NGO Jobs in Nairobi and Mombasa, Kenya - KEWASNET

The Kenya Water and Sanitation Civil Society Network (KEWASNET) is a non-governmental, non-partisan and non-profit membership society. 

The Network envisions ‘A society with access to safe water and sanitation’, whereas the mission is ‘To promote good governance in the water and sanitation sector thereby increasing access to services’.

KEWASNET’s membership is drawn from CSOs working towards improvement of water resource management and WASH service delivery.

The overall purpose of the Network is to influence the policy environment and promote good governance in the Sector so as to ensure Kenyans have access to affordable and safe water and sanitation services in a sustainable context.

To achieve its objectives, KEWASNET seeks to recruit the following officer to join the secretariat.

Regional Coordinators

2 Positions 

(Nairobi and Mombasa)
 

Generally, the Regional Coordinators are responsible for the following in the network:-

• Organizing Quarterly Collaboration and Information sharing platforms at the regional level in close coordination with the secretariat
• Annual Physical Audit of members
• Supporting Data Collection for the NGO Performance Report
• Preparation and Implementation of regional activities based on Quarterly Work plans developed in collaboration with the secretariat.
• Linking members to KEWASNET Secretariat and other sector players.
• Capacity building of members organizations in coordination with the secretariat.
• Conducting the network’s Advocacy campaign activities in conjunction with the Secretariat.
• Providing support and advisory services to the KEWASNET secretariat.
• Attracting new members to the network and mobilizing existing ones.

Organizing Quarterly and other Coordination and Information sharing platforms at the regional level in close coordination with the secretariat

The Regional Coordinators represent KEWASNET in the Region. 

In this context they have a duty to collaborate with activities of the member organizations and to represent KEWASNET at functions and activities organized in the regions.

This role also encompasses the following:

• Facilitating communication between member organizations and KEWASNET Secretariat
• Networking members within the region to partners in service delivery.
• In coordination with the KEWASNET Secretariat, organize regional platforms for members to share experiences and learn new ways of dealing with issues in the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene sector.
• Collection of members’ progress reports on a quarterly basis
• On a quarterly basis, collecting issues at the regional level using templates provided by the secretariat.
• Analyzing of member reports and selection of key advocacy issues to be reported on to the Secretariat bi annually.
• Preparation of regional quarterly and annual reports and sharing such reports with the Secretariat, Local Governments and Working Groups.

Annual Physical Audit of members in coordination with the Secretariat

KEWASNET Secretariat in collaboration with Regional Coordinators is key in ensuring timely and regular update of the KEWASNET members Database.

In this regard, Regional coordinators working with the secretariat staff carry out annual audit of member organization.

This responsibility involves:

• Revision of the data capture form with the secretariat.
• Informing and preparing members at the regions for the process.
• Circulating letters from the Secretariat to the members, County and political leaders at the regions.
• Compiling regional physical audit reports in coordination with the secretariat
• Debriefing and reporting to member organizations and the secretariat.

Supporting Data Collection for the NGO Performance Report Quarterly

KEWASNET seeks to produce an annual CSO performance report, which feeds in the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene sector review processes as well as the Sector Performance Report (SPR).

KEWASNET Secretariat shall work in coordination with the Regional Coordinators to:-

• Follow up of introductory letters from KEWASNET Secretariat to County WASH Executive Officers and other leaders in the Counties to solicit their cooperation and assistance in data collection.
• Organizing Quarterly coordination meetings to collect data for the NGO report
• Conduct Monitoring visits to member organizations to authenticate and verify the case studies and data presented annually.

Preparation and Implementation of regional activities based on Quarterly Work plans developed in coordination with the secretariat

Regional Coordinator prepares work plans annually in line with KEWASNET Secretariat work plans and ultimately the KEWASNET Strategic plan. In this regard, the Regional Coordinators have the following responsibilities.

