NGO Job Opportunities in Kenya - Oxfam

Sustainable livelihoods through Value Chain Development for Pastoral Communities in Turkana

Terms of Reference for Consultancy on Development of Lake Turkana Fish Marketing Strategy

Location: Lodwar 

Ref: INT1511

Introduction: Oxfam is an International Development, Humanitarian and Campaigns Non Governmental Organization working with others to overcome poverty and suffering. 

In Kenya, Oxfam works with marginalized communities in the Arid and Semi Arid Lands (ASALs) and urban informal settlements in Nairobi, focusing on: 

• Developing market-based alternative and complementary livelihoods
• Initiating water resource development, management and public health supporting livestock production and marketing, 
• Providing emergency humanitarian services 
• Supporting governance programs, peace-building and conflict resolution 
• Disaster risk reduction and preparedness 
• Social protection

Background on Turkana County: Turkana County is located in northern Kenya and is the largest county in Kenya bordering Uganda, South Sudan and Ethiopia with a projected population of 1.2 million inhabitants, 90 percent of whom live below the poverty line. 

Turkana County in Kenya is classified as an arid and semi-arid with majority of its population highly dependent on pastoralism. 

Turkana is characterized by low-fertility soil, a highly variable rainfall pattern, poor quality services such as health and education, with low access to these services, high incidences of HIV Aids cases and a very poor infrastructure such as roads.

 The inhabitants of the county rely mainly on pastoralism and livestock production (60%) as the mainstay of their economy and livelihoods,fishing (8%), agropastoralism (20%) and formal employment (12%). Over the years, Turkana has experienced prolonged climate variability, leading to droughts, and related food shortages.

During such periods, Oxfam alongside the government and other development agencies have often undertaken humanitarian interventions by providing food and cash transfers to enable access to basic necessities for communities living in this area. 

The use of ‘market based interventions’ to tackle food insecurity has become more prominent in Oxfam’s programmes in recent years. 

These are aimed at strengthening the local economy, and to enable communities to move away from reliance on food aid to more empowered, dignified and sustainable livelihood strategies. . Therefore to tackle the issue of food security in the long-term, we must address economic security.

Value Chain Development for Pastoral Communities in Turkana

With funding support from the European Union, Oxfam is implementing fish value chain development programme. 

The programme’s overall objective is Securing sustainable livelihoods and food security for poor women and men in Turkana through development of market opportunities in the fish sector and building local capacity to link with markets. 

The project targets 5000 food insecure men and women, 1000 fisher folk and 500 small traders

 Constraints in the Fish Sector

Production status of Lake Turkana fish is currently very low. The general catch and landing volumes especially for Nile Perch are highly variable and uneconomical for commercialization. Profit margins are relatively higher for Nile Perch. 

Unfortunately, more tilapia is landed and marketed. With Post harvest losses as high as 20 percent the supply gap for fish is apparent with more demand at end markets far from being saturated. 

Value chain systems are weak and not business-oriented. Fishing remains a traditional practice with minimum input and minimum return, even though it contributes significantly to household economy. 

Production among fishers is more focused on volume rather than quality. High post harvest losses hence remain a critical challenge to profitability of Turkana fish. Business Development Services are very weak contributing to high poverty levels and dependence on relief. Fish marketing is highly polarized and exhibits strong ‘informal organizations’ of contacts. 

There are generally weak producer organizations for collective marketing of fish just as inadequacies exist in fishers’ sensitization, organizational development, quality assurance, extension/training, market information, credit access, infrastructure development and input access. 

Over time Oxfam has trained fishermen and traders to improve hygiene and fish handling practices, business practices, reduce post harvest losses among others. There is evidence that fishers and traders are improving fishing and business practices. 

Despite these improvements, access to profitable and reliable markets. But even if they were existent, the traders and fishers are not in position to effectively engage with them.

Enhancing marketing of Lake Turkana Fish 

One key area that this project has anticipated to address is to design a marketing strategy for the Lake Turkana fish which will guide the way fish is marketed and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the entire marketing system of the fish. 

The study on market analysis for Lake Turkana fish value chain unveiled potential market opportunities in the local market in Turkana, Kitale, Eldoret, Kisumu, Nairobi, Busia en route to Democratic of Congo and Rwanda markets and other regional markets like Southern Sudan.  

