Kenya: Program Manager - Participatory Learning, Planning and Action (PLPA)

Organization: Adeso

Country: Kenya

Closing date: 15 Aug 2016

Vacancy Announcement: Program Manager – Participatory Learning, Planning and Action (PLPA)

Organization: Adeso – African Development Solutions

www.adesoafrica.org

Position Title: Program Manager – Participatory Learning, Planning and Action (PLPA)

Project: Resilience and Economic Growth in Arid Lands – Improving Resilience (REGAL-IR) Kenya

Reporting To: Deputy Chief of Party – REGAL-IR

Working With: All REGAL-IR Teams

Programme / Duty Station: Nairobi

Duration: One year with possibility of extension

Starting Date: Immediately

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

Adeso, formerly known as Horn Relief, is an expanding and vibrant African based international development and humanitarian organization. At Adeso, we work with African communities who are yet to realize their full potential; working inside these communities to create environments in which Africans can thrive. Our belief that economic, social and environmental security is the bedrock of a healthy community drives the nature and intent of our programming. We work to prevent and overcome situations that adversely affect community well-being by: reinvigorating the economy, developing skills for life and work, providing humanitarian aid, and influencing policy.

For the past 20 years we have strengthened rural livelihoods through environmental awareness, training, technology transfer and innovative humanitarian projects in pursuit of a peaceful, self-reliant, and greener future.

Adeso is an exciting and dynamic organization experiencing managed rapid growth. It offers sound employment conditions with opportunities for personal growth and development.

POSITION SUMMARY

This position is part of the Resilience and Economic Growth in Arid Lands-Improving Resilience (REGAL-IR) project. REGAL-IR is a 5-year program sponsored by USAID/Kenya to reduce hunger and poverty, increase social stability and build strong foundations for economic growth amongst pastoralists and transitioning pastoralists in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs). The program is designed to empower communities to set and take charge of their development goals and strengthen their capacity to select, design, implement and monitor activities toward increasing their social, economic, and environmental resilience to natural and human-induced shocks.

Through an intensive community engagement process – Participatory Learning, Planning and Action (PLPA), REGAL-IR works to train and organize the community to envision their development goals and work towards attaining them. It follows a participatory approach that builds on the formation of Community Development Committee’s (CDCs) and development of grassroots plan of action; Community Development Action Plan (CDAP) that serves as the development roadmap to archiving key development priorities collectively.

The program managed from its base in Nairobi and implemented in Isiolo, Garissa, Wajiir, Marsabit, and Turkana counties. Therefore position is based in Nairobi but requires frequent travel to REGAL-IR target counties in northern Kenya as mentioned above.

POSITION PURPOSE

A key objective of the position will be leading the PLPA thematic area that involves empowering communities to set and take charge of their development goals as well as to strengthen their capacity to select, design, implement and monitor activities toward increasing their social, economic, and environmental resilience to natural and human-induced shock. The position helps REGAL-IR to achieve its goals and objectives through organizing and training members of targeted project communities and institutions to spearhead development activities in their respective settlements and/or wards. The job holder will also be responsible for evaluating the performance of the CDCs in terms of implementing targets set out in their respective CDAPs, review and upgrade the existing CDAPs as required as well as organize and advocacy action to secure recognition for the CDCs as a legitimate community institution to oversee development actions at the grassroots.

The Program Manager PLPA is a member of the REGAL-IR technical team comprising the technical advisors for the various thematic sectors as well as the M & E staff. The technical team provides expertise support to the SPOs, POs and S/CFs to ensure that the program achieves its goals and objectives. Within this Team, the program manager PLPA plays a leading role for the implementation of REGAL-IR PLPA intervention.

SPECIFIC ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

· Conduct capacity assessment of the existing CDCs, identify gaps and develop a comprehensive capacity building plan to address the capacity limitations.

· As part of the above role, evaluate the relevance of the CDC Modular Trainings and facilitate its rollout if fit for purpose.

· Strengthen the CDCs ability to leverage in-kind as well as financial resources to realize their development objectives set out in their respective CDAP.

· Based on the findings of the CDC capacity assessment, conduct attitude change training for CDCs where dependency on external support continues to linger.

· Lead CDAP review meetings in all REGAL-IR counties to evaluate the achievements to date, identify challenges encountered and devise curative solutions.

· Work with the REGAL-IR leadership, SPOs as well as USID/PREG partners to secure recognition for the CDCs as a legitimate community institution overseeing development actions at the grassroots.

· Lead the consolidation and exit out of the PLPA activities through strengthening and empowering the CDCs to continue to function independently.

· Coordinate PLPA best practice scale-up through duplication of successful outcomes throughout the REGAL-IR ZoI.

· Manage activity budget dedicated to the PLPA thematic program through monthly review of county work plans & budgets as well as evaluation of the monthly financial reports (BvA).

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

· 5+ years of professional training experience;

· BA/MA degree in development studies, sociology, rural extension and related fields.

· Previous participation and experience in USAID grant close out a plus.

· Knowledge of and experience using participatory training methods and Training of Trainers (TOT);

· Experience in designing and delivering training modules for community development workers/field extension agents.

· Sectorial strength in community development, governance and advocacy.

· Experience as a facilitator non-formal learning targeting rural communities.

· Experience working with pastoralist communities, preferably in ASAL regions.

· Excellent communication skills and ability to motivate and communicate cross-culturally.

· Fluent in English and Swahili.

· Knowledge of USAID rules and regulations;

How to apply:

This is a challenging opportunity for a dedicated and highly motivated professional. If you would like to join this dynamic team, please submit your application to jobs@adesoafrica.org, quoting the position in the email subject matter, by 15^th August, 2016. Kindly note that applications’ screening and interviews will be on a rolling basis.

Each application should be addressed to the Regional Human Resources Manager and include the following:

· An updated CV; and

· An application letter which should include remuneration requirements and contact information for three work-related referees.

Applications not including all of the above information will not be reviewed. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Adeso is an equal opportunity employer.