Project Manager

Function

The Project Manager will be responsible for the successful implementation of the TRANSFORM project goal and objectives by providing technical leadership to the project team and partners to ensure high-quality programming in compliance with donor and Heifer regulations. Working closely with the TRANSFORM Project Director, s/he will ensure management of the project in line with the donor contract, scope, deliverables, and budget, and oversee coaching and performance management of project staff. 

Essential Character Traits 

Heifer International Kenya is looking for a self-motivated, value and results-oriented leader of high integrity and accountability.

Responsibilities

Project management and program effectiveness (40%) 

• Provide overall leadership and management of the project including technical, team and operational. 
• Collaborate with the project team, Signature Program Technical Lead, Project Director and other function heads to develop annual workplans and budgets.
• Coach the staff to help them effectively carry out their assignments, meet their individual and project targets, and support their performance management processes.
• Work closely with the Signature Program Technical Lead, Project Director and other function heads in relevant departments to ensure timely review, submission and dissemination of project information and reports.

Project planning, monitoring, and reporting (30%)

• Ensure compliance with donor requirements and Heifer’s internal policies and procedures. 
• Accountable for quality and timely reporting, project reviews and documentation and sharing of learnings. 
• Responsible for project documentation, audits and global indicator monitoring and evaluation reports.
• Oversee regular dissemination of project success stories and lessons learned using Heifer’s IPMS system.

Stakeholder’s management (25 %)

• Build and manage relationships and represent the organization and the project at the county and national levels.
• Maintain regular communication and engagement with the donor.
• Collaborate with relevant local, international, and private sector partners or stakeholders.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing through establishing strategies and creating appropriate forums for multi-stakeholder engagement and learning.
• Develop strategies for capturing and sharing project knowledge with the donor.  
• Develop the project exit strategy.

May perform other job-related duties as assigned (5%)

• Any other job-related tasks assigned by the line manager or Country Director 

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in veterinary medicine, animal science or animal health, project planning and management, agriculture, agribusiness, business administration, enterprise development and other relevant qualification from a recognized Institution.
• Seven (7) years relevant experience in veterinary /animal health sector, animal health production, program management, and community development work, with at least three (3) years of supervisory/managerial experience.
• Substantial experience in implementing and managing projects funded by USAID and or other donors.
• Substantial experience building public/private partnerships, preferably in the agriculture/ veterinary/animal health sector.

Preferred Requirements

• Master’s Degree in relevant professional discipline.
• Thorough knowledge of programming processes, systems and principles, and the ability to provide leadership and support to staff working at community level.
• Strong poultry value chain and livestock sector experience.
• Strong background and experience in the capacity building of producer organizations including dairy cooperatives.
• Partnership management experience and working through partnership structures, consortiums and private sector partners.
• Sound business knowledge especially in the agricultural and agribusiness sector.
• Solid knowledge and foundation in proposal development, financial and budgets management and of project management cycle.
• Sound knowledge of value chain development on various agricultural commodities including the Poultry and Livestock sectors.

Most Critical Proficiencies

• Strong program management, leadership and innovation skills.
• Experience in building and managing strategic partnerships with the public and private sector including in extension and processing.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the latest developments in advancing good/best practices in One Health, antimicrobial use stewardship principles, farm management/ animal production and veterinary practice.
• Demonstrated ability to design and implement strategies aimed at providing institutional capacity building to key partner institutions to build a more efficient, competitive, and sustainable industry. This requirement is in line with the need to have in-built ‘exit strategies’ within the project as a measure of ensuring that there are self-sustaining businesses by project end. 
• Demonstrated business acumen and creativity with the ability to think systematically and incorporate innovative solutions.
• Proven interpersonal and communication skills with ability to relate to individuals and groups diplomatically and tactfully.
• Self-starter with the ability to work in a multicultural setting.

Essential Job Functions & Physical Demands

• Preparing and presenting documents in a well-designed and attractive format with great attention to detail.
• Ability to understand, appreciate, and implement Heifer’s Value-Based Holistic Community Development.
• Demonstrated creativity with the ability to incorporate innovative solutions and systems thinking.
• May require constant sitting and moving, working at a computer for extended periods.
• Working with sensitive information and maintaining confidentiality.
• Ability to manage and execute multiple tasks with little supervision while meeting tight deadlines.