Job Purpose

The National Programme Coordinator (NPC) will head the Project Coordination and Management Unit (PCMU), provide the overall leadership in the Programme implementation. He/she will coordinate the day-to-day planning and execution of the project activities and ensure timely achievement of intended results; oversee and ensure timely procurement of works, goods and services (including training), preparation of AWB&P, procurement plans, project supervision and reviews and day to day monitoring of the project implementation; ensure timely project data capture and reporting; provide sound administration of project staff and project finances; promote harmonious and close working relationship between the project, the National and the County Governments; coordinate and ensure timely execution of activities assigned to partners and service providers; and promote good governance and participatory planning. The NPC will be Secretary to National Programme Steering Committee (NPSC) and the Programme Technical Advisory Committee (PTAC).

 Key Responsibilities

Overall Programme Coordination and Leadership

• Overall coordination of the project management in accordance with the policies, procedures, and guidelines set forth in the Financing Agreement, Project design documents and Project Implementation Manual (PIM);
• Coordinate the establishment of the County Programme Steering Teams (CPSTs) and County Programme Technical Teams (CPTTs).
• Oversee work performance of the PCMU staff, undertake their performance appraisals and performance evaluation and submit to PSC for decision making.
• Oversee work performance of the CPTTs and guide the evaluation of county Programme staff performance by the CPSTs.
• Coordinate and work with relevant Government ministries, Agencies and
• Departments, County authorities, implementation partners, service providers, private sector, financing institutions including SACCOs, beneficiaries, Community
• Based Organizations (CBOs) and local communities to ensure smooth execution of the programme activities.
• Manage with integrity and transparency the Programme funds, monitor expenditures, submit to IFAD, the GoK, PSC and responsible line agencies quarterly financial reports.

Stakeholder Engagement & Partnership Building

• Build and maintain strong collaborative relationships with all Programme stakeholders (including beneficiaries), local networks and contacts and partner organizations, engaging them on a regular basis to integrate their feedback into the implementation and progress of the Programme.
• Lead the Counties and National Government local administration in developing a robust and objective criterion for selection of the sub-catchments and target programme beneficiaries.
• Ensure that the Programme activities at the county level are fully harmonized with the different Counties Integrated Development Plans (CIDPs).

Programme Management & Administration

• Ensure the timely preparation, clearance, and approval of consolidated AWP&Bs and Procurement Plans (PPs), and their execution in accordance with the overall Programme objectives, PIM, and IFAD and GoK regulations and guidelines, including fiduciary requirements.
• Facilitate procurement process of all works, goods and services adhering to IFAD and GoK rules, procedures, and regulations.
• Oversee and facilitate supervision of works contractors, goods suppliers, and service providers for timely and quality execution of their responsibilities.
• Develop synergy between the Programme with other IFAD financed projects as well as other relevant programmes to maximize INReMP’s development impact.
• Develop guidelines to ensure information is disseminated timely and appropriately to the County Coordination Bodies and authorities, the NPSC, and IFAD regarding Project-related activities.
• Oversee timely preparation of the Programme accounts, and audit in line with the Programme Financing Agreement (PFA).
• Facilitate and support joint IFAD/GoK supervision and implementation support, follow-up, midterm, and completion missions, and ensure that their recommendations are implemented fully and in a timely manner.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Knowledge Management

• Control and monitor implementation of all project activities and on quarterly basis prepare and submit progress and performance reports to the GoK, IFAD and the National Project Steering Committee as per the design document. Create and promote conducive work environment that promotes knowledge sharing and learning from experiences among members of the Programme staff, County teams and those of the implementing partners and service providers, and participating Government institutions at the National and County levels.
• Develop guidelines to ensure information is disseminated timely and appropriately to the County Coordination Bodies and authorities, the NPSC, and IFAD regarding Project-related activities.
• Coordinate the scaling up of the technological packages promoted by the Programme in coordination with IFAD, NPSC, the CPSTs, and implementing Programme partners

Policy Advocacy & Resource Mobilization

• Develop parameters to ensure social inclusion of women, youth and vulnerable groups are identified in accordance with the design document and Programme Implementation manual.
• Sensitize implementation teams and partners on the project poverty targeting, youth and gender mainstreaming strategies and their rationale and implementation arrangements.

Other Duties

• Any other duty and responsibilities that may be assigned by the Principal Secretary and the National programme Steering Committee.

Academic Qualifications

• A Master’s degree in Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, Environment, Development, Project Management, Social Sciences, or any other relevant discipline from a recognized university.
• A Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, Environment, Development Studies, Project Management, Social Sciences, or any other relevant discipline from a recognized university.
• Any additional specialization training in any aspect of agricultural and rural development is an asset.
• Post Graduate qualification in project management will be an added advantage.

Applicable Professional Experience

• Relevant professional work experience of at least fifteen (15) years of which 7 years should be in a similar position as Programme Manager/Coordinator or its equivalent in a GoK or Development Partner funded project.
• Excellent analytical skills, sound judgment, resourcefulness, ability to take initiatives, capacity to self-manage and ability to create a team-based, participatory work environment.
• Sound understanding and experience of the Kenya’s multi-level government systems, their governance and administration modalities including their differences and linkages.
• Skills in process facilitation, strategic planning, and partnership building.
• Excellent understanding of the social, economic, political, and historical trends underpinning poverty alleviation strategies and policy reform processes in Kenya.
• Adequate understanding of Kenya’s diverse utilization of its natural resources in all agro-ecological zones under different agricultural systems, and socio-economic development needs.

Competencies and Skills

• Ability to work and interact with people from diverse, professional, social, and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines and work with minimum supervision.
• Good interpersonal and Communication skills.
• Knowledge of computer packages.