Diakonia Sweden Jobs in Kenya: Programme Officer and Finance Officer

Diakonia is a Swedish organization for international development co-operation founded in 1966 and working with partner organizations in about 32 countries across the world. Diakonia’s overall objective is to change unfair political, economic, social and cultural structures that generate poverty, oppression and violence.

Fundamental thematic areas for the organization are human rights, democracy, gender equity, social and economic justice and peace and reconciliation.

More information can be found on our website 
www.diakonia.se/eng

Diakonia has received funding from the delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Kenya to implement a two (2) year project titled “Empowering Communities for Self Governance and Development” in Kenya.

The overall objective is to improve the capacity of local communities to participate in economic planning, programme design and to demand for transparency and accountability in the utilization of decentralized funds.

The project will be implemented in partnership with local partners-Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) Kenya and National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK). Diakonia is the lead agency in the consortium. Given this development, we are looking for dynamic and highly motivated individuals to fill two positions; Programme Officer and Finance Officer on a two (2) year fixed term contract.
Programme Officer
Reporting to the Country Programme Manager - Kenya, the individual will be responsible for overall leadership and management of the EU funded project. In addition, the person will be part of the technical team supporting partners in the Kenya programme.
The major roles and responsibilities include:
  • Manage the planning process by reviewing the funding agreement and developing operational plans for Diakonia while providing support to partners in developing and managing project plans
  • Lead, develop and co-ordinate operations within the designated programme, in alignment with established guidelines, policy strategies, plans, budgets: while providing guidance and motivation to the steering committee
  • Manage the overall project monitoring, evaluation and shared learning processes
  • Provide support, accompaniment and coordinate capacity building of partners
  • Build and maintain strong and productive relationships with donors, partners, government agencies, civil society organizations and other development agencies
  • Prepare project reports for submission to management and the donor in accordance with the funding agreement
Qualifications and Experience:
  • Must be a holder of a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences- Development studies, Law, Political Science or related field who has undertaken relevant professional courses in project management, M &E etc
  • Must possess a minimum of five (5) years progressive relevant experience in a fast paced multi-cultural NGO
  • Proven experience in implementation of EU funded projects
  • Experience in Participatory and Rights Based Approaches
  • Experience in managing administrative and financial processes including budgets, reporting, resource management etc within a project/programme
Competencies:
  • Clear understanding of the overall civil society environment in Kenya
  • Excellent report writing, networking and negotiation skills. Proposal writing skills will be an added advantage
  • Working knowledge of Information and Communication Technology. Use of project management information systems will be an added advantage
  • Good leadership, management, training and facilitation skiPs
  • Good interpersonal skills to be able to relate to people of diverse backgrounds
  • Be a team player and self driven with ability to work with minimal supervision
Finance Officer

Reporting to the Country Programme Manager - Kenya, the individual wil be responsible for providing effective leadership in financial and grant management in respect to the Kenya Country Programme.
The major roles and responsibilities include:
  • Oversee and support finance and administrative function that include; procurement, logistics, assets management, documentation and archiving and assets register
  • Maintain correct, accurate and up to date periodic financial records and ensure prompt submission of the reports as per agreed deadlines of audited or other financial statements to management and donors
  • Ensure the preparation and submission of timely and accurate periodic financial reports
  • Compile, manage and continuously review budgets for Kenya Country Programme Office
  • Ensure overall efficient and effective management of the budgets of the programme and projects.
  • Ensure continuous coaching and mentoring of the partner organization staff on financial management including accounting records management, internal controls and reporting
  • Review and analyze financial reports and advise on disbursements to partners as appropriate
  • Manage the process of disbursement of funds
  • Manage grants and ensure compliance with grant requirements
  • Review and ensure internal controls and risk management systems are functioning as designed
  • Coordinate audits in respect of the Country Programme
Qualifications and Experience:
  • Holder of a relevant Bachelors degree in Business related field from a recognized university
  • Must possess a professional accounting qualification of CPA (K) or another comparable qualification
  • Has at least four (4) years experience in a busy finance/accounts office with a Non Governmental Organization
  • Ability to maintain timely & accurate accounting records and prepare, analyze and interpret financial reports
  • Experience with EU funded projects
Competencies:
  • Should possess strong analytical and communication skills
  • Ability to work with minimal supervision
  • Ability to negotiate, communicate accurately and meet strict deadlines is also critical
  • Working knowledge of computerized accounting and other computer application packages
  • High integrity to be able to manage cash and cash related transactions
  • Good interpersonal skills, multicultural orientation and ability to relate to people of diverse backgrounds
Applications should be accompanied with a detailed CV and names of at least three (3) professional referees and daytime telephone contact to reach the address below before the close of business on Friday 13th August 2010.

Executive Selection, Strategic Dimensions Limited
Management and Development Consultants
E-mail: info@strategicdl.com

Only short listed candidates will be contacted
You can also visit www.kenyanvacancies.com for more jobs