NGO Jobs in Nairobi, Kenya

Mercy Corps exists to alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression by helping people build secure, productive and just communities.

Driven by local needs, our programs provide communities in the world’s toughest places with the tools and support they need to turn the crises they confront into the opportunities they deserve.

Mercy Corps is looking for committed and dynamic individuals to take up the following position.

AGRIFIN Accelerate Program Director - Nairobi

General Program Summary: The core problem AgriFin Accelerate seeks to address is the inclusion gap for smallholder farmers who lack access to affordable, accessible, demand-driven products and services that drive higher productivity and income for farm families.

The AgriFin Accelerate program utilizes a market ecosystem approach, working with carefully selected partners to build sustainable models, where farm and crop management tools and financial services are "bundled" in affordable, unified platforms on mobile phone channels to promote mass uptake commercially.

The program involves three interrelated components that seek to address low farmer productivity and capability, and improve institutional ability to deliver appropriate products and build ecosystems to drive scale.

We work with farmers, banks, mobile network operators, MFIs, research institutes and other ecosystem players in well-defined partnerships to sustainably bundle services, leveraging the offer and outreach of all partners, while increasing the range of services, access points and value for farmers.

The program works with partners to identify, prototype, test and scale successful mobile-enabled services for smallholders, with a key focus on expanding access to financial services, using a rapid iteration approach to product development and client-centric design techniques.

Our project goal is for smallholder farmers to gain full access to impactful, demand-driven, technology-enabled financial products, tools, channels and knowledge that significantly increase farm productivity and family income, delivered by vibrant ecosystems of diverse service providers.

Program operations will take place in three countries anchored around a central “Hub” office in Kenya, expanding to serve Tanzania and Zambia over a two year timeline.

General Position Summary: The Program Director (PD) will be responsible for implementation of the overall program, including formulating and managing the program inception phase, market research and partner development, followed by conceptualizing and leading project development with program partners and hiring well qualified country directors and other senior management to manage project implementation on a day to day basis, as well as key consultant experts to support project implementation.

The PD will be responsible for leading establishment and successful performance of the program in all three focal countries, including Kenya, Tanzania and Zambia.

The Program Director will be responsible for overseeing the performance of all projects, as well as ensuring that a strong cross-learning, monitoring and evaluation stream of activities is consistently applied, as well as staff development to work at international best-practice levels.

The Program Director will ensure the highest standard of learning and communication of learning both internal to Mercy Corps and externally to key stakeholders both regionally and internationally.

The Program Director will be responsible for managing program budgets and developing program reports to the donor, as well as leading overall development of program publications, representation and events.

The AgriFin Accelerate program will align and coordinate the original AgriFin Mobile program and other AgriFin programming efforts throughout Mercy Corps.

Essential Job Functions:

Management & Program Development

Lead establishment of new programs and country offices in all three target countries, working in coordination with Country Managers and support team based in Kenya, including country registration, securing premises, operational setup and full hiring, aligned with Mercy Corps policies and procedures;
Lead initial country research in each country, including ecosystem, payment and farmer-centric research with strategic partners;
Develop AgriFin Accelerate program strategies which maximize internal and external resources, including hiring and building appropriate staff skills, and partner relationships in order to achieve program goals and objectives;
With the support of the AgriFin Accelerate team, develop and maintain a clear vision and strategy for the program that can be clearly communicated to team members, government, partners, investors, media, Mercy Corps colleagues and program clients, as well as strong strategic links and cross learning with other AgriFin programming within Mercy Corps;
Maintain operational systems that ensure proper administrative support for programs, as well as segregation of duties while ensuring effective, transparent use of resources in compliance with Mercy Corps and donor policies/procedures;
Develop close and productive working relationships with all project participants and stakeholders – including the primary stakeholders, operations departments, private sector and NGOs – all parties required to establish a shared vision of the project and achieve objectives;
Establish and maintain good working relations with the relevant government ministries, as well as other higher-level stakeholder groups;
Identify opportunities, conceptualize and strategize business models for bundling of mobile financial and agricultural mobile bundled services.
Oversee and participate in the process of product development including technology requirements, pricing, and a value proposition for program partners;
Oversee development of partner plans, product roadmaps and budgets for each of the countries program and partners.
Update annually based on new opportunities, including products, financial and outreach projections;
Support Director, Learning Management to document all lessons learned from the program and prepare periodic case studies, beneficiary stories and annual ebooks for publication;
Oversee process of Monitoring Evaluation and Learning (MEL) with assistance from program staff. Ensure easy public access to MEL reports and data and make sure they are widely distributed;
Hire and supervise a diverse team of direct and indirect reports and provide leadership on the implementation of the program and provide accountability to the deliverables, objectives workplan and logframe;
Oversee all activities including research, product development, farmer training, M&E, mobile application development, system interfaces, and facilitation with other Mercy Corps programming;
Lead the process of writing, editing, assembling, and submitting program reports as well as publishing all program related case studies, ebooks and lessons learned;
Origination, implementation and ongoing oversight of all contractual relationships with consultants, partners and vendors;
Facilitate workshops and regular internal and external learning events for effective work planning and capturing of lessons learned;
Attend international forum to represent the program and disseminate information on lessons learned from building bundled services;
Provide strong leadership to staff, promoting teamwork, honesty, efficiency and a commitment and joy for the job;
Lead overall program governance, forming and reporting to the program Advisory Group and Mercy Corps Complex Program management board; and
Actively seek opportunities to leverage the program. Work with Mercy Corps’ AgriFin model programs, Social Ventures, TSUs, and country field offices to identify areas for program coordination, as well as opportunities for related new programming.

