the HIV, Nutrition, Child Protection and Survey Advisors.
- Along with the ACD and CD identify any technical gaps on the GK team and facilitate the recruitment or if possible the training and capacity building of existing staff to meet the programme’s technical requirements.

3. M&E Support

- In conjunction with the ACD and PDM, deliver a comprehensive M&E strategy for GOAL Kenya and ensure compliance with GOAL Dublin frameworks and donor guidelines

4. Mainstreaming

- Along with the ACD, PDM and the relevant personnel, oversee the internal and external mainstreaming of priority issues like gender, HIV, child protection & environment and ensure that the respective documented plans and toolkits are in place.

5. Donor

- Identify and cultivate new donor opportunities in urban programs

Carry out any other duties as requested by the Country Director.

Requirements

- Degree-level qualification in public health, nutrition, community development, child protection or a related field. Masters degree preferred.
- 3+ years experience of managing child welfare-related projects within an International NGO in a developing country.
- Strong monitoring and evaluation skills, including experience in quantitative and qualitative/participatory methods.
- Capacity to respect and build the management skills of experienced national team leaders.
- Experience in developing proposals and writing reports.
- Good understanding of financial management, including budget preparation and management and implementation of systems for financial accountability.
- Ability to build constructive relationships with partners, donors, local and national authorities, and other stakeholders.
- Good communication skills, including fluency in oral and written English.
- Proficiency in using standard computer software, especially MS Office programmes.

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