Project manager- Save the Children Alliance -Jobs in kenya

Save the Children Canada works in 37 countries around the world to deliver child rights programs. Established in Kenya in 1984 our programs operate in Eastern and Central Districts. We are a member of Save the Children International, the world’s leading independent organization for children.

Closing date: 07 May 2010 Location: Kenya – Nairobi
YouthSave is a multi-year project to develop and test the development and commercial impacts of youth savings accounts (YSAs) in 4 countries. YouthSave also includes a significant research component, which in Kenya will focus on monitoring uptake and usage of accounts.
Primary Purpose
The YouthSave Project Manager (PM) – Kenya will be responsible for ensuring high-quality execution of YouthSave project activities in-country.
The PM’s main responsibilities will be

1. organizing the program of technical assistance and project cost-sharing support to the local YouthSave partner financial institution (FI);
2. developing a work plan and managing the in-country project steering committee to enable project activities to advance in a smooth, coordinated manner;
3. monitoring local project implementation for potential risks to youth clients; and
4. managing external relations and results dissemination efforts in-country. This position will formally report to the Save the Children Canada Country Director but receive technical guidance from the Regional Technical Advisor.

Duties and Responsibilities
Technical Responsibilities

* Organize the program of technical assistance and project support to partner FIs, under the technical guidance of the RTA
* During the product design phase, support specialized consultants in recommending the most appropriate form of financial capability mechanism to implement locally, based on an assessment of market need and locally-available resources
* Monitor project implementation for risks to youth clients

Relationship and project management

* Coordinate the work of, and maintain strong working relationships between, local partner FIs and research partners (RPs) in order to ensure that project activities advance in a smooth and timely manner.
* Project management and administration.

Reporting External relations

* Manage the project’s external relations and dissemination efforts in-country

Background and Experience

* At least 7 years implementing international development projects/programs, 3 of which are in a field management capacity
* Excellent project management skills
* Experience leading collaborative processes with diverse participants, and ability to understand and bridge diverging communication styles and agendas in order to reach common goals
* Deep knowledge of youth development and protection issues in local country context
* Ideal candidates will have experience with undertaking research, microfinance and/or enterprise/livelihoods development; and working in, consulting to, or building partnerships with private-sector enterprises
* Masters degree in relevant field preferred; else Bachelors plus equivalent work experience

Knowledge, Skills and Behaviors

* Self-starter; takes ownership of deliverables and drives project results while building strong collaboration with and regularly seeking input from partners and other project staff
* Manages through influence; deploys strong persuasive skills and motivates sustained partner enthusiasm to maintain collaboration towards common project goals while identifying with mission of SC
* Enthusiastic about working at a detailed implementation level as well as taking a high-level strategic view of project operations
* Comfort interfacing with diverse stakeholders including high-level policy makers, professionals from various fields, and project beneficiaries/clients
* Public speaking /representation abilities and knowledge of youth friendly approaches

How to apply
Interested candidates meeting specified qualifications should send a cover letter, curriculum vitae, three referees and day time telephone contact to kfo@sc-canada.or.ke or Box 27679-00506, Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi.