June 2014 – January 2015

Background: The NDMA is currently engaged in a substantial revision of its early warning system and process, at National and County levels, in view of strengthening its early warning system and allow more appropriate and timely response when needed.

ECHO is funding a Consortium of consortium of international NGOs (ACTED, Oxfam, VSF-G and Concern Worldwide) across the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands of Kenya to build community resilience to recurrent hazards. 

Within this consortium, ACTED is committed to support continued enhancement of early warning system in two pilot Counties, Baringo and Mandera.
The project is build on three previous phases funded by ECHO aims to: To increase the capacity of communities to plan, prepare and withstand shocks and stresses; To increase the capacity of county structures to plan and prepare to shocks and stresses; To enhance consortium capacity to coordinate and initiate early response to localized crisis. Objectives

Provision of strategic technical support to ACTED for improved County level early warning using contextual local knowledge to ensure appropriate data collection and levels of analysis;Documentation of lessons learnt based on the pilot activities, with recommendations for improvements to pilot design.The consultant will tackle the following aspects of the Kenya early warning system:Understand how the information collected on each early warning indicator is analyzed within the Baringo and Mandera livelihood contexts;Recommendations on tackling the issues of data reliability and availability;Provide feedback and areas of improvement for the early warning products and their dissemination;Link early warning analysis and key parameter data with contingency planning and response analysis drawing from technical development from the Global ERC project Situation and Response Analysis Framework and the County contingency planning process.Development of a broader strategy paper, building on the Baringo workshop report linking to the developing work plan;Incorporate learning and link with activities from other related initiatives (ERC, etc.);Meeting with the NDMA at Nairobi level to ensure buy-in and share the strategy paper (draft) and work plan. August - September 2014 (6 days)Meeting with La Nina Consortium and share the strategy paper; Travel to Baringo to attend a CSG meeting as an observer; Meeting with NDMA at local level and share the strategy; Preparation of Mandera workshop (no mission): agenda, content, outputs / outcomes; Development and implementation of a format to track progress of the pilot initiatives in Baringo and Mandera in relation with ACTED’s AME Manager and linked to the ECHO proposal. Development of a short interim report taking stock of progress to date (3-4 pages) with the program advisor and the AME Manager.November - December 2014 (5 days)Preparation and facilitation of a 2 day multi - stakeholder workshop, with Baringo and Mandera NDMA, and national key stakeholders: NDMA, Ministries, ECHO, FEWS NET, WFP, FAO, UNICEF to share progress realized so far and future working opportunities. Development and finalization of a final report.Total number of days: 25

Expected inputs from ACTED

ACTED will provide:

The necessary support and guidance including regular feedback on pilot initiatives in Baringo and Mandera counties;M & E will provide short reports based on lesson learning formats;Logistics: transportation and accommodation during field visit. Strategic brief based on Baringo workshop report and links to other initiatives;Short interim report taking stock of progress to date with recommendations for the pilot activities (3-4 pages);Synthesis of Lessons Learnt from the pilot activities;Preparation and facilitation of workshops. Minimum Master degree in political science, humanitarian or development or development economics;  At least 15 years in international experiences in Early Warning and Disaster Risk Management; Relevant working experience in Kenya (minimum 8 years); Experience in communication with external actors, partners and donors; Excellent writing and verbal communication skills; Experience in assessment and monitoring; Excellent analytical skills. Please provide CV and cover letter to Nairobi.administration@acted.org on or before 4th July 2014

VSF Belgium is an NGO working with disadvantaged communities to increase their standard of living and improve food security through improved animal health and animal production.

In East Africa, our programmes focus on community based animal health services, training centres for mid-level animal health workers and sustainable natural resource utilisation.

Deadline for Application: 18/07/2011

Position Title: Natural Resources Management & Early Warning Systems Officer

Duty Station: Moroto Uganda

Duration: 1 year, (renewable)

Availability: Immediately

Role

Ensure effective and coordinated delivery of livestock development interventions aimed at improving access to food and income for the livestock dependent households in project areas.

