Jobs in Kenya in National Drought Management Authority

National Drought Management Authority

Job Descriptions

The National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) is a State Corporation, created by Legal Notice No. 171 of 24th November 2011, under the Ministry of State for Development of Northern Kenya and other Arid Lands, with the mandate of providing leadership and coordination on all matters relating to drought management. 

The NDMA Board of Directors intends to fill the following positions

Chief Executive Officer

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will provide visionary leadership in the development and implementation of strategies that effectively position Kenya as a lead country in drought management. 

The job offers the right candidate the opportunity to spearhead the growth of the NDMA into a world-class Authority that will help communities become more resilient to drought and improve the ability of the Government to prevent, mitigate and prepare for the adverse impacts of drought and climate change. 

In so doing the NDMA will manage one of the key risks to the achievement of Vision 2030 and support the realization of Kenya’s development goals.

Core duties and responsibilities

• Develop and implement policies, strategies and programmes designed to position Kenya as a lead country on drought management and climate change adaptation • Direct and exercise overall control of the Authority’s operations to ensure that its activities are managed in a professional, efficient and effective manner in order to meet its mission and objectives.
• Oversee the implementation of the Board’s decisions and policies.
• Serve as Secretary to the Board of Directors.
• Build and maintain effective partnerships and working relations with Government, investors, development partners and other stakeholders.
• Provide strategic leadership and direction in the formulation, development, implementation and evaluation of the Authority’s strategic plan.
• Continuously review the Authority’s organizational structure, systems and procedures to ensure they are properly aligned with its strategic direction.
• Oversee the establishment of effective risk management and control systems in order to improve  organizational effectiveness.
• Develop and implement an effective communication and public relations strategy to ensure that all  stakeholders have access to information to make informed decisions.
• Promote sound corporate governance and ethical standards.
• Any other responsibilities as may be necessary to achieve the Authority’s objectives.

Minimum qualifications and experience

• Masters degree from a recognised university with an emphasis in business administration, finance and economics, development studies or other related field.
• Relevant working experience of at least 15 years, with a minimum of 5 years in a senior management and leadership position in a large public / private organization.
• Experience in strategic management and planning.
• Deep and direct understanding of the unique characteristics of the arid and semi-arid lands, and specifically the pastoralist areas, and their challenges and development opportunities.
• Proven leadership qualities, problem-solving and negotiation skills, excellent team building and  organizational skills, and evidence of being a strong team player.
• Proven ability to lead complex processes of organizational development.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural skills and the ability to build alliances and collaborative relations  internally and externally, including with development partners.
• Ability to influence and resolve differences and conflicts and manage change.
• Strong financial management skills.
• Strong IT skills, analytical and report writing skills.
• High professional and ethical standards.
• Personal qualities of leadership and integrity consistent with the principles of Chapter 6 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010.

Director, Technical Services

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Director, Technical Services, will lead and coordinate the technical functions of the Authority, particularly those which involve countybased action throughout the drought cycle.

Core duties and responsibilities

• Ensure effective synergy and coordination of all drought management and climate change activities by stakeholders at the national level, and ensure that strong coordination mechanisms are in place at county level. Chair national coordination structures.
• Ensure that strategies are developed, funded and implemented to mainstream drought risk reduction and climate change adaptation into national and county development planning and resource allocation.
• Ensure that the national drought early warning system consolidates data from all relevant sources and provides timely and credible early warning information aligned to the needs of users.
• Ensure that the periodic national and county-level food security assessments and surveys are conducted in a professional and well-coordinated manner, and generate credible, timely and actionable information.
• Ensure that longitudinal data on trends in drought management and climate change are easily accessible to planners and practitioners.
• Ensure that the preparation of material for use by national or county governments, communities, development partners and other stakeholders is professional, timely and wellcoordinated.
• Ensure that multi-sectoral drought contingency plans at community, county, national levels are prepared to a high level of technical quality and are regularly revised.
• Work closely with the senior management of the National Drought and Disaster Contingency Fund to ensure the timely release of drought contingency finance against credible triggers in drought contingency plans, and ensure the accountable and timely use of these funds.
• Monitor drought status in counties where the Authority has no operational presence.
• Manage the County Drought Management Coordinators.
• Any other responsibilities as may be necessary to achieve the Authority’s objectives.

