Job Opportunities at TradeMark East Kenya

TradeMark East Africa (TMEA) is funded by a range of development agencies with the aim of growing prosperity in East Africa through trade. We believe that enhanced trade contributes to economic growth, a reduction in poverty and subsequently increased prosperity. 

TMEA works closely with East African Community (EAC) institutions, national governments, business and civil society organisations to increase trade by unlocking economic potential through:

·                     Increased market access;

·                     Enhanced trade environment; and

·                     Increased product competitiveness.

TMEA has its headquarters in Nairobi with branches in Arusha, Bujumbura, Dar es Salaam, Juba, Kampala and Kigali.
 

We are looking for high calibre, results-oriented and experienced professionals to join our team in the positions detailed below.
 

The position is available on contract to 30 June 2016 with the possibility of renewal.
 

Job title: Senior Director, Trade Environment
 

Line Manager: Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Outcomes and Regional Programmes
 

Grade: Senior Director
 

Direct reports: TBC
 

Department: Outcomes and Regional Programmes
 

Location: Flexible - one of TMEA’s Country Office locations. 

Job summary: A key member of TradeMark East Africa’s (TMEA’s) Outcomes and Regional Programmes team, the Senior Director, Trade Environment is responsible for aligning trade policy and international trade practices and goals to TMEA’s strategy and ensuring that the linkages between trade policy, trade facilitation and trade in services are streamlined in all aspects of TMEA’s work streams and clearly linked to organisational objectives at both the national and regional levels. 

Roles and responsibilities
 

Programme development and management

·                     Develop the trade environment programming strategy and oversee its implementation, including annual plans, budgets and project proposals.

·                     Accountable for the achievement of the trade environment strategic outcome target and ensuring programmatic consistency, delivery and quality assurance across the entire portfolio of projects whilst demonstrating value for money and having clear mechanisms for measuring results.

·                     Liaise with Senior Regional and Country Directors to agree delivery frameworks and targets, and review progress on the achievement of outcome targets and desired results in order to contribute to delivery of TMEA’s corporate and programmatic objectives.

·                     Oversee the development and delivery of a large, complex portfolio across the region to increase market access in East Africa. This will include projects focused on improved EAC Trade policy and enhancing the regional investment climate and governance e.g. support to the EAC organs, supporting Ministries of EAC in each Partner State, standards harmonisation, providing institutional and advocacy support to regional bodies, among others.

·                     Appraise/undertake due diligence of potential investment opportunities.

·                     Effective liaison delivery partners and investors on programmatic issues and performance monitoring.

Monitoring, evaluation and reporting

·                     Maintain strong monitoring and evaluation systems for programme delivery comprising qualitative and quantitative indicators for all results and activities, in collaboration with the START team.

·                     Ensure a clear ‘line of sight’ with key outcome target results and work closely with the START team to obtain outcome delivery measurement data and analyse progress against achievement of outcome targets.

·                     Responsible for reporting on trade environment programming delivery including coordinating high quality and timely quarterly and annual reports of programme and financial performance. Contribute to TMEA-wide Annual and donor reports, in line with the monitoring and evaluation framework.

·                     Facilitate discussion, information sharing and agreement on the achievement of outcome targets.

Team management

·                     Manage, mentor and motivate a strong team of professionals, ensuring adequate capacity is developed for successful delivery.

·                     Ensure risk management, transparency, zero tolerance to fraud and corruption, and due diligence in all programming activities.

·                     Ensure close coordination and foster strong integration with the other outcome delivery, and country-based teams.

Organisational Positioning

Chief Executive Officer
|
Deputy CEO, Outcomes and Regional Programmes
|
Senior Director, Trade Environment

Academic and professional qualifications

·                     Advanced degree in areas relevant to TMEA’s focus, such as Development Studies, Economics, International Trade or other relevant disciplines.

·                     Trade Policy or International Trade qualifications are a distinct advantage. Work experience

·                     A minimum of 10 years’ management experience (including 5 at a senior level) in leading the leading the development and delivery of trade and trade-related capacity development programmes to enhance the capacities of developing countries in trade policy development, formulation and implementation trade reforms, regional integration, and support to national governments.

·                     Significant work experience with Regional Economic Communities in East or Southern Africa, in an international multicultural environment.

·                     Experience in working with private sector and civil society to deliver trade capacity support and to support trade related advocacy. Additional skills

·                     Proven intellectual and strategic thinking skills.

·                     Strong strategy formulation and implementation skills including the ability to communicate strategy and results concisely and simply.

·                     Excellent leadership and management skills.

·                     Ability to deliver a plan and performance to budget.

·                     Adept at working with diverse teams, delivering change and demonstrating value for money.

·                     Ability to influence others to achieve objectives and gain consensus and collaboration.

·                     Sound decision-making and judgement.

