Kenya: Project Manager for the Project “Changing Course in Global Agriculture (CCGA) – Kenya”

Organization: Biovision

Country: Kenya

Closing date: 08 May 2016

Position: Project Manager for the Project “Changing Course in Global Agriculture (CCGA) – Kenya”

Part-Time Assignment: 2-3 days a week (40-60%)

Place of work: Nairobi, Kenya**Employment Start and Duration**: Start of work is preferred as soon as possible. Due to the project duration, the position is at this stage limited until end of 2017.

Project Description

Biovision and the Millennium Institute (MI), supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and other partners, are realizing the Programme “Changing Course in Global Agriculture”, which calls for more sustainable agriculture policies and food systems on both, the national and international level. In Kenya, the project supports the development of evidence-based and appropriate policies for long-term sustainable agricultural development and rural poverty reduction strategies for smallholder farmers and rural populations, as well as people along the agricultural value chain in Kenya. Governments and relevant stakeholders are supported and guided in the participatory development of model simulations and integrated policy scenarios in order to identify socially, environmentally and economically viable options towards sustainable food systems.

For the project activities in Kenya, we are looking for a project manager who represents the project to government representatives and other relevant stakeholders and supports the implementation of concrete activities.

For more information please visit the programme’s websites: http://www.biovision.ch/en/projects/switzerland-and-international/ccga-changing-course-in-global-agriculture/[www.changingcourse-agriculture.org](http://www.changingcourse-agriculture.org)

Area of Work / Job Objective

In your profession you will support the implementation of the country-level activities in Kenya within the project “Changing Course in Global Agriculture” (CCGA). The overall objective of your activity is to foster policy measures within the appropriate institutions and organizations (e.g. ministries) to anchor the knowledge on sustainable agriculture and a systemic approach to the agriculture and food system. You will represent the CCGA-Kenya project to government representatives and other national and regional stakeholders in Kenya and generate wider support and buy-in for CCGA in Kenya at governmental level. This includes building of ownership and long-term use of policy modelling in relevant government unit(s) as well as facilitate cooperation across government units (e.g. research institutions and technical agencies).

Authority and Representation

• Authority to decide upon the day-to-day implementation and management of project activities within CCGA mandate described above, including to initiate, conduct, monitor, and evaluate those activities necessary to achieve the objectives agreed with the donors.


• Initiating and guiding processes to explore and develop additional strategic measures, in consultation and cooperation with Biovision and the Millennium Institute.


• Representing the values and interests of Biovision and the Millennium Institute in key bodies, including International and UN conferences, meetings with national authorities and organizations, and institutional donors of CCGA.


• Together with the Kenya Project Coordinator at Headquarters, controlling of financial expenses for CCGA within the area of work.

Tasks

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  In close collaboration with the Project Manager(s) at Headquarters and the CEO of Biovision Africa Trust, represent CCGA to government representatives and other national and regional stakeholders in Kenya.

  
  


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  Autonomously coordinate, implement and monitor activities to reach the set objectives in Kenya, in collaboration with relevant stakeholder including the technical government units.

  
  


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  Generate wider support and buy-in for CCGA in Kenya, including through the institutionalization and long-term, sustainable use of the model in relevant government unit(s) as well as cooperation and use of the model across government unit(s) such as research institutions and other relevant organizations/ agencies.

  
  


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  Promote and support the establishment of partnerships and networks with development partners and other key actors outside the government and the realization of meaningful synergies with other on-going activities/projects in Kenya.

  
  


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  Organize and facilitate multi-stakeholder policy dialogue events and support the follow-up on the inclusion of results in national policies and strategies.

  
  


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  Support a smooth communication with implementing partners, in particular the Millennium Institute, and Biovision Foundation. Fulfil other tasks ad-hoc as needed to attain the objectives.

  
  

Reporting To

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  Head of Programme and Partnership of Biovision

  
  


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  Project Coordinator of the CCGA Kenya and the responsible Modeler of the Millennium Institute

  
  

Reported To By

• local staff as appropriate

Necessary Qualifications & Competences

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  At least Masters’ Degree in natural sciences paired with an affinity for political and diplomatic processes, or degree in social sciences matched by knowledge and skills in the fields of development cooperation, and agricultural development, policy and politics.

  
  


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  5 years of work experience in working on policies in the field of sustainability in and with developing countries, preferably Kenya.

  
  

  
  


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  or > 5 years of experience working with international organisations for Kenya.

  
  


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  Experience in and good knowledge and understanding of policy formulation processes and involved government official and donors in the agriculture or planning sector in Kenya.

  
  


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  Very good experience in managing and coordinating complex projects in developing countries, preferably Kenya.

  
  


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  Very good experience in cooperating with diverse stakeholders, including governments, United Nations Agencies, and Civil Society; and in facilitating and leading policy dialogues. Excellent knowledge (written&spoken) in English, Good knowledge in Swahili would be a plus for the job.

  
  

Further Necessary Skills

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  Ability to work with almost no standardized procedures; high level of own initiative and independent work;

  
  


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  Outstanding social skills, including intercultural, communication and persuasive power that allow conducting activities in complex political situations;

  
  


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  Ability to analyse situations quickly, including opportunities and risks, and take appropriate, context-specific measures;

  
  


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  Ability to adapt your appearance and interventions to different working environments and situations and adapt your communication to stakeholders with different backgrounds.

  
  

Working for Biovision

Working for Biovision allows you to play an important role in a significant project with a dynamic and international team within an innovative NGO. We offer advantageous and sustained working conditions together with an attractive salary. Although the position is of limited duration, the project activities might be prolonged after 2017.

How to apply:

Application Process Please send your electronic application documents until 8 May 2016 to b.graeub@biovision.ch. Interviews with pre-selected candidates will take place in the week of 16 May in Nairobi.