• Attending Quarterly Regional Planning Meetings at the secretariat.
• Development of regional Quarterly Work plans.
• Dissemination of work plans to members, KEWASNET, TSU and Local Governments annually to identify areas of synergies and cooperation
• Laying strategies for implementing the work plans with the other structures and members
• Mobilization of resources to implement the activities in coordination with the secretariat.
• Submission of activity reports to the secretariat.

Linking KEWASNET members to the Secretariat and other strategic partners

Regional Coordinators working in close collaboration with the KEWASNET Secretariat, have the responsibility of linking member organizations to Local Governments, other organizations and the Secretariat.

The specific roles related to linking include:-

• Updating KEWASNET Secretariat on members’ activities through reports
• Updating local governments and other stakeholders on NGO activities quarterly through the County water and Sanitation coordination committee meetings.
• Liaising with Technical Working Groups to provide technical support to KEWASNET members.
• Attending County water and sanitation coordination meetings and updating members and the secretariat on County progress.

Capacity building of members organizations in coordination with the secretariat

KEWASNET regional coordinators work closely with the KEWASNET Secretariat to provide capacity support to the member organizations (MO’s) this is done through:-

• Organizing quarterly coordination meetings to Identify and document capacity gaps among the members to feed capacity building programmes.
• Develop sustainable capacity building plans and strategies for implementing them in coordination with the secretariat
• Mobilize resources for the KEWASNET capacity building programme in coordination with the Secretariat.
• Generate quarterly reports for the capacity building activities.

Conducting the network’s Advocacy and campaign activities in conjunction with the Secretariat

Regional Coordinators work hand in hand with the KEWASNET Secretariat team, and partners to strengthen Civil Society engagement and advocacy both at regional, national and international levels.

To this effect, KEWASNET Regional Coordinators;

• Conduct Research and documenting key issues in the region in coordination with the secretariat bi annually.
• Share the researched information with members at the region and the secretariat.
• Develop strategies for advocating for the issues identified bi-annually.
• Coordinate Implementation of the advocacy activities including campaigns at the regions.
• Support quarterly generation of issues for redress at the regional level in consultation with member organizations and other stakeholders.
• Monitor progress of members in advocacy annually.
• Attend regional and national events and fora.

Providing Support Advisory Services to the KEWASNET Members

Member organizations need technical support and assistance in executing their programs and activities. 

The Regional coordinators are better placed to ensure cost effective, regular and reliable support to the members.

The regional Coordinators play an important role in providing advisory services and technical back up to member organizations through:-

• Mentoring of member organizations.
• Carrying out quarterly regional exposure and learning visits
• Regular information sharing of funding sources, changes in the sector through email and the coordination meetings.
• Giving information through electronic media e.g. emails, sms, meetings, and reports to the secretariat and members regularly.
• Sharing information at meetings, briefings, press conferences etc
• Sharing information through reports using the quarterly reporting formats.
• Carrying out field visits and extending hands-on-experience to member organizations by- annually.

Mobilization of prospective members

The water sector is dynamic and growing rapidly. New organizations join the sector regularly. In some cases, existing organizations decide to venture into the water and sanitation sector. 

In order to maintain good quality and standards of services delivered, it is necessary for these organizations to join KEWASNET.

To fulfil this, Regional Coordinators:-

• Liaise with the KEWASNET Secretariat and the County Water officers to mobilize prospective members to join KEWASNET
• Map out the non-registered CSOs in engaged in WASH at the regions and conducting outreach programs to them.

