Recruitment at DAI East Africa Ltd, Nairobi, Kenya

East Africa Trade and Investment Hub

 
Background: The East Africa Trade and Investment Hub (TIH) project is intended to spur inclusive economic growth by promoting an enabling environment for trade and investment and increasing East African trade and investment, particularly to and from the United States. 

The project will build upon prior investments to increase regional trade competitiveness and reduce poverty.
 

Scope of Work: Senior Communications Specialist

Objectives and Duties: The Senior Communications Specialist will oversee and manage all areas of project communications and reporting. 

S/he will oversee the East Africa TIH communications strategy and portfolio, and ensure that all communications platforms comply with USAID regulations and contractual requirements and are delivered on time. 

Working closely with the Chief of Party and USAID, the Senior Communications Specialist will prepare materials, including media campaigns, project success stories, and other communications products for dissemination to  the project’s stakeholders, beneficiaries, and partners.

The Senior Communications Specialist will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following detailed tasks:
  • Develop the TIH Program Communication Strategy, including utilization of social media platforms, for internal and external communications.
  • Develop innovative communications products to actively engage TIH stakeholders across the EAC region, including institutional and private sector partners.
  • Oversee TIH deliverables for reporting, including establishing TIH reporting schedules and developing reporting templates.
  • Build the capacity of TIH staff in developing content from project activities.
  • Collect and organize data-calls to the relevant programmatic teams to solicit information on progress of project activities and service delivery projects.
  • Integrate, edit, and finalize TIH communications products, including draft written materials, success stories, press releases, and regular reporting requirements (monthly, quarterly etc.)
  • Manage and store all documents in DAI’s management information system (TAMIS)
  • Maintain and develop content for the project’s website in coordination with the IT team and USAID.
  • Work with East Africa TIH programmatic staff to develop and produce marketing, outreach, and materials for events.
  • Serve as the point of contact for local media inquiries.
  • Review and edit project documents submitted by subcontractors and grantees.
  • Serve as liaison with media groups to cover specific and relevant project activities, such as opening and closing ceremonies.
  • Provide quality assurance on USAID branding and marking.
  • Liaise with relevant stakeholders, including institutional and private sector partners, to increase visibility and maximize coordination.
  • Monitor press coverage—including news wires, local newspapers, television and radio.
  • Coordinate on-demand information for USAID or other stakeholders.
  • Represent East Africa TIH at large scale events and meetings as required.
 Qualifications:
  • Strongly preferred master’s degree in communications, journalism, literature or other related field.
  • At least 8 years of progressively responsible experience in communications, reporting, communications product development, and knowledge management for USAID or other international donor-funded programs.
  • Excellent writing skills and experience preparing well-researched reports;
  • Demonstrated experience designing strategic communications plans, developing and implementing knowledge management tools or systems, and developing content for social media platforms.
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with institutional and private‐sector partners and stakeholders in a multi‐country setting.
  • Proficiency with MS Office (Word and Power Point), graphic arts and/or desktop publishing software a plus.
  • Excellent writing, speaking, and reading skills in English.
Supervisory Responsibilities: The Senior Communications Specialist will supervise the Communications Officer. 

Base of Operations: Nairobi, Kenya
 
Reporting: The Senior Communications Specialist will report to the Chief of Party.


Scope of Work:Procurement Officer

Objectives and Duties: The Procurement Officer is responsible for the procurement of goods and services for the East Africa TIH project, including technical and operational needs, and ensuring that all procurement operations are executed in accordance with USAID regulations and DAI policies. 

The Procurement Officer is responsible for overseeing and maintaining the integrity of the procurement process, including accurate procurement documentation. 

The Procurement Officer is responsible for, but not limited to, the following functions:
  • Manage all field‐initiated procurement processes, ensuring compliance with DAI, FAR, and AIDAR regulations.
  • Conduct vendor negotiations, negotiate purchase order terms, and write negotiation memoranda.
  • Prepare and issue solicitations and amendments.
  • Prepare purchase orders, modifications, and requests for operations subcontractor consent, as necessary.
  • Manage proposal evaluation and vendor selection processes.
  • Maintain and track all local procurement and operations subcontractor data in TAMIS, and ensure close‐out documentation is completed in a timely manner.
  • Ensure all supporting documentation is complete, accurate, and uploaded to TAMIS.
  • Monitor, track and expedite all TIH procurement activities and delivery status of goods/services.
  • Manage and maintain/update vendors list on regular basis. Ensure timely and accurate entry of vendor information in the system. 
  • Coordinate and expedite purchases either locally or internationally, collaborating with the Home Office if necessary.
  • Identify potential vendors and suppliers both domestically and internationally.
  • Participate in activity work planning, and proactively conduct market research in support of anticipated operations and technical needs.
  • Train local staff in aspects of the procurement process, including evaluation committees.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.
 Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
  • 3-5 years of professional experience in subcontracts, grants administration, and/or procurement required
  • Good working knowledge and experience administering government contracts, subcontracts, and grants with FAR regulations is essential.
  • Prior experience with government contracting/subcontracting methodologies is required
  • Fluency in English and Kiswahili.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Computer literate with e-mail, word processing, and spreadsheet experience.
  • Strong judgment and a commitment to fair and ethical procurement practices.
Supervisory Responsibilities: The Procurement Officer will have no supervisory responsibilities. 
 
