Corporate Smarts & Insight Africa Internship Opportunities

Corporate Smarts & Insights Africa , a Kenyan-based regional consulting firm providing research-led solutions, Project & Business Proposal Consultancy, Personal Development, & Team building.

The Company is seeking to recruit results-oriented Interns to be part of our dynamic team committed to growing the Company BRAND further in terms of volume and profitability.

Interns-Corporate Affairs
Job Ref: HR-CA/INT-CSIA-09-09-001

Reporting to The Board Of Directors, he/she will be responsible for the following specific duties:-

Key Performance Indicators

• Ability to effectively supervise, motivate, train, mentor and manage staff
• be able to develop a credible strategy on how to strengthening Group Corporate brand and products positioning within RiftValley Kenya market
• Interact with and provide administrative support and weekly mailings and breifings to the Board of Directors on need basis.
• Ensuring that the commercial and profitability goals of the Group are achieved

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, Plan, Implement and Monitor Records Management policies, regulations and procedures.
• Prepare and implement Registry work-plans and programmes related to records management and monitor their implementation.
• A qualification in Project Management will be an added advantage.
• Practical experience in the development of organizational management capacity including strategic planning and management, work plan development, monitoring and evaluation.
• Evaluate the Company’s internal control systems and recommend improvements and enhancements for strengthening them to ensure that assets are adequately safeguarded against loss and misappropriation and that administrative and financial records are accurate and reliable;
• Check and recommend payments - verify payment vouchers in accordance with laid down rules and principles and determine aggregate expenditure.
• Experience as a mentor, facilitator, trainer and strong skills in coaching and supervision.
• Providing documented and accurate monthly Purchasing reports to the Financial Controller, General Manager showing the activity status and Performance targets.
• Corporate brand and communication management of the organization, including all the strategy, planning, positioning and measurement using multiple media platforms. As the corporate brand and communication champion, excellent interpersonal and influencing skills will be required to manage relationships with stakeholders at all levels, to drive initiatives and ensure all activities support the company's corporate brand strategy.
• In addition, you will be responsible for leveraging the organization's CSR sponsorships, and developing an annual plan to support the corporate brand objectives.
• You will contribute to our the Group overall brand awareness and market share.
• You will have a demonstrable commitment to quality control, and demonstrated ability in successfully managing multiple projects with numerous stakeholders and within very tight deadlines and budget.
• You will play a key role in corporate events management involving a cross section of stakeholders.
• Conduct periodic internal audit of the Group systems, policies, processes and procedures and report to the Board of Directors.
• Investigate, report deviations, incidences and non conformance of policies and procedures to the Board of Directors.
• Establishing and maintaining cordial relations with local authorities and government stakeholders.
• Monitor and evaluate implementation of Group policies and procedures.
• Oversee recruitment process, liaison with Line Managers, drawing up vacancy adverts, collating applications, advising on sift criteria, management representative on interview panels ensuring best practice, checking references, and managing induction arrangements for new recruits.
• To assist Senior Management with corporate change issues as they impact on our staff, including developing and supporting change communication strategies & ensuring change issues are factored into our learning & development plans.
• Oversight of the LE staff performance management system, monitoring probation, appraisals, disciplinary policy and other general issues, communicating with managers across the High Commission.
• Leading and managing the company corporate social responsibility function.
• Leading and managing the company's corporate governance and legal issues
• Managing and ensuring that the company's administration activities are run efficiently and effectively Manage administrative issues for current staff including maintenance of personal records, insurance, Post medical health scheme and other legal issues.
• Prepare and circulate the annual calendar of events, meetings and related functions.
• Facilitate reception and protocol arrangements for the Corporation’s external visitors.
• Assist in the organisation of the Corporation events and business fairs; prepare adverts and publications.
• Develop communication programmes and update the corporation’s website.
• Engage in high level secretariat and stakeholder liaison.
• Solicit information, produce materials and make meeting travel and hotel arrangements for the Board of Directors and Board Committees.
• Assist with schedule of board and committee meetings as well as preparation for meetings.
• Log and file (physically and/or electronically) all Board - related correspondence; maintain an up to date corporate records system.
• Respond to stakeholders’ requests for information and manage regular correspondence with relevant stakeholders.
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned by Management including appointments in various committees.