These market opportunities are not fully exploited by the fish traders due to uncoordinated market efforts by the key players in fish trading

Terms of Reference: The overall objective of the study is to develop a Marketing Strategy for fisheries intervention, aiming at livelihood promotion of traders, fishermen and all other value chain actors.

The specific objectives of the study include:

• To examine the marketing channels for fish in the local, regional and international market
• To assess the market potential for Lake Turkana fish with specific markets identified including processed fish products and the requirements of buyers
• To assess entry requirements into those identified markets
• To explore market margins involved and the possibilities of capturing value in different stages of the chain like wholesaling, processing and retailing
• To assess characteristics of the fish market at the end consumer level in terms of variety, quality, pricing, purchase behaviour including channel preference and reasons for that.
• To map current gaps in the current market structure in relation to the requirements of the existing markets.
• To assess role and involvement of women at various stages of supply chain, and how this can be further strengthened
• To recommend a marketing strategy/options  for Fishers and traders to optimise the opportunities in existing markets.

Timeframe: The whole research process will take approx 21 days to be completed, this will include: Interaction with Oxfam Management team, fishermen, traders and report writing.

Consultant / Team Qualifications
The Consultancy team must have a back ground in fish or livestock marketing. 

At the minimum, the consultant(s) must possess the following:

• At least a Masters Degree in Business related Disciplines with a bias in marketing or strategic management
• 5 years demonstrated experience in business research and/or Practice
• Demonstrate a good understanding of the Arid and Semi Arid Areas (ASALs) with practical working experience or research/Surveys in such environments.
• Experience of effective interaction with local markets, market associations/organisations, national institutions, government departments, and Business service providers.
• Be Conversant with current business models and practice around the Fish sub-sector in the region.
• Good spoken and written communication skills in English and Swahili.
• Proven experience of using participatory tools and methodology.
• Excellent analytical and report writing skills.

Expected Deliverables

The required outputs of this consultancy will be as follows:

1. An inception report (maximum five pages) outlining the approach/methodology and execution programme/timetable. This report shall be submitted for review and approval by Oxfam GB two (3) days after the signing of the contract, but before commencement of the work.
2. Data collection tools which shall be submitted within three days after acceptance of the methodology for review and approval by Oxfam GB.
3. Draft  fish marketing strategy and a report which shall be submitted within five days after completion of the field work.
4. Presentation of the fish marketing strategy to the stakeholders.
5. The final fish marketing strategy which shall be submitted within five days after the stakeholders’ dissemination workshop and shall incorporate both Oxfam and stakeholders inputs.

CLICK HERE to apply online

Application deadline is 4th June 2015

Terms of Reference: Consultancy for Advocacy Strategy for the Development of Financial Services in Remote Locations of Turkana County

Location: Lodwar
 

Ref: INT1507
 

Introduction: Oxfam is an International Development, Humanitarian and Campaigns Non Governmental Organization working with others to overcome poverty and suffering.  

In Kenya, Oxfam works with marginalized communities in the Arid and Semi Arid Lands (ASALs) and urban informal settlements in Nairobi. 

Oxfam is implementing a project whose overall objective is Securing sustainable livelihoods and food security for poor women and men in Turkana through development of market opportunities and building local capacity to link with markets.

The project’s specific objectives are;

• Identify and develop 1-3 value chains that are viable from a business perspective and have the potential to transform the lives of poor women and men
• Develop and strengthen producer organisations to enable them to link to markets and increase incomes of members through value addition activities (e.g. improved quality, better ordering mechanisms)
• Ensuring that the capacity developed and the support services built can be applied to new/other value chains.

The key outcomes of the project are;

• Improved Business skills training Among Entrepreneurs
• Improved access to essential business services
• Increased linkages with the private sector
• Improved food security through functional market mechanisms.

Financial Services: Financial services are among the most essential business services in any market environment. A market analysis done by Oxfam for the fish market in Turkana highlights some challenges with respect to access and utilization of financial services. 

Key challenges identified ranged from; high credit costs, lack of collateral, inappropriate products, poor repayments, insecurity, low penetration in interior markets, low awareness of products and inappropriate products available. 

