Mennonite Economic Development Associates MEDA Careers

Qualifications:

All MCC workers are expected to exhibit a commitment to: a personal Christian faith and discipleship; active participation in a Christian church or Christian community; and nonviolent peacemaking. MCC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to employment equity. MCC values diversity and invites all qualified candidates to apply. ​Invitations to serve with MCC are contingent on the successful outcome of criminal background check(s).

• Master’s degree in environmental science, international development, or a related field preferred
• Relevant experience (2-5 years) in climate change adaptation, international development,sustainable agriculture, or a related field
• Experience with project data collection and analysis preferred
• Critical thinking skills and detail-orientation
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds
• Experience working in a cross-cultural setting
• Self-starter with ability to work independently
• Ability and willingness to travel in rural areas and drive off-road
• Strong English language skills, both oral and written
• Enthusiasm for learning a local language

An invitation to an assignment is contingent on the successful completion of a criminal background check.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage MCC’s PMER processes with partner organizations implementing MCC-supported projects helping smallholder farmers adapt to climate change in Kenya and Tanzania. This work will be done in coordination with the MCC K/T Food-Security Field Officer and under the supervision of the MCC K/T Representatives.

Accompany Utooni Development Organization (UDO) (80%)

• Divide time between the new CFGB-funded Nature+ Food Systems (NPFS) climate change adaptation project (60%) and the ongoing CFGB-funded Climate Smart Agriculture and Livelihoods Project (20%)
• Accompany UDO on the above projects with planning, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting requirements. Work will include engaging with staff on data collection, analysis, reporting, all to support ongoing learning for incorporation into project activities for positive impact with project participants.
• Participate in the Nature+ Kenya Steering Committee and other networks, connecting with other organizations doing similar food-security work, with the goal of collaborating and learning.
• Identify opportunities for capacity-building support and support partner strengthening as needed.
• Liaise with MCC Canada and CFGB

Scope of Work

MEDA wishes to engage an experienced market systems development trainer to co-deliver customized training that aligns with MEDA’s goals and market systems development approaches.
The trainer will work closely with MSTU staff, under the leadership of the Technical Director, Market Systems, to design a participatory, memorable, and comprehensive training program and materials. The trainer will deliver two days of training; MEDA staff will deliver an additional two days of training focused on specific intervention approaches and discussions on diverse approaches used in MEDA’s project portfolio.
In addition, to proposed topics that may be suggested by the trainer, the following are training topics that MEDA wishes to address in training. A breakdown of topics to be addressed by the trainer versus MSTU staff is suggested.

Trainer

• Understanding inclusive MSD and how it supports decent work creation and MEDA’s ‘triple impact’ approach
  • Core principles of MSD, including facilitation and adaptation, emphasizing a partnership approach
  • Value chain development compared to MSD, including the differences between the two approaches and why it matters to MEDA’s work
  • Understanding root causes of market systems barriers
  • Private sector development as an element of MSD (but not equated to MSD)
  • Business service providers and ecosystem strengthening
• Potentially the introduction of other concepts: Market System Resilience (MSR), enabling environment influencing

MSTU

• Elaboration on decent work and ‘triple impact’ as necessary
• CoP member sharing of MSD impact across the project portfolio.
• Typical MEDA intervention approaches and supporting tools:
  • Inclusive Market Systems Analysis process
  • Approach to Agriculture Production Guide
  • Lead Firm methodology.
  • Smart Incentive Guidelines.
  • Gender Equality Mainstreaming Framework (GEM)
  • Impact investment

Key Responsibilities of the Trainer

• Participate in pre-workshop preparation meetings with the MSTU to discuss the pre-workshop case studies design, the curriculum, and the overall planning processes for the training workshop program
• With the MSTU, co-develop a training outline and the two-day training curriculum and materials
• Collaborate with the MSTU on any pre-workshop case study preparation
• Conduct two days of in-person training in Kenya
• Contribute to the writing of a training summary that captures training highlights and learning

Expected Deliverables:

• A recommended two-day training outline with topic descriptions, identified following consultations with the MSTU
• A detailed training curriculum and materials per day (materials in PPT and Word)
• A short description of the training methodology to be developed
• Deliver two-day in person training
• A short final summary on training outcomes and recommendations for future in-house capacity strengthening

Estimated Level of Effort

• The estimated level of effort (LOE) for this training is 7 days.

