Programme Associate Job in Nairobi Kenya

Job Title: Programme Associate - Logistics

Organization: Evidence Action

Project: Deworm the World Initiative, supporting the NSBDP

Duty Station: Nairobi

Reporting To: Senior Associate - Operations

Supervising: Assistant - Logistics

Contract Duration: 2 years

Start Date: 1st April 2014

Introduction: Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) is a non-profit research organization that creates and evaluates approaches to solving development problems and disseminates information about what works and what does not to policymakers, practitioners, investors and donors around the world.

Evidence Action is assuming management and growth responsibility for two programs tested and incubated at Innovations for Poverty Action that are currently making a difference in the lives of millions of people in Africa and Asia: the Deworm the World Initiative (DTW) and Dispensers for Safe Water Initiative (DSW).

Evidence Action scales proven development interventions and crafts resilient business models for long run success.

Position Summary: The Programme Associate - Logistics, based in Nairobi, is part of a growing, high-level team responsible for providing support to Kenyan government officials to implement the NSBDP.

This position supports various components of the programme including management of the programme’s supply chain, and other team specific administrative support.

Along with other staff, the Programme Associate-Logistics will help the team achieve programme goals by providing logistical support to officials from Kenya’s Ministry of Education Science and Technology and Ministry of Health, experts at the Kenya Medical Research Institute, district level government officials, and partner organizations.

Additionally the Logistics Coordinator will ensure all programme supplies are managed accordingly and tracked effectively for programme success.

This position requires significant problem solving, cross cultural awareness, a lot of patience and flexibility, and excellent communication and organizational skills.

Specific Responsibilities

  • Programme Logistics
  • Create and manage customized transport and logistical plans for delivery of programme materials to districts
  • Improve and maintain systems for tracking materials at all levels from the national to the local, and use systems to effectively and efficiently support partners to deliver the program;
  • Procurement of materials and services in liaison with the IPAK Procurement team;
  • Manage storage/warehousing of programme commodities.
  • Delivery of ALL programme components through partner infrastructure optimizing efficiency and cost savings at all levels.
  • Create and manage customized transport itineraries for delivery of programme trainers to each training district, and further develop both inter and intra district movements optimizing partner relationships to bring about efficiency and cost-savings from the national to the school level in liaison with the larger DtWI team;
  • Initiate and manage all Tier II programme communications to programme districts in the areas of financial disbursements, training materials and programme trainer movements and clarifications on financial expectations;
  • Consolidate and continuously update observations and lessons learned from all logistics activities and share with the broader DtWI team for programme improvement and for donor reporting;
  • Participate in the development of accountability documents and training content relating to Logistics and Finance;
  • Identify, develop and maintain relationships with vendors and service providers such as transport companies, hotels, training venues and other vendors relevant to Programme Implementation;
  • Liaise with the DtWI finance team to make necessary payments to DtWI vendors and other disbursements;
  • Support GoK and other programme partners on their travel needs including transfers;
  • Support in the planning and execution of events to advocate on behalf of the programme or to advance its mission such as high level Annual Programme Review
  • Participate in programme strategy meetings and contribute logistical implications of proposed decisions.
  • Supporting programme budgeting and finance
  • Participate in budget and financial discussions, providing updates on project implementation, explanations for variances and plans for redress as necessary;
  • Support the DtWI Finance team through the disbursement of funds to all programme districts and create systems for districts to report back expenditure of the funds in conformity with IPAK Financial policy and guidelines;
  • Support the finance team in analysing budget compliance, reporting and budget efficiency within the programme
  • Tracking movement of deworming medicines including quantities from national stores to schools and report the same to the relevant partners.
  • Support the development of annual budget s for the programme that inform implementation of specific deworming activities that are logistical in nature
  • Allocate, manage tasks for the DtWI logistics support staff , manage, mentor and motivate them to ensure high performance;

Qualifications

Education and experience:
  • Minimum of Bachelor’s level degree in Business Administration or related field with at least 3 years’ experience in managing logistics related roles and supervision of staff
  • 1 year minimum experience in a field-level programmatic role
  • Experience in fleet management, warehouse management, local and international procurement and supply chain management, transport and security.
  • Experience working within a complex organizational structure and managing complex logistical tasks
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and delegate effectively, including to remote staff
  • Specialized training in logistics and supply chain management

Knowledge and Skills:
  • Outstanding written and oral communication/presentation skills in English and Kiswahili.
  • Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
  • Strong organizational and communication skills.
  • Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office software.
  • Ability to work effectively as a member of a multicultural team.
  • Knowledge of the Ministries of Education and Public Health and Sanitation will be an added advantage.

To Apply

Applications can be submitted via email to jobs-dtw@poverty-action.org.

Please ensure the subject line reads “Programme Associate Logistics DtWI”.

Please attach the following documents:
  • Cover letter explaining interest in the position and fit for the role
  • CV / resume, including three references, daytime phone number(s), and email address. Your CV should include your scores or grades and other measures of academic achievement, and details about any relevant work experience.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position may be filled prior to the application deadline.

The application deadline is 18th March 2014.


Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the Programmes Associate-Logistics. The statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all possible duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Management reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs as necessary. Please note that IPA will never request any form of payment from an applicant. IPA is an equal opportunity employer and female candidates are encouraged to apply.