Programme Manager, Inclusive Markets and Trade Development, Job in Kenya

The Embassy of Sweden in Nairobi

Job Title: Programme Manager; Inclusive Markets and Trade Development

Reporting To: Head of Development Cooperation

Department: Economic Affairs

Number of Positions: 1 Position

Gross Salary Range: Competitive

Job Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Type of Contract: A fulltime contract for 38 hours/week

Placement: Immediate

About the Company: The Embassy of Sweden in Nairobi represents Sweden in Kenya, Somalia, Seychelles and Comoros. The Embassy also represents Sweden in UNEP and UN-HABITAT.

The Embassy represents and advances Swedish policies, interests and values in political and economic relations, development cooperation, in trade and investment promotion and in cultural and information matters. It provides consular services to Swedish nationals and migration services to non-nationals.

The Embassy of Sweden is an equal opportunity employer and encourages all relevant applicants to apply for the position regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, and personal background.

The Kenya Development Cooperation Section is part of the Embassy. It has 18 staff headed by the Head of Section (Development Cooperation).


Sweden has been actively engaged in Kenyan development for over 55 years. Currently, Swedish development cooperation with Kenya is governed by the strategy for Sweden’s Development Cooperation in Kenya 2021-2025.

The objective of the cooperation strategy for Kenya is to contribute to strengthened respect for human rights, gender equality, democracy and the rule of law; reduced climate impact and increased resilience to climate change, sustainable management and use of natural resources, increased capacity to provide sustainable public services; and improved conditions for productive employment and decent work, free and fair trade, and strengthened systems for better access to social security. In addition, the Cooperation Strategy seeks to support a transition from development cooperation to broader relations.

The Development Cooperation Section is looking for a Programme Manager; Inclusive Markets and Trade Development to work within the Inclusive Economic Development Team under the supervision of the Head of Development Cooperation.

The chosen candidate will occupy a permanent and pensionable position. The main objective of the position is to support the Embassy of Sweden in Kenya in the management of projects, programmes and policy dialogue in support of poverty alleviation within the theme of inclusive economic development as it applies to development of inclusive markets and Trade.

Main Duties:

·  Manage a portfolio of projects and programmes and follow up on Swedish funded projects by, inter alia: Plan, assessing and approving funding applications, administer, follow up, preparing decisions/contracts and agreements reviewing and approving narrative, financial and audit reports;

·  Support policy dialogue with relevant Government of Kenya ministries, development agencies, donors and relevant stakeholders in the sector, including drafting briefings, participating in technical and sectoral meetings, and drafting reports;

·  Financial management, including follow up of disbursements and payments of contributions;
Contribute to the development of Swedish strategies and policies for Kenya;

·  Represent the Embassy of Sweden and actively participate in co-ordination for a program reviews, technical discussions, and field visits; and

·  Build relationships and develop networks through interaction and continuous dialogue with relevant bilateral, multilateral, and sectoral actors.

Qualifications:

·  Master’s degree in Economics, Finance, Trade, Business, Agribusiness, Markets Development or other equivalent academic background;

·  Previous experience in the Development arena working with Trade, Finance, Markets Development, Productive Employment, or related areas;

·  A minimum of ten (10) years working experience in the above areas;

·  Previous experience working with innovative financing instruments, such a challenge funds, guarantees or similar;

·  Demonstrable understanding of national, regional and international trade and market development;

·  Knowledge of Kenyan institutional, policy, and legal framework for trade, financial markets and services, private sector and investments;

·  Experience in programmes/projects design, implementation and performance monitoring; and
Good command of both written and spoken English.

Added Advantage:

·  A strong understanding of Market Systems Development (MSD) and its integrated application in development of Trade, Green Growth, Agribusiness, Renewable Energy, Innovative Financing, and digitization;

·  An understanding of multidimensional poverty analysis principles;

·  Experience working with private sector development including enterprises, accelerators, national trade promotion organizations, and/or other business support organizations;

·  Knowledge of the Kenyan institutional structures, key actors, development strategies, in relation to trade, financial services sector, markets development, agribusiness, and green growth;

·  An understanding of Business and Human Rights as well as a Right-based approach as it relates to inclusive economic development; and

·  Experience of working with Results-based Management.

Personal Attributes:

·  Dynamic team player able to work across relevant sectors and across different focus areas and take initiative as well as work independently.

·  Ability to adjust to changing priorities and undertake multiple tasks simultaneously.

·  Respect for cultural diversity, with the ability to fit into a diverse team and to establish networks.

·  Excellent organizational skills, strong oral and written communication skills with good command of English.

·  Self-motivated with ability to take initiatives and work unsupervised.

·  Ability to communicate, share knowledge and experiences, and cooperate easily with colleagues

How to Apply

Interested individuals are invited to submit a 1-page Cover Letter, a CV, and a minimum of 3 professional references to GAP Recruitment via THIS LINK, not later than 6th April 2023.

If you are not a citizen of Kenya, please attach a copy of your Kenyan work – and residence permit.

All candidates must be legally able to work and reside in Kenya with the correct visa/work permit status, or demonstrate eligibility to obtain the relevant permit.

The responsibility lies on the successful candidate to

1) Obtain the relevant permit,

2) Pay fees for the permit,

3) Make arrangements to relocate &

4) Meet the costs of relocation.

The Embassy of Sweden does not sponsor visas/work permits. Work permits will not be arranged by the Embassy.

Should you experience challenges applying via link above, send your application via sourcing@gaprecruitment.co.ke

The email subject should be “PROGRAMME MANAGER; INCLUSIVE MARKETS AND TRADE DEVELOPMENT’’

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

The terms and conditions for locally employed staff apply.

The employment will start with a 6 months’ probation period.