Minimum qualifications and experience

• Masters degree from a recognized university in climate sciences, environmental sciences, agricultural sciences, natural sciences or social sciences or other related field.
• Relevant working experience of at least 12 years, with a minimum of 5 years spent specifically working on drought management in a senior management and leadership position in a large public / private organization.
• At least five years management experience, with responsibility for strategy development, personnel management and financial management.
• Experience of managing high-level stakeholder relationships in both the public and the private sectors, including inter-governmental relationships.
• Deep and direct understanding of the unique characteristics of the arid and semi-arid lands, and specifically the pastoralist areas, and their challenges and development opportunities.
• Proven leadership qualities, problem-solving and negotiation skills, and evidence of being a strong team player.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to engage effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders.
• Strong IT skills, analytical and report writing skills.
• Personal qualities of leadership and integrity consistent with the principles of Chapter 6 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010.

Director, Policy, Planning And Research

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Director, Policy, Planning and Research, will develop a comprehensive policy and knowledge management framework in support of Kenya's drought management efforts.

Core duties and responsibilities

• Work with relevant stakeholders to ensure that policy, planning and research allocation in Government builds resilience to drought and climate change among drought-prone communities and in Kenya as a whole.
• Monitor implementation of the Ending Drought Emergencies strategy in Kenya, and lead processes to strengthen its delivery.
• Lead the formulation of national drought management policy. Analyze sectoral policies from the perspective of drought management and climate change adaptation and make appropriate policy recommendations to relevant stakeholders.
• Develop and coordinate the Authority’s research programme in collaboration with relevant partners.
• Develop and coordinate systems to identify, document and disseminate best practice in drought risk reduction and climate change adaptation, including evidence of the advantages of preventive programming.
• Assess the country’s performance in generating and attracting new opportunities to build resilience to drought and climate change, in line with Kenya Vision 2030.
• Support the Director, Technical Services, in ensuring effective synergy and coordination of drought management activities by stakeholders at the national level.
• Lead the production of the Authority’s strategic and operational plans and budgets and monitor their implementation.
• Ensure that the Authority develops and operates a high-quality management information system.
• Exercise oversight of all projects implemented under the auspices of the Authority.
• Any other responsibilities as may be necessary to achieve the Authority’s objectives.

Minimum qualifications and experience

• Masters degree from a recognised university in development policy and planning, policy analysis, economics, knowledge management or other related field.
• Relevant working experience of at least 12 years, with a minimum of 5 years spent in planning, policy or research in a senior management and leadership position in a large public or private organization.
• At least five years management experience, with responsibility for strategy development, personnel management and financial management
• Demonstrated competence in research, strategy and policy analysis, knowledge management and project management.
• Clear understanding of national socio-economic policies and priorities and the ability to translate them into opportunities for building resilience to drought and climate change.
• Deep and direct understanding of the unique characteristics of the arid and semi-arid lands, and specifically the pastoralist areas, and their challenges and development opportunities.
• Proven leadership qualities, problem-solving and negotiation skills, and evidence of being a strong team player.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to engage effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders.
• Strong IT skills, analytical and report writing skills.
• Personal qualities of leadership and integrity consistent with the principles of Chapter 6 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010.

Director, Resource Mobilization and Advocacy

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Director, Resource Mobilization and Advocacy, will mobilise resources to build resilience to drought and climate change in Kenya.

Core duties and responsibilities

• Mobilise resources to finance the programme of work for Drought Management and climate change adaptation.
• Develop and implement a resource mobilisation and advocacy strategy to support actualization of the Authority’s strategic plan.
• Build strong partnerships with governmental and non-governmental bodies within and outside the country and promote the work of the Authority.
• Ensure that all the Authority’s obligations to development partners and other stakeholders are met in a timely, transparent and accountable manner.
• Work with the Director, Planning, Policy and Research, to develop a strong evidence base in support of investing in resilience and preventive programming.
• Support the Director, Technical Services, in ensuring effective synergy and coordination of drought management activities by stakeholders at the national level.
• Any other responsibilities as may be necessary to achieve the Authority’s objectives.