Key Tasks Schedule Number of man/days

• Participate in preworkshop preparation discussions virtually: 1 days
• Preparation of training outline including the development of the training curriculum and materials: By March 30, 3-4 days
• Conduct 2 days training to the participants: April 17-21, 3 days (inclusive of travel)
• Contribute to the preparation of a workshop report: April 30, 1 day
• Total days: 8

Qualifications

This opportunity is open to one individual trainer. They should have the following qualifications and experience:

Required

• Several years of strong experience designing and delivering MSD training with an emphasis on decent work, gender equality and social inclusion, and environmental sustainability
• Minimum ten years practical, hands-on experience in MSD, agricultural, or economic development including experience working in inclusive agribusiness, market systems or private sector development
• University degree, ideally at a master’s level in a field related to inclusive MSD
• Strong understanding and experience in participatory training approaches, based on adult learning principles
• Ability to enter Kenya with no restrictions (trainer is required to make their own travel and visa arrangements)

Position Summary

The MIM Officer has the overall responsibility for coordination of all monitoring and impact measurement (MIM) and Knowledge Management (KM) activities for the VIRCA Deployment Program in both Kenya and Rwanda. The MIM Officer will be responsible for establishing and implementing an effective MIM system and plan to monitor and evaluate progress, impacts and successes of project activities and performance at all levels, including outcomes related to gender equality. The MIM Officer will work with the MIM Specialist, CPM, Gender Advisor, and Area Managers to develop MIM plans and monitor all project activities to ensure that the project complies with USAID and BMGF performance standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work collaboratively with the HQ MIM Specialist and program team to develop a MIM plan, refine the program Theory of Change, Results Framework, Log frames/Results Tracker and compile to donor standards
• Design and supervise the implementation of baseline and periodic surveys and other relevant quantitative and qualitative data collection supported by the MIM Specialist and crosscutting services team
• Work with the Project team to integrate gender (including disaggregating gender data) into ongoing project planning and implementation systems and ensure adherence to donor standards
• Take the lead in the development of appropriate monitoring, tracking, and reporting systems, tools and templates that enhance monitoring of project outputs and quality, generate quality evidence on project impact and promote and ensure use of data for decision-making processes working in collaboration with relevant team members
• Leverage on available technology (Power Business Intelligence, CRM) to generate data reports (tables/graphs/reports) from the database at regular intervals, ensuring reports/information are available for program implementation staff as required. Facilitate data analysis with program implementation team as requested.
• Contribute to understanding of and support for mobile data collection (i.e QuestionPro) hardware and software.
• Coordinate the collection, writing and conducting reviews of stories of change
• Work with the HQ MIM and KM Specialists to generate data reports (tables/graphs/reports) from the database at regular intervals, ensuring reports/information are available for program implementation staff as required. Facilitate data analysis with program implementation team as requested.
• Conduct field visits to ensure all elements of the data system is being utilized effectively, assessing, and identifying breakdowns and areas that require clarifications and improvements; Analyse project results and inform senior project management of any gaps or shortcomings in the attainment of project goals.
• Work with Cassava Seed Entrepreneurs/Enterprises (CSEs) and project partners in evaluating gathered data and analyzing lessons learned and best practices for subsequent activities including from a gender and social inclusion.
• Work closely with the project teams to develop and deliver staff/partner trainings, improving capacities in monitoring and evaluation and database management: data collection, entry, verification, and analysis; gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) and other identified needs
• Contribute to understanding of and support for mobile data collection hardware and software in collaboration with the IT/KM Specialist
• Prepare and complete periodic appraisal reports including annual surveys, midterm and final evaluation to fulfill project requirements.
• Work with HQ MIM Specialist to collect and report on corporate related data (such as decent work)
• Perform any other duties to advance the MIM objectives of the project as necessary.