Base of Operations: Nairobi, Kenya

Reporting: The Procurement Officer will report to the Director of Operations.

Scope of Work:Driver
  
Objectives and Duties: The Project Driver will maintain all project vehicles and drive project staff to and from meetings, appointments, and all other project-related travel. 

Overnight regional travel may be required, as directed by the project. 

The Driver will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following detailed tasks:
  • Vehicle maintenance including regular check-ups, cleanings, and fueling.
  • Maintaining an accurate vehicle log.
  • Working with HR/Office Manager, manage daily vehicle and trip scheduling as needed.
  • Maintaining accurate records and paperwork on all vehicle-related purchases and maintenance.
  • Providing safe transportation to and from locations for project staff.
  • Ensuring compliance with all DAI and local driving laws and regulations.
Qualifications:
  • Basic knowledge of English.
  • Excellent driving record.
  • Valid local driver’s license.
  • At least 2 years of work experience as a driver, preferably for a USAID or other international donor-funded project.
Supervisory Responsibilities: The Project Driver will have no supervisory responsibilities. 

Base of Operations: Nairobi, Kenya
 
Reporting: The Project Driver will report to the HR/Office Manager.

Scope of Work:Knowledge Management / M&E Officer
 
Objectives and Duties: The Knowledge/M&E Officer will support the development and day-to-day operations of the knowledge management and M&E systems to document project progress and results and inform program implementation and management. 

The Knowledge Management/M&E Officer will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following detailed tasks:
  • Support development of the TIH Performance Management Plan (PMP) and M&E system.
  • Support baseline assessments and specialized studies.
  • Provide day‐to‐day management of the project’s M&E plan focusing on data collection methodology, data quality, and indicator validity.
  • Lead training and capacity building activities for monitoring-related techniques and methods for TIH staff.
  • Apply GIS technology to support the project’s overall development planning, design, and monitoring and evaluation.
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in relevant field
  • At least 8 years of experience in monitoring and evaluation on donor-funded development programs.
  • At least 3 years of M&E experience on USAID‐funded programs.
  • Previous experience managing a team of M&E staff.
  • Demonstrated experience with statistical analysis programs, such as SPSS or STATA, is preferred.
  • Excellent writing, speaking, and reading skills in English
Supervisory Responsibilities: The Knowledge Management/M&E Officer will have no supervisory responsibilities.

Base of Operations: Nairobi, Kenya
 
Reporting: The Knowledge Management/M&E Officer will report to the Knowledge Management / M&E Director.

Scope of Work:Knowledge Management Assistant
 
Objectives and Duties: The Knowledge Management Assistant will support the Knowledge Management and M&E team to retain and disseminate institutional and programmatic knowledge. 

The Knowledge Management Assistant will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following detailed tasks:
  • Support the Knowledge Management/M&E Director in all knowledge management activities.
  • Conduct research, draft knowledge management materials, and edit materials submitted by technical teams.
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in relevant field.
  • At least 3 years of experience in knowledge management activities for donor‐funded, development programs.
  • Excellent writing, speaking, and reading skills in English.
Supervisory Responsibilities: The Knowledge Management Assistant will have no supervisory responsibilities.

Base of Operations: Nairobi, Kenya
 
Reporting: The Knowledge Management Assistant will report to the Knowledge Management/M&E Director.

Scope of Work: IT Support Officer
 
Objectives and Duties: The IT Support Officer is responsible for the IT needs of the East Africa TIH office, including system installations, maintenance, and technical support. 

S/he is responsible for ensuring that standards set by the DAI home office are followed and project solutions are the most efficient and cost effective. 

S/he will ensure that proper back up, anti-virus and disaster recovery procedures are identified and followed and that end users have access to shared files, printers and email. 

The IT Support Officer is responsible for, but not limited to, the following functions:
  • Establish office IT local area networks and ensure secure IT systems.
  • Manage all software, servers, and local networks.
  • Assess local availability of IT equipment.
  • Procure and provide staff with appropriate IT and communications equipment (cell phones, satellite phones, laptops, etc.)
  • Negotiate service arrangements with Kenyan and regional ICT service providers.
  • Check systems in order to optimize performance and initiate recovery action after system failures.
  • Make suggestions for network hardware and software system improvements.
  • Maintain inventory of IT and communication equipment.
  • Provide IT support assistance to project staff.
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in IT or other relevant field.
  • At least 5 years of experience developing and managing IT solutions.
  • Excellent writing, speaking, and reading skills in English
Supervisory Responsibilities: The IT Support Officer will have no supervisory responsibilities. 
 
