Practical Action Markets Development Job Kenya

Practical Action is an international development agency working with poor communities to help them choose and use technology to improve their lives today and in generations to come.

We are seeking a highly motivated, results-oriented and proactive team player to Head our Markets Systems Development Programme.

The position is based in Nairobi but involves considerable travel to field sites.

The ideal candidate will have a strong track record of strategic leadership in the international development sector; good understanding of pro-poor market development; proven capacity to develop fundable project proposals; ability to network and build key relationships with potential donors, policy makers and partners; experience in development and implementation of markets development projects by working with poor communities in a participatory way.

In addition, s/he will have ability to lead and build the capacity of multi-sectoral programme teams to develop and implement projects that maximize benefits accruing to the poor through market participation and effective engagement with private sector; ability to lead and motivate a team, delegate tasks effectively and set clear performance targets.

Also required is ability to engage with policy makers, the private sector, generate and document knowledge to influence and impact on pro-poor market development in East Africa and within Practical Action Group.

The Head of Market Systems Development Programme will lead the strategic development and implementation of Practical Action’s markets development work in Eastern Africa; proactively contribute to the development and implementation of strategies, policies, procedures and budgets of the region; ensure high standards of documentation, data analysis, synthesis and lesson learning in projects.

S/he will also be responsible for developing new project ideas and funding proposals for the programme; managing and mentoring programme staff and managing the financial resources of the programme.

S/he will also be responsible for the development and implementation of a clear policy influencing strategy for the programme and ensure the production of annual work and business plans for the programme.

The successful candidate

* should hold a Master’s degree in either Business Management, Business Administration (MBA), International Development, Economics, Social Science or relevant discipline in addition to Bachelor’s degree in business related discipline;
* post-graduate diploma in programme management an added advantage;
* must have at least seven (7) years development work experience (of which at least 3 years at senior team/programme management level);
* must have proven track record in networking within relevant sectors with keen understanding of current markets issues both in private and development sectors;
* must have strong analytical skills related to market systems development with bias to those that benefit the poor and ability to work at policy level.

Qualified and interested candidates should submit an application together with a CV and names of three professional referees to Practical Action by email to: recruitment@practicalaction.or.ke to be received no later than 3rd August 2011.

FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Practical Action is an “equal opportunities” employer.