Job Requirements for All Staff

Organizational Policies and Procedures

• Ensure and adhere to all MEDA management, professional, finance, audit, legal, human capital, security, corporate and other policies as required
• Prepare quarterly and other required internal reports and planning documents
• Complete and participate in all training as required

Organizational Culture

• Appreciation, understanding and commitment to MEDA’s mission, creating business solutions to poverty
• Demonstrate MEDA’s Core Performance Values: Collaboration, Respect, Entrepreneurship and Accountability

Image and Engagement

• Adherence and demonstration of MEDA image according to MEDA values
• Comply with board approved brand strategy
• Promote MEDA thorough speaking engagements, media appearances and convention as require

Staff Management

• Performance of staff management and leadership function as applicable according to MEDA policies, procedures, and values
• Contribute to a healthy culture and work environment for staff team.

Position Qualifications

• Master’s degree in quantitative discipline (Preferably in Statistics, Economics, Social Science or any Development related field)
• At least 5 Years experience in the field of Monitoring, Learning and Evaluation.
• At least 5 years experience in private sector and international development required. Experience in gender equality and social inclusion is an added advantage
• Knowledge of major quantitative & qualitative monitoring methodologies and proven ability to design monitoring instrumentation while mainstreaming gender equality and sustainability
• Extensive experience with assessments, monitoring, learning & evaluation; information systems including MS Suite (Word, Excel, Power BI etc.), database and other computerized cloud data storage, data statistical analysis and management programs, and mobile data collection platforms.
• Experience working directly with target clients (e.g farmers, MSMEs, service providers etc)
• High level of proficiency in data collection tools (ideally QuestionPro)
• Experience in agri-market systems is desirable
• Demonstrated project assessment and report writing expertise in preparing reports for major donors.
• Strong facilitation, interpersonal, motivational, and communication/writing skills.
• Written and spoken English and Swahili required
• Willingness to work under pressure and to work extra hours when required.
• Willingness to travel 50% of the time to the project areas for project monitoring.

Additional Qualifications

• Appreciation and support of MEDA’s mission, vision, and values
• Understanding and appreciation of business principles, international development and MEDA’s approach of creating business solutions to poverty
• Creates an effective work environment though exceptional interpersonal, communication, teambuilding and relationship building skills.
• Proven experience in Team management, through delegation, clear assignment of responsibilities, provision of sufficient authority and budget, and performance assessment.
• Results and solution-oriented approaches

PROJECT SUMMARY

The Virus Resistant Cassava for Africa Plus (VIRCA Plus) is a collaborative project between the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center (DDPSC), USA, MEDA, the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), Kenya, the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), Uganda, the Rwandan Agricultural Board (RAB), Rwanda, and the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Nigeria. The project has developed pathogen-derived RNAi technology to produce genetically modified cassava displaying high level resistance to Cassava brown streak disease (CBSD). Varieties developed from VIRCA Plus project offer unique potential to address a significant threat to the livelihoods of 100s of millions of African smallholder farmers and their communities. The project will run from 2020 to 2025.

POSITION SUMMARY

The MIM Officer has the overall responsibility for coordination of all monitoring and impact measurement (MIM) and Knowledge Management (KM) activities for the VIRCA Deployment Program in both Kenya and Rwanda. The MIM Officer will be responsible for establishing and implementing an effective MIM system and plan to monitor and evaluate progress, impacts and successes of project activities and performance at all levels, including outcomes related to gender equality. The MIM Officer will work with the MIM Specialist, CPM, Gender Advisor, and Area Managers to develop MIM plans and monitor all project activities to ensure that the project complies with USAID and BMGF performance standards.