·                     Problem solving and analytical skills.

·                     Excellent presentation, communication and personal effectiveness skills.

·                     Proficiency in MS Office applications. Additional/background information

The role also requires:

·                     Good understanding of trade policy context and regional integration in East Africa.

·                     Good understanding of the dynamics affecting trade policy at national, regional and at the global multilateral levels, as well as an excellent understanding of the multilateral trading systems and their implication for regional integration.

·                     Significant knowledge of the trade and development needs of developing countries, and a good understanding of trade policy, trade facilitation, infrastructure and transport/logistics.

How to Apply

CLICK HERE to apply online by Friday, 28 November 2014, 5.00pm East African time. 

Job Title: Procurement Director
 

Line Manager Title: Chief Operating Officer
 

Grade: Director (Monthly salary - US$10,151)
 

Direct Reports: Procurement Manager (3)
 

Department: Procurement, Corporate Services
 

Location: Nairobi, Kenya 

Job Summary: The job holder is responsible for leading the strategic identification, development, and execution of procurement, grants and financial aid operations across the organisation, while ensuring quality and Value for Money (VfM). 

This will include managing procurement risk across the organisation, maintaining effective monitoring systems, driving continuous improvement initiatives focused on procurement cost savings and supporting teams in programme delivery through ensuring effective detailed technical and financial negotiations, contract management and supplier relationship development. 

Roles and Responsibilities

·                     Ensure that all procurement is in line with approved procedures and embodies Value for Money (VfM) principles. Ensure that these procedures are continually reviewed to enhance efficiency and robustness.

·                     Provide specialist advice, guidance and service on best practice procurement across the organisation and lead in the identification, assessment and management of potential risks associated with differing sourcing strategies. This will include providing insight through the analysis of spend, supply markets and savings.

·                     Ensure that procurement ICT systems, including the Contract Management System (CMS) are fit for purpose and undergo continuous improvement.

·                     Develop, monitor and report on the Procurement Team’s Key Performance Indicators.

·                     Oversee the implementation of audit or any other recommendations including incorporation into the Procurement and Grants manual which should always be up to date.

·                     Drive innovation and a focus on continuous improvement for procurement activities across the organisation including ensuring that at least two innovations are developed and implemented each year.

·                     Prepare and circulate quarterly progress/update reports to TMEA colleagues.

·                     Use TMEA’s monitoring, evaluation and learning systems to enhance performance, including facilitating procurement knowledge and induction sessions.

·                     Manage, motivate and mentor the Procurement team to realise their full potential and ensure effective succession planning.

·                     Develop and maintain strong relationships with TMEA colleagues and all partners.

·                     Contribute to corporate initiatives, such as the preparation annual reports, work plans, gender and culture action plans, implementing such initiatives where necessary.

·                     Any other duties delegated or assigned by line manager. 

Organisational Positioning

Chief Executive Officer

          |
Chief Operating Officer

          |
Procurement Director

          |
Procurement Manager (3)

          |
Procurement Officer (6)

Academic and Professional Qualifications

·                     Undergraduate degree preferably in procurement.

·                     A Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) qualification or equivalent.

·                     Member of recognised procurement institution/s such as CIPS. Work experience

·                     At least 10 years’ experience in a busy (and preferably development-oriented) work environment.

·                     Working knowledge of public procurement systems in East Africa with regional/cross-border procurement experience.

·                     Specific experience in managing diverse and dynamic teams with a proven track record of engaging and/or managing staff and partners at both at senior and junior levels.

·                     Proven ability to innovate and seek timely, cost-effective and efficient solutions which represent VfM. 

 Additional Skills

·                     Strong strategic thinking, formulation and implementation skills including the ability to communicate strategy and impact concisely and simply.

·                     Strong leadership and management skills.

·                     Adept at working with diverse cross-border teams and challenging accepted principles, delivering change and demonstrating value for money.

·                     Strong presentation, communication and personal effectiveness skills, with the ability to influence others to achieve objectives and gain consensus and collaboration.

·                     Sound decision-making and judgement capabilities.

·                     Good problem solving and analytical skills.

·                     Proficiency in MS Office applications.

·                     A self-motivated individual who requires minimal supervision.

·                     Ability to proactively identify gaps and provide solutions for filling them. 

Special Conditions: None

How to Apply

CLICK HERE to apply online by Friday, 28 November 2014, 5.00pm East African time. 

Ensure that you attach your cover letter and detailed CV, including your qualifications, experience, present position and current remuneration. 

Your application should also include names and addresses of three referees, a working e-mail address and daytime telephone contacts. 

Interviews will be conducted in December 2014 in Nairobi, Kenya.

Please note that we will only consider applications received on-line through the link provided above.

Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted. 

We reserve the right to accept or reject any application. 

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

TradeMark East Africa is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to open and transparent recruitment processes.