Solidarités Kenya Job Vacancy Announcements

Solidarités Vacancy Announcements

1. Position: Field Coordinator
Line Manager: Country Director
Location: Lodwar
Closing Date: 09 October 2009
Duration of the contract: 11 months

Solidarités is an international humanitarian aid organisation which provides assistance to populations who are victims of armed conflict or natural disaster.

For 29 years, Solidarités has concentrated its action on meeting three vital needs: water, food and shelter. By carrying out emergency programmes, Solidarités acquired experience end expertise in the fields of access to drinking water and sanitation.

The joint Kenya / Somalia mission is relatively young (started in March 2007) and includes 2 projects in South Somalia, and 3 projects in Kenya.

In Kenya, SOLIDARITÉS has one project in North Horr and another one in Nairobi’s slums and is starting a new project in Turkana Central. All these projects focus on Water and Sanitation and Food Security, whether in an emergency context or a recovery context.
In Somalia, SOLIDARITÉS has one project in Bardera district / Gedo and another one in Afmadow district / Lower Juba.

SOLIDARITÉS is now opening a new project in Central Turkana District, Kerio Division. Based on its experience in ASAL context in Kenya (Chalbi District) and South Somalia (Gedo and Lower Juba), SOLIDARITES proposes the following strategy of intervention in this area:

• Strengthen and diversify existing assets and means of livelihood (rehabilitation of water points, capacity building of Water User Committee, Support to Agro-pastoralists households and to Fishermen communities…)
• Put in place a capacity of emergency response (de-stocking, de-worming, water trucking)

Objective of the position:

• The Field Coordinator is the responsible of the overall conduct of the program in each and all of its components: representation, management, activities, needs evaluation, logistics, security management and administration.
• Particularly, the Field Coordinator will be responsible of the opening of this new project.
• He manages his team to achieve the humanitarian objectives as defined per the proposal and according to Solidarités principles.

Hierarchy

Under the authority of: the Country Director

Responsible of:

• All the project staff (33 persons)
• And directly manages in particular :

1. 1 Administrator / log
2. 1 watsan program manager
3. 1 food security program manager

Key responsibilities

Note: this list gives the framework of your activities but it is not exhaustive. You may be asked to complete other duties.

Management

• Manage directly :

1. 1 Administrator / log
2. 1 watsan program manager
3. 1 food security program manager

• Organize the planning and supervision of the work
• Ensure that performance evaluations are conducted regularly and job descriptions are relevant and updated for the staff under his responsibility.
• Responsible of the planning with the team
• Responsible and make sure that the principles and the Charta of Solidarités are known, respected and put in action
• Organize the formal and informal communication in the team.

Human Resources

• In the particular context of the opening of this new project, recruit the staff necessary to the project’s implementation according to Solidarités guidelines.
• Insure the respect of Solidarités rules and regulations for the national staff and ensure Kenyan Labour Laws are respected.
• Propose updates concerning HR package according to the needs (salaries per diem, training, break, …)
• Insure that stress management procedures are in place and are respected.
• Anticipate and plan human resources requirements
• Organize and help to solve team conflicts and make sure working conditions are as good as possible

Finance and accountancy

• Responsible of the finances and of the administration in coordination with the Administrator / Logistician
• In the particular context of the opening of this new project, pay attention to the right implementation and training of SOLIDARITES administrative procedures in link with the Admin / Log

Logistics

• Responsible of the logistics in coordination with the Administrator / Logistician
• In the particular context of the opening of this new project, pay attention to the details of the base setup in link with the Admin / Log
• In the particular context of the opening of this new project, pay attention to the right implementation and training of SOLIDARITES logistic procedures in link with the Admin / Log

Programs Coordination

• Responsible of the progress and of the quality of the program
• Responsible of the relevance of the activities regarding the humanitarian needs of the populations
• Supervising the planning of activities and resources’ use and the matching of the budget with the activities
• Monitor the humanitarian context in the area and identify population needs
• Organize and write new propositions of humanitarian actions (evaluations, proposals) according to population needs
• Contribute to capitalization
• Responsible to develop lessons learnt on strategic approaches (procurement, payment, recruitment, …)
• Ensure that SOLIDARITES Management tools are properly used