A study by Agricultural sector Development Support Programme (ASDSP) showed that financial services were poorly accessed by gender in Turkana; with less than 10 percent male accessing financial services as opposed to a very negligible number.

Goal of the Consultancy: Oxfam plans to develop an advocacy strategy for making financial services accessible to remote areas in Turkana county and more specifically, small businesses within the fish sector.  

The overall goal of this consultancy is to develop a clear advocacy strategy that will enable financial institutions and any other service providers in the financial sector in Turkana County to accelerate accessibility to financial services and to develop products that are tailored to benefit the local fisherman and trader.

Scope of work

 The Specific tasks of the Consultant include:

• Map existing  financial institutions and services available/provided and review their reach (geography, gender, sectors)
• Policy Analysis: Review a sample of current interbank policies guiding service provision, coverage and highlight any prohibitive factors that slow the roll out of services to remote locations of Turkana County.
• Map and identify financial needs of business traders and fishers in the fish sector.
• Together with producer groups, traders, respective ministries develop an advocacy strategy highlighting; problem and change needed; what actions, key stakeholders and their roles, resources, timelines needed; and clear milestones to enable access to financial services. 
• Provide guide for training producer groups; businesses and fishers on how to access financial services- highlighting steps and skills for how to go about the process.

To undertake this assignment, the successful resource person; is required to undertake a comprehensive desk review, field visits, stakeholder meetings among other things. 

While Oxfam will provide relevant documents where applicable, it is expected that the consultant will use his/her network and experience in the region and where necessary, visit relevant institutions and prompt dialogues to obtain additional information

Deliverables

The consultant will provide these key deliverables

• At inception, a detailed work plan for the activities indicating delivery dates
• Report on the analysis of the existing banking related policies and products available for micro enterprises and fishermen in remotest parts of Turkana County
• Advocacy strategy and implementation plan with input from Oxfam staff on the outline of the document including annexes on partnership mapping, internal workshop report, and validation report.
• Conduct advocacy training to Oxfam staff and other stakeholders

Expertise Required: Oxfam is seeking an individual consultant with extensive experience in research, financial services analysis and advocacy in financial services provision. 

The candidate should be well versed with banking services and products; regulatory provisions and laws governing the banking sector. 

A working knowledge of Turkana will be an added advantage.

Qualifications:

• Holder of a degree in a relevant discipline (development, social sciences, research, communications)
• Five years experience working in advisory role as a financial advisor, financial analyst

Skills and Experience:

• Previous experience in developing participatory advocacy strategies and plans
• Previous experience in policy analysis and policy research
• Strong background in capacity building and training on advocacy, policy implementation
• Previous experience in consulting with organisations on advocacy or similar assignments
• Good communication written and verbal in English and Swahili
• Excellent networks with government and civil society partners

Reporting: The consultant will be in constant contact with the Markets and Trade Program Officer, on behalf of Oxfam, for purposes of reporting and accountability. 

All reports will be submitted to the Program officer - Markets and Trade, on dates as may be mutually agreed during the inception meeting. 

The reports will be reviewed by Markets and Trade team before being submitted. 

All draft reports (written in English) will be submitted as softcopies while the final advocacy strategy will be submitted as a soft copy and three (3) hard copies.

Payments will be tied to satisfactory completion and approval of deliverables from the consultant per agreement.

Consultancy Duration: The consultancy should be undertaken within a period of 14 days including provision of training for the advocacy strategy and report writing.

Call for Proposals: Oxfam is inviting proposals (technical and financial) from suitable individuals to undertake the assignment.  Applicants will also be expected to submit their profiles/CVs.

CLICK HERE to apply online

The deadline for applications is 04 June 2015

Deputy Country Director 

Ref: INT1513

Make a difference, where it really counts

Location: Addis Ababa - Ethiopia

Level: Global B2

Salary: GBP 30,647-GBP 42,859 net per annum + competitive benefits package

Contract Type: One year, renewable
 

Status: Accompanied
 

Key Responsibilities

• Represents Oxfam GB in Ethiopia’s Country Leadership Team (CLT). Take responsibility for OGB’s contributions to the CLT and implement OGB’s commitments resulting from CLT decisions
• As a member of the CLT, contributes to the overall leadership of Ethiopia’s Joint Strategy in a manner that ensures effective implementation of Oxfam’s Vision 2020 in Ethiopia
• Leads the coordination, linkages and synergies within and between the long-term development and humanitarian programmes as well as contributes to linking these programmes with policy and influencing in a manner that adheres to the one-programme-approach
• Engages in networking and contributes to representing OGB programme at different forum as may be delegated by the CD.
• Develops good working relationships within Oxfam in and outside Ethiopia, with donors, CSOs, official authorities and other agencies, being proactive in ensuring that Oxfam develops and maintains a positive profile.
• Provides quality technical and managerial leadership to the livelihoods, humanitarian (except in Cat 1, 2 and large scale Cat 3) and resilience building programmes
• Ensures that programme plans and budgets are in place, that costs are kept within budgets, and that Programme Managers / Line Reportees provide regular high quality reports (including technical, financial, logistics and HR) for management, M&E and accountability purposes.
• Ensures that the livelihoods, humanitarian and resilience programme teams are structured and staffed appropriately to guarantee effective and efficient delivery of programme, and use of OGB resources.
• Provides strategic technical leadership in the fields of livelihoods, humanitarian preparedness and response and resilience building.
• Ensures that all livelihoods, resilience building and humanitarian programmes are designed and implemented in a way which aspires to achieve Oxfam Technical standards.
• With the support of the Programme Quality Advisor, provides guidance to Programme Managers / line repartees’ in operational planning, monitoring, analysis and assessment of programme quality issues, and periodic reporting
• Oversees the implementation of the PMEAL strategies and plans by the respective programmes.
• Ensures programmes learning are well captured, analysed, shared and informed programmes designs and implementation.
• Ensures that all relevant programmes have clear accountability frameworks and; effective implementation of these frameworks
• Leads the shift towards working in partnerships with diverse, strategic stakeholders.
• Ensures that all programmes are in line with organizational policy on gender, HIV and AIDS, and protection.
• Proactively ensure that gender equity and protection issues are taken into account in all aspects of Oxfam's work
• In close collaboration with the Funding Coordinator supports the Country Director in identifying and utilizing opportunities for fundraising by preparing and presenting funding request to donors in collaboration with the programme teams.
• Initiates and maintain good working relationships with relevant donors as agreed with the CD
• Guarantees that the programmes have sufficient and consistent funding and that a high quality proposals are timely prepared
• Develops and maintains a healthy environment for the team, coordinating timely discussions on strategic programming issues and guaranteeing that the staff members reflect the institutional character in their relationships with partner organizations and other stakeholders.
• Ensures excellent people management and development of staff managed, in accordance with Oxfam’s performance management cycle and policies on development of staff, particularly national staff capacity building plans.

Competencies and Skills

• Post graduate degree in international development, sustainable livelihoods, humanitarian, programme management or closely related fields.
• A minimum of ten years of experience in the field leading development and humanitarian programmes in one or more challenging contexts in developing countries.
• Good understanding of development issues in general with significant knowledge and experience in one of the fields of: (a) sustainable livelihoods or, (b) emergency preparedness and response.
• Evidence of strategic analysis, review and development of strategies.
• Analytical skills and ability to think strategically, including the ability to think beyond the country programme context and to act within a regional framework
• Strong understanding of humanitarian principles and how it is applied in emergency contexts, based on experience from different countries
• Knowledge and experience of promoting gender equity, and an active commitment to promoting the interests of marginalized people in all aspects of Oxfam GB's work.
• Proven experience of building and leading diverse teams and; evidence of managing large complex teams.
• Ability to work with others to develop vision into strategy and communicating and influencing this to a wider audience.
• Substantial experience in  managing resources and external relationships
• Ability to work independently when necessary and at times with minimal supervision
• Fluency in written and spoken English

CLICK HERE for a detailed job description

This is a challenging opportunity for a dedicated and highly motivated Professional, with a strong commitment to Oxfam’s values and beliefs. 

If you believe you are the candidate we are looking for, please submit your application and CV in English dealing your experience for the post and include daytime telephone contacts.

Please CLICK HERE to apply online using REF INT1513. 

The closing date: 11th of June 2015