Qualifications and Skills

• Advanced Degree in a related field and at least 5 years of relevant professional experience working on civil society, capacity building and/or natural resource governance in Kenya
• Knowledge and understanding of implications of Kenyan Constitutional reforms and regional issues, plus experience working with civil society in the regions
• Familiarity with the WASH and natural resource management sectors
• Experience in fundraising with a proven track record of working with (international) donors
• Fluency in English required. Portuguese, French and local languages a plus.
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Willingness to travel up to 50% of the time
• Proven organizational skills and ability to work under pressure

Key Competencies

• Be good at planning and strategizing
• Be goal driven, proactive, creative, energetic, confident, well organized, and an innovative thinker
• Generate trust, show integrity and empathy, be outgoing, be persuasive, and have excellent people/communication skills
• Be a good public speaker and know how to communicate in multiple media, namely in social networking tools such as Facebook and Twitter
• Be computer/technology literate (basic knowledge of word, excel, PowerPoint, and Internet browsing)
• Know how to motivate people, have good negotiation skills, properly handle rejection, and try and try again
• Have good teamwork skills and be willing to share lessons learned and best practices
• Experience of partner capacity building
• Willingness to work in any region in Kenya.

Communications and Advocacy Officer

Core Responsibilities

• In collaboration with the Programme Manager, the Communication and Advocacy Officer will review and produce a short, concise but clearly focused advocacy strategy that defines the key advocacy messages, desired policy outcomes and proposed tactics for the pastoralist programme.
• Ensure  advocacy strategy is developed and well implemented by national level NGOs and regional level CSOs and other partners to ensure the desired policy outcomes
• Play a key role in developing and implementing the communication strategy for Network
• To ensure the effective and successful planning, budgeting, monitoring and management of advocacy, communications and dissemination work
• Jointly with the implementing Partners, plan and coordinate all advocacy initiatives to ensure the programs deliver effective evidence based advocacy to influence policy and implementation.
• Coordinate the collection, analysis, and dissemination of pertinent information regarding policy issues and practices on water, sanitation, hygiene and other natural resource governance needs for communication and advocacy.
• Support national level policy levels and county engagement in the emerging policy debates and dialogues on water, sanitation, hygiene and other pertinent natural resource governance issues in Kenya.
• Facilitating the generation and/or improving program data within KEWASNET as well as information and knowledge system and practices—from generation to consumption – for more effective evidence-based advocacy.
• She/he will play an important role in communicating KEWASNET’s work as well as general social, political, economic and cultural situation in the country with a wide range of internal and external audiences.
• To work with leads from the Programmes Department and to identify opportunities to help raise the profile of KEWASNET
• Ensure best practice case studies are produced in a timely manner and communicated internally and externally.
• Prepare and update all communications and advocacy materials, including content for web pages,   media   articles   and   information  material   for   workshops,   conferences   and   other communication events
• Establish professional relationships and where appropriate, effectively communicate with the press and prepare press release, features and arrange for the placement of articles and features on KEWASNET program activities in national and international media.
• Discussing and sourcing data and information that is to be included in newsletters, Research and verify information that is to be included in KEWASNET reports, brochures, newsletters or other written material or film, to write a broad range of communications for both print and electronic channels, film or radio, taking deadlines and changing priorities into consideration,
• To  review  design  and  proof  check  publication  materials  in  coordination  with  the  website- Graphic  Designer  and  handling  multiple  publication  series  simultaneously  both  printed  and online under tight deadlines.

Expected Outputs
The Communication and Advocacy Officer will be responsible for the following outputs:

• A clearly focused advocacy strategy that defines the key advocacy messages, desired policy outcomes and proposed tactics for the Pastoralist Programme developed
• Effective  implementation  of  the  coherent  Advocacy  strategy  jointly  with  National  level Advocacy NGOs
• Developing and effective implementation of a Communication Strategy
• Creation of KEWASNET programmes database and knowledge management of data base
• Preparation of Case studies and testimonials for advocacy  complied and disseminated
• Enhanced documentation and dissemination of publication and pertinent information regarding policy issues and practices on land, pastoralism, forestry, wildlife and climate change interventions in Tanzania for communication and advocacy needs.
• A good working relationship between KEWASNET's programmes and the media for effective advocacy is established
• Enhanced quality and effectiveness of all publicity events, media interactions and publications materials produced for KEWASNET's programs.