Security

• The security management and context analysis is under the responsibility of the Program coordinator. The log-admin is responsible of its daily management.
• Participate constantly to the gathering of information about the context of the mission, incidents, political changes or any information related to security and report it to the Program Manager.
• Supervise allocation of resources (employment, renting of cars, contracts) regarding security issues
• Supervise the organization of distributions (criteria of selection, security management)
• Participate security meetings
• Ensure good relationship with the local authorities and every actor related to security (Ngos, agencies etc…)
• Update regularly to the security guidelines with the Program Manager
• Brief every newcomer to the compound about the security rules and about the context
• Organize the sharing of information with the team

Reporting

• Prepare and is responsible for weekly report with the participation of the team
• Prepare report for donors (interim and final reports).
• Report any security incident to Nairobi immediately.
• Focal point for all the communication with the country Director

Representation

• Responsible for all representation purposes toward local authorities and communities and make sure good relations are maintained
• Responsible of the good links and appropriate coordination / validation with the Kenyan Authorities (Ministry of Water, of Agriculture, Veterinary services, Public Health services…)
• Participate regularly and be an active member of the District Steering Group with other NGOs and the Kenyan Government
• Responsible for all representation purposes toward NGOS, UN etc… and maintain a pro-active relationship with them
• Participate meetings and makes Solidarités and its activities known.
• When relevant, is the representative on the field toward the donors

Qualifications and experience requested

Education:

• Minimum Bachelor or equivalent in a degree relevant with Humanitarian actions (Project management, watsan, livestock…). Generalist approach.

Experience:

• At least 2 years of experience in a senior equivalent management position with NGOs
• At least 5 years of experience in project implementation with NGOs
• At least 1 year of field experience with NGOs in conflict areas
• Previous experience in dealing with Drought Preparedness projects
• Previous experience with Solidarités (good knowledge of Solidarités procedures) is a clear advantage
• Previous experience in opening phase of a new project is a clear advantage

Person Specification:

Skills and competences:

• At least 30 years old.
• Excellent writing capacities
• Resistant to high stress
• High working capacity
• Respect of tight security and behaviour rules
• Reactivity and adaptation to a very moving context
• Taste for geopolitics and complex contexts
• A clear taste for tough challenges

Languages:

• English (working language) : fluent with excellent writing capacities
• French is a clear advantage
• Kiswahili remains desirable skills

Computer skills:

• Excellent knowledge of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet
• GIS basic knowledge is a plus

2. Position: Administrator and Logistics Manager
Line Manager: Field Co-ordinator
Location: Lodwar
Closing Date: 09 October 2009
Duration of the contract: 11 months

Objective of the position:

• Manage the field project logistics and administrative issues.
  
• Insure Solidarités’ logistics and administrative procedures are in place and applied properly by persons involved in the projects implementation.
  
• Insure transparency of the whole process and that support to the program is efficient (Finance, Human Resources, Logistics, Supplies …)

Hierarchy

• Under the authority of the Field Coordinator
• Collaborate with Administrative Coordinator and Logistic Coordinator (they are your technical referees respectively in Administrative and Logistics matters).
• Collaborate with Program managers and field staff under order departments.
• Responsible of all locally recruited staff working in the Logistics and Administration department.
• Log Admin staffs at the present moment include: Administrator Assistant in charge of the cashbox (to be recruited), Logistics Assistant and Cleaner.

Key responsibilities

Note1: this list gives the framework of your activities but it is not exhaustive. You may be asked to complete other duties.