Administrative and Operational Responsibilities

Establish the office structure, procurement and recruitment and training of staff in all three countries;
Ensure that an effective and participatory MEL system is established in as decentralized a manner as is possible and would be effective;
Oversee budget management of sub-grantees/sub-contractors.
Ensure all consultant and subgrant agreements are properly structured, ensure that detailed specifications are prepared in a timely, objective, fair and transparent manner, including the reporting responsibilities and administration of terms and awards;
Make sure the business of the project is conducted in an efficient manner by supervising and monitoring project implementation.
Ensure that timely decisions on corrective actions are made and implemented;
Direct and supervise the day-to-day operations of the project, guided by the project document and the logframe;
Assure that all contractual and compliance related obligations are adhered to and make the necessary contacts and efforts to ensure implementation meets project targets;
Regularly appraise staff and provide feedback and support to enable them to do their jobs better and build their technical and professional skills;
Establish leadership, direction and personal credibility with staff; implement and maintain a clearly understood chain of authority and accountability.
Maintain an adequate human resource plan consistent with Mercy Corps’ policies, including current position descriptions for all positions, personnel orientation and professional development plans, personnel evaluation systems.
Manage with an emphasis on excellence and achievement; encourage a team culture of learning, creativity and innovation.
With full knowledge of the technical nature of the program, act as a technical resource for team members and lead and/or create opportunities for professional growth in technical areas that bring considerable value to the program.
Prepare and ensure timely submission of donor and internal Mercy Corps reports;
Manage all aspects of the budget within approved spending levels and oversee program cash flow plan to ensure a steady and adequate supply of funds for program activities;
Oversee budget management of sub-grantees/sub-contractors;
Maintain strong operational relationships with Mercy Corps finance, administration and logistics teams to ensure clarity and full support of program activities;
Ensure adherence to operational guidelines and standards as per internal/ external audit requirements;
Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting;
Exercise sound judgment to ensure program expenses are reasonable, allowable and prudent;
Ensure all program funds are spent in accordance with donor rules and regulations including private funds;and
Control the budget and safeguard against project funds and assets misuse.

Communications

Make all efforts to engage key stakeholders in important external evaluations to ensure an understanding of locally perceived impacts and problems;
See that all ad hoc evaluation studies needed to gain timely and relevant insights into emerging areas of concern are undertaken.
Make sure the data are shared with all those involved in decision making and follow up on the implementation of any decisions;
Assist with development and dissemination of program promotional materials, including updates for web page; press releases, newsletter articles and other publication materials related to Mercy Corps’ programs;
Represent Mercy Corps and AgriFin Accelerate at public events, conferences and workshops to promote the AgriFin Accelerate program and disseminate learnings;
Develop and nurture productive internal and external relationships and networks to ensure optimum communication and program success.
Build strong constituencies to include Mercy Corps headquarters and regional teams, national and international investors and partners, government officials, donor community officials, vendors, media and the general public.
Formulate, lead, document, and communicate Mercy Corps’ AgriFin Accelerate program public relations and advocacy messages in program countries and abroad with the media, donors, colleague NGOs, local partners and the government.
Work closely with the Regional and Country Director to ensure that the AgriFin Accelerate program and its complicated set of activities are woven into overall country and regional strategies so that at no time does it become a stand-alone initiative separated from the broader strategies in which it was intended to function.
Lead strategy and ensure adequate communications around program implementation, as per donor requirements.

