Programme Coordinator-Agriculture & NRM at Self Help Africa

Job Purpose:

• Take a lead role in the design and development of new and innovative agricultural and natural resource management initiatives for the country programme and assist in the marketing of those initiatives to funders/donors and other stakeholders.
• Ensure effective and timely delivery of agricultural and NRM programme that demonstrate sustainable impact among SHA beneficiary communities.
• Ensure effective engagement of partners and stakeholders including private sector in supporting the achievement of programme goals and objectives in line with the Kenya Strategic Plan.
• Support in demonstrating quality of programming and impact through contributing to country reporting and documentation of ‘Best practices’ to donors and other stakeholders

Key Responsibilities:

Project Technical Support Functions

• Oversee all agriculture & NRM projects in the country and make regular visits to the project sites while providing technical guidance on programme implementation, budgetary control and capacity development among programme staff and implementing partners.
• Provide technical expertise to programme and partner staff to ensure effective integration of sustainable agriculture, livelihoods, climate change resilience and natural resource management strategies and other related practices
• Advice projects on identified challenges during programme implementation while keeping the SPM&PSL briefed on such issues.
• Work with projects and partners to promote community participation to attain sustainable agriculture, livelihoods and climate change resilience, environmentally sustainable land use practices, and nature-based enterprises
• Develop, coordinate, and oversee implementation of policies and strategies for implementation of sustainable agriculture, livelihoods, climate change resilience and natural resources management practices across the programme
• Ensure that project implementation meets donor compliance requirements
• Ensure all project reporting is undertaken in a timely manner
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and monthly project status reports
• Develop and execute work plans as agreed and approved by the SPM&PSL

Counterpart Relationship Functions

• Nurture and strengthen strategic partnerships, networks and coalitions with civil society organizations and private sector implementing similar programmes activities for continued learning and sharing of  experiences and best practices and influence policy and practice
• Represent SHA Kenya as directed by the Senior Programme Manager & Private Sector Lead in meetings/workshops/field visits and other relevant forums.
• Take charge in organizing meetings/workshops/field visits/forums with communities and Stakeholder’s/Partner’s
• Ensure positive working relationship with government and ALL Stakeholder’s/Partners
• To ensure regular communications are maintained among the field sites, and between the field and the country office

Project Design and Development as well as proposal development functions

• Assist the Senior Programme Manager & Private Sector Lead in resource mobilization and acquisition through new programme development and proposal writing ensuring integrated and sustainable agriculture, resilient livelihoods, climate change resilience, environment and natural resources management issues are always articulated
• Prepare strategy documents, strategy papers, progress reports and evaluation reports
• Provide critical input and feedback on all new projects, concept papers and other programming documents as agreed by the SPM&PSL

Project Monitoring and Evaluation

• Conduct regular and accurate assessments, monitoring, and dissemination of information and ensure that sustainable agriculture, livelihoods, climate change resilience and natural resources management principles are incorporated in development planning and decision-making processes across the programme
• Liaise with the PC M & E in Co-ordinating evaluation schedules for projects and in liaison with the SPM&PSL coordinate the engagement of technical personnel/institution to undertake the task.
• Prepare the initial Terms of Reference for each evaluation to be approved by the Senior Programme Manager & Private Sector Lead
• Co-ordinate the review and appropriate dissemination of evaluation reports from ALL SHA donor funded projects
• Spearhead development and regular review of project evaluation tools as directed by the SPM&PSL

Logistics, Administration, HR and Safety

• Ensure efficient use and management of transport and other programme resource
• Work with Senior Programme Manager & Private Sector Lead and Human Resources and Administration Manager in procurement processes of projects inputs through outlined procurement procedures,
• Ensure good individual and team performance in support of project implementation through coaching, mentoring and regular meetings
• Ensure all safety or security incidents (fires, vehicle accidents, theft, etc) are appropriately recorded and reported,
• Actively monitor field site safety and security and advise the SPM&PSL about new developments
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the SPM&PSL and by the SHA Kenya Country Director.

Key Relationships:

Internal

• Country Director
• Senior Programme Manager & Private Sector Lead
• Head of Finance and Administration
• Finance and Administration Team
• All Programme Coordinators
• All Senior Technical Advisors (Gender, Nutrition, Enterprise, Policy and Humanitarian)
• HQ Desk Officer – assigned to Kenya

External

• Project implementation partners
• Donors
• Stakeholders including national government, research institutions, financial institutions, external auditors, donors, Academia, and private companies

Knowledge and Experience

• At least 5 years of experience in the design and implementation of agricultural projects that are agri-business focused.
• Experience with project implementation through consortiums involving national and international NGOs and Government ministries.
• Experience in designing strategies and approaches for enhancing agricultural production and rural livelihoods among small holder farmers
• Experience in networking among development partners and government departments
• Proven ICT skills
• Strong training and facilitation skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and team working skills

Qualifications/Other Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree preferably in Agriculture, Natural Resources Management, Agri-business, or a related field 
• Master’s degree in Project Management, Agri-Economics or related field will be an added advantage
• Proven experience in agronomic practice in the context of project implementation in an international NGO environment. Experience in dryland farming and livestock management will be an added advantage.
• Strong computer skills especially with MS Word and Excel and other related packages
• Strong M&E skills

Role Competencies:

• Excellent verbal, analytical, organisational, and written skills with fluency in Swahili and English.
• People management skills
• Proactive and motivated with a strong commitment to Self Help Africa’s vision, mission and values
• Attention to detail and the ability to produce timely and accurate reports
• Ability to work as part of team across different cultures
• Ability to work under pressure and on own initiative