• Job Status: Full-time Contract
• Anticipated Start Date: December 2022/January 2023
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work collaboratively with the HQ MIM Specialist and program team to develop a MIM plan, refine the program Theory of Change, Results Framework, Log frames/Results Tracker and compile to donor standards
• Design and supervise the implementation of baseline and periodic surveys and other relevant quantitative and qualitative data collection supported by the MIM Specialist and crosscutting services team
• Work with the Project team to integrate gender (including disaggregating gender data) into ongoing project planning and implementation systems and ensure adherence to donor standards
• Take the lead in the development of appropriate monitoring, tracking, and reporting systems, tools and templates that enhance monitoring of project outputs and quality, generate quality evidence on project impact and promote and ensure use of data for decision-making processes working in collaboration with relevant team members
• Leverage on available technology (Power Business Intelligence, CRM) to generate data reports (tables/graphs/reports) from the database at regular intervals, ensuring reports/information are available for program implementation staff as required. Facilitate data analysis with program implementation team as requested.
• Contribute to understanding of and support for mobile data collection (i.e QuestionPro) hardware and software.
• Coordinate the collection, writing and conducting reviews of stories of change
• Work with the HQ MIM and KM Specialists to generate data reports (tables/graphs/reports) from the database at regular intervals, ensuring reports/information are available for program implementation staff as required. Facilitate data analysis with program implementation team as requested.
• Conduct field visits to ensure all elements of the data system is being utilized effectively, assessing, and identifying breakdowns and areas that require clarifications and improvements; Analyse project results and inform senior project management of any gaps or shortcomings in the attainment of project goals.
• Work with Cassava Seed Entrepreneurs/Enterprises (CSEs) and project partners in evaluating gathered data and analyzing lessons learned and best practices for subsequent activities including from a gender and social inclusion.
• Work closely with the project teams to develop and deliver staff/partner trainings, improving capacities in monitoring and evaluation and database management: data collection, entry, verification, and analysis; gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) and other identified needs
• Contribute to understanding of and support for mobile data collection hardware and software in collaboration with the IT/KM Specialist
• Prepare and complete periodic appraisal reports including annual surveys, midterm and final evaluation to fulfill project requirements.
• Work with HQ MIM Specialist to collect and report on corporate related data (such as decent work)
• Perform any other duties to advance the MIM objectives of the project as necessary.

Any other duties and/or requirements as assigned

REQUIREMENTS

Education: Master’s degree in quantitative discipline (Preferably in Statistics, Economics, Social Science or any Development related field)

Experience;

• At least 5 years' experience in the field of Monitoring, Learning and Evaluation.
• At least 5 years' experience in private sector and international development required. Experience in gender equality and social inclusion is an added advantage
• Knowledge of major quantitative & qualitative monitoring methodologies and proven ability to design monitoring instrumentation while mainstreaming gender equality and sustainability
• Extensive experience with assessments, monitoring, learning & evaluation; information systems including MS Suite (Word, Excel, Power BI etc.), database and other computerized cloud data storage, data statistical analysis and management programs, and mobile data collection platforms.
• Experience working directly with target clients (e.g farmers, MSMEs, service providers etc)
• High level of proficiency in data collection tools (ideally QuestionPro)
• Experience in agri-market systems is desirable
• Demonstrated project assessment and report writing expertise in preparing reports for major donors.
• Strong facilitation, interpersonal, motivational, and communication/writing skills.
• Written and spoken English and Swahili required
• Willingness to work under pressure and to work extra hours when required.
• Willingness to travel 50% of the time to the project areas for project monitoring.

How to apply

APPLICATION DEADLINE: November 5, 5:00 pm East Africa Time. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis when received. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. Only successful applicants will be contacted.

https://meda.bamboohr.com/careers/334

PROJECT SUMMARY

The Virus Resistant Cassava for Africa Plus (VIRCA Plus) is a collaborative project between the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center (DDPSC), USA, MEDA, the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), Kenya, the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), Uganda, the Rwandan Agricultural Board (RAB), Rwanda, and the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Nigeria. The project has developed pathogen-derived RNAi technology to produce genetically modified cassava displaying high level resistance to Cassava brown streak disease (CBSD). Varieties developed from VIRCA Plus project offer unique potential to address a significant threat to the livelihoods of 100s of millions of African smallholder farmers and their communities. The project will run from 2020 to 2025.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Area Manager will support effective implementation of VIRCA Deployment Program (Seed System Development Component) in Kenya to achieve project targets and results in line with MEDA’s development approach. This position will be based in Kisumu with travel to targeted cassava growing regions within Western Kenya.

• Job Status: Full-time Contract
• Anticipated Start Date: December 2022/January 2023
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Programmatic

• Support seed system assessments aimed at increasing understanding of the status quo, capacity gaps, constraints, and opportunities in the region.
• Work collaboratively with KALRO/KALRO Seed Unit and other actors to improve their business capacity for production of Early Generation Seed (EGS).
• Facilitate market linkages for KALRO/KALRO Seed Unit to supply demand driven quality cassava planting materials on a commercial basis.
• In collaboration with KEPHIS, IITA and other seed system actors, support testing and implementation of cassava seed protocols to ensure quality assurance of cassava planting materials.
• Facilitate identification and capacity building of Cassava Seed Entrepreneurs/Enterprises (CSEs) in commercial seed production while ensuring inclusivity
• Develop/refine and implement a robust capacity development program targeting key cassava seed system actors including but not limited to KEPHIS, KALRO/KALRO Seed Unit, and CSEs.
• Develop/refine training manuals on commercial seed production as well as other relevant modules including gender and social inclusion.
• Support marketing of CSEs products and facilitate strong linkages between CSEs and farmers
• Facilitate registration of CSEs with relevant government agencies and ensure compliance to existing seed quality protocols
• Provide backstopping, coaching, and mentorship to selected CSEs.
• Create strong partnerships with public and private producers, relevant government ministries and agencies, other seed system stakeholders and represent MEDA when required.

Operations

• Prepare monthly plans and budget for the region.
• Proactively monitor burn rate.
• Ensure compliance with MEDA/donor procedures and policies.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Ensure timely and accurate data collection and analysis.
• Develop progress reports.
• Track performance against targets and course correct where necessary.
• Document and share lessons learnt

Any other duties and/or requirements as assigned

REQUIREMENTS

Education: A university degree in agribusiness, economics, marketing, or related field. A Master's degree is an added advantage.

Experience: A minimum of 5 years in enterprise/private sector development at a senior level in agricultural value chains involving private sector and farmer organizations 

How to apply 

https://meda.bamboohr.com/careers/332

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

•  Work collaboratively with the HQ MIM Specialist and program team to develop a MIM plan, refine the program Theory of Change, Results Framework, Log frames/Results Tracker and compile to donor standards
•  Design and supervise the implementation of baseline and periodic surveys and other relevant quantitative and qualitative data collection supported by the MIM Specialist and crosscutting services team
•  Work with the Project team to integrate gender (including disaggregating gender data) into ongoing project planning and implementation systems and ensure adherence to donor standards
•  Take the lead in the development of appropriate monitoring, tracking, and reporting systems, tools and templates that enhance monitoring of project outputs and quality, generate quality evidence on project impact and promote and ensure use of data for decision-making processes working in collaboration with relevant team members
•  Leverage on available technology (Power Business Intelligence, CRM) to generate data reports (tables/graphs/reports) from the database at regular intervals, ensuring reports/information are available for program implementation staff as required. Facilitate data analysis with program implementation team as requested.
•  Contribute to understanding of and support for mobile data collection (i.e QuestionPro) hardware and software.
•  Coordinate the collection, writing and conducting reviews of stories of change
•  Work with the HQ MIM and KM Specialists to generate data reports (tables/graphs/reports) from the database at regular intervals, ensuring reports/information are available for program implementation staff as required. Facilitate data analysis with program implementation team as requested.
•  Conduct field visits to ensure all elements of the data system is being utilized effectively, assessing, and identifying breakdowns and areas that require clarifications and improvements; Analyse project results and inform senior project management of any gaps or shortcomings in the attainment of project goals.
•  Work with Cassava Seed Entrepreneurs/Enterprises (CSEs) and project partners in evaluating gathered data and analyzing lessons learned and best practices for subsequent activities including from a gender and social inclusion.
•  Work closely with the project teams to develop and deliver staff/partner trainings, improving capacities in monitoring and evaluation and database management: data collection, entry, verification, and analysis; gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) and other identified needs
•  Contribute to understanding of and support for mobile data collection hardware and software in collaboration with the IT/KM Specialist
•  Prepare and complete periodic appraisal reports including annual surveys, midterm and final evaluation to fulfill project requirements.
•  Work with HQ MIM Specialist to collect and report on corporate related data (such as decent work)
•  Perform any other duties to advance the MIM objectives of the project as necessary.

