A non-profit organization dedicated to the livelihood of smallholder African small holder farmers and assisting in moving their crops higher up the value chain to ensure political stablity and food security.
Closing date: 27 Mar 2010
Location: Kenya
Rural Development Connections is a non-profit organization dedicated to the livelihood of smallholder African farmers and assisting in moving their crops higher up the value chain.
We accomplish our goals by supporting improvement in the quality and quantity of crops cultivated, further developing the agri-business value chain, and promoting the completion of children's education in rural communities.
Rural Development Connection's mission is to provide rural income generation opportunities to smallholder farmers, discourage negative urbanization in Sub-Saharan Africa, and to encourage the completion of education of rural inhabitants.
Primary Purpose of the Position
Responsible for overall management of RDC programs in Kenya. This position is based in Nairobi Kenya with regular trips to the field. This is a one year assignment, pending performance and funding.
Program Development and Management: 45%
Closing date: 27 Mar 2010
Location: Kenya
Rural Development Connections is a non-profit organization dedicated to the livelihood of smallholder African farmers and assisting in moving their crops higher up the value chain.
We accomplish our goals by supporting improvement in the quality and quantity of crops cultivated, further developing the agri-business value chain, and promoting the completion of children's education in rural communities.
Rural Development Connection's mission is to provide rural income generation opportunities to smallholder farmers, discourage negative urbanization in Sub-Saharan Africa, and to encourage the completion of education of rural inhabitants.
Primary Purpose of the Position
Responsible for overall management of RDC programs in Kenya. This position is based in Nairobi Kenya with regular trips to the field. This is a one year assignment, pending performance and funding.
Program Development and Management: 45%
- Assess current and potential needs of the farming partners in the program areas of income generation, sustainable agriculture and other sectors as appropriate.
- Design new community-based initiatives that respond to the evolving needs of the farming partner population.
- Identify new programs areas for expansion and prepare assessment missions and reports and develop new projects as need and resources dictate.
- Develop new proposals and seek funding support from relevant donors.
- Direct fundraising activities under supervision of RDC/HQ.
- Represent RDC with donors, the host government, international and national organizations.
- Liaise and promote cooperation with other agencies and governmental entities.
- Participate in inter-agency and governmental meetings as required.
Personnel Management 20%
Select, orient and supervise Expatriate and local staff.
This includes
Select, orient and supervise Expatriate and local staff.
This includes
- being fully-staffed;
- ensure staff are properly trained on duties and expectations are clear;
- personnel files are current;
- policies are current and implemented for expat and local staff;
- review, approve and submit all staff time sheets prior to monthly payroll;
- conduct performance assessments and provide coaching and feedback timely and appropriately.
Financial 20%
- Responsible for the full accountability of all financial expenditures including accounts payable, petty cash, wire transfers, etc.
- Ensure all fiscal controls and funder-required policy controls are carried out.
- Prepare and forecast budgets and funding needs for upcoming year.
- Oversee cash management and record keepingin accordance with donor and HQ regulations.
- Ensure financial reports are submitted in a timely manner.
- Prepare and submit activity reports to donors as well as monthly updates to headquarters.
Administration 15%
- Liaison with headquarters and ensure headquarters policies and plans are carried out.
- Maintain frequent communications with headquarters.
- Monitor the security situation and dictate security protocols and procedures.
- Communicate and oversee the establishment and implementation of program objectives, activities, evaluations, and assessments.
- Ensure proper maintenance of procurement and inventory systems consistent with donor and RDC policies and guidelines.
- Monitor and ensure that all administrative procedures are observed.
Education, Technical Skills & Knowledge Required
- Minimum five years overseas experience in high-level management for an NGO; on the ground experience with programs.
- Familiarity with private, US government, UN and multi-lateral funders.
- Experience with financial management of NGO’s.
- Demonstrated initiative in donor proposal development, implementation, project monitoring and evaluation and good negotiating skills.
- Undergraduate degree required.
Key Behaviors & Abilities
- Proven experience in starting up programs and sourcing funding opportunities.
- Proven entrepreneurial drive, including being self motivated, confidence in working independently, and making decisions.
- Experience in managing multi-cultural and multi-level (numerous offices) programs.
- Knowledge of the regional political and social conditions.
- Strong participatory leadership and interpersonal skills. Ability to motivate staff and provide strong leadership for a diverse team in a politically sensitive environment.
- Strong oral and written communications skills; strong computer skills.
- Excellent organizational, administrative and management skills. Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
- English fluency required. Knowledge of Swahili and asset.
Please send your CV and cover letter to info @ ruraldevelopmentconnections.org
