UNOPS - Climate Resilient Livelihood Expert (Agronomist / Forestry Specialist) - Nairobi, Kenya (Re-Advertisement)

UNOPS helps its partners in the United Nations system meet the world’s needs for building peace, recovering from disaster, and creating sustainable development. UNOPS is known for its ability to implement complex projects in all types of environments around the globe.

In an effort to promote organizational excellence, UNOPS seeks highly qualified individuals for the following position:

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“Previous applicants need not re-apply”

Vacancy Details

Vacancy Code: UNOPS/2011/AFO/KEOC/PRJ/028

Post Title: Climate Resilient Livelihood Expert (Agronomist / Forestry Specialist)

Post Level: Individual Contractor Agreement

Project Title: Addressing Climate Change Adaptation and Sustainable Use of Resources in
Rural Areas of Kenya Through an Eco-community Model

Duty Station: Nairobi, Kenya (with extensive field visits)

Duration: 1 month

Closing Date: 7th December 2011

Background

The Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources in partnership with UNOPS Kenya office has designed a project aimed at climate change adaptation and sustainable use of natural resources in rural areas of Kenya through an eco-community model.

Climate change is one the greatest challenges facing the world today and Kenya is already experiencing the impact of climate change as witnessed in the constant drought occurrences as well as floods, crop failure and environmental degradation through deforestation among others.

The project introduces an adapted form of eco-villages, which have been named in the United Nations’ top 100 listing of Best Practices as excellent models of sustainable living. Eco-villages are human settlements in which human activities are integrated into the natural environment with minimal harm, while considering economic, social and environmental principles.

This proposed response not only brings climate change adaptation and environmental sustainability to the grassroots and community level, but also encourages sustainable livelihoods.

The project will mitigate climate change associated risks to food security and livelihoods in 50 vulnerable communities established as a network of eco-communities.

Given the scope of the project, implementation will be performed in three successive phases:

i) feasibility and preparatory assessment phase

ii) a pilot phase on 5 selected communities

iii) a roll out phase to the 50 foreseen ecocommunities.

The selected candidate will be part of a team of technical experts who will complete the first phase of this project, the feasibility and preparatory assessment phase. The second and third phase of this project will be implemented once the required additional funding is secured.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Eco-Community Project Manager at UNOPS, the selected candidate will be an expert on agronomy and forestry and must have a strong knowledge of climate change adaptation programming with respect to agriculture, ideally in the Kenyan context.

A sound knowledge of the other components of the project (alternative energy, livelihoods, water, and microfinance) and work experience on similar projects would also be beneficial.

The Agronomist / Forestry Specialist will be required to perform the following duties and responsibilities:

• Work with the project team towards determining a locally suitable model for eco-communities that include adaptation to climate change as a core element
• Develop community-driven adaptation strategies that increase crop production through diversification of crops and adoption of technologies resistant to changing environmental conditions. This will include:

1. Identification of crops resistant to changing environmental conditions and suitable for the local context
2. Work with other project team members on development / rehabilitation of irrigation systems

• Determine location and feasibility of establishing:

1. Protected forests, to preserve water catchment areas and natural habitats
2. Community plant nurseries integrated with sound water management
3. Community-based plantations of local plant species

• Identification of traditional agricultural practices or other livelihood strategies in the community to cope with climatic variations, including economic parameters + incorporation of these practices / strategies into project planning
• Provide technical guidance in the broader areas of agriculture program identification and assessment in the face of climate change and its impact on food security
• Conduct multi-stakeholder consultations to identify and confirm all adaptation options including their costs, benefits and risks
• Together with the Project Manager, develop a detailed framework (tasks, activities, responsibilities, timelines) for the successful implementation of Phase II of the project
• Assess and analyze existing farming systems (inc. sales)
• Identification of agricultural inputs and other materials and supplies, including cost-estimates, necessary to improve agriculture resilience in line with the anticipated adaptation and mitigation measures
• Provide cross-sectoral technical support to all other project members
• Actively participate in planned workshops by providing concrete technical recommendations for survey design; potential assessment locations; a sound community approach; identification of risks / challenges and mitigations.
• Develop a succinct, quality report that covers:

1. All above indicated agriculture / forestry components of a model for eco-villages
2. Analysis and detailed description of how farmers and households can be more adapted to climate change variations, including associated costs
3. Cost estimates for both infrastructure and software components
4. A determination of whether the agriculture / forestry component is a useful, cost effective, and environmentally sound part of this project
5. Assist with review relevant sections of existing logical framework

Required Selection Criteria

Competencies

• Ability to transfer analytical results into simple and workable project activities
• Work experience with government projects helpful
• Extensive knowledge, experience and skills in agriculture programming, particularly assessment experience
• Demonstrated experience in agriculture/forestry field studies/research
• An understanding of rural development theory and practice
• Excellent communication skills in English with Swahili as an added advantage
• Ability to work as part of a team in a fast-paced professional environment
• Excellent time management skills, with an ability to deliver high-quality outputs on time.
• Willingness to travel extensively in rural areas

Academic Qualifications/Experience/Language

• Advanced University degree in environment, agriculture, forestry, agronomy. Additional years of relevant work experience, preferably in combination with a relevant bachelor’s degree, may substitute for the requirement for a master’s degree
• At least 5 years experience in both agronomy and forestry (ideally in the Kenyan context)
• Climate change adaptation (ideally in the East African / Kenyan context)
• Ability to assess agriculture/forestry assets and their vulnerability to present and future climate impacts
• Experience with the Farmer Field School approach would be an asset
• The candidate must be thoroughly proficient in written and spoken English.

Submission of Applications

Candidates are strongly requested to carefully review the application guidelines below, incomplete documents and/or submissions not meeting the application guidelines will not be considered.

Interested candidates must submit their applications, including

1. Letter of interest
2. Complete Curriculum Vitae
3. Complete, updated and signed United Nations P.11 form

All of the above required documents must be sent via e-mail to vacancieskeoc@unops.org

Kindly indicate the vacancy number and the post title in the subject line when applying by email.

The body of the email must include the table below with responses in the exact format.

• Last name:
• First name:
• Highest completed educational qualification:
• Exact years of experience relevant to the assignment
• Experience with the United Nations (Yes/No). If yes, specify name of agency, Fund or Programme and exact years of relevant experience:
• Professional qualification and/or experience

UNOPS reserve the right to reject any application without the above format in the submission email.

Additional Considerations

• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below the advertised level of the post.

For more information on UNOPS, including its core values and competencies, please visit the UNOPS website at www.unops.org

UNOPS - