Program Manager – Drip Fundi
Program
description
MWA is seeking an experienced Program Manager to support
the USAID funded DRIP FUNDI (Fixing Uptime Now and Decision Improvement)
program in Kenya. The program, which is set to be implemented in the five
counties of Marsabit, Garissa, Wajir, Isiolo and Turkana seeks to increase the
borehole uptime across 200 boreholes in the five counties. The underpinning
goal of the program is to address the challenge of borehole non-functionality
that is prevalent in the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) of northern Kenya and
rural areas of Kenya at large. Non-functional water systems make it
particularly difficult for communities to cope with the recurrent droughts that
the region experiences. The program will partner with respective county
government borehole repair teams and private sector partners to facilitate the
rapid repair of the boreholes. Further, it will also engage selected private
sector partners for the provision of the spare parts required for borehole
repair. Finally, the program aims to set up a carbon financing system to
support the continued repair of the 200 boreholes beyond the program’s life.
Job Summary
The Program Manager will oversee the implementation of
the DRIP FUNDI program and ensure that program targets are achieved within the
program’s life (18 months) and the allotted budget. The Program Manager will
work closely with MWA’s partner, Virridy Inc, to ensure that the set-up of
carbon financing is completed. The position holder will report to the WASH
Systems Manager, manage the County Coordinators, and Carbon Credits Officer.
The Program Manager will also work closely with the Country Representative,
Finance and Operations Manager, Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Learning
Manager and Data Analyst/Learning officer. The position will be based in
Nairobi, Kenya with frequent travel to program sites.
Key Responsibilities
The Program Manager will oversee the following functions.
- Broker and coordinate
partnerships with private sector partners, communities at the 200
boreholes and the county governments to facilitate the seamless execution
of the program.
- Ensure that key program
milestones are achieved within required timelines including finalization
and submission of the program baselines, installation of sensor at all 200
boreholes, brokering of partnerships with private sector partners and
county BRRTs for repair and maintenance and registration and certification
of the program by the Gold Standard Foundation.
- Monitor program budget
expenditure in partnership with the MWA’s finance team.
- Be the primary liaison between
the MWA and Virridy to ensure that registration and certification of the
program on the Gold Standard platform is being carried out.
- Oversee the setup of processes
and methods for data collection, analysis and dissemination for the DRIP
FUNDI program including providing guidance on the baseline and end-term
evaluation.
- Lead technical and financial
reporting requirements and ensure all reports are submitted promptly
according to the program reporting schedule.
- Provide leadership and mentorship
to the entire program’s staff including the County Coordinators, Carbon
Credit Officer, and Data Analyst/Learning Officer.
- Ensure all USAID documentation
including contracting documents, reports, agreements, and carbon credit
waivers among others are stored in the correct directory, easily and
readily accessible and up to date.
- Attending relevant
internal/external meetings as required.
- Supporting business development
efforts that MWA may engage in including drafting proposals and fostering
partnerships with donors and funding entities.
- Any other duties assigned.
Qualifications
- A Masters Degree in water or
environmental or mechanical engineering (or any related engineering) is
required. An undergraduate degree in any of these engineering fields and a
Masters in Project Management or Economics is acceptable.
- Experience in project management
or management consulting, preferably with an international
non-governmental organization or large-scale consulting firm is required
for the role.
- A minimum of five (5) years
working in the development sector on a range of water or energy programs
is required.
- Relevant membership and up to
date certificates of good standing with EBK or KETRB is desired.
- Experience managing or leading
donor-funded programs or large-scale consulting assignments is required.
- Experience in USAID funded
programs is mandatory.
- Experience in engaging with
private sector partners and market system development practices is
desirable.
- Experience or knowledge of water
supply systems in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) of Kenya will be an
added advantage.
- Knowledge of carbon markets and
the requisite certifications will be an added advantage.
Knowledge, Skills, and
Abilities
- Ability to listen, communicate
and lead a team.
- Extreme attention to detail is
required.
- Clear and concise report-writing
skills are required.
- Ability to work independently and
be self-motivated.
- Ability to adjust to changing
work environments, priorities, and goals.
- Ability to quickly learn and pick
up on new concepts.
How To Apply
Interested candidates should submit applications via
email to mwak.jobs@mwawater.org with
the email subject as Program Manager – DRIP FUNDI by 3rd October 2023. The
application should include a cover letter and a detailed CV with three
references.
