Plan International is an independent global child rights organization committed to supporting vulnerable and marginalized children and their communities to be free from poverty. For over 80 years, we have supported girls and boys and their communities around the world to gain the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to claim their rights, free themselves from poverty and live positive fulfilling lives.
Plan International has been operating in Kenya since 1982 and to-date continues to work in 19 counties: Nairobi, Machakos, Kajiado, Tharaka Nithi, Siaya, Bungoma, Busia, Taita Taveta, Kilifi, Mombasa, Kwale, Vihiga, Kakamega, Lamu, Kisii, Migori, Homabay, Kisumu and Marsabit.
ROLE PROFILE
Title | Project Manager – Business Inclusion and Innovation | Grade | |
Functional Area & Location | Programmes – Nairobi | Date | |
Reports to | Area Manager- CEN | ||
Duration | Three years fixed contract |
ROLE PURPOSE
The Innovating Pathways for Employment Inclusion (IPEI) programme aims to increase the wellbeing and inclusion of people with disabilities living in urban locations Kenya. Led by Leonard Cheshire, the innovative programme will work with global, regional and national actors representing disabled people’s organisations, UN Agencies, World Bank, INGOs and academic institutions to support people with disabilities into waged employed. The programme seeks to improve systems, policies and the enabling environment to overcome barriers to the meaningful inclusion of persons with disabilities in private sector employment, with a focus on developing and testing new approaches for disability inclusive employment. Funded by UK Aid Connect, the programme consists of an eight-month co-creation phase where members of the consortium will conduct research and test approaches, followed by 3-year implementation period.
The position holder must be ready to adhere to Plan values and sign the child protection policy.
Dimensions of the Role
Plan International is implementing a 3.5-year Project named ‘Innovative Pathways for Employment Inclusion’ (IPEI). Funded by the UK Government’s Department for International Development (DFID), the project aims to increase the wellbeing and inclusion of people with disabilities living in urban locations in Kenya by supporting them into waged employment.
As a leading organisation for gender equality and inclusion, Plan International Kenya will ensure gender is mainstreamed through the programme design. The project consists of an eight-month co-creation phase followed by a three-year implementation phase. A stakeholder mapping, market and skills analysis will be conducted in the co-creation period, and the information generated will be used to inform the project implementation.
Based in Nairobi, the main purpose of the Project Manager is to oversee the implementation of a specific approved programme known as Innovating Pathways for Employment Inclusion (IPEI) Programme. Additionally, the Project Manager will support and coordinate the country programme with selected CSO partners. During the co-creation phase, the manager will be responsible for; Developing stakeholder mapping with details of potential actors in the private sector, government, civil society and any other sector necessary to implement IPEI; Support in the development of a stakeholder engagement strategy that will include private sector players, government and people with Disabilities (PWD); and conduct a mapping and skills analysis.
The incumbent should have good understanding of the interface between innovation and inclusion programming.
The incumbent should be familiar with working with the private sector especially within the areas of business, economic empowerment, partnerships with government, and civil society. Experience working with disabled people organizations on social and economic inclusion will be an added advantage. Additionally, s/he will be familiar with managing large donor projects including having a great deal of understanding of donor guidelines and regulations.
The Project Manager will report to the Area Manager Nairobi, with a dotted reporting line to Leonard Cheshire as project lead on this project. Additionally, the manager will submit internal progress reports to a Manager in Plan UK as provided in the Funding Approval Document (FAD).
Accountabilities
Technical quality assurance to project development and implementation
Realize 8-month Core Creation Phase deliverables:
- Support to conduct stakeholder mapping of potential actors in the private sector, government, civil society and any other sector necessary to implement EPEI
- Conduct a stakeholder engagement strategy on mapped out stakeholders and strategies to engage with them during project implementation.
- Conduct a comprehensive gender-sensitive market analysis of the private sectors/ companies selected under stakeholder analysis.
- Conduct an analysis of the respective barriers to waged employment for women and men with disabilities in urban settings, and their interests and skills needed.
Oversee & Coordinate Project Implementation
- Provide timely technical project narrative and financial reports;
- Ensure compliance with donor requirements and regulations.
- Smooth/ efficient project performance and effective management of and communication with project team.
Manage Project Resources
- Monitor expenditures by interventions and ensure compliance with approved budget.
- Review expenditure reports on a monthly basis.
- Ensure timely Urban Project budget adjustments and revisions in compliance with donor regulations.
- Ensure compliance with country office and donor policies, contracts, and agreements.
Key relationships
Excellent working relationships will need to be built with the Director of Programmes and the team of technical advisors, Program Area Managers, Program Managers, and other members of the country management team and other relevant units within Plan International Kenya, National Organization counterparts. The post holder will also be required to work closely with the grants department.
Technical expertise, skills and knowledge
- Relevant master’s degree in economics, gender, social sciences or international development
- At least 5 years’ experience in programme development and/or management in the context of economic empowerment projects and programmes
- Strong understanding of innovation in development and experience of designing and/or implementing innovative approaches
- Strong understanding of testing and adaptation in development and experience of adapting and improving development interventions based on testing and learning
- Excellent facilitation skills and demonstrable experience of designing and facilitating workshops and meetings with a broad range of stakeholders
- Experience of working collaboratively with a variety of organisations (private sector, academia and NGOs)
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Experience in financial, budget and administrative management or related issues
- Previous knowledge of what it takes to ensure equal partnerships with several CSOs
Skills Specific to the Post
- Strong writing and reporting writing skills
- Competent research and analytical skills
- Conceptual skills
- Good Interpersonal / Communication skills
- Results orientated
- Good Leadership skills
Plan International’s Values in Practice
We are open and accountable
- Promotes a culture of openness and transparency, including with sponsors and donors.
- Holds self and others accountable to achieve the highest standards of integrity.
- Consistent and fair in the treatment of people.
- Open about mistakes and keen to learn from them.
- Accountable for ensuring we are a safe organisation for all children, girls & young people
We strive for lasting impact
- Articulates a clear purpose for staff and sets high expectations.
- Creates a climate of continuous improvement, open to challenge and new ideas.
- Focuses resources to drive change and maximise long-term impact, responsive to changed priorities or crises.
- Evidence-based and evaluates effectiveness.
We work well together
- Seeks constructive outcomes, listens to others, willing to compromise when appropriate.
- Builds constructive relationships across Plan International to support our shared goals.
- Develops trusting and ‘win-win’ relationships with funders, partners and communities.
- Engages and works well with others outside the organization to build a better world for girls and all children.
We are inclusive and empowering
- Seeks constructive outcomes, listens to others, willing to compromise when appropriate.
- Builds constructive relationships across Plan International to support our shared goals.
- Develops trusting and ‘win-win’ relationships with funders, partners and communities.
- Engages and works well with others outside the organization to build a better world for girls and all children.
Physical Environment
The position will be based in Nairobi with limited travel to the Mombasa and Kisumu.
Level of contact with children
Low contact: No contact or very low frequency of interaction.
Please note that only applications and CVs written in English will be accepted.
References will be taken and background and Anti-terrorism checks will be carried out in conformity with Plan International’s Child Protection and Code of Conduct Policies. Plan International operates an equal opportunities policy and actively encourages diversity, welcoming applications from all persons meeting the skills and experience required. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
More Information
- Job City Nairobi