Any other duties and/or requirements as assigned

REQUIREMENTS

• Education: Master's degree in quantitative discipline (Preferably in Statistics, Economics, Social Science or any Development related field)

Experience:

•  At least 5 years' experience in the field of Monitoring, Learning and Evaluation.
•  At least 5 years' experience in private sector and international development required. Experience in gender equality and social inclusion is an added advantage
•  Knowledge of major quantitative & qualitative monitoring methodologies and proven ability to design monitoring instrumentation while mainstreaming gender equality and sustainability
•  Extensive experience with assessments, monitoring, learning & evaluation; information systems including MS Suite (Word, Excel, Power BI etc.), database and other computerized cloud data storage, data statistical analysis and management programs, and mobile data collection platforms.
•  Experience working directly with target clients (e.g farmers, MSMEs, service providers etc)
•  High level of proficiency in data collection tools (ideally QuestionPro)
•  Experience in agri-market systems is desirable
•  Demonstrated project assessment and report writing expertise in preparing reports for major donors.
•  Strong facilitation, interpersonal, motivational, and communication/writing skills.
•  Written and spoken English and Swahili required
•  Willingness to work under pressure and to work extra hours when required.
•  Willingness to travel 50% of the time to the project areas for project monitoring.

Additional Qualifications:

•  Appreciation and support of MEDA's mission, vision, and values
•  Understanding and appreciation of business principles, international development and MEDA's approach of creating business solutions to poverty
•  Creates an effective work environment though exceptional interpersonal, communication, teambuilding and relationship building skills.
•  Proven experience in Team management, through delegation, clear assignment of responsibilities, provision of sufficient authority and budget, and performance assessment.
•  Results and solution-oriented approaches

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Programmatic

•  Support seed system assessments aimed at increasing understanding of the status quo, capacity gaps, constraints, and opportunities in the region.
•  Work collaboratively with KALRO/KALRO Seed Unit and other actors to i mprove their business capacity for production of Early Generation Seed (EGS).
•  Facilitate market linkages for KALRO/KALRO Seed Unit to supply demand driven quality cassava planting materials on a commercial basis.
•  In collaboration with KEPHIS, IITA and other seed system actors, support testing and implementation of cassava seed protocols to ensure quality assurance of cassava planting materials.
•  Facilitate identification and capacity building of Cassava Seed Entrepreneurs/Enterprises (CSEs) in commercial seed production while ensuring inclusivity
•  Develop/refine and implement a robust capacity development program targeting key cassava seed system actors including but not limited to KEPHIS, KALRO/KALRO Seed Unit, and CSEs.
•  Develop/refine training manuals on commercial seed production as well as other relevant modules including gender and social inclusion.
•  Support marketing of CSEs products and facilitate strong linkages between CSEs and farmers
•  Facilitate registration of CSEs with relevant government agencies and ensure compliance to existing seed quality protocols
•  Provide backstopping, coaching, and mentorship to selected CSEs.
•  Create strong partnerships with public and private producers, relevant government ministries and agencies, other seed system stakeholders and represent MEDA when required.

Operations

•  Prepare monthly plans and budget for the region.
•  Proactively monitor burn rate.
•  Ensure compliance with MEDA/donor procedures and policies.

Monitoring and Evaluation

•  Ensure timely and accurate data collection and analysis.
•  Develop progress reports.
•  Track performance against targets and course correct where necessary.
•  Document and share lessons learnt

Any other duties and/or requirements as assigned

REQUIREMENTS

• Education: A university degree in agribusiness, economics, marketing, or related field.
• A Master's degree is an added advantage.
• Experience: A minimum of 5 years in enterprise/private sector development at a senior level in agricultural value chains involving private sector and farmer organizations

Additional Qualifications:

•  Understanding and appreciation of MEDA's mission, vision, values, and business principles
•  Has strong understanding and experience in seed system and value chain development
•  Experience in offering a wide range of business development services (BDS) to MSMEs, farmers/farmer organizations to facilitate their growth.
•  Market oriented and strong entrepreneurial skills
•  Excellent people and stakeholder management skills
•  Strong partnership and networking skills
•  Excellent communication and report writing skills
•  Fluency (written and verbal) in English is required. Working knowledge of Kiswahili is desirable

