Background: I Choose Life – Africa (ICL) is a youth focused organization that seeks to empower youth in Kenya as the foundation for accelerating achievement of sustainable development. Registered in 2004 and working closely with Government, ICL has over 14 years’ experience implementing evidence- based adolescents and youth programs in over 345 institutions of learning (Primary, Secondary and Higher learning institutions) across 24 Counties in Kenya. The organization implements programs in Health and Nutrition, Education, Economic Empowerment and Leadership and Governance Sectors. To ensure maximum impact in these sectors, ICL utilizes a multi-sectorial approach, Quadra Helix development approach (which brings together the Government, Private sector, Academia and Civil society) to foster innovative and sustainable transformation in communities.

Job purpose:

Under the leadership of the Project Manager the incumbent will oversee implementation of Jielimishe GEC project In Laikipia County, in capacity of County Manager. The Project seeks to improve the life chances of 10, 123 marginalized girls and 6,890 marginalized boys in Meru, Mombasa and Laikipia counties. The incumbent will be charged with delivery of three key project outcomes: improved learning, improved transition and enhanced sustainability. In addition, s/he will be charged with delivery of organizational strategic plans at the County level.

Key responsibilities

Project implementation

• Overall coordination of implementation of the project at the County level
• Coordinate Teaching and learning activities across 20 schools
• Engage in adaptive management to ensure project is addressing learning and transition barriers
• Review and approve monthly implementation plans
• Oversee performance management at the county level
• Lead the team in the development and implementation of quality plan
• Scheduling activities and meetings with key stakeholders in project delivery
• Support in project research in collaboration with the project M&E team
• Spearhead the assessment of risks and strategies to mitigate against potential occurrence of the risk(s)
• Institute proper procurement planning and execution
• Develop quality plans to ensure the project meets the intended objectives
• Lead the team in timely execution of project deliverables as outlined in the sub-agreement
• Lead the team in effective utilization of project resources including budget control and value for money
• Effectively Manage information and relations with beneficiaries and key stakeholders
• Oversee project planning process including Project, Resource, Financial, Quality, Risk and Reporting plans

Project Monitoring & Evaluation

• Coordinate compilation of monthly, quarterly and annual reports and submission as per the set deadlines
• Coordinate effective tracking of student attendance in schools
• Oversee effective information management at the county level
• Participate and oversee midline and end line evaluation as advised by the manager
• Ensure effective monitoring, control and documentation of project
• Coordinate reviewing of project goals and objectives as set out in the scope of work
• In accordance with donor requirements, create or maintain procedures for capturing and publishing monthly, quarterly and annual project technical and financial reports
• Provide effective feedback to the target institutions and beneficiaries
• Integrate participatory approaches in M&E in project delivery for quality control and improvement
• Coordinate research and evaluation in regional projects

Resource Mobilization

• Lead the County team in resource mobilization
• Develop County strategic partnerships for resource mobilization
• Coordinate resource mobilization in the County: target 50M annually
• Design, implement and evaluate projects with an aspect of resource mobilization.
• Initiate collaborations with the government, community and corporate for leverage
• Develop Resource Mobilization Strategy for the County

Project communication

• Oversee development of project information packages
• Lead the team in development of project Communicate: newsletters, success stories, bulletins
• Review communication materials going out to stakeholders and partners

Desired Education and Training

• A Bachelor’s degree in Education or its equivalent. Masters will be an added advantage
• A post graduate Diploma in project management.
• At least four years’ experience managing and education program
• At least three years relevant experience in project cycle management
• Professional qualifications in project coordination and management, leadership & management, organizational development, monitoring & evaluation or strategic planning will be an added advantage

Knowledge, Experience Abilities and Skills

• Knowledge in project cycle management highly desirable
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills,
• Good presentation and excellent report writing skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and people management skills
• Excellent command of computers with high IT efficiency
• Ability to work with a team, foster a team approach and incorporate capacity building activities into the program
• Ability to analyze and utilize program development gaps for designing Programs.
• Experience in working in PEPFAR, EU, CDC DfID, UN funded projects is desirable
• Demonstrable ability to create and manage partnerships
• Excellent organizational skills