Academic Qualifications

• Masters degree in business administration, marketing, strategic communication or equivalent.
• At least 10 years experience in management of a private or public organization with a strong communication and/or marketing orientation.
• Experience in matters relating to image and brand development will be desirable

Interns -Research and Internal Auditor
Job Ref: HR-RIA/INT-CSIA-09-09-002

Working in the Finance Department under the direction of the Finance & Administration Director, the Finance Officer will assist in the accounting and documentation of all financial transactions , research and relevant data for use by Group in developing of new products for microfinance in timely and accurate manner.

Key Performance Indicators

• Management of the management Accounting and reporting function of the company and its subsidiaries
• Designing and implementing internal control procedures and production of reports on all financial transactions
• Produce concept papers, lessons learned papers, toolkits chapters, research reports, and other knowledge management outputs

Key Responsibilities:

• Preparing value adding risk-based internal audit plans for continuous audit of internal controls and financial statements.
• Ensuring that all accounting records are maintained in accordance with Group Accounting Manual (i.e. ledgers and subsidiary books of accounts).
• Ensuring proper maintenance of Cost Accounting records and taking accurate physical inventories.
• Monitoring and reviewing the effectiveness of the company internal control systems to ensure compliance with the organisational policies and procedures.
• Monitoring the implementation of audit recommendations and reporting findings to the Board of Directors.
• Preparing/ensuring timely preparation and presentation of relevant narrative and financial progress reports.
• Develop detailed audit programs, plans and schedules of areas reviewed
• Examine and evaluate companies' internal controls to ascertain their adequacy and make recommendations for improvement.
• Prepare reports on areas audited with relevant recommendations Ensure implementation of agreed recommendations.
• Carry out special audits and/or investigations and other special assignments as may be required by management from time to time as well as providing ad-hoc advice on control issues.
• Provision of administrative, financial and logistical support services and assets management.
• Evaluate end of crop financial records and support the Group to understand how to best invest profits.
• Perform efficiency and value for money audits to ensure that utilization of resources is in accordance with plans and budgets and in conformity with Group requirements;
• Reviewing & approving disbursement vouchers, miscellaneous charges, paid-outs & rebates. Follow up on the implementation of internal and external audit recommendations and evaluate the responses and actions taken by management, as well as providing advice or clarification to when necessary;
• Overseeing strict implementation of financial management and control systems while ensuring compliance with international financial rules and regulations;
• Continuously monitor and review management system and recommend changes as required
• Participation in the preparation of the Board’s strategic plans and forecasts, cash flow projections and computation of expense ratio.
• Establishment of sound financial policies, systems and procedures in compliance with statutory regulations
• Coordinating the budgeting process, monitoring cash flow and overseeing the organization’s financial performance against the budget and operational goals.
• Coordination of annual audits in compliance with International Accounting Standards.
• Management of day to day accounting processes, reconciling monthly activity and generating end-year reports.
• Reviewing established systems, operations, procedures to ensure safeguard of assets and compliance with policies, plans, procedures, statutory requirements and regulations.
• Reviewing financial records and ensuring that the transactions are in compliance with established practices, policies and values.
• To analyze and harmonize the budget parameters for all departments.
• To ensure proper allocation of costs to appropriate cost centres.
• Process, approve and code expenditure (claims, imprests, surrenders, field office returns and purchase requisitions) and internal recoveries in accordance with work plans and budgets.
• Provide operational support to managers on expenditure management to include short term action plans and expenditure scheduling.
• Maintain up-to-date and accurate cash book summaries and cheque registers.
• Control of expenditure and below-the-line accounts.
• Preparing analytical reports, briefing papers, policy briefs, journal articles, and other papers as short-term responses to and long-term frameworks for the development of the group programmes.
• Preparation and presentation of the monthly financial reports and the bi-monthly flash reports and other key performance indicators to the Executive Committee.
• Overseeing the preparation and processing of group payroll.
• Management and review of company and group statutory compliance. E.g. PAYE, VAT, Corporate tax, withholding taxes, CMA, NSE and CBK.
• Coordination of the group interim and annual statutory audits and ensuring audit issues are addressed.
• Manage the administrative activities of the bank for the smooth running of business operations. Such roles include, fleet management, property management, stocks management and office support services.
• Identify funding opportunities and assisting programme and country teams with developing RES proposals.
• Designs appropriate methodologies for approved research projects. Conduct market research to effectively understand our positioning in a competitive environment.
• Carry out evaluation of Group Business segment, data and new products marketing activities.
• Responsible for dealing with research suppliers, managing budgets effectively and following internal procedures effectively.
• Liaise with other Group Departmental heads to prepare research plans for the Group Business, data and new products segments.
• Provide support on research briefs, design and implementation of research results for the projects as and when required.
• Guide the process for identifying the key performance questions and parameters for monitoring project performance and comparing it to targets. Design and develop such relevant performance reports.
• Plan for regular opportunities to identify lessons learnt and implications for Group’s next steps.