Human Resource

• Insure the respect of Solidarités rules and regulations for the national staff
• Follow up the data base and issue monthly salary payslips
• Propose updates concerning HR package according to the needs (salaries, per diem, training, break, medical insurance …)
• Insure that formats of contract of employment are relevant to the context and to Solidarités’ procedures.
• Insure that performance evaluations are conducted regularly and job descriptions are relevant and updated.
• Coach and build the capacity of local staff under his supervision

Finance

• Responsible of the accountancy for Afmadow programs.
• Organize the sending of field accounting files to Nairobi on a regular basis (maximum every two months)
• Ensure that accounting files are properly followed up, identified and voucherised
• Check field invoices to ensure Solidarités’ procedures are followed (BAP, signatures, …)
• Responsible of accounting cashbooks follow up
• Supervise the financial follow up (expenses, forecast, variations between lines, amendment needed, cash forecast, ...)
• Responsible to insure that donors rules and regulations are respected
• Responsible to insure that cash flow between Nairobi and Lodwar is properly organized, planned and that all payment made by the local transfer companies are duly documented.

Logistics follow up

• Responsible of the fleet management, , whether for passengers of freight
• Responsible of the base improvement (comfortable, practical, security, ..) through rehabilitation work, furniture and equipment set up, …
• Insure that the computer and all communication equipment are functional and properly used.
• Responsible to make sure that contracts of services or procurement are relevant according to Solidarités’ and donors procedures.
• Responsible to for the durable equipments and stock materials in the base. Monthly durable equipment and stock inventory.

Program

• Insure that the program received their needed inputs on the basis of timely order, appropriated transport and respect of Solidarités and donors regulations. This activity will be done in close coordination with the Logistics Coordinator based in Nairobi.

Reporting

• Prepare weekly report and submit logistic, administrative and financial inputs to the Field Coordinator.
• Prepare financial report for donors (interim and final reports).
• Send on monthly basis and to Nairobi: cash flow format, percentage of consumption per line of the budget, Budget follow up, accountability on Saga,
• Send all logistics monthly follow up (park statement, asset list, inventories, fleet management, fuel follow up, IOF follow up…)
• Report any security incident to Field Coordinator immediately.

Management

• The log admin will directly manage 1 Logistician assistant, 1 Administrative Assistant, 1 cleaner. This management will include recruitment, training, regular evaluation, planning and supervision of the work.

Monitoring and Assessment

• Responsible to develop lessons learnt on strategic approaches in Lodwar (procurement, payment, recruitment, …)

Communication

• Share with the Field coordinator every information about security, activities, logistic or administrative needs
• Participate in the formulation of weekly situation report
• Participate to the monthly general planning of the program

Qualifications and experience requested

Experience & Qualifications:

• 2 year professional experience in the field of logistics and/or administration and finance in Humanitarian Action programmes.
• Bachelor Degree in finance/ accounting or Business Management (minimum title of advanced technician).
• Field experience with other organizations or companies in a developing country as logistician.
• Experience of team Management.

Person Specification:

Skills and competences:

• Understanding and interest in emergency humanitarian situations
• Knowledge and Understanding of the humanitarian actors
• Good communicator
• Team leader and coordination ability
• Ability to propose and put into action new ideas
• Ability to negotiate
• Excellent writing capacity

Languages:

• Fluency in English and Kiswahili
• Knowledge of French language is an added advantage

Computer skills:

• Excellent Computer skills (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Knowledge of SAGA software is a plus

3. Position: 1 (one) Watsan Program Manager
Line Manager: Field Coordinator
Location: Kerio Division, Turkana Central District, Kenya.
Closing date: 09 October 2009
Duration of the contract: 11 months

Program description:

SOLIDARITES is now opening a new project in Central Turkana District, Kerio Division.

Based on its experience in ASAL context in Kenya (Chalbi District) and South Somalia (Gedo and Lower Juba), SOLIDARITES proposes the following strategy of intervention in this area:

• Strengthen and diversify existing assets and means of livelihood (rehabilitation of water points, capacity building of Water User Committee, Support to Agro-pastoralists households and to Fishermen communities…)
• Put in place a capacity for emergency response (de-stocking, de-worming, water trucking)

Objective of the position:

The Watsan Program Manager is a key person who will be responsible in managing the watsan operational component of the program:

• To ensure achievement of the watsan objectives within the timeframe of the program
• To manage the Watsan team in Kerio
• To prepare reports and planning
• To follow up and manage the watsan budget
• To assess others needs in terms of Watsan in the area

Hierarchy:

Under the authority of: the Field Coordinator and the Head of Mission.