Supervisory Responsibility: Finance Director, Director - Learning Management, Zambia Country Program Manager, Tanzania Country Program Manager, Operations Manager and Program Assistant

Reports Directly To: Regional Program Director, East and Southern Africa

Works Directly With: AgriFin Accelerate Advisory Committee, Relevant Country Directors, Regional Program Director, Program-Related Consultants, and other Program Stakeholders

Knowledge & Experience:

Minimum MA/Sc/MBA or equivalent in business administration, information technology, agriculture, finance or related field required;
Minimum twenty years’ relevant working experience required; preference for experience in both private and public sector and a strong working knowledge of financial services, information technology and agriculture;
Demonstrated ability to work at highest international technical levels of international best practice in financial inclusion, including track record of publishing relevant publications and international speaking experience;
Demonstrated ability to develop sustainable and socially actionable business models through partnerships including extensive development of products, pricing, marketing strategies, delivery channels, SWOT analysis, financial projections and building value propositions;
Demonstrated ability to engage with major banks, mobile networks and private sector players at the highest levels, developing and implementing successful programming related to financial inclusion and technology;
Strong experience in developing & maintaining complex donor programs, organizational relationships & partnerships, with experience managing significant multi-country programs for major foundations;
Proven track record of ability to lead and manage multi-million dollar grants and related programming, including workplans, budgets, reporting, HR management and commitment to deliverables and timeframes;
Deep experience with Mercy Corps or similar international non-profit agency preferred;
Strong written, oral communication and presentation skills; and
Full proficiency with MS Office software (i.e., Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), mobile phone applications (i.e. IPhone, Android, USSD, SMS, MMS, WAP, IVR, STK) and project management software (i.e. MS Project) required.

Success Factors:

Innovative, decisive and inclusive leadership approach
Excellent communication and team-building techniques
Demonstrated technical skills in mobile financial services, technology & agriculture
Proven experience managing teams of senior experts
Ability to launch and manage country offices
Cultural knowledge, sensitivity and respect
Ability to manage ambiguity, frustration and stress in self, partners and others
Ability to travel frequently nationally and internationally
Ability to maintain a sense of humor throughout.

AGRIFIN Accelerate Director, Learning Management - Nairobi

General Program Summary: The AgriFin Accelerate program will operate in three African countries (Kenya, Tanzania and Zambia) utilizing a market ecosystem approach, working with carefully selected partners to build sustainable models, where farm and crop management tools and financial services are "bundled" in affordable, unified platforms on mobile phone channels to promote mass uptake commercially.

General Position Summary: The Director, Learning Management is a key position in the AgriFin Accelerate program responsible for cross-cutting programmatic information management, monitoring and evaluation, ensuring that information collected is reflected upon, used to improve ongoing program implementation and sectoral learning, and is incorporated into consistently high quality reports and communications products.

More than just measuring results, the program’s M&E system will be an integral part of project planning and allow strategic and informed management of interventions across Kenya, Tanzania and Zambia.

The Director, Learning Management will provide team leadership related to project development and learning, as well as learning management.

Based on program deliverables, the Director, Learning Management cohesively represents the multi-country program to relevant stakeholders and other organizations/institutions through a variety of different channels.

Given the program’s objectives of facilitating sustainable systemic change in the market system, measuring high-level results alone is not sufficient.

It is also necessary to understand the processes which lead to the end impact. This requires an ongoing monitoring process that can measure indicators along the results chain of the program.

In addition, the position holder is responsible for ensuring that the reports are timely and of a high quality, as well as overseeing and building the capacity of related staff.

Essential Job Functions:

Vision, Leadership and Strategy

Provide direct oversight and management for the technical matrix team, comprised of experts in financial services, technology product development, digital capacity building and agriculture.
Provide leadership to program offices in implementing and conducting Research, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (RMEL) activities that inform and improve each intervention, as well as feed into the broader program-wide RMEL system.
Lead strategy related to program learning and impact assessment, including selection and management of strategic partners and consultants for MEL.
Maintain a system that improves MC’s ability to analyze and represent impact to donors, government, colleague agencies, and communities themselves.
Serve on the senior management team and work with the Program Director to design and lead management meetings and strategy sessions.
Work closely with the Program Director to link, support and build other AgriFin programming globally.

RMEL System Development

Lead efforts to establish an RMEL system working out of Nairobi that will facilitate RMEL for all three country offices and collaborate closely with program consultants in developing and establishing of the RMEL system, one that serves the needs of the overall AgriFin Accelerate program and it’s field officers.
Support all country programs independent efforts to ensure high quality RMEL at the program level as well as build a program-wide system that captures and presents results.
Design and maintain a system with utility and program quality in mind, providing managers and their teams real time information that can steer program implementation as well as informing donors and strategic program direction and that helps strategize future program interventions.