Qualifications and competencies:

• Bsc. in Research and Quantities Techniques or applied statistics.
• Strong capability in quantitative Analysis with demonstrated experience in Mixed Model Methodologies.
• Good competence in SQL programming.
• Demonstrated ability to summarize, Interpret and communicate results of data analysis report form.
• University degree in Accounting or Business Administration.
• Professional certification in accounting (CPA (K), ACCA, ACA) is mandatory.
• Further certification such as CISA, CIA will be an added advantage.
• Be a self Starter able to work on their own or be part of a cross functional team
• Strong working knowledge of advanced Microsoft excel, Word, Power point and statistical package such as SPSS and Stata

Interns-Business Dev. IT & Enterprise
Job Ref: HR-BDIE/INT-CSIA-09-09-003

Reporting to the Business Dev, IT & Enterpreous Director, the position holder will coordinate the development of policies and strategies for marketing and business development in the Service, management of marketing, business development and harmonize the oparetions and provision of first-line ICT support for of Group and maintenance of the ICT Group infrastructure.

Key Performance Indicators

• Planning, coordinating and Implementing strategies and policies for business development and marketing and ICT infrastructure including ICT Budgeting and Planning.
• Ensure development of new business products and determining the appropriate pricing and marketing strategies that can optimize benefits
• Developing and overseeing the new market/ business opportunities and developing new revenue streams for Group.
• Develop and ensure implementation of effective customer service mechanisms that ensure responsiveness to customer expectations
• Develop business plans to support new and emerging business development initiatives.
• Assisting selected Group Project partners to prepare sound project proposals and plans

Key Responsibilities:

• Initiate and oversee the implementation of commercialization strategies in line with the College’s mandate.
• Formulate and ensure implementation of strategies to grow the business.
• Investigate, evaluate, develop and advise on business initiatives.
• Develop and implement an Information Management System that provide among other client specified reports.
• Attention to detail and ability to prioritize tasks.
• Brilliant interpersonal, leadership and communications skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment Knowledge of French is an added advantage.
• Providing commercial and business leadership and administration of the project's commercial agreements.
• Ensuring timely completion of annual business plans and forecasts as well as where Group 's development vision is headed and how the Group should facilitate delivery of this vision.
• Assist Group with overall organisational development and capacity building including the identification of needed short-term technical assistance.
• Support Group 's adoption of new practices and procedures and interaction with implementation partners, especially during the program's start-up.
• Provides technical support to CSIA to manage the development of strategic plans, annual work plans, monitoring and evaluation plans and related technical.
• Assists Group to identify, document, disseminate and scale up best practices and identify emerging technical needs on a continuous basis.
• Elaboration of relevant CSIAM project implementation plans in consultation with other key Group implementing Companies/partners
• Oversee the implementation of the Group project communication strategy to ensure full understanding and visibility of the project among partners and key stakeholders.
• Participating in discussions to develop new ideas and proposals to further the Group project.
• Ensuring proper administration of operating systems and applications and Providing technical support to system users.
• Maintaining appropriate profiles, privileges and system backups and restoration scripts.
• Conduct internal and external research and customer satisfaction surveys for purposes of diagnosing and responding to client/customer complaints.
• Overseeing development, enhancement, maintenance and implementation of internet technology projects and Group website.
• Manage third-party services for internet.
• Manage quality and content of Group intranet.
• Ensuring web security, backup and continuity.
• Installing and maintaining of computers, computer hardware and network systems.
• Troubleshooting and diagnosing of computers and network infrastructure.
• Obtain and install the necessary hardware and software upgrades for the ICT network to ensure that the network is capable of meeting the needs of the organization.
• Provide training to staff on ICT policy, equipment use and user of applications on need basis.
• Design and update an interactive web database from information gathered from departments & implement E-commerce solutions.
• Maintain and update the Management Information System (MIS) for the collection, analysis and dissemination of data within Group.
• Establish a Wide Area Network (WAN) or Large Area Network [LAN] to increase network accessibility and capacity to all staff.
• Maintain and revise the ICT and Security Policy and Manual to govern how the Corporation’s technology will be utilized in line with the changing technological environment and legal framework.
• Ensure continuous upgrade and setup of supporting network infrastructure.
• Initiate and continuously advise on investments in scalable software and hardware systems to support growth of business.
• Ensure secure, continuous uninterrupted availability and functionality of Corporation’s computer systems.
• Excellent leadership skills and sound hands on technical knowledge in Informix, Microsoft and Linux/Unix Application.
• Develop and implement procedures for disaster recovery to ensure high levels of systems resilience.
• Ensure that an inventory of all computing equipment, software and documentation are properly maintained.