PROJECT SUMMARY

The Virus Resistant Cassava for Africa Plus (VIRCA Plus) is a collaborative project between the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center (DDPSC), USA, MEDA, the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), Kenya, the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), Uganda, the Rwandan Agricultural Board (RAB), Rwanda, and the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Nigeria. The project has developed pathogen-derived RNAi technology to produce genetically modified cassava displaying high level resistance to Cassava brown streak disease (CBSD). Varieties developed from VIRCA Plus project offer unique potential to address a significant threat to the livelihoods of 100s of millions of African smallholder farmers and their communities.  The project will run from 2020 to 2025. 

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Project Finance Officer (PFO) will be a critical part of the VIRCA Plus Project. The PFO will provide high-quality day to day support to VIRCA Plus team and Cassava Seed Entrepreneurs (CSEs) on financial management in Kenya and potentially Rwanda. Working collaboratively with the Kenya Finance team and Country Project Manager (CPM), the PFO will lead on a range of financial processes for VIRCA Plus in Kenya, from financial planning, budgeting, reporting, procurement, performance monitoring and financial risk management.

• Job Status:  Full-time Contract
• Anticipated Start Date: October 2022
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Management

• Ensure MEDA Kenya financial management policies and procedures and donor rules and regulations are strictly adhered to.
• Manage cashflow to ensure the project activities are appropriately funded at all times and make adjustments as needed.
• Prepare vouchers and ensure timely posting to SAGE
• Facilitate the preparation of annual budget and timely report budget/expenditure discrepancies to the Country Project Manager

Procurement

• Support procurement of VIRCA Plus requirements (materials and services) in collaboration with CPM and the Finance and Procurement Officer (FPO) while ensuring compliance with donor and MEDA procurement policies and procedures.
• Ensure VIRCA Plus maintains transparent procurement process and proper documentation by liaising with the VIRCA Plus team and FPO, to confirm procurement needs, source service providers, raise request for quotation, prepare bid analysis and make recommendations to CPM.
• Raise local purchase orders (LPO) and service contracts for all awarded providers.

Grants management

• Prepare/update funding documents for all sub-contracts in line with MEDA legal policies.
• Develop matching grant reports including reconciliation of funds disbursed/matched and make recommendations on areas of improvement.
• Ensure timely disbursement of funds to CSEs and other sub-grantees.
• Monitor performance of CSEs/sub-grantees and proactively support the project team to manage identified risks

Cash and staff advances management

• Working collaboratively with CPM and Area Managers, prepare quarterly and monthly cash needs to inform project cash request
• Prepare payment vouchers for approved payments.
• Review VIRCA plus team travel advances and reimbursements for accuracy and approvals.
• Review VIRCA Plus staff travel expense reports with a kin eye on authenticity of receipts and expense approvals.
• Ensure timely payment of VIRCA staff advances and claims
• Reconcile VIRCA Plus staff advances accounts

Asset management

• Work with the finance team to develop and maintain VIRCA Plus asset register
• Review all staff Motor vehicles reports and provide recommendations on areas of improvement.
• Consolidate monthly motor vehicle expenses and ensure proper charging to the VIRCA Plus Project

Other duties

• Support the preparation of VIRCA Plus financial reports.
• Assist with collecting financial information for the monthly, quarterly, and annual
• Support implementation of the audit plan
• Implementing internal controls & policies to comply with donor & GOK requirements

Any other duties and/or requirements as assigned 

REQUIREMENTS 

Education: University degree in Accounting, finance or business related field.

Experience:  Minimum 3 years of experience working at a similar role, preferably within a donor funded project/organization.

