GENERAL INFORMATION

1.  SOLICITATION NO.: 21-115

2.  ISSUANCE DATE: August 26, 2021

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: September 24,        2021 (4:30 PM East Africa Time)

4. POSITION TITLE: Project Management Specialist (Environment)

5. MARKET VALUE: Equivalent to FSN-PSC 10 (Step 1 3,203,516.00 KSH to Step 13: 5,445,968.00 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. Additional four (4) 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 current employees of the U.S. Mission. 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 (Environment) position provides mid-level technical and project management support to the Biodiversity and Policy Team. The incumbent will provide support related to operational planning of program activities, monitoring and evaluation of program results, management and technical assessments, and the design of activities. The PMS will assume AOR/COR and Activity/Task Manager Responsibilities for several conservation programs. The Specialist will engage with other USG agencies, Government of Kenya stakeholders, Civil Society Organizations /Non-Governmental Organizations, academic institutions, the private sector, and other development partners concerning Kenya’s natural resource programs. This position requires sound critical thinking and analytical skills.

 

 

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

1. PROJECT MANAGEMENT                                                       70%

Serves as an Agreement/ Contracting Officer’s Representative or Activity Manager for activities focused on 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 providing 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, preparing 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.

2.   COORDINATION                                                                   20%

• Assist the Biodiversity and Policy Team Lead to establish long term relationships with key Government of Kenya stakeholders at national and county levels as well as with not for profit and for-profit private sector stakeholders, academic institutions and civil society organizations.                                                                                
• Coordinate and facilitate biodiversity and community-based natural resources management meetings.                                                       
• Coordinate development programming with other donors, development partners, private sector, civil society, and academia. This includes supporting the initiation, planning, and facilitation of multi-donor, multi-sectoral and private sector coordination meetings as well as technical meetings to advance practices, policies and private sector engagement and participation.                                   
• Assist the USAID/KEA/ENV Strategic Communications Manager in developing communications products about biodiversity programming.                                                                              
• Coordinate with the USAID/KEA/ENV MEL Specialist to develop a monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) plan to evaluate the results of projects managed. Ensure that activity performance and planning is analyzed and captured for Performance Plan and Report, Operational Planning and Portfolio Reviews.

3. TECHNICAL SUPPORT                                                             10%

• Assist the Biodiversity and Policy Team Lead by providing advice on strategic decisions about the direction of USAID's Biodiversity programming.                                                                                 
• Analyze and justify decisions to USAID/KEA’s leadership, Program Office, and counterparts in USAID/Washington, Government of Kenya and the Private Sector.                                                            
• Ensure that activities are technically current and relevant.                      
• Document and share lessons learned and best practices for programming. Advise counterparts on best practices including private sector engagement as it relates to community based natural resources outcomes. 

POSITION ELEMENTS

A.  SUPERVISION RECEIVED: The incumbent receives direct supervision from the Biodiversity and Policy Team Lead and is expected to work independently, seeking only major or policy guidance from the Director, Deputy Director or other senior staff.               

B.  SUPERVISION EXERCISED: The PMS will not have supervisory responsibilities.                                                                                   

C.  AVAILABLE GUIDELINES: Guidelines include USAID’s ADS Series, Africa Bureau procedural guidance, Mission Orders, the Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM), Federal Acquisitions Regulations (FAR), and professional development literature. All of these are options and approaches rather than blueprints. Therefore, the individual must be able to assess alternatives and interpret the guidelines accordingly. Excellent judgment and the ability to deal with ambiguity are essential.                                

D. EXERCISE OF JUDGMENT: Work assigned to the PMS includes a variety of duties and processes requiring excellent judgment, working under tight timelines and on subjects receiving a high-level of interest by USAID headquarters and the US Congress. The use of initiative, discretion, and patience is expected from the individual in working with USG office personnel as well as representatives from other organizations/ partners to resolve challenges that arise during the course of work for which there is often no clear or immediate solution. The PMS will be required to follow and adhere to USAID’s Code of Ethics and Conduct. The individual must ensure that his/her input into official USG documents are consistent with the goals of the Environment Office and reflects its strategic thinking. Good judgment will be required in organizing and maintaining program documentation which allows easy retrieval of information.             

E. AUTHORITY TO MAKE COMMITMENTS: The PMS cannot make financial commitments on behalf of the U.S. Government. The individual's recommendations, however, may be the basis for making commitments.                                                                                                F. NATURE, LEVEL, AND PURPOSE OF CONTACTS: Contacts will generally be with technical staff and the Chief of the Environment Office, as well as occasionally with staff from the US Embassy Economics Section. The PMS will interface with implementing partners routinely.                                                                                                              G. TIME EXPECTED TO REACH FULL PERFORMANCE LEVEL: One year.

PRIOR WORK EXPERIENCE: Minimum of three (3) years of experience working in international development with at least two years on biodiversity conservation programming in a development context.

JOB KNOWLEDGE: The applicant must have a solid understanding of the nature of the goals of development programs and be familiar or have the potential to acquire knowledge of  the U.S. development assistance in the areas of biodiversity conservation (USAID Biodiversity Policy and the US National Strategy to Combat Wildlife Trafficking). The Specialist must have basic knowledge of donor programming policies and regulations, procedures, and practices. The Specialist must be familiar with principles of international sustainable development and have experience completing analytical or project activities to a high standard of quality.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES: The individual must have demonstrated ability in dealing effectively and diplomatically with customers from a variety of organizations. The individual must be able to effectively identify, mobilize, and draw upon the expertise of USAID personnel and other resources in order to effectively complete deliverables. 

Job holder should have the ability to work independently to develop completed work with limited technical review. Proven written and oral English communication skills, as well as strong organizational, teamwork, and interpersonal skills are required to perform successfully in this position. Skills to analyze and resolve a wide range of problems arising in program structuring and project development are necessary.

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:  Internal Applicants/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 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 as one attachment 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.

5.  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.