The Watsan program manager will refer to the Kenya Watsan Coordinator on all technical issues. This link is functional, rather than hierarchical.

The watsan program manager will oversee the activities of the following staff:

• Watsan Assistant
• Well supervisors
• Hygiene promoters
• Latrines supervisors

Keys responsibilities:

NB: this list gives the framework of the responsibilities of this position but it is not exhaustive. You may be asked to complete other duties.

Team Management

• To recruit and train the staff under its direct responsibility
• To animate and manage the team
• To prepare and update job descriptions for each team under his/her responsibility
• To evaluate the skills and performances of the staff under his/her responsibility at 6 months intervals
• To complete detailed planning of activities in collaboration with the whole Watsan team.

Project development

• To work closely with the Watsan Coordinator to complete detailed activity planning for the new project in Kerio.
• To be responsible for the coherence of the Watsan Program in terms of population needs and proposed activities.
• Contribute to the development of the Watsan Program strategy in accordance with the Solidarités Kenya country strategy and the field context

Project Management

• To launch the water and sanitation activities
• To propose alternative appropriate and cost effective activities relevant to the area
• To be responsible of the progress and the quality of the work for watsan activities of the program
• To control the evolution of watsan component (progress indicator, relevance and efficiency) and to adjust activities and processes (see sections about budget account and human resources management)
• To ensure periodic assessments of the Watsan component and to adjust if necessary to the needs in collaboration with the Field Coordinator, the Watsan coordinator and the Food Security Program Manager.
• To plan Watsan activities and resources in time, according to the objectives of the Program
• To ensure adherence to the budgets with objectives and activities settled jointly with the financial staff in the field on in the headquarters
• To be responsible for program reporting to the Field Coordinator, Watsan Coordinator and the head of mission, according to Solidarités and DFID reporting regulations.
• To facilitate the collection of baseline, project monitoring and context monitoring data by Watsan field staff
• To contribute to the capitalisation of experience through the development of tools and reports
• To follow the advice and recommendations of the Watsan Coordinator.

Summary of Watsan activities to be implemented under the project

• Construction of 5 riverside infiltration wells
• Rehabilitation of 5 existing concrete lined open wells
• Rehab of 1 existing borehole
• Construction of rainwater harvesting systems at 4 schools
• Rehabilitation/protection of 3 springs
• Distribution of water collection containers to targeted households
• Construction of communal latrines at 3 schools
• Development and of appropriate household latrine technology (pilot activity)
• Hygiene promotion
• Mobilisation and training of effective Water User Committees for all water points covered by the project
• Mapping of water resources and use in the division

Logistics / Administration

• To Prepare purchase requests for materials in link with logistics and administration personnel
• To plan movement and transport needs on a weekly basis
• To validate access to work sites in term of security for Solidarités staff, in link with the Field Coordinator and Logistic/Administrator.
• To validate movements of materials in and out of stock, concerning Watsan activities
• To follow the program budget lines
• To anticipate the needs in terms of cashflow forecast for the Program

Evaluation / reporting

• Make sure indicators as specified in the project logical framework are measured according to the sources specified
• Participate in need assessments
• Propose new activities according to need assessments for the area covered
• Monitor regularly the Watsan situation in the area and develop monitoring tools

Communication

Internal Communication:

• Share with the team every information about security, activities, logistical or administrative needs
• Prepare weekly situation report for Watsan activities
• Contribute to final and intermediary activity reports
• Participate in weekly coordination team meetings
• Participate in security meetings

External Communication:

• Sharing and discuss Watsan related propositions with donor’s representative.
• Participate in Watsan Cluster meetings / forums whenever possible.
• Participate and organize meetings with different humanitarian actors (UN, NGOs etc..) about Watsan issues in the field

Qualifications and experience requested:

Qualification:

• Bachelors Degree in Civil Engineering or another relevant field. A master’s degree in a field relevant to Watsan programming would be a distinct advantage.