Learning Agenda

Be the focal point for the learning agenda for AgriFin Accelerate program, ensuring consistent application of the learning agenda through program design, implementation, assessment and communication.
Working with program teams and consultants to ensure learning is distilled and communicated via high impact channels to program partners, stakeholders, and broad industry groups to build ecosystem development and impact, aiming for expanding stakeholder capacity to implement successful models and learn from program failures.
Lead work with program partners to establish responsive joint learning agendas which serve both partner and program needs, with well integrated data collection planning and implementation.
Ensure that learning goals are well established and coordinated for DFCL activities.

Communications

Assist in the coordination, development and implementation of the program communications strategy in close coordination with the AgriFin Senior Leadership Team (director, country managers and finance) and in cooperation with the program donor and assigned consultants.
Play a leadership role in development of grant and management reporting, ensuring that materials are timely, high-quality and responsive to donors and partners.

Monitoring and Evaluation/ Assessments

Lead design and implementation of evaluations and assessments as outlined in the program proposal and workplans, drawing on appropriate research and survey tools and incorporating Mercy Corps’ standards on design, monitoring, and evaluation.
Provide input as to RMEL Agri-Fin Senior Leadership Team and act as a liaison with Mercy Corps HQ MEL technical staff.
Play a central role in all design, monitoring, evaluation, reflection, and learning activities, and developing the capacity of teams to understand and reflect on data as well as share across implementing countries.
Establish all required consulting agreements and relationships for MEL activities based on Mercy Corps policies and procedures.
Oversee and support all MEL consultant work, ensuring high levels of coordination and integration into overall programming, as well as appropriate support for partners.

Organizational Learning: As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve - we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

Accountability to Beneficiaries: Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

Supervisory Responsibility: Communications Manager, Digital Farmer Capability Lab Manager, Technology Product Manager, Financial Services Manager, Agronomy Manager

Accountability:

Reports Directly To: Agri-Fin Accelerate Program Director

Works Directly With: Country Managers, Finance Director, Partner Organizations, Donor

Knowledge and Experience:

At least 10 years’ proven experience in monitoring and evaluation tied to development programming. Strong inclination toward economic development and technology-enabled programming a plus
Strong demonstrable understanding of burgeoning trends and ideas in the M&E field
MA/S or equivalent in Social Science, Management, International Development preferred
Experience with mobile data systems and platforms
Extensive experience designing, developing and implementing M&E systems, including data management platforms, data collection tools, survey design, evaluations, etc.
Proven experience using monitoring data and feedback loops to regularly reflect, iterate and improve programs
Must have extensive experience working with a variety of donors, preferably in Africa and strong demonstrated writing, presentation and communications ability, with clear experience in use of social networking and other digital channels
History of working effectively and respectfully with host country government, INGO and NGO partners
Demonstrated ability to support complex programming and meet tight deadlines
Experience living and working in East Africa region is preferred
Fluency in written and spoken English essential

Success Factors: The ideal candidate will have a strong curiosity for understanding and working effectively within the three diverse countries which Agrifin Accelerate operates.

S/he will be an excellent communicator, multitasker, and able to work in ambiguous situations.

S/he will be a tolerant and flexible individual able to work in difficult and stressful environments and follow procedures.

S/he will be a team-player with a positive attitude toward problem solving and conflict resolution.

The most successful Mercy Corps staff members have a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability, thrive in evolving and changing environments, make effective written and verbal communication a priority in all situations, have strong skills in design monitoring and evaluation of development programs and maintain a sense of humor.

AGRIFIN Accelerate Finance & Compliance Director - Nairobi

General Position Summary: The AgriFin Accelerate Finance & Compliance Director (FCD) is a member of the senior program management team and part of the Mercy Corps Finance Department, and as such is responsible for all aspects of financial management of the overall program, working collaboratively to ensure compliance with Mercy Corps internal policies and procedures as well as donor regulations.

S/he works under the direction of the AgriFin Accelerate Program Director and is responsible for all financial functions based in Nairobi and covering program operations in Kenya, Tanzania and Zambia, including accounting, payments and banking, payroll, budgeting, financial reporting and grant financial management and compliance.

The FCD reports and provides timely assistance to the Program Director and the Program Team to ensure that financial resources are used efficiently and effectively.

