Recruitment at GVEP Kenya


Technology Manager

Reports to:     Business Support Manager, Africa
Based in:     Africa Regional Office, Nairobi, Kenya

Purpose

This is a fixed term contract (with a possibility of extension) to support the Africa Regional Office in delivering key programmes in line with GVEP International’s philosophy, donor requirements and stakeholder expectations. 

This role will help deliver the CARE2 project described below in a complex environment.

Capital Access for Renewable Energy Enterprises (CARE2) project funded by Sida. GVEP International is implementing all aspects of this programme which will support the growth of a sustained market for renewable energy, focusing on “e-MSMEs” (energy-focused micro, small and medium sized enterprises) in East Africa, as a means to drive economic prosperity.

The Role

The opportunity is to lead the team that offers technology expertise to support the Africa Regional Office in providing sound advice that enables enterprises to become more effective in their application of technology. 

The Technology Manager will work with a team of experts in solar, small hydro, biomass, wind and other renewable energy technologies.

Main responsibilities include:
  • Assessing technical feasibility of projects and business ventures by -
  • Managing the procurement of expert advice as required and ensuring it is of an appropriate standard
  • Assisting in procurement to ensure it is efficient and meets donor/investor requirements and is in line with good procurement practices
  • Helping supervise construction standards and progress is as per the project plan
  • Participating in commissioning projects to achieve promised performance; supporting design and implementing training programmes ahead of commencing operations
  • Ascertaining that the operation of the completed projects is as planned
  • Managing the team of technology experts.
Requirements
  • A strong background in engineering, science or energy technology spanning five years or more
  • Experience in carrying out or supervising feasibility studies, environmental and social impact assessments, engineering designs, infrastructure procurement, construction, commissioning and operations
  • Working knowledge of the solar, small hydro, biomass, wind and other renewable energy technologies
  • A good communicator with advanced oral and written skills
  • High numeracy skills with ability to analyse complex data (including engineering data)
  • Good team building and motivational skills with an ability to work with technology experts
  • A can-do and collaborative mindset – comfortable with the ambiguities and demands of a rapidly evolving environment.
  • Experience working with donor funded projects would be an advantage
The position will require regular travel within East Africa.

Business Support Manager

Reports to:     Regional Director, Africa
Based in:     Africa Regional Office, Nairobi, Kenya

Purpose

This is a fixed term contract (with a possibility of extension) to support the Africa Regional Office in delivering key programmes in line with GVEP International’s philosophy, donor requirements and stakeholder expectations. 

This role will help deliver the CARE2 project described below in a complex environment.

Capital Access for Renewable Energy Enterprises (CARE2) project funded by Sida. GVEP International is implementing all aspects of this programme which will support the growth of a sustained market for renewable energy, focusing on “e-MSMEs” (energy-focused micro, small and medium sized enterprises) in east Africa, as a means to drive economic prosperity.

The Role

The Business Support Manager will work with a strong team of business and technical experts in delivering this role.

Main responsibilities include:
  • Developing criteria for inclusion of enterprises and projects within GVEP International
  • Vetting applications for support using developed criteria
  • Developing a rich pipeline of applications through outreach, networking and marketing
  • Maintaining good quality of the support by ensuring input from staff and consultants meets GVEP International standards with great attention to detail and focussing on results
  • Helping credible projects and business cases access finance using knowledge of the sector, including helping negotiate deals
  • Keeping abreast of developments in finance and technology climate in the region
  • Managing the team of business and technology experts

Requirements
  • A strong background in finance and renewable energy spanning five years or more; a good understanding of renewable energy technologies including small hydro, solar and biomass
  • Experience in critical analysis of business plans, investment plans, financial structures, feasibility studies and engineering designs
  • Knowledge of the financial sector and investment climate in East Africa, especially in relation to renewable energy
  • Experience working with donor funded projects would be an advantage
  • Good team building and motivational skills with an ability to work with a diverse mix of professionals and deliver; a good communicator with advanced oral and written skills
  • A can-do and collaborative mindset
  • The position will require regular travel within East Africa.
The Project Integration and Delivery Manager

Reports to:     Regional Director, Africa
Based in:     Africa Regional Office, Nairobi, Kenya

Purpose

This is a fixed term contract (with a possibility of extension) to support the Africa Regional Office in delivering key programmes in line with GVEP International’s philosophy, donor requirements and stakeholder expectations. 

This role will help deliver the CARE2 project described below in a complex environment.

