Africa Centre for Open Governance (AfriCOG) Call for Consultants

The Africa Centre for Open Governance (AfriCOG) is currently implementing a project titled Strengthening Parliament by Supporting Parliamentary Oversight Committees, whose main objective is to increase the efficacy of parliamentary watchdog committees to effectively undertake their oversight/watchdog roles in the new constitutional dispensation and the capacity of parliamentary support staff and civil society to support them.

Who we are

AfriCOG is an independent, non-profit organisation that provides cutting edge research and monitoring on governance and public ethics issues in both the public and private sectors so as to address the structural causes of the crisis of governance in the country.

Our reports, policy briefs and overall work add value to anti-corruption and governance reform processes in Kenya by stimulating policy discussion and supporting evidence-based advocacy and mobilisation work of our partners.

Background:

The adoption of Kenya’s new Constitution marked a significant milestone in Kenya’s reform process. The new constitution not only increases Parliament’s capacity and independence, but it also strengthens parliamentary oversight over the Executive.

In spite of these achievements, the impact of new constitutional dispensation and provisions on the role and structure of Parliament, particularly vis-à-vis the Executive, is yet to be adequately understood both within and outside of Parliament.

It is necessary that the implications of these changes for the operations of Parliament and in particular the targeted watchdog committees be clearly understood so that appropriate support activities can effectively be carried out.

The assignment

AfriCOG invites applications from suitably qualified persons for a consultancy opportunity to conduct an initial scoping study.

The project responds to the need to analyse the impact of the new constitution, specifically on the work of oversight committees both internally as regards operations, procedure and relationship with parliamentary standing orders, and externally with regard to relations to the Executive, public scrutiny and public participation.

The analysis will enable the designing of appropriate support mechanisms and programme interventions to Parliamentary Oversight Committees, especially, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and the Public Investments Committee (PIC).

AfriCOG’s proposed intervention is critical because there is little, if any, structured inquiry or real appreciation of the implications of the changes proposed in the new constitution and for the operations and role of parliament and its committees.

Scope of work

The consultant will:

• Produce a situational analysis on the state and operations of parliament and the key oversight committees and identify the necessary changes in their capacity and operations as stated in the new constitution;
• Propose key target committee(s) for the interventions
• Propose ways of ensuring public participation

The scoping study will:

• Identify and outline opportunities for increasing the efficacy of parliamentary oversight committees in the context of Kenya’s new constitution
• Analyze the obligations of, and key limitations to the efficacy of parliamentary oversight committees under Kenya’s new constitution
• Undertake a comprehensive review of the working of oversight committees, their roles and effectiveness in the context of the new Constitution
• Identify gaps that may affect the efficient functioning of the oversight committees
• Broadly outline the implications of the newly reconstituted oversight committees for parliamentary Standing Orders
• Assess current approaches to supporting the work of parliamentary oversight committees
• Identify opportunities for the Civil Society to engage with parliamentary oversight committees in the context of the new Constitution
• Identify gaps in the capacity of parliamentary staff providing support to the committee(s).
• Respond to any other related questions.

Time frame:

The study will be undertaken over a 30 day period commencing October 2011.

A detailed time frame will be developed at the start of the assignment.

Methodology:

The assignment will be implemented through various methodologies including:

1. Desk review of literature, existing reports on capacity building interventions with Parliament
2. Interviews with key stakeholders
3. Workshops and meetings with key stakeholders

Outputs:

• An inception study describing the proposed approach methodology, presenting a detailed plan of action and organisation of the consultancy of 5 pages maximum
• Summary notes of all meetings with AfriCOG
• A Report of the scoping study detailing all findings, recommendations and proposed interventions for strengthening the work of Parliamentary Oversight Committees in line with the scope of work as outlined under these ToRs
• A presentation of the main findings and recommendations of the study to AfriCOG at a date to be agreed upon between Consultant and AfriCOG
• A presentation of the final report findings from one meeting with key stakeholders

The consultant shall present the reviewed report after incorporating AfriCOG’s comments within 10 days following the last day of the consultancy.

AfriCOG will determine the quality of the report/finished product according to AfriCOG’s standards. make the final determination as to the quality of the submitted product.

Format of reports:

i) The inception report should not exceed 5 pages. The notes to be submitted after each meeting with AfriCOG should be in “bullet point” format and not exceed 2 pages

ii) The final report will contain;

• An Executive Summary
• A table of contents
• A list of Acronyms
• The Core report and relevant annexes – 30pages max
• A list of recommendations
• A list of sources and people interviewed

All reports and accompanying notes will be presented in clear and accessible language. All reports must be submitted in both hard copy and electronic formats, either by email or CD

Key competencies:

• A Degree in the social sciences preferably political science, law, public administration, public policy or related areas
• Applicants should demonstrable experience in research
• Thorough knowledge of the Constitution of Kenya, especially with regards to accountability and functioning of the new parliament
• Excellent knowledge of parliamentary procedures, structures, standing orders etc.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written

How to apply:

Interested and qualified candidates should submit the following to admin@africog.org

• Curriculum Vitae: detailing previous relevant research experience on similar or related work, previous publications
• One page cover letter outlining suitability for the position
• Three professional referees

Deadline: November 8, 2011

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Counter Sales Executives (20) Jobs in Nairobi Kenya

Counter Sales Executives (20)

Industry: Mobile Phone Retail Shops

Location: Nairobi

A major mobile phones retailer with outlets in most of the major towns in Kenya, is rapidly expanding and looking for additional counter sales executives. This is a full time position and we are looking for result oriented candidates who are willing to work for long hours including weekends and holidays.

The ideal candidates will be responsible for retail sales at the counter as well as;

• Persuade customers to buy the company products by demonstrating their superiority and functionality
• Ensuring attractive display of the products at the prominent place inside the shop
• Communicating customer feedback to the management
• Service follow-up of faulty products .This is done by being in constant touch with the customer and the service department of the company.
• Applicants must have a pleasant personality, good presentation and communication skills.

Education Qualification:

• This position is ideal for diploma/ certificate holders in Marketing or any business related course.
• Candidates with KCSE qualifications and a commercially aware personality encouraged to apply.
• Experience in sales and promotions will be an added advantage
• Degree holders should not apply

If you have the skills and competences for this role, send your CV ONLY to
jobs@flexi-personnel.com by Monday 7th Nov 2011

Only serious candidates need apply

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Zetech College Faculty Deans Kenyan Jobs Vacancies

Zetech College is a professional training institution offering Certificate, Diploma, Advanced Diploma and Degree programs.

Our mission is to provide high quality education of international standards and recognition.

In line with the College’s vision to become a leading regional University by the year 2013, we are seeking to recruit suitably qualified candidates to fill the position of Dean in the following faculties:

Faculty of Information Technology (1 Position)

Faculty of Business (1 Position)

Faculty of Media Arts and Design (1 Position)

The Job Position

The Dean, reporting to the Head Academic Affairs with regards to the delegated co-coordinative competencies and the College Principal with regard to functional responsibility, is the executive head of the faculty concerned.

As the academic leader, he/she is responsible for the strategic positioning and pursuit of strategic goals as derived from vision 2013, the Strategic Framework and the Zetech College Business Plan. The successful accomplishment of these aims requires the appropriate service delivery by the relevant support service environments.

The exercise of leadership and managerial responsibility for the Dean includes:

• Positioning the faculty within the national education policies;
• Positioning the faculty within the core business of Zetech College with regard to teaching, research and community interaction;
• Marketing the faculty nationally and internationally;
• Liaising with the industry and ensuring that Zetech College graduates match the industry requirements;
• Overall planning , renewal and changing of academic programs to ensure meaningful academic programs, quality, effectiveness and financial viability through approval of the Faculty Board, Academic Planning Committee and the Leadership Team;
• Establishing a sound research culture in the faculty, initiating and promoting ethically accountable and quality research and increasing research output;
• Supervising the management of internal and external funding for financing research and the discharge of responsibilities in that regard;
• Submitting recommendations on top performers in the faculty for consideration for the award for Outstanding Teaching and Outstanding Service;
• Managing all funds and income generated and available to the faculty;

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

The successful candidate must:

• Have a minimum of a Masters degree in the relevant field, that is Information Technology, Mass Communication and Business;
• Be a strategic leader with at least 2 years experience in a large education institution, preferably in an administrative position;
• Those with teaching experience in the respective areas will be given priority;
• Have a good track record of excellent performance;
• Have a good understanding of the national policies and international trends in Education.
• Have the ability to see opportunities; is dynamic; has drive; energy and enthusiasm;
• Be a strong team player a good communicator, time manager and result oriented;
• Be able to multitask;
• Be computer literate;

Applications including an updated CV, details of the current/last salary and benefits, names of three referees, their email addresses and telephone numbers, copies of academic and professional certificates and testimonials to reach the undersigned not later than 20th November 2011.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

The Human Resource Manager, via Email address: vacancies@zetechcollege.com.

Website: www.zetechcollege.com.

Zetech College is an equal opportunity employer.

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Driver / Messenger Job career in Kenya

Dynamic People Consulting is recruiting for a Driver / Messenger for one of its clients.

The successful candidate should have the following qualifications:

• KCSE - mean grade of C
• A clean and valid driving license (BCE Class)
• A clean GF motorbike license
• At least two (2) years active driving experience for an organization
• Two (2) years experience riding a motor bike
• Adequate knowledge of The Highway Code
• Neat, honest, open-minded, creative and self-motivated
• Must be ready to multi-task and perform other duties as and when required
• Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Be conversant with the city of Nairobi and its environs
• Have excellent planning and organizational skills
• Have the ability to handle pressure
• Have the ability to work with minimum or no supervision

If you believe you qualify for this position, please send you CV, copies of your valid driving licenses (BCE and GF class) together with details of your current and expected remuneration to recruitment@dpckenya.com

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