Base of Operations: Nairobi, Kenya
 
Reporting: The IT Support Officer will report to the ICT Team Leader.

Scope of Work: HR / Office Manager
 
Objectives and Duties: The HR/Office Manager will oversee human resources and manage office facilities for the TIH project. 

The HR/Office Manager will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following detailed tasks:
  • Oversee all human resources operations on the project, including recruitment, hiring, employee on‐boarding, staff orientation, performance reviews, and disciplinary action in compliance with USAID rules and regulations, DAI policies, and local labor laws.
  • Facilitate recruitment and hiring process by advertising vacancies, shortlisting resumes, scheduling and observing interviews, collecting required documents, checking references, and verifying salary history.
  • Coordinate and supervise the preparation of employment agreements for staff.
  • Train supervisors charged with conducting evaluations of staff members in their units and monitor compliance with the process.
  • Mitigate and resolve human resource conflicts and issues, seeking assistance and guidance from the Director of Operations or other senior staff members as needed.
  • Develop and maintain the Human Resources Management section of the TIH Field Operations Manual, ensuring updates as needed.
  • Maintain personnel files in hard copy and TAMIS for all long-term and short-term project staff.
  • Work with Chief of Party to fill surge capacity technical needs, including identifying and hiring long‐term and short‐term technical experts in a timely fashion.
  • Oversee the administration of the TIH Nairobi office, including coordinating equipment maintenance with the relevant departments and managing office supplies and other office needs.
Qualifications:
  • At least 6 years of work experience in human resources, recruitment, office administration, and other relevant areas.
  • Knowledge of local laws and USAID rules and regulations related to personnel management and compliance.
  • Previous supervisory experience for office/HR teams.
  • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
  • Excellent writing, speaking, and reading skills in English.
Supervisory Responsibilities: The HR/Office Manager will supervise the Administrative Assistant, Logistics Coordinator, and Drivers.

Base of Operations: Nairobi, Kenya
 
Reporting: The HR/Office Manager will report to the Director of Operations.

Scope of Work:Component 2 Lead - Senior Agricultural Trade Expert
 
Objectives and Duties: The Senior Agricultural Trade Expert will provide leadership and day-to-day management for activities to increase the competitiveness of selected regional agricultural value chains. 

S/he will work to design and lead strategies to address broad-based policy changes to advance regional integration and agricultural growth, including increasing the predictability of the policy environment, reducing tariff and non-tariff trade barriers, and supporting the approval and implementation of harmonized standards. 

S/he would also guide TIH’s technical assistance to improve the competitiveness of staple value chains focusing on promoting financing and trading mechanisms, facilitating commercial partnerships, and supporting the evolution of sustainable market information systems and ICT to promote regional trade and increase profitability for farmers and private-sector businesses.

The Senior Agricultural Trade Expert will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following detailed tasks:
  • Design and lead strategies to improve the enabling environment for agriculture, including providing support to partner-country governments and regional economic communities to harmonize trade, facilitate harmonization and implementation of science-based food safety and nutrition standards, and support improved regulations on warehousing and financing systems that increase farmer income and increase trade opportunities;
  • Oversee technical assistance to improve the regional competitiveness of commodities throughout the value chain, including facilitating commercial partnerships, and supporting the evolution of sustainable market information systems and ICT to promote regional trade and increase profitability for farmers and private-sector businesses.
  • Work with producers and enterprises across East Africa to develop their capacity to identify and respond to regional and international business opportunities in the potential value chains;
  • Facilitate strategic, commercially viable partnerships between value chain actors; and
  • Facilitate private sector engagement and investment among various levels of target value chains including but not limited to producer, processor, wholesaler and exporter levels.
Qualifications:
  • Minimum Bachelor’s degree required, Strongly preferred Master’s degree or equivalent in international trade, agricultural economics, public policy, business administration, agricultural development or related area or equivalent.
  • At least ten years of relevant experience, five of which shall be in developing countries, preferably in Africa.
  • At least five years of experience (strongly preferred over five years of experience) related to developing an enabling environment for agricultural investment and trade.
  • Demonstrated ability in policy development and in providing technical assistance in implementation.
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with institutional and private sector partners and stakeholders in a multi-country setting.
  • Excellent English writing, speaking, reading, with good communication skills.
  • Ability to use the latest ICT technology and computer software program.
Supervisory Responsibilities: The Senior Agricultural Trade Expert will supervise the Component 2 team, including the agricultural trade specialist, the staple food markets specialist, and the agricultural trade advisor. 

Base of Operations:  Nairobi, Kenya
 
Reporting: The Senior Agricultural Trade Expert will report to the Chief of Party.

Interested candidates should e-mail their CV to EastAfricaTrade@dai.com.

Candidates must reference the position for which you are applying in the subject line of the email. 


CVs are due by September 18th, 2014.

No phone inquiries will be accepted and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.