Required Qualifications and Desirable Attributes

The Communication and Advocacy officer will have the following broad skill-set and attributes:

• Advanced University degree in Journalism, Communications/ Mass Media, Law or Sociology. A first degree with relevant, excellent proven experience may also be considered
• 5 years related work experience
• Practical experience of working with CSOs, government and development partners at local, national or regional level.
• Experience using and/or organizing media relations, web/mobile/social media, print and public events
• Keen interest and commitment to advancing the rights of minority/indigenous communities, particularly in relation to their territories, areas and natural resources
• Experience in conducting training on effective communications and advocacy
• Knowledge on community development, human rights, environmental rights, project planning management
• Experience in using web-based tools to enhance communication capacity and advocacy is an added advantage
• Ability  to  work  ,communicate  and  advocate  with  a  broad  range  of  stakeholders  including policymakers, government officials, NGOs, the media and community representatives
• Strong  ability  to  engage  with  communities  and  capability  in  being  proactive  to  organize community outreach activities
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with a fluent writing style and good knowledge and practical use of both English and Kiswahili. Proficient in Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Ability to support the advancement of the KEWASNET Membership as a broad civil-society community in the pursuit of improved WASH outcomes.
• Willingness to travel on a regular basis and work with local organizations and communities in remote areas
• Adaptable, flexible, able to take advocacy  initiative and prioritize amongst competing demands
• An approach to mirror our core values: commitment, accountability, respect, effectiveness and diversity;

Core Competencies

• Communication: Communicating orally in a clear manner and adjusting one’s use of language to the receiver’s level.  Showing one absorbs and understands important (non) verbal information and asking further questions when necessary.
• Integrity: Maintaining high ethical standards both personally and professionally:  being incorruptible.
• Working with others: Taking responsibility to build and maintain positive relationships and valuing the opinion of others.
• Flexibility: Adaptable; receptive to new ideas. Willing and able to adapt/change one’s behavior and/or views to changing circumstances in order to attain a set goal
• Self-development: Having insight in one’s identity, values, strengths and weaknesses, interests and ambitions and taking action in order to enhance one’s competences where and when possible.

Finance and Administration Manager

Principal Accountabilities:

Management

• Maintain a documented system of accounting policies and procedures
• Manage outsourced functions
• Oversee the operations of the Finance department, including the design of an organizational structure adequate for achieving the department's goals and objectives

Grants Management

• Ensure compliance with the rules and regulations administered by the grantor; oversee special audits conducted by grantor.
• Perform functions of financial administration and reporting to include, but not limited to: preparation and timely submission of grant applications and reports, development and adjustment of associated budgets, coordination of budgeted funds, screening and processing requests for expenditures and ensuring the timely application for reimbursement from the state.
• Serve as a liaison with principals and other departments on issues regarding grants.
• Monitor interventions and programs funded by grants to ensure compliance with grantor guidelines.
• Assign certain grants and/or related responsibilities to individual budget analysts and coordinate their activities related to the grants assigned.
• Assist in evaluating the fiscal administration of grant programs.
• Oversee the preparation and timely submission of grant applications, application amendments, and budget transfers.
• Monitor, input, review, and approve grant data in the Sage Pastel system
• Perform related work as required.

Budgeting

• Manage the preparation of the KEWASNET's budget
• Report to management on variances from the established budget, and the reasons for those variances
• Assist management in the formulation of its overall strategic direction

