GENERAL INFORMATION 

1.  SOLICITATION NO.: 21-109

2.  ISSUANCE DATE: September 14, 2021

3.  CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: September 28,       2021, (4:30 PM East Africa Time).

4.  POSITION TITLE: Project Management Specialist (Biodiversity and         Policy).

5.  MARKET VALUE: Equivalent to FSN-PSC 12 (Step 1:6,558,709.00           KSH to Step 13: 11,149,825.00 KSH per annum). In accordance with       AIDAR Appendix J and the Local Compensation Plan of USAID/             Kenya and East Africa. Final compensation will be negotiated within         the listed market value.

6.  PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Initial six (6) months probationary           period, with an additional six (6) months upon successful completion       of probation period. Four (4) additional option years contingent on           fully successful or better performance rating, funds availability and           the continued need to retain the position.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Nairobi, Kenya; with possible travel as        stated in the Statement of Work.

8.  SECURITY CERTIFICATION REQUIRED: Prior to joining USAID,           the selected candidate will be required to:

• Undergo a comprehensive background investigation
• Undergo a health check to obtain medical clearance and;
• Obtain and Retain an embassy issued Security Certification.

9. STATEMENT OF DUTIES: (See Below).

10. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: Open to qualified Kenyan citizens and current employees of the U.S. Government. USAID provides equal opportunity and equitable treatment for employment of all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status or sexual orientation.

11. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The position requirements do not involve rigorous physical demands.

BACKGROUND 

The Project Management Specialist (Biodiversity and Policy Team Lead) is the technical lead for the implementation of biodiversity conservation programs and interlocutor for policy. This position 1) serves as USAID/ Kenya’s ENV Team’s advisor on Government of Kenya (GoK) programs, initiatives, policies and laws related to Natural Resources Management/ Biodiversity; 2) provides leadership, vision and professional guidance on Natural Resources Management/ Biodiversity program planning for the ENV Team; 3) manages technical programs as AOR/COR and leads by engaging in policy dialogues with GoK and other relevant stakeholders; 4) technical lead as a policy analyst for existing and new regional policies, strategies and laws related to biodiversity conservation and management in East African Region. These services are provided in support of the achievement of USAID/Kenya and East Africa Development objectives.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1.  TECHNICAL LEADERSHIP                                                  40%

As a recognized expert in the fields of Biodiversity and Natural Resources Management Policy the incumbent will provide technical and policy advice to all levels in the U.S. Mission. In this capacity the incumbent:

• Serves as a senior FSN staff member and USAID/Kenya’s expert in providing the perspectives of the Government of Kenya (GoK), governments in East Africa and local partners on Natural Resources Management/Biodiversity Policy, law and regulations.                         
• Leads in the identification of opportunities and approaches, in negotiating Project/Activity Agreements and in resolving sensitive policy and programming issues with GoK and their impact on USAID’s Natural Resources Management/ Biodiversity program in Kenya.                                                                                             
• Performs a full range of professional consultative, advisory, and monitoring, information gathering, analytical and evaluative services on the scope and complexity of USAID/ Kenya’s ENV program portfolio.                                                                          
• Is a policy analyst and reviews existing and newly formulated policies and laws that support biodiversity conservation across transboundary ecosystems in East Africa.                                               
• Provides professional judgment and acumen in the development, management and evaluation of major programs and projects designed to achieve U.S. objectives.                                                 
• Acts as Deputy Office Director in the absence of the Deputy Director.