Experience:

• Minimum 3 years of experience in Watsan project management in a similar position
• Minimum 2 years of experience within an NGO or similar agencies
• Proven experience of working directly with communities and developing community driven projects
• Experience of work in a high security context
• Experience in team management and planning
• Proven experience in project management

Person Specification:

Skills and competences

• Good knowledge of Watsan technologies and current hygiene promotion methodologies used in humanitarian contexts
• Good knowledge of the project management cycle and methodology
• Understanding and interest in emergency humanitarian situations
• Knowledge and understanding of the main humanitarian actors
• Ability to analyze complex geopolitics contexts
• Team leadership and coordination ability
• Ability to propose and put into action new ideas
• Ability to negotiate with communities
• Good communicator
• Excellent writing capacity in English
• Fluent English speaker. Good Kiswahili language skills in is a plus
• Excellent Computer skills (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Personality traits

• Calm and diplomatic (security context)
• Good stress management skills
• Strong capacity to work with initiative and without close
• Appetite for very challenging situations
• Acceptance of harsh living conditions
• Acceptance of Security rules and behavior guidelines
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural team

4. Position: 1 (one) Food Security Program Manager
Line Manager: Field Coordinator
Location: Kerio Division, Turkana Central District, Kenya.
Closing date: 09 October 2009
Duration of the contract: 11 months

Solidarités is an international humanitarian aid organisation which provides assistance to populations who are victims of armed conflict or natural disaster.

For 29 years, Solidarités has concentrated its action on meeting three vital needs: water, food and shelter.

By carrying out emergency programmes, Solidarités acquired experience end expertise in the fields of access to drinking water and sanitation.

The joint Kenya / Somalia mission is relatively young (started in March 2007) and includes 2 projects in South Somalia, and 3 projects in Kenya.

In Kenya, SOLIDARITES has one project in North Horr and another one in Nairobi’s slums and is starting a new project in Turkana Central. All these projects focus on Water and Sanitation and Food Security, whether in an emergency context or a recovery context.

In Somalia, SOLIDARITES has one project in Bardera district / Gedo and another one in Afmadow district / Lower Juba.

Program description:

SOLIDARITES is now opening a new project in Central Turkana District, Kerio Division. Based on its experience in ASAL context in Kenya (Chalbi District) and South Somalia (Gedo and Lower Juba), SOLIDARITES proposes the following strategy of intervention in this area:

• Strengthen and diversify existing assets and means of livelihood (rehabilitation of water points, capacity building of Water User Committee, Support to Agro-pastoralists households and to Fishermen communities…)
• Put in place a capacity for emergency response (de-stocking, de-worming, water trucking)

Objective of the position:

The Food Security Program Manager is a key person who will be responsible in managing the Food Security operational component of the program:

• To ensure achievement of the Food Security objectives within the timeframe of the program
• To manage the Food Security team in Kerio
• To prepare reports and planning
• To follow up and manage the Food Security budget
• To assess others needs in terms of Food Security in the area

Hierarchy:

Under the authority of: the Field Coordinator and the Head of Mission.

The Food Security program manager will refer to the Kenya Food Security Coordinator on all technical issues. This link is functional, rather than hierarchical.

The Food Security program manager will oversee the activities of the following staff:

• Food security Program Manager
• Food security assistant
• Veterinary supervisor

Keys responsibilities:

NB: this list gives the framework of the responsibilities of this position but it is not exhaustive. You may be asked to complete other duties.

Team Management

• To recruit and train the staff under its direct responsibility
• To animate and manage the team
• To prepare and update job descriptions for each team under his/her responsibility
• To evaluate the skills and performances of the staff under his/her responsibility at 6 months intervals
• To complete detailed planning of activities in collaboration with the whole Food Security team.