Minimum qualifications and experience

• Masters degree from a recognised university in business administration, economics, policy analysis, international relations, public relations or other related field.
• Relevant working experience of at least 12 years, with a minimum of 5 years experience in resource mobilisation and advocacy in a senior management and leadership position in a large public or private organization.
• At least five years management experience, with responsibility for strategy development, personnel management and financial management
• Experience of managing high-level stakeholder relationships in both the public and the private sectors, including inter-governmental relationships.
• Demonstrated success in resource mobilization.
• Conversant with key government and donor economic policies and the global business environment. Knowledge of government and donor financial regulations and procedures is an added advantage.
• Deep and direct understanding of the unique characteristics of the arid and semi-arid lands, and specifically the pastoralist areas, and their challenges and development opportunities.
• Proven leadership qualities, problem-solving and negotiation skills, and evidence of being a strong team player.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to engage effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders.
• Strong IT skills, analytical and report writing skills.
• Personal qualities of leadership and integrity consistent with the principles of Chapter 6 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010.

Director, Support Services

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the post-holder will ensure that the various support functions of the Authority are carried out in a professional, accountable and timely manner.

Core duties and responsibilities

• Formulate policies and procedures for the Authority in areas that fall within the scope of the Directorate’s responsibilities and monitor their implementation.
• Ensure the development and operation of sound financial management and accounting systems within the Authority.
• Attract and retain a focused, motivated and productive team of officers in line with the Authority's strategic plan.
• Ensure organizational adherence to HR regulations and statutes as well as organizational procedures and policies.
• Develop, implement and review HR and ICT systems that will enable the Authority to be a learning organisation.
• Spearhead change management and organizational development geared towards developing an organizational culture that emphasizes continuous improvement, team-work and results based performance.
• Implement performance management systems.
• Initiate and develop training policy, conduct training needs assessment and other capacity building programmes.
• Any other responsibilities as may be necessary to achieve the Authority’s objectives.

Minimum qualifications and experience

• Masters degree from a recognised university in business administration, finance, accounting or other related field.
• Relevant working experience of at least 12 years, with a minimum of 5 years spent working on administration, financial management and human resource management in a senior management and leadership position in a large public / private organization.
• Conversant with labour laws and regulations.
• Knowledge in guidance, counselling and psychometric analysis will be an added advantage.
• Demonstrated experience in managing Finance and ICT professionals • Experience of managing high-level stakeholder relationships in both the public and the private sectors, including inter-governmental relationships.
• Deep and direct understanding of the unique characteristics of the arid and semi-arid lands, and specifically the pastoralist areas, and their challenges and development opportunities.
• Proven leadership qualities, problem-solving and negotiation skills, and evidence of being a strong team player.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Strong IT skills, analytical and report writing skills.
• Personal qualities of leadership and integrity consistent with the principles of Chapter 6 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010.

County Drought Coordinator

Reporting to the Director, Technical Services, the County Drought Coordinator is the representative of the Authority in the County and responsible for all its work in the County.

Core duties and responsibilities

• Build strong partnerships with the County Governments, and especially the County Planning Units, and work with them and other stakeholders to mainstream drought management and climate change adaptation into county planning and resource allocation.
• Support the establishment and operation of a County Steering Group (CSG), provide secretariat services to the CSG, and build the capacity of the CSG and its members to coordinate the planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and reporting of all countylevel drought management and climate adaptation activities.
• Lead and monitor implementation of the Ending Drought Emergencies strategy at the county level through the CSG, and promote the implementation of strategic development activities that will enhance resilience to drought and climate change.
• Manage the county early warning system, coordinate preparation of the county drought bulletin, carry out drought and food security assessments as required, and ensure that drought information is disseminated to all relevant stakeholders, including communities, in a usable form and timely manner.
• Coordinate the preparation and delivery of the County Drought Contingency Plan, liaise with the Authority’s headquarters for access to contingency funds, and ensure accountable and transparent use of these funds.
• Support the delivery of the Authority’s knowledge management function at the county level.
• Provide financial and administrative oversight of the County Drought Management Unit and of any satellite office of the Authority within the county.
• Any other responsibilities as may be necessary to achieve the Authority’s objectives.

Minimum qualifications and experience

• Bachelors degree from a recognized university in range and range related sciences, environmental management sciences, livestock and livestock related sciences, agriculture, social sciences or other related field. Preference will be given to individuals with additional academic qualifications related to drought and disaster risk management, community development, rural development, or food security. Applicants with a Masters degree in a relevant field will have an added advantage
• Relevant working experience of at least 10 years, with a minimum of four years spent in a senior position.
• Experience of working with donor and governmental agencies is essential.
• Deep and direct understanding of the unique characteristics of the arid and semi-arid lands, and specifically the pastoralist areas, and their challenges and development opportunities.
• Proven leadership qualities, problem-solving and negotiation skills, and evidence of being a strong team player.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to engage effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders.
• Strong IT skills, analytical and report-writing skills.
• Personal qualities of leadership and integrity consistent with the principles of Chapter 6 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010.

Senior Drought Management Officer

Reporting to the County Drought Coordinator, the Senior Drought Management Officer will head a satellite office in a large county and be responsible for operating the drought information system in their location.

Core duties and responsibilities

• Build strong partnerships with sub-county stakeholders and work with them to mainstream drought management and climate change adaptation into their work.
• Play an active role within the County Steering Group (CSG) and/or within relevant coordination structures below the county level.
• Manage the early warning system in their location, coordinate contributions to the county drought bulletin, carry out drought and food security assessments as required, and ensure that drought information is disseminated to all relevant stakeholders, including communities, in a usable form and timely manner.
• Support implementation of the County Drought Contingency Plan, and ensure accountable and transparent use of contingency funds.
• Provide financial and administrative oversight of the satellite office.
• Any other responsibilities as may be necessary to achieve the Authority’s objectives.

Minimum qualifications and experience

• Bachelors degree from a recognized university in climate sciences, environmental sciences, agricultural sciences, natural sciences or social sciences, or other related field. Preference will be given to individuals with additional academic qualifications related to drought and disaster risk management, community development, rural development, or food security.
• Relevant working experience of at least 5 years.
• Experience of working with donor and governmental agencies is advantageous.
• Deep and direct understanding of the unique characteristics of the arid and semi-arid lands, and specifically the pastoralist areas, and their challenges and development opportunities.
• Proven leadership qualities, problem-solving and negotiation skills, and evidence of being a strong team player.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to engage effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders.
• Strong IT skills, analytical and report-writing skills.
• Personal qualities of leadership and integrity consistent with the principles of Chapter 6 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010.

Drought Information Manager

Reporting to the Director, Technical Services, the Drought Information Manager will lead and coordinate the generation, analysis and dissemination of all drought management information in Kenya.

Core duties and responsibilities

• Ensure that the design of the drought early warning system in Kenya is consistent with international best practice and subject to ongoing review and improvement, including through the integration of appropriate technologies.
• Coordinate the generation and analysis of early warning information at the county level, and ensure that relevant information from national and international sources is integrated into the early warning system.
• Develop mechanisms to ensure that drought information is communicated to stakeholders, particularly drought-affected communities and decision-makers, in a usable form and timely manner.
• Coordinate the preparation and conduct of periodic drought and food security assessments and surveys, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
• In collaboration with the Drought Contingency Planning and Response Manager, maintain constant oversight of the drought status in Kenya and determine the level of response required.
• Work with other stakeholders to ensure harmonized registration systems for beneficiaries of drought management interventions.
• Develop and implement a strategy for continuous capacity development of all those involved in drought information systems, through the provision of training, development of manuals and guidelines, or other measures.
• Any other responsibilities as may be necessary to achieve the Authority’s objectives.