2.  PROGRAM AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT                              25%

• Serves as an Agreement/ Contracting Officer’s Representative (AOR/COR) or Activity Manager for activities focused on the government, policy, and non-government implementing partners involved in biodiversity conservation and Community Based Natural Resources Management.                                                                      
• Performs the following program/project management duties as AOR/COR:Performs all responsibilities outlined in the AOR/COR designation letter- template located in the Automated Directive System (ADS) 300 Series (specifically ADS 302 & 303). Examples include provide activity management oversight, field monitoring, data quality assessments, review and approval of partner progress reports, analysis and approval of financial expenditure data and project budget tracking, prepare annual activity incremental funding actions and/or technical amendments as needed.                     
• Ensure projects/activities/contracts contribute to the achievement of the Natural Resources Management project results and the relevant Development Objective (DO) at the Mission level.                      
• Work with implementing partners and other stakeholders on creating innovative development ideas that are informed by the Agency’s Risk-Appetite Statement.                                                  
• Operationalize adaptive management throughout the program/ project by continually evaluating the contractor/grantee performance. Make programs adaptive to new learning and changing contexts and provide recommendations for program/ project changes to relevant authorities in the Mission.                                   
• Manage opportunities for effectively communicating activity progress, in cooperation with Mission communications staff, for highlighting activities and accomplishments.                                   
• Utilize data and evidence for decision making.

3.  LEADERSHIP, ADVISORY, REPRESENTATION AND                           SUPERVISION                                                                     25%

The job holder is the Biodiversity and Policy Team Lead, leading and ensuring integration of community in the co-management of natural resources. This position will directly supervise and mentor the Project Management Specialist (Environment).                                       

• Serves as a leader and champion for the Journey to Self-Reliance. The Incumbent:                                                                                   
• Engages government officials and other partners in policy dialogues to achieve locally sustained results, mobilizing public and private revenues, strengthening local capacities, and accelerating enterprise-driven development related to natural resources management.                                                                               
• Extends USAID’s influence through knowledge sharing and collaboration with other development actors. Catalyzes learning among country development actors to build capacity and facilitate country-led, country-owned, country-managed development.                           
• Leads the USAID/Kenya Community Based Natural Resources Management Team, serves as a Technical Adviser on Wildlife management in Kenya to the whole of Mission Combating Wildlife Crime Working Group and Donor Partners Wildlife Issues Group.                  
• In coordination with the ENV Deputy Office Director for Technical Programs, manages the relevant sections of the Development Objective Assistance Agreement.                                                              
• Serves as a Team Lead for ENV Private Sector Engagement Team and works with Mission integrated teams to create and expand public-private sector partnerships and investment in nature-based tourism and conservation of natural capital in the East African Region. 

4.  NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT PROGRAM STRATEGIC           PLANNING & MONITORING                                                 10%

• Serves as a back up to the ENV Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Team. Works closely with other AORs/CORs to ensure that all activity MEL plans are up to date. Works closely with the ENV MEL team, tracks progress of implementation of the Kenya portfolio through the compilation of quantitative data for the USAID ENV annual Performance Plan and Report, Operational plan and Portfolio review. 

POSITION ELEMENTS:

• SUPERVISION RECEIVED: The incumbent is supervised by the Project Management Specialist (Deputy Director for Technical Programs).                                                                                    
• SUPERVISION EXERCISED: The incumbent supervises the Project Management Specialist (Environment).                                       
• AVAILABLE GUIDELINES: The incumbent will be expected to be fully aware of USAID procedures and policies included in the ADSs, FAR, 22CFR216, FAA, 117/118/119, Biodiversity Policy and other related statements of strategy and policy. In addition, he/she will have a good understanding of GoK development plans. Relevant subject matter under the Agency Policies – ADS 100, 200, 300 etc. as required for effective program management.                                      
• EXERCISE OF JUDGMENT: Incumbent has broad latitude to make judgement on program operation and management. Uses considerable judgment in interpreting available guidelines, noted above, and in adapting to guidelines.                                             
• AUTHORITY TO MAKE COMMITMENTS: The incumbent deals with high-level government officials, and members of the Kenya Mission. The job holder will not make a commitment on behalf of USG but will be given substantial leeway in discussing development options and alternatives.                                                                
• NATURE, LEVEL AND PURPOSE OF CONTACTS: During Program implementation consult with Senior GoK and NGO Partners to the level of CEOs and occasionally at the level of Permanent Secretary for GoK for policy direction. Regularly meet with senior donor representatives for the purposes of program coordination.                            
• TIME EXPECTED TO REACH FULL PERFORMANCE LEVEL: One Year.