Financial Accounting and Reporting

• Engage in ongoing cost reduction analyses in all areas of the Network
• Engage in benchmarking studies to establish areas of potential operational improvement
• Interpret the Network's financial results to management and recommend improvement activities
• Review KEWASNET’s bottlenecks and recommend changes to improve the overall level of KEWASNET’s throughput
• Monitoring and interpreting cash flows and predicting future trends;
• Formulating strategic and long-term business plans;
• Developing financial management mechanisms that minimize financial risk;
• Conducting reviews and evaluations for cost-reduction opportunities;
• Managing KEWASNET’s financial accounting, monitoring and reporting systems;
• Liaising with auditors to ensure annual monitoring is carried out;
• Developing external relationships with appropriate contacts, e.g. auditors, solicitors, bankers and statutory organizations such as the Revenue Authority;
• Ensuring accurate financial reports are produced to specific deadlines;
• Keeping abreast of changes in financial regulations and legislation.
• Create additional analyses and reports as requested by management

Support for Management & Operational Functions

• Oversee all payroll functions to ensure that employees are paid in a timely and accurate manner
• Negotiate and manage the employee insurance and benefits plans
• Process and submit statutory and benefits remittances on time

Budget preparation

• Establish guidelines for budget and forecast preparation, and prepare the annual budget in consultation with the CEO and Treasurer and/or Finance Committee
• Assist Program Directors and Project Managers with the preparation of budgets for funding applications

Project management accounting

• Maintain financial records for each project in a manner that facilitates management reports
• Ensure that accurate and timely financial statements are prepared in accordance with contract agreements with funders
• Provide accurate and timely reporting on the financial activity of individual projects

Information technology

• Evaluate the need for new technology to meet the organization's financial data processing, control, and reporting requirements
• Advise on appropriate technology that meets the organization's information requirements and financial resources

Risk management

• Monitor risk management policies and procedures to ensure that program and organizational risks are minimized
• Advise the organization's leadership on appropriate insurance coverage for the organization
• Maximize income where possible and appropriate
• Negotiate with Bank for lines of credit or other financial services as required and appropriate

Office administration

• Oversee and supervise the administrative function of the organization including reception, property/facility management, safety of the work environment, and provision of furnishings and equipment necessary for effective operations
• Oversee the management of all leases, contracts and other financial commitments
• Monitor all legislation relevant to the organization (employment standards, occupation health and safety, human rights, etc) and all regulations on professional certification to ensure that the organization is compliant

Qualifications

Experience

• At least five years of experience in financial management for large complex projects, of which at least three years were working in the field of international development.

Education

• University degree in Accounting, Commerce, or Business Management/Administration

Professional designation

• Chartered Accountant, Certified General/Public Accountant, or Certified Management Accountant.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles
• Knowledge of National and County legislation affecting Civil Society Organizations
• Knowledge of legislation on Employment Standards, Occupational Health and Safety, and Human Rights
• Knowledge of the Civil Society Sector

Personal Characteristics

The candidate should demonstrate competence in some or all of the following:

• Behave Ethically: Understand ethical behaviour and business practices and ensure own behaviour and the behaviour of others is consistent with these standards and aligns with the values of the organization
• Build Relationships: Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others both internally and externally to achieve the goals of the organization.
• Communicate Effectively: Speak, listen and write in a clear, thorough and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques.
• Focus on Client Needs: Anticipate, understand, and respond to the needs of internal and external clients to meet or exceed their expectations within the organizational parameters.
• Foster Teamwork: Work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problem, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness.
• Lead: Positively influence others to achieve results that are in the best interest of the organization.
• Make Decisions: Assess situations to determine the importance, urgency and risks, and make clear decisions which are timely and in the best interests of the organization
• Organize: Set priorities, develop a work schedule, monitor progress towards goals, and track details, data, information and activities.
• Plan: Determine strategies to move the organization forward, set goals, create and implement actions plans, and evaluate the process and results.
• Solve Problems: Assess problem situations to identify causes, gather and process relevant information, generate possible solutions, and make recommendations and/or resolve the problem.

How to Apply 

Applicants should submit their applications and support documents in electronic format to:

The Chief Executive Officer
KEWASNET
P.O. Box 46163-00100
Nairobi

eMail: jobs@kewasnet.co.ke

on or before the close of business of 6th of February 2015

Only Electronic applications will be considered.