Position Qualifications:

• CPA certification-At least CPA 3
• Advanced knowledge and experience of MS office packages, and database management tools.
• Demonstrated experience working with different accounting software, and ability to learn quickly on the job.
• Previous experience working with USAID-funded projects an advantage.
• Fluency (written and verbal) in English is required. Working knowledge of Swahili is desirable 

Additional Qualifications: 

• Appreciation and support of MEDA’s mission, vision, and values 
• Understanding and appreciation of business principles, international development and MEDA’s approach of creating business solutions to poverty
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Effective communication skills
• Strong leadership skills

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Deputy Country Director (DCD) will be the Technical Lead for the market systems and financial services/investment components of the LEGEND Project and act as assistant to the Country Director specifically on project implementation. The DCD will be responsible for leading and building capacity within the field team in market systems and financial services/investment technical approaches, to ensure effective implementation of market systems development strategies and project performance targets. Responsibilities include: building capacity of local staff and partners in market systems development approaches in the context of the project’s specific agricultural sub-sectors and with a focus on women and youth economic development, serve as the principal liaison between MEDA and the local financial service partners, including banks, micro-finance institutions, investment funds and other financial service / market system actors; support CD in field staff recruitment and management; and support the development of project performance tracking monitoring and impact measurement (MIM) systems. Act as a member of the Senior Management Team, providing leadership and direction to the overall project.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee the implementation components of the financial services/investment, market systems and SME business development approaches, in all different targeted regions by the project
• Coordinate with the crosscutting services team to ensure effective integration of gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) and environment and climate change (ECC) within these technical approaches
• Help build capacities of local staff and partners in market systems development
• Ensure effective and efficient management of the Investment and Financial Services Specialist, Market Systems and BDS Specialist, and Regional Operations Managers (Coast/Kisumu) within project’s compliance with planning, monitoring, evaluation, performance, and reporting as established and defined by the relevant contracts and by MEDA’s standards.
• Assist the Country Director (CD) in setting bases, in managing, developing, and monitoring the project in order to obtain all expected results, to achieve performance targets and sustainability of the project
• Assist the CD and MEDA to cultivate new business development opportunities in-country and regionally.
• Ensure there is maintenance of strict budgetary adherence and monitoring.
• Work with the Director of Finance and Administration to review contracts, pre-award assessments, grant audits, compliance, and systems improvement. Finance holds responsibilities of legal and financial reviews of contracts and commitments.
• Work with CD and SPM to set up grant pipelining, awarding, monitoring, and close out protocols.
• Establish a grantee and partner monitoring system.
• Ensure positive relations with donors are maintained, as well as with other local development organizations, local governments, and the business community.
• Ensure positive relations with colleagues and develop teamwork spirit
• Manage relationships with Key Facilitating Partners, ensuring positive relationships are maintained and targets achieved.
• Undertake a program of planned visits on a regular cycle to the project sites as well as those with all partners to ensure mutually beneficial outcomes are achieved.
• Submit regular Donor reports and workplans, in coordination with the Country Director, Finance and Admin Team, Cross-cutting services team, programming team and HQ technical specialists
• Any other duties and/or requirements as assigned 

REQUIREMENTS 

• Education: Masters degree in business, financial services, international development, enterprise development, economic development, agriculture, or related field.
• Experience: A minimum of seven years’ experience implementing value chain/economic development projects including managing teams to deliver economic growth outcomes.

Additional Qualifications: 

• Appreciation and support of MEDA’s Mission vision and values.  
• Understand ing and appreciation of business principles, international development, and MEDA’s approach to creating business solutions to poverty.  
• Strong under standing of and proven experience in women’s economic empowerment programming in a development context
• Strong understanding of competitive market environments; inclusive subsector development, business development, marketing, and facilitation of market systems approaches
• Strong understanding of business decision making in competitive market environments; inclusive subsector development and market systems development facilitation methods.
• Understanding of the principles and mechanisms for value chain financing and other methods to facilitate access to financial services and investment for smallholder farmers and SMEs
• Demonstrated ability to mobilize stakeholders and lead and facilitate collaborative processes.
• Proven and adaptable interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills. Ability to communicate with individuals professionally and effectively at various levels.
• Good leadership skills with ability to work as a catalyst and facilitator.
• Direct private sector experience is desirable.
• Sector experience in agriculture/agribusiness is desirable (specific experience in horticulture, aquaculture, and poultry an advantage)
• Experience in project target geographic regions (Lake Zone and Coast) is desirable
• Excellent report writing and review skills.
• Relevant post-graduate qualifications, including MBA, MSC or equivalent
• Fluency in English and Swahili is required.