Essential Job Functions:

Financial Management

Ensure effective, transparent use of financial resources in compliance with Mercy Corps and donor policies and procedures.
Maintain banking relations and plan and monitor country cash flow requirements to ensure the smooth implementation of the program.
Maintain appropriate local insurance coverage in coordination with the Admin. Department, to protect Mercy Corps.
Provide monthly standard accounting submissions to Mercy Corps Headquarters, including general ledger files, account reconciliations, expenditures by cost center/project, required subgrantee reporting, as well as other financial information in a timely and accurate manner.
Lead development and production of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports in line with donor requirements.
Provide monthly management reports to the Program Manager, including expenditures by country and for the overall project, partner reporting and other financial information, in a timely and accurate manner.
Develop annual fiscal year budgets with the Program Director and develop and implement grant budgeting and forecasting systems with Country Managers.

Personal Leadership

Consistently demonstrate flexibility, resilience and ability to maintain positive relationships and composure, even under difficult circumstances.
Maintain high ethical standards and treat people with respect and dignity.
Demonstrate an awareness of his/her own strengths and development needs.

Representation

Interface with donor representatives to convey information about programs as appropriate.
Communicate with our partners as well as private sector partners, to verify their systems and that they understand and follow all appropriate procedures and archiving.
Participate in sharing best practices with NGOs and governmental agencies.

Team Management

Create a sustainable work environment of mutual respect that attracts motivated, skilled and effective team members and enables them individually and collectively to strive to achieve excellence.
Supervise and lead a diverse team of direct and indirect reports in field offices.
Contribute to country team-building efforts; build constructive internal relationships; help team members identify problem solving options and ensure integration of all team members into relevant decision-making processes.

Accountability: Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

Supervisory Responsibility: Direct supervision of Agri-Fin finance staff in Kenya; dotted-line supervisory responsibility for finance staff in other Agri-Fin offices.

Accountability:

Reports Directly To: Agri-Fin Accelerate Program Director

Works Directly With: HQ Regional Finance Officer (with authority for technical financial matters); Deputy Agri-Fin Director; members of Operations, Country Managers, TSU team members, and others.

Knowledge and Experience:

A BA/S or equivalent in accounting or finance required; advanced degree preferred.
At least 5 + years of progressive financial management experience, including supervisory experience required.
At least 4 years’ experience in grants management as well as an understanding of donor regulations required.
At least 3 years’ international experience required; international NGO/PVO field office experience is preferred.
Demonstrated experience and skill with budget preparation and analysis, financial reporting preparation and presentation and the proven ability to translate technical financial data into informative reports.
Strong accounting skills and experience, including management of the general ledger, journal entries, payroll, payables and balance sheet.
Prior management experience and strong organizational skills, including managing staff in remote locations.
Advanced computer skills in MS Office programs, particularly Excel.
Effective verbal and written communication, multi-tasking, organizational and prioritization skills.
Excellent oral and written English skills required.
Ability to work effectively with an ethnically diverse team in a sensitive environment.
Previous experience in insecure environments.

Success Factors: The successful candidate will have an ability to interact effectively across international and national program and finance teams successfully, both in a managerial as well as training capacity.

S/he will be able to support programmatic objectives with timely and meaningful financial information, have a demonstrated ability to multi-task, meet deadlines and process information in support of changing program activities.

An impeccable professional standard of finance and procurement ethics and the willingness and ability to enforce compliance with Mercy Corps and donor policies and procedures is essential.

The Finance Manager must be willing to travel regularly to Mercy Corps field offices and project sites.

The most successful Mercy Corps staff members have a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability, thrive in evolving and changing environments and make effective written and verbal communication a priority in all situations.

Interested candidates who meet the above required qualifications and experience should submit a cover letter, detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) listing three professional references (including a recent supervisor) to hr@ke.mercycorps.org on or before Thursday 30th April by 4.00pm.

The email subject line must clearly show the job title and location they are applying for.

Applications without the right subject heading will be automatically disqualified.

Please do not attach any certificates.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

We will only get in touch with shortlisted candidates.

NB: Mercy Corps does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process.

NGO Jobs in Nairobi, Kenya - Mercy Corps

Get new jobs by email for FREE:

Featured Job

Teller Job in Kenya

Search

Popular Jobs

Office Support Assistant Job in Kenya

9 Research Assistants Jobs in Kenya

Administrative Assistant Job in Kenya - UN

Administrative Assistant Job in Kenya

Accounts Assistant Job in Kenya

Cashier Job in Kenya

Customer Service Agent Job in Kenya

Follow us on X

Follow us on Facebook

Explore

Contact Us

Latest Jobs

More Jobs

Search

Top Jobs

Footer Menu Widget

Social Widget

NGO Jobs in Nairobi, Kenya - Mercy Corps

Get new jobs by email for FREE:

Featured Job

Search

Popular Jobs

Follow us on X

Follow us on Facebook

Explore

Contact Us

Latest Jobs

More Jobs

Search

Top Jobs

Footer Menu Widget