The Natural Resources Management officer will report directly to the Uganda based project manager.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Programme Planning and Implementation

Prepare in relation to each project, annual, quarterly and monthly NRM/EWS work plans, budgets and reports and submit to the Project Manager.Implement according to each project’s Workplan all activities related to NRM/EWS: including but not exhaustive: Community based NRM (environment, water facilities), Contingency/Preparedness planning, DRR related activities and Capacity building (training).Conduct Monitoring and Evaluation of project activities related to area of operation and jointly with other project staffs on the same project. .Contribute in reports (monthly, intermediate and final) compilation for submission to Donors. Monitor the impact of the above activities on a quarterly basis Team up with Logistics to ensure effective procurement, delivery and management of livestock inputs and services as per technical specifications.Ensure integration of mainstreaming themes such as gender, HIV/AIDS, peace building, environmental protection, etc into the project cycle.Manage relationships and linkages with other Water and NRM service providers at district and national level.2. Programme Technical Guidance and Support
Provide technical guidance and support to partners during the design and implementation of NRM/EWS activities under KLDP 2/ICRD III/L4L/REGLAP ProjectsCollaborate with the District technical departments (Water Department, Production office, Chief Administrative Office, RDC office) in all action related to NRM, EWS, Peace Building and Conflict mitigation as per the District and current government policy.Support target groups and partners in the mitigation of drought impacts using appropriate response mechanisms. 3. Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning
Closely monitor and report regularly on progress and impact of KLDP 2/ICRD III/L4L/REGLAP projects against set targets and progress indicators. Keep track of NRM/EWS sector budgets and ensure proper utilisation and accountability of allocated funds.In collaboration with the District Technical Departments and in relation to each project, support the development and implementation of simple monitoring framework for NRM plans, Management of water points, EW information in the projects areas.Regularly monitor disaster onsets using early warning signals and suggest appropriate response mechanisms.In a timely manner, compile activity progress and monitoring reports and submit to the Project Manager for integration into final reports.4. Networking, Coordination and Advocacy
Build and foster local alliances and networks that enhance sharing, learning and advocacy for DRR and Climate change.Work closely with other NGOs/CBOs and technical experts for harmonisation DRR, NRM, EWS and climate adaptation interventions/approaches.Represent VSF Belgium in coordination meetings and reviews.Participate in: VSF B Internal meetings (PMs , annual, departmental, Finance , planning)District level meetings with development actors in Karamoja clusterRegional cross border meetings in the Karamoja cluster Meeting with project beneficiaries and local partners.Take an active part in proposal writing for supporting viable livelihoods micro-projects for target pastoral groups.Give administrative support to the team and carry out such duties as may be delegated by the Project Manager from time to time.Essential or Minimum Requirements

Education
University degree in either natural resources management, Land use planning, environmental management, development studies, range management or related fields from a recognized university Water resources development in the rangelands of East Africa for at least 3 years Pasture management and conflict mitigation in the pastoralists systems for at least 2 years Land use planning among pastoral communities for at least 2 yearsWorking Knowledge on participatory methodologies of empowerment of communities in natural resources utilizationCommunity based approaches in developmentBe fully conversant with the Ugandan land lawsAbility to articulate Livelihood options and diversification for rangeland environments Computer literacy with very good MS Word and Power pointStrong interpersonal and communication skillsGood writing and reporting skillsAbility to work under pressure in remote areas with pastoral communities Ability to deal with conflict and crises and mobilize communities for appropriate responseFluency in written and spoken EnglishExcellent planning and organizational skillsProven ability to work with a range of local stakeholders including civil authorities, local Government and project partnersTeam playerAttentive to detailFlexibleIdentify him/herself with the mission, vision and values of VSF-BDisplay of intercultural sensitivityRespect in dealing with othersAffinity for NGO work in generalWillingness to travel (frequent visits to the field, remote areas)Local languages of UgandaKnowledge of a local Karamoja dialect is highly desirableExperience of working in UgandaPlease send your application letter, CV and list of 3 references by e-mail (reference “Natural Resources Mgt Officer - Uganda”) before 18/07/2011 to recruitment@vsfb.or.ke

This vacancy is open to only qualified male and female Ugandan National candidates.

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

For more information: http://www.vsf-belgium.org/

Visit http://www.kenyan-jobs.com/ for many more jobs in Kenya

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued an alert warning Kenyans about fake recruitment agencies, promising a lucrative lifestyle in the Middle East.

The alarm comes at a time when the ministry has recorded a daily influx of 30 Kenyans to its embassies in the Arab world, most of them fleeing unbearable working conditions, open abuse and exploitation, from their employers.

Mr Patrick Wamoto, the acting permanent secretary, said the bogus agencies promised Kenyans “improved lifestyle”, but once they take the trip to the foreign lands, they end up being abused.

