VSF Germany Project Manager

VSF Germany is an international Non Governmental Organization, providing humanitarian aid and development assistance to pastoralists and vulnerable communities in areas where livestock is of importance.

In the region, VSF Germany implements activities in southern Sudan, Kenya, Somalia, Tanzania and Ethiopia.

Location: Turkana & Marsabit in Northern Kenya

The Project:

VSF G is preparing to implement the La Nina project in Turkana & Marsabit in Northern Kenya. The project intends to mitigate the impact of drought on vulnerable people in the Arid and Semi Arid Lands (ASALs) of Northern Kenya.

The vast majority of the people within the area are pastoralist, whose livelihood depends on livestock. With the increase in the frequency of severe droughts, the communities find it more challenging to retain their main Source of livelihood, hence decreasing livestock assets to unsustainable levels and forcing thousands to depend on food aid or search for other means of income.

This project is an intervention for pastoralist, with opportunities to market their livestock and develop linkages between the communities and traders in the region. Similarly the project will endeavor to develop livestock marketing trade patterns.

On the other hand the livestock off take is mainly to safeguard the survival of fewer animals but with high value for breeding. In realizing the project objective, VSF G is working together with VSF Suisse, VSF Belgium, Oxfam, Acted-Kenya & Uganda in implementing similar activities in Isiolo, Wajir, Mandera, Garissa, Baringo & Pokot.

We seek to recruit a qualified and well experienced Project Manager to support the implementation of the project. The Project Manager’s position is field based with frequent visits to other locations within the project area. The incumbent will work in collaboration with other partner organizations & the Head of Programmes.

Key responsibilities:

• The incumbent will be responsible for the project implementation.
• Ensure the project implementation progress is in line with the activity work plan.
• Permanently monitor activities and report progress to the Project Coordinator
• Ensure that donor regulations are adhered too and that necessary administrative, financial and implementation controls are observed.
• Manage the project budget ensuring strict monitoring on all expenditure.
• Participate and contribute to relevant project related network and links.
• Develop work plans, financial projections and verify all financial reports on the project.
• Manage the flow of technical reports and compilation of the same in the project narratives for internal and donor reporting.
• Support internal and external monitoring and evaluation exercises.
• Respond to cross cutting issues affecting the community in cooperation with specific Expert agencies and build on arising community needs for furtherance of humanitarian Intervention as required.
• Represent VSFG in various project forum and networking levels.

Qualifications, Experience, Attributes & Skills required

• University Degree in Social Sciences/Animal Science or Development related field.
• Postgraduate degree in development related field preferred
• A minimum of 5 years experience in development work.
• Team leadership experience preferred.
• Knowledge and experience of working with pastoral communities
• Excellent computer knowledge, managerial and report writing skills
• Knowledge of Pastoral market access issues in the region
• Working knowledge of ECHO rules and regulations.

How to apply

Interested and qualified candidates should submit an application letter and CV to:

postal address :

VSF Germany,
Piedmont Plaza, Off Ngong’ Road, 2nd Floor,
P.O Box 25653, 00603
Nairobi, Kenya

or to email: admin_hr@vsfg.org

Indicate on the subject the Job Title applicable.

Applicants will be assessed on a continuous basis alongside internal candidates

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews.

Closing date: 10 Feb 2011