Program Manager

Location: Isiolo

Job Type: Full Time

Qualification: BA/BSc/HND, MBA/MSc/MA

Experience: 5 – 8 years

Field: Agriculture/Agro-Allied, Project Management

General Position Summary:

The Program Manager for the RANGE initiative, operating under the guidance of the Resilience Programs Lead and in collaboration with various stakeholders, holds the overall responsibility for implementing the RANGE program. This includes ensuring the quality and impact of interventions while adhering to scope, time, and budget constraints. The Program Manager will engage with diverse internal and external stakeholders to drive transformative change in the target counties. In addition to a robust technical understanding of resilience-building, natural resource management, and livestock, the Program Manager should possess expertise in market system development (MSD) approaches.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

Strategy and Vision:

• Play a key role in shaping the program strategy and direction for Kenya, organizing actions and resources to achieve objectives.
• Contribute to the program’s learning and influencing agenda, integrating and advancing learning, adaptation, and advocacy within the program and across Mercy Corps.
• Identify opportunities for innovative action and foster an environment that welcomes alternative viewpoints.
• Represent the program in key forums and donor meetings in collaboration with relevant Mercy Corps team members.
• Build and manage collaborative partnerships with international and local agencies, donors, organizations, local authorities, and partners.

Program Management:

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for RANGE program activities in collaboration with key stakeholders.
• Ensure program implementation is on time, target, and budget, utilizing effective monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems.
• Develop mechanisms for targeted research to inform program design and implementation.

Team Management:

• Structure team roles and responsibilities for cohesive program interventions, providing continuous technical support, capacity building, and quality assurance.
• Oversee the performance of consortium partners and sub-grantees, providing necessary information and resources for improved performance.
• Coordinate with program staff and support departments to ensure smooth planning, preparation, implementation, and monitoring of program activities.

Operations Management:

• Oversee routine program support functions (e.g., finance, administration, logistics) related to RANGE, ensuring compliance with Mercy Corps and donor policies.
• Manage procurement processes in accordance with donor and Mercy Corps guidelines.
• Ensure proper database and paper file management for program files.

Security Management:

• Work closely with the country team’s security focal point to develop and maintain systems promoting the safety and security of all team members.
• Design and implement programs with a clear analysis and understanding of security.

Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) and Reporting:

• Collaborate with the program MEL team to embed effective M&E systems and processes within the program implementation unit.
• Use collected data to inform ongoing adaptation of program strategies and delivery approaches.
• Oversee the production of formal and informal reports and work plans in a timely manner.

Organizational Learning:

• Dedicate 5% of time to learning activities benefiting both Mercy Corps and individual professional development.

Accountability to Beneficiaries and Partners:

• Support efforts toward accountability to beneficiaries and partners, adhering to international standards guiding relief and development work.
• Conduct oneself professionally and respect local laws, customs, and Mercy Corps’ policies.

Supervisory Responsibility:

• Direct supervision of all team members and consultants within the RANGE program.

Accountability:

• Reports Directly To: Resilience Programs Lead
• Works Directly with: Country Director, Director of Program, Operations Director, Finance Director, Program Managers, PAQ team, consortium partners, local implementing partners

Knowledge and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Demonstrated experience leading interventions in natural resources/rangelands management, livestock production, agricultural economics, veterinary medicine, etc., including market system development approaches.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience, including 5 years in a senior management position.
• Sound understanding of financial, procurement, administration, and logistics management systems.
• Experience coordinating multiple activities, developing synergies, and fostering collaboration.
• Proficient in team building and coordination for achieving program goals.
• Commitment to local capacity building and engagement of local stakeholders.
• Experience working with national and sub-national governments, INGOs, and national NGOs.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with attention to detail.
• Proficiency with MS Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) required.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Swahili; competency in a relevant local language is beneficial.
• Experience within Arid and Semi-Arid lands is required.

Method of Application: Interested and qualified candidates can apply here.