He said most of the Kenyans languishing abroad fail to “authenticate the job offers with the relevant authorities” before taking the trip and as a result, they are “duped into signing blanket, illegal and non-binding contracts.”

“Failure by migrants to register with the nearest Kenyan embassies or consulates also makes it difficult to determine their whereabouts, rendering them vulnerable to abusive conditions,” Mr Wamoto said in a statement.

Most Kenyans in the Middle East are employed as guards, electricians, waitresses and waiters, chefs, mechanics and house-helps.

There have been cases of Kenyan house-girls being thrown off highrise buildings by employers. Some have been forced to work long hours without pay, and if they complain are beaten and threatened with deportation.
Others have their passports confiscated by employers and they do not have contact with their relatives or even their embassies, until their employer kicks them out, often without pay.

The ministry has now made it mandatory for foreign firms looking for cheap labour to submit information including salaries, wages, the available vacancies, the period of contract and the terms of employment to the local employment agents.

Our client, full-service regional banking institution with operations in close to 30 countries on the continent looking to fill the position of Head of Early Warning and Remedial Management for its operations in Kenya. Reporting to the Head, Credit and Risk Management, the job holder will be accountable for the proactive management of the portfolio to prevent deterioration and increase the volume of recoveries of non-performing loans.

Key responsibilities:
Lead and motivate the early warning and remedial management team to achieve the department KPI’s and execute infrastructure initiatives and projects.
Determine strategies to minimize risks and maximize returns in the areas of asset disposal; restructuring and rescheduling; and litigation.
Review credit agreements and ensure credit and administrative compliance.
Interface with the legal department on collateral documentation/perfection.
Interface with relationship manager primarily and in some cases with clients directly for dispute resolution.
Carry out site visits to branches and business units, and accompany relationship managers when visiting clients to verify quantitative analysis on the ground.
Ensure weekly recovery reports are prepared and presented to respective management groups as required.
Recruit, manage, develop and retain team members. Provide coaching and training and a of team members to ensure their career development. Manage team performance and recommend salary increases and promotions and disciplinary actions when appropriate
Define and ensure consistent application of and operational compliance with company policies and guidelines in relation to collections

Position Requirements
A graduate in Business or related discipline with 5 to 10 years of loan administration experience, especially in the area of distressed loans.
Knowledgeable in all areas of documentation and reporting, having worked with external entities such as law firms and agent banks to ensure credit agreement compliance.
Knowledge of risk, control, operations, and IT processes in a corporate credit environment
Excellent communication skills and good team player
Confident, an excellent communicator and influence who commands authority and has superior negotiation skill.
Fluency in Kiswahili and English

Remuneration: The salary range for this position is between KShs 300,000 to KShs 400,000 gross per month plus benefits. The salary offered will be dependent incumbents experience and demonstrable contribution.

If you are interested in the position and have the skills we are looking for, we would like to hear from you. Please forward an application letter indicating your suitability to this role, together with a copy of your updated resume, and your current salary and benefit package, to recruit @tgagroupea.com by Tuesday 14th June 2011.

Please Note: we do not charge individuals any fee to accept or hold their applications in our database. We therefore do not accept any applications from agencies who charge their clients for submitting their resumes.

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I went through the public university system and to a larger extent the Government through HELB funded my education. Obviously when i was given the cash i didn’t consider the implications and mostly just squandered it.

I have been painfully paying the loan through employer deduction but it looks like life will get real tough for the defaulters. HELB is seeking to enlist the services of debt collectors and the newly created credit reference bureau. and if your name features with any of the two it will be very very hard to access a loan anywhere else.

Debt collectors will be enlisted to track down defaulters of government university loans beginning this month.

This follows the expiry of a two-week ultimatum issued to the past loanees to present their details to the board to speed up repayment.

The Higher Education Loans Board is also preparing to for- ward names of defaulters to credit reference bureaus for action, including blacklisting them for credit access.

A notice issued last month to former beneficiaries who were not repaying their loans expired at the weekend.

In the notice, the board informed defaulters that it planned to engage the services of debt collectors to recover the amount owing. “To avoid the above, all beneficiaries currently not re-paying their loans are required to forward to the board their names, identity card numbers and current postal addresses,” said the notice.

“They should also forward their current employers’ names and postal address.” Loanees who are unemployed- or self employed were also required to provide all their details.

Those targeted are the ones who took up loans under the defunct Higher Education Loans Fund, the Education ministry and Helb.

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