Kenya: SENIOR PROJECT MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST USAID SOMALIA PROGRAM SUPPORT SERVICES (SPSS)

Please Note: This is a Local hire position without offshore benefits

PROGRAM SUMMARY

The Somalia Program Support Services (SPSS) contract implemented by International Business and Technical Consultants Inc. (IBTCI) provides support for program-related services to program and technical teams in the USAID/EA/Somalia Office in Nairobi, Kenya. The contract comprises multiple simultaneous task orders including: implementing an ongoing monitoring system for funded activities; baseline studies and evaluations; managing a data clearinghouse, and; providing logistical, administrative, and facilitation support for technical team meetings with partners or other stakeholders for the purposes of planning, monitoring, evaluating and/or learning. Also, to provide performance management technical assistance and training to implementing partners and Mission staff in support of the USAID strategy to promote stabilization in Somalia through good governance, economic growth, and enhancing the delivery of basic social services.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Chief of Party (COP), who has overall responsibility for contract implementation, the Senior Project Management Specialist (PMS) will provide support, leadership and technical expertise to the overall management of SPSS. In providing key support to the COP on all management and program areas under his/her direct supervision, the PMS

will have day-to-day responsibility in assisting the COP and the Senior Analysis, Monitoring & Evaluation (A, M&E) Advisor with management of multiple task orders, and for monitoring compliance with contract delivery requirements and USAID policies. The PMS position involves oversight of work plan progress for numerous concurrent SPSS task orders, to ensure that the staff and funds are coordinated effectively and efficiently in the delivery of SPSS deliverables and results. The PMS collaborates closely with program and administration staff in Nairobi, Somalia and at the Home Office to ensure adherence to organizational program standards, procedures and contract requirements. This requires liaising with individual program staff and coordinating and ensuring proper implementation of the program in accordance with IBTCI and USAID policies. The PMS supports the COP in maintaining a team environment. This is a local hire position without offshore hire benefits.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Maintain a central role ensuring that each task order has a detailed work plan, that respective managers adhere to the work plans, and makes adjustments as appropriate.
2. Is responsible for maintaining the master work plan, to monitor all task order internal and client deadlines, and how corporate, internal and external resources are managed to support the smooth implementation of each task order with an overall system of corporate procedures and resources; may require occasional travel to Yemen.
3. Liaises with program staff day-to-day to monitor task order implementation timeliness and provide mentoring, coaching and capacity-building/training to staff, as needed.
4. Ensures all task order staff develop and implement work plans in-line with work plans and log frames.
5. Liaises with the Home Office to oversee the subcontracts mechanisms, ensuring that all subcontract processes are implemented in an open, transparent and efficient manner and that staff monitor the subcontracts to keep them on schedule (including program implementation, spending and reporting) and within the parameters set by each subcontract. Liaise with the Finance Manager for payments, financial monitoring/compliance and closeout procedures.
6. Along with the CoP, Senior Technical Advisor and other Nairobi-based staff, and HO staff, recruit, on-board, and assist program staff with management of short-term consultants and teams, which operating simultaneously.
7. Assists the CoP with client reporting requirements to ensure program implementation meets client expectations, quality and regulations.
8. Contributes to design of approaches, methodologies and implementation plans for task orders.
9. Assists the COP and Senior AM&E Advisor with reviewing documents, proposals, reports and deliverables for accuracy, style, layout and compliance with client guidance.
10. May be a point of contact in the absence of the CoP.
11. Other duties as requested or assigned by the CoP.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

· Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, advanced degree (desired)

· Minimum eight (8) years of experience in program management and contract compliance

· Strong organizational skills, analytical capabilities, able to work in a fast-paced environment, demonstrated ability to multi-task

· Excellent verbal and written communications skills in English

· Previous involvement in research or monitoring and evaluation projects

· Demonstrated ability to produce and edit reports and technical documents

• Familiarity with financial systems and administrative procedures, ideally with USAID or USG

· Experienced in operational and organizational management, project and personnel management and supervision

· Experience in management and implementation of a project in Somalia or other security-challenged environments

• Familiarity with standard/office IT applications including program management software.

SUCCESS FACTORS

The successful PMS will apply a strong combination of program, management and team building abilities. As this position requires helping to ensure the timely delivery of multiple products and tasks to implement SPSS, the successful PMS will have strong organizational and project management ability.

Other factors include:

1. Versatile multi-tasker with the proven ability to organize and prioritize many urgent tasks
2. Demonstrated ability to lead and communicate effectively with team members of varied work styles, follow procedures, and meet deadlines
3. Demonstrated flexibility and creativity in planning and problem solving
4. Proven ability to learn quickly, take initiative, and be accountable for results
5. Ability to understand the larger picture while remaining focused on the details
6. Ability to contribute to conceptualization and preparation of task orders.

Please submit all applications at the following link: https://www.devex.com/en/jobs/senior-project-management-specialist-usaid-somalia-program-support-services-spss-911