Person Specifications:

• Ability to influence cross-functional teams without formal authority
• Outstanding analytical skills, attention to detail and ability to prioritize tasks.
• Self-motivated and capable of working independently
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
• Brilliant interpersonal, leadership and communications skills
• Ensure the integrity, reliability and security of data and processes
• Other qualifications such as MCSE, CCNA, CISCO, Database Administration Certifications,ICT Budgeting and Planning.
• A university degree in Commerce, Business Administration or Finance or A Higher Diploma in Computer Engineering/Science or A post graduate qualification in ICT Certification is A MUST.
• Be a strategic thinker and a good organizer and manager
• be a highly motivated and self-driven individual with a high level of diplomacy, tact and interpersonal skills.
• have a valid driving license and be willing and able to travel widely around Riftvalley region on work, and to make presentations to high level panels;

Interns -Human Resources & Communications
Job Ref: HR-HRCM/INT-CSIA-09-09-004

Reporting to the Human Resource & Communication Director,the incumbent will be responsible for coordination, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of all aspects of the human resources function by ensuring the availability of a competent and well-motivated staff throughout the Group Programmes and the sustenance of individual and organizational growth and performance.

Key Performance Indicators

• Participating in the design and implementation of organizational change processes needed to achieve organizational goals;
• Supervise, appraise and ensure appropriate training of personnel
• Operating and maintaining fleet management system.
• Best practices of Group organizations and agencies: Group mandate, strategy, structure, management and staffing and formulate clear Learning & Development Strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Participating in the development and implementation of Group programme strategic plan and specifically the Human resources aspect;
• Ensuring consistency in the interpretation and implementation of CSIA HR policies and Procedures;
• Manpower planning and staffing within the Group program with a focus on diversity;
• Overseeing staff performance including induction, probation and the annual performance evaluation;
• Supporting training and development activities including planning and delivering within the Country Programme;
• Fostering a workplace environment consistent with the Group organisation’s value and mission statements.
• Ensuring CSIA’s compliance with all national legal and statutory requirements for the management of its HR resources.
• Assessing and ensuring appropriate responses to partners improvement/learning needs in order to ensure good execution competence and compliance with signed agreement
• Identifies and develops reliable sources of supply through supplier appraisal and evaluation system.
• Ensure Comprehensive inspection, maintenance, repair, and budget of the fleet of vehicles.
• Planning, scheduling and directing the operations of the maintenance of the vehicles.
• Tracking of insurance, inspection and other government regulations.
• Investigating motor vehicle accidents, negotiating settlements.
• To lead the CSIA training programme, taking forward LE staff development through a clear Learning & Development Strategy.

Minimum Qualifications

• Be conversant with procedures for fleet management
• Be a self driven team leader and possess excellent management skills.
• Have excellent communication skills.
• Have a positive attitude and ability to increase efficiency in the fleet operations.
• Analytical, negotiating, communication and advocacy skills.
• Training ability and a good facilitator.
• Strategic negotiation skills.
• Entrepreneurial passion for solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment, and establish harmonious and effective working relationships, both within and outside the Group.
• Fresh College graduate with a BS/BA in Human Resources required. Additional experience in Psychology/Sociology is helpful but not required.
• Ability to work a minimum of 30 hours a week.
• A quick study; strong analytical and organizational skills, detail oriented, creative and resourceful.
• Prior experience and comfort with Microsoft Office software – Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Corel draw and Publisher – preferred.
• Discretion in handling confidential data.
• Understanding of best practice and global trends in managing employee contribution

If you possess the above qualifications please write in confidence enclosing a detailed CV, Certified Copies of academic transcripts and professional certificates, a day- time telephone contact, names and contacts of three referees so as to reach the undersigned not later than 4th December 2009.

Note: All applications must be in both soft and hard copies.

Apply To:

Group Human Resources & Communications Director
Corporate Smarts & Insight Africa
P.O Box 17512-00200
General Post Office
Nakuru
Kenya

Email: info @ corporate-smarts.com or Web: www.corporate-smarts.com

Corporate Smarts & Insight Africa is an equal opportunity employer.

We value the diversity of individuals, ideas, perspectives, insights and values, and what they bring to the workplace. Applications from all qualified candidates are most welcome.

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