PRIOR WORK EXPERIENCE: At least seven (7) years progressive experience in the field of natural resource management/Biodiversity Conservation with a strong background on community-based Natural Resource Management and Policy. This will include: Experience in NRM/ Biodiversity related law and policy analyses, review and development in the Kenyan context, plus, a working knowledge of the important international conventions in these areas. Experience working in a “cross-cultural’ setting on work teams of mixed ethnic background. Experience working with rural communities with practical experience in participatory natural resource resources management and nature-based enterprise development and experience in field-based monitoring, surveys and/or inventories.

JOB KNOWLEDGE: Must have a thorough knowledge and understanding of Government of Kenya policy and legislative reforms in the Environment, NRM/Biodiversity and other related sectors. Knowledge of East African government policies and legislative reforms is recommended. A thorough knowledge of development approaches within NRM/Biodiversity sector plus institutional strengthening/building is essential; Experience in managing for results in developing countries; Thorough understanding on Natural Resources Management and/or Biodiversity Conservation issues, and the ability to conceptualize, analyze and design integrated activities; and an understanding of USAID policies, strategic planning and regulations is an added benefit.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Ability to develop and maintain an extensive range of high-level contacts in GoK, civil society, academia, development partners and local community organizations; Strong written, verbal and analytical skills- must be able to write syntheses and explain results in a fashion that is readily understandable to non-technical/Biodiversity specialists and audiences; Skills in computer applications, teamwork (complex institutional and multi-cultural settings), policy analyses and institutional relations. Must be able to obtain, analyze and evaluate complex information and prepare precise, accurate, factual and analytical sound reports. The ability to quickly and objectively render advice is required. including ability to prepare well-written reports. 

EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

Applicants must submit a resume/cv which describes how their relevant professional experience and education has prepared them to meet the specific challenges of the duties and responsibilities described above.  As part of the interview process, those applicants ranked highest may be required to submit a timed writing sample on a topic provided.  The selection committee may conduct reference checks at any time during the selection process.

Applications that do not meet the required minimum qualifications will not be scored. 

• Prior work experience (30 points)
• Job Knowledge (30 points)
• Skills and abilities (40 points)

Total possible points:  100

Candidates meeting the above required qualifications for the position will be evaluated based on information presented in the application and reference checks.   References will be asked to assess the applicant’s technical knowledge, work performance, communication skills, and group dynamics, using the above criteria.   USAID reserves the right to conduct interviews with the top ranked short-listed applicants.  The interview will be one of the determining factors in the final selection.

HOW TO APPLY

Step 1: Register in MyJobsInKenya at www.myjobsinkenya.com     

Step 2: Qualified Current USG Employees: Attach an updated curriculum vitae/resume (no more than five pages), a copy of your most recent Performance Evaluation Report, and copies of all relevant certificates. Scan and attach all the documents and upload to MyJobsInKenya.

                                                      OR

External Applicants/Not Current USG Employees: Attach an updated curriculum vitae/resume (no more than five pages) and copies of all relevant certificates. Scan and attach all the documents and upload to MyJobsInKenya.

Note to Applicants

1.  Applications must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted through myjobsinkenya.com as stated in Section IV.

2. Submissions will only be accepted through myjobsinkenya.com/usaid. Late and Incomplete applications (those that do not contain the applicant’s most current and up to date detailed CV and relevant education certificates) will not be considered for the position. The closing date for receipt of applications is indicated above.

3. USAID provides equal opportunity and equitable treatment for employment of all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status or sexual orientation.

4. Only short-listed candidates shall be contacted. Any form of canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification.

USAID DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING) AND DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS' BANK ACCOUNTS.