Solidaridad Program Managers Jobs in Kenya

Solidaridad Eastern & Central Africa Expertise Centre (SECAEC) based in Nairobi is a member organization of Solidaridad’s international network with its head office based in the Netherlands (www.solidaridadnetwork.org).

As a development organization, Solidaridad is convinced that decent and sustainable trade is the best instrument to combat structural poverty: since a secure income is the basis for a dignified existence.

Solidaridad works on sustainable production chains from producer to consumer, which encourages producers to enhance their capacity in managing a professional business.

Solidaridad works together with various partners, including private sector, government and civil society, in creating a support network and improvement program that addresses the economic, environmental and social needs of the (smallholder) producers and facilitates the process of acquisition of quality standards and volumes required by the market. Sustainable production systems and increased food security are important objectives in its work.

SECAEC is seeking to recruit for the following positions:-

1. Program Manager – Horticulture and Food Security

This position will be responsible for coordinating the day-to-day activities of different projects with producer organizations and private sector in Kenya.

These projects focus mainly on implementation of sustainable practices and assistance to producer organizations to improve primarily on the productivity of quality products as well as management capacity and market access, among others.

The candidate will be based in Nairobi but will regularly travel within the region where various projects are being implemented.

The responsibilities of the candidate include:-

• Project management, including planning, formulation, coordination, monitoring and provision of support to current and new projects of Solidaridad;
• Preparation and organization of project activity reports to be submitted to Solidaridad and other partners/stakeholders;
• Assessment and writing of new project proposals, including financial assessment of various organizations/groups;
• Organizing meetings, collaborating, creating and maintaining linkages among various stakeholders along the value chain within the region
• Training of various stakeholders, including producer groups in the implementation of sustainable production practices and the requirements of sustainable Codes of Conduct;
• Guiding producer organizations while setting up and executing capacity building projects;
• Developing and sharing best practices in sustainable production;
• Organizing and coordinating exchange visits among producer organizations within the region as well as facilitating sharing of their experiences
• Creating links between producer organizations, retailers and exporters to create improved market opportunities in consuming countries.
• Any other assignments that may be allocated by the Director of SECAEC

Minimum experience and qualifications:

• At least 5-10 years professional experience within NGO and/or business sector, especially in the fruits and vegetables sector;
• Masters degree level of education in agriculture (or other relevant discipline) from a recognized university or other learning institution;
• Management experience in production and/or trading in preferably fruits and vegetables (or another relevant commodity);
• Work experience with producer organizations within the East Africa Region, including experience with organizational development and financial assessment.
• Demonstrated experience in initiatives which focus on sustainable production;
• Excellent writing, presentation and training skills, with the ability to represent Solidaridad at all relevant fora;
• Excellent communication skills in Kiswahili & English, so as to be in a position to provide oral and written project proposals and reports.
• Self motivated, team player, meeting deadlines and ability to work without supervision are some of the key qualities for the candidate in this position.

2. Program Manager – Cotton and Sugarcane

This position will be responsible for coordinating the day-to-day activities of different projects with producer organizations and private sector in within the region, particularly focused on the cotton and sugarcane.

It will also be heavily involved in program development/ proposal writing for funding of new projects as well as negotiating with private sector and other relevant stakeholders.

The candidate will be based in Nairobi but will be required to travel regularly to represent SECAEC in international fora.

The responsibilities of the candidate include:-

• Identification and formulation of new projects and programs together with various partners, especially private sector;
• Preparation and presentation of fundraising proposals to possible donors including financial projections of projects;
• Prepare and organize project activity reports to be submitted to Solidaridad and other stakeholders;
• Organizing meetings, collaborating, creating and maintaining linkages among various stakeholders along the value chain within the region;
• Training of various stakeholders, including producer groups in the implementation of sustainable production practices and the requirements of sustainable Codes of Conduct;
• Guiding producer organizations while setting up and executing capacity building projects;
• Developing and sharing best practices in sustainable production;
• Organizing and coordinating exchange visits among producer organizations within the region as well as facilitating sharing of their experiences;
• Creating links between producer organizations, retailers and exporters to create improved market opportunities in consuming countries;
• Represent SECAEC in international fora;
• Any other assignments that may be allocated by the Director of SECAEC

Minimum experience and qualifications:

• At least 10 years professional experience within NGO and/or private sector;
• Masters degree level of in Business Management with a first degree in agriculture (or any other relevant discipline) from a recognized university or other institution;
• Management experience in production and/or trading in palm oil, soy and livestock will be an added advantage;
• Demonstrated experience in initiatives which focus on sustainable production;
• Excellent writing, presentation and negotiation skills;
• Excellent communication skills in both English and Swahili
• Demonstrated entrepreneurial skills;
• Demonstrated understanding of the agri-supply chain with special emphasis on cotton and sugarcane;
• Management experience in working with good agricultural processing and manufacturing practices while addressing the environmental concerns.
• Self motivated, team player, punctual in meeting deadlines and ability to work without supervision are some of the key qualities of the candidate being sought.

3. Project Manager – Gold Mining

This position will be responsible for supervising several small-scale gold mining projects.

The position will be primarily a field one and as such it will be located in the Western Kenya region, with some travel in and outside the region

The responsibilities of this position include:-

• Project management, including provision of leadership within the project;
• Working with the various groups on-site;
• Organizing meetings, collaborating, creating and maintaining linkages among various stakeholders along the value chain;
• Training of various stakeholders, especially small scale artisanal mining groups in the implementation of sustainable mining practices and the requirements of sustainable and fairmined Codes of Conduct;
• Guiding small scale mining organizations while setting up and executing capacity building projects;
• Developing and sharing best practices in sustainable artisanal mining;
• Organizing and coordinating exchange visits among organizations within the region as well as facilitating sharing of their experiences;
• Prepare and organize project activity reports to be submitted to the Head Office and other stakeholders;
• Development of working tools/instruments and training users on the same;
• Facilitating and acquiring of various certification and legislation;
• Any other assignments that may be allocated by the Director of SECAEC

Minimum experience and qualifications:

• At least 5 to 10 years relevant experience;
• Certification on acquisition of technical skills on mining from an approved institution;
• Demonstrated practical know-how on mining;
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge on various mining standards including occupational health, safety and environment standards;
• Practical knowledge on legal and labour issues;
• Fluency in Swahili and English;
• Ability to work in dynamic groups;
• Inspirational trainer and team builder, able to work as change agent in communities;
• Self motivated, team player, meeting deadlines and ability to work without supervision are some of the key qualities of the candidate being sought.

These positions are on local terms and will be for an initial period of one year, renewable, subject to availability of resources and proven performance.

If you feel you fulfill the above criteria for any of the positions please send your application stating your suitability to consult@syn-solutions.com.

Save your application as one file using your names as the document name with the subject heading on the email as the position you are applying for.

Applications will be considered until 10th November 2011 and only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

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