Project development

• To work closely with the Food Security Coordinator to complete detailed activity planning for the new project in Kerio.
• To be responsible for the coherence of the Food Security Program in terms of population needs and proposed activities.
• Contribute to the development of the Food Security Program strategy in accordance with the Solidarités Kenya country strategy and the field context

Project Management

• To launch the Food Security activities
• To propose alternative appropriate and cost effective activities relevant to the area
• To be responsible of the progress and the quality of the work for Food Security activities of the program
• To control the evolution of Food Security component (progress indicator, relevance and efficiency) and to adjust activities and processes (see sections about budget account and human resources management)
• To ensure periodic assessments of the Food Security component and to adjust if necessary to the needs in collaboration with the Field Coordinator, the Food Security Coordinator and the Watsan Program Manager.
• To plan Food Security activities and resources in time, according to the objectives of the Program
• To ensure adherence to the budgets with objectives and activities settled jointly with the financial staff in the field on in the headquarters
• To be responsible for program reporting to the Field Coordinator, Food Security Coordinator and the head of mission, according to Solidarités and DFID reporting regulations.
• To facilitate the collection of baseline, project monitoring and context monitoring data by Food Security field staff
• To contribute to the capitalisation of experience through the development of tools and reports
• To follow the advice and recommendations of the Food Security Coordinator.

Summary of Food Security activities to be implemented under the project

• Animal destocking
• Training and equipping Community Animal Health Workers (CAHW’s)
• Irrigation study
• Construction of water harvesting system for crop production
• Seeds and tools provision
• De-worming campaigns
• Set up a veterinary shop
• Provision of fishing kits to selected targeted fisher folk
• Capacity building on fishing techniques, stock conservation and fish processing technology (drying)

Logistics / Administration

• To Prepare purchase requests for materials in link with logistics and administration personnel
• To plan movement and transport needs on a weekly basis
• To validate access to work sites in term of security for Solidarités staff, in link with the Field Coordinator and Logistic/Administrator.
• To validate movements of materials in and out of stock, concerning Food Security activities
• To follow the program budget lines
• To anticipate the needs in terms of cashflow forecast for the Program

Evaluation / reporting

• Make sure indicators as specified in the project logical framework are measured according to the sources specified
• Participate in need assessments
• Propose new activities according to need assessments for the area covered
• Monitor regularly the Food Security situation in the area and develop monitoring tools

Communication

Internal Communication:

• Share with the team every information about security, activities, logistical or administrative needs
• Prepare weekly situation report for Food Security activities
• Contribute to final and intermediary activity reports
• Participate in weekly coordination team meetings
• Participate in security meetings

External Communication:

• Sharing and discuss Food Security related propositions with donor’s representative.
• Participate in Food Security Cluster meetings / forums whenever possible.
• Participate and organize meetings with different humanitarian actors (UN, NGOs etc..) about Food Security issues in the field

Qualifications and experience requested:

Qualification:

• First Degree or Masters Degree in a field relevant with Food Security, Agriculture.

Experience:

• Minimum 3 years experience in food security project management
• Minimum 2 years of experience within an NGO or similar agency
• Proven experience of working directly with communities
• Proven experience of semi-arid and pastoralist contexts
• Experience in team management and planning
• Proven experience in project management
• Experience of work in a security context is an added advantage
• Previous experience in the same area of intervention is an added advantage

Person Specification:

Skills and competences

• Good knowledge of food security’s methodologies and techniques in emergency humanitarian situations
• Good knowledge of the project management cycle and methodology
• Understanding and interest in emergency humanitarian situations
• Knowledge and Understanding of the humanitarian actors
• Ability to analyze complex geopolitics contexts
• Team leader and coordination ability
• Ability to propose and put into action new ideas
• Ability to negotiate with communities
• Good communicator
• Excellent writing capacity in English
• Fluent spoken English
• Excellent Computer skills (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Personality traits

• Calm and diplomatic (security context)
• Good stress management skills
• Strong capacity to work with initiative and without close
• Appetite for very challenging situations
• Acceptance of harsh living conditions
• Acceptance of Security rules and behavior guidelines
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural team

How to apply:

Kindly send your cover letter, CV and contact details for 3 referees to the following email address: jobapplication @ solidarites-kenya-som.org

by closing date, 09th October 2009

Please clearly indicate the position you are applying for in the title of your email.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview.

SOLIDARITES IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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