Capital Access for Renewable Energy Enterprises (CARE2) project funded by Sida. GVEP International is implementing all aspects of this programme which will support the growth of a sustained market for renewable energy, focusing on “e-MSMEs” (energy-focused micro, small and medium sized enterprises) in East Africa, as a means to drive economic prosperity.

The Role

The Project Integration and Delivery (PID) Manager will play a key role in ensuring GVEP International is able to report against its Key Performance Indicators. 

The monitoring and evaluation team will report to this position, and the PID Manager will work with this team to improve delivery and cement foundations for new projects.

Main responsibilities include:
  • Setting the standards for project planning, management and delivery and analysis of financial and project progress measures
  • Facilitating delivery of and across projects through identification and use of synergies and encouraging sharing of knowledge.
  • Facilitating efficient allocation of resources among programmes through a thorough understanding of the internal capacity
  • Ensuring efficient reporting and improving the quality of reporting, including financial reporting
  • Helping consolidate the evidence base by establishing proper M&E frameworks at both project and overall GVEP International levels.
  • Supporting the development of a knowledge management system that ensures GVEP captures all relevant information
  • Developing a system of continual improvement that incorporates suggestions, new knowledge, best practice and reward/recognition.
  • Facilitating smooth start up of new projects and orderly phase out of ending projects
  • Developing relevant GVEP International staff competence in project management & control.
Requirements
  • Five years experience with complex programme management; emphasis on delivering in multi-project environments
  • A strong academic foundation in the sciences, business and/or project management; experience with continuous improvement programmes such as Kaizen and Six Sigma within project management environments
Desirable experience includes:
  • Energy sector experience, including project financing, renewable energy technology
  • International donor funded programmes, social science research methods and evaluation techniques
  • Good team building and motivational skills with an ability to work with a diverse mix of professionals; a good communicator with advanced oral and written skills
  • High numeracy skills with ability to analyse complex data; good understanding of project financial management and reporting
  • A can-do and collaborative mindset
  • The position will require regular travel within East Africa.


Programme Manager CARE2

Reports to:     Regional Director, Africa
Based in:     Africa Regional Office, Nairobi, Kenya

Purpose

This is a fixed term contract (with a possibility of extension) to support the Africa Regional Office in managing the Capital Access for Renewable Energy Enterprises (CARE2) project funded by Sida. 

GVEP International is implementing all aspects of this programme which will support the growth of a sustained market for renewable energy, focusing on “e-MSMEs” (energy-focused micro, small and medium sized enterprises) in East Africa, as a means to drive economic prosperity.

The Role

The Programme manager will lead on the Pipeline Development Projects and the Loan Guarantee Fund with overall responsibility for results.

Main responsibilities include:
  • Strategic planning and direction: providing a framework for implementing the activities of the project and communicating the same to all involved in implementation
  • Managing the project on a day to day basis to ensure that its deliverables are met on time in each of the four participating countries; staff and financial management
  • Ensuring proper communication and coordination on all project matters among GVEP International staff, relevant government agencies, Sida headquarters, Sida country offices and beneficiary SMEs involved
  • Working with appointed M&E Coordinators to ensure the project achieving the desired outputs, outcomes and impacts, and taking immediate corrective action when needed
  • Ensuring that all required reports, both technical and financial, are delivered on time and that the reports are of high quality
  • Harmonisation with other GVEP International activities and programmes with optimal use of shared resources and realization of synergies with those programmes
  • Documenting achievements and developing case studies and documentaries in coordination with the communications office for records and for publicity
  • Developing future activities that could complement the programme in line with GVEP International’s vision and mission
  • Any other duties that may be reasonably allocated by senior management.
Requirements:
  • 7 Years experience with international donor programmes, with strong project management skills and a track-record of delivering programme results; at least 5 years experience of working in the East African region
  • Experience in the energy sector essential including project financing and investment, energy technology and the energy environment
  • Experienceworking with Financial Institutions will be an added advantage as well as with Governments and Government agencies
  • High level of inter-personal skills and ability to communicate clearly (oral and written English)
  • Experience working with rural or small businesses, and an understanding of unique challenges faced by African SMEs
  • Experience in refining business plans, technical reports and financial information
  • Refined numeracy, communication and presentation skills
  • A can-do and collaborative mindset
The position will require regular travel within East Africa.

For more detailed information about the position and GVEP International’s programmes, please visit www.gvepinternational.org

To apply please send your CV plus a covering letter (in English) to recruitment@gvepinternational.org outlining how your knowledge, skills and experience match the job specification

Deadline for applications submission is 19thOctober 2012.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

GVEP International is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals.