Systems Strengthening and Institutionalization Lead at Food for the Hungry (FH Kenya)

Food for the Hungry is seeking applicants for the Systems Strengthening and Institutionalization Lead of an anticipated USAID Title II Development Food Security Activity (DFSA) program in Kenya. The program will use an integrated, multi-sectoral approach to sustainably reduce acute malnutrition levels among vulnerable groups in northern Kenya. Program implementation will utilize a phased approach with the first 18 to 24 months focused on a research and collaborative design phase, followed by a second phase of systems-driven implementation and institutional strengthening.

Expat Post Status: Accompanied
Reports To: Chief of Party, Deputy Chief of Party

Position Purpose

The Systems Strengthening and Institutionalization Lead (SSIL) will be responsible for building effective working relationships with government ministries, county-level organizations and officials, and local institutions to support the USAID Title II Food for Peace funded Development Food Security Activities (DFSA) program. The role will additionally provide technical leadership and management in the development and execution of systems strengthening and capacity building efforts; and ensuring close consultation and incorporation of ongoing feedback from relevant officials over the life of the DFSA.

Responsibilities

Please note: this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Key Result #1 – Systems Strengthening.

• Support the development of food security and health systems strengthening strategies for implementation throughout the award;
• Provide technical support in the development and execution of systems strengthening to support project activities;
• Develop adequate monitoring tools for the implementation of the systems and advice course correction where necessary in consultation with the Chief of Party;
• Oversee implementation of robust accountability mechanisms across all project components;
• Provide technical support for Quality Improvement/Quality Assurance interventions.

Key Result #2 – Coordination and collaboration for enhanced program synergies.

• Ensure close liaison and consultations with internal and external stakeholders to collect a incorporate feedback into project activities;
• Support capacity building initiatives and provide continuous mentorship to staff and partners at county level on systems strengthening;
• Build effective working relationships with consortium partners, government ministries, county-level officials and local institutions;
• Provide technical assistance to government ministries on food security and health systems strengthening.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty/function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Vibrant personal relationship with Jesus Christ and Christian commitment to serving the poor and in full agreement with FH’s Christian foundation and beliefs as expressed in

The Heartbeat: our Values, Vision, and Purpose;

• Excellent people skills including warmth and sensitivity, interpersonal communication skills, conversational, able to relate to and effectively communicate with people from different cultures (at various levels within the organization);
• Strong team player and adept at creating a strong team spirit;
• Excellent organizational skills; ability to plan and coordinate work, focus on details, ensure the efficient flow of projects and processes;
• High integrity and a strong sense of professional ethics;
• Able to self-manage a diverse and dynamic set of responsibilities, proactively solve problems and / or suggest viable solutions while advancing goals and objectives;
• Demonstrated computer operating skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office products, Google platform, and virtual technologies such as Skype and / or GoToMeeting;
• Comfortable and persuasive when speaking before both large and small groups;
• Ability to interact positively with all levels of the organization and across organizational and cultural boundaries;
• Proven ability to work creatively and independently both in the field and in the office;
• Experience in USAID Title II development programs;
• Understanding of USAID’s CLA Framework and how it can improve programming;
• Demonstrated successful record of providing technical assistance to government ministries in systems strengthening;
• Knowledge of adaptive management techniques;
• Demonstrated experience in food security, nutrition, knowledge management, organizational learning, and capacity strengthening;
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions;
• Medical fitness to live and travel in rural and urban areas with extreme conditions and limited medical support;
• Ability to travel up to 50% of time per year to remote project sites in northern Kenya.

Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant academic area plus seven years of relevant work experience; Preference for a Master’s degree and a minimum of five years of experience in systems strengthening development programming; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Supervisor Responsibilities: This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities.

Language: Proficiency in spoken and written English. Proficiency in Swahili preferred. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or government regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.