Minimum qualifications and experience

• Bachelors degree from a recognized university in range and range related sciences, environmental management sciences, livestock and livestock related sciences, agriculture, social sciences or other related field. Preference will be given to individuals with additional academic qualifications related to drought and disaster risk management, community development, rural development, or food security. Applicants with a Masters degree in a relevant field will have an added advantage
• Relevant working experience of at least 10 years, with a minimum of four years spent in a senior position. Applicants must have experience of developing and operating early warning systems.
• Experience of working with donor and governmental agencies is essential.
• Deep and direct understanding of the unique characteristics of the arid and semi-arid lands, and specifically the pastoralist areas, and their challenges and development opportunities.
• Proven leadership qualities, problem-solving and negotiation skills, and evidence of being a strong team player.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to engage effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders.
• Strong IT skills, analytical and report-writing skills. Experience in the design and analysis of survey data using Excel, SPSS or STATA, in the application of GPS, GIS and remote sensing technologies, and in the interpretation of satellite imagery, will be an added advantage.
• Personal qualities of leadership and integrity consistent with the principles of Chapter 6 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010.

Drought Contingency Planning and Response Manager

Reporting to the Director, Technical Services, the Drought Contingency Planning and Response Manager will lead and coordinate the preparation and implementation of the drought contingency planning and financing system in Kenya.

Core duties and responsibilities

• Ensure that the design of the drought contingency planning and financing system in Kenya is consistent with international best practice and subject to ongoing review and improvement, including through the integration of appropriate technologies.
• Coordinate the generation and publication of drought contingency plans at county level, and the production of a national drought contingency plan. Ensure that the content of these plans is widely understood by relevant stakeholders and accessible through a national database.
• In collaboration with the National Drought and Disaster Contingency Fund, determine the criteria for disbursement of contingency finance and produce relevant technical guidance and procedures.
• In collaboration with the Drought Information Manager, maintain constant oversight of the drought status in Kenya and determine the level of response required.
• Ensure that applications for drought contingency finance are in line with the agreed criteria and guidelines, and that funds are promptly transferred to the counties within the stipulated time period.
• Develop monitoring and control mechanisms to ensure that drought contingency activities are timely and appropriate, and that all accountability requirements for drought contingency finance are met.
• Develop and implement a strategy for continuous capacity development of all those involved in the drought contingency planning and financing system, through the provision of training, development of manuals and guidelines, or other measures.
• Any other responsibilities as may be necessary to achieve the Authority’s objectives.

Minimum qualifications and experience

• Bachelors degree from a recognized university in range and range related sciences, environmental management sciences, livestock and livestock related sciences, agriculture, social sciences or other related field. Preference will be given to individuals with additional academic qualifications related to drought and disaster risk management, community development, rural development, or food security. Applicants with a Masters degree in a relevant field will have an added advantage
• Relevant working experience of at least 10 years, with a minimum of three years spent in a senior position. Applicants must have experience of developing and operating contingency planning and financing systems.
• Experience of working with donor and governmental agencies is essential.
• Working knowledge in statistical methods
• Deep and direct understanding of the unique characteristics of the arid and semi-arid lands, and specifically the pastoralist areas, and their challenges and development opportunities.
• Proven leadership qualities, problem-solving and negotiation skills, and evidence of being a strong team  player.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to engage effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders.
• Strong IT skills, analytical and report-writing skills.
• Personal qualities of leadership and integrity consistent with the principles of Chapter 6 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010.

Candidates fulfilling the above requirements should submit their applications together with a detailed curriculum vitae, and copies of their academic and professional certificates. 

All applicants are also expected to provide postal, telephone and email contacts of three referees’ two of whom must have known the applicant from a work environment.

All applications with positions and reference numbers clearly indicated on the envelope should be sent to the address below by registered mail, hand delivery or by courier on or before 27th September 2012.

The Chairman
Board of Directors
National Drought Management Authority (NDMA)
P O Box 53547-00200
Kenyatta International Conference Centre, 17th floor, Door No 1710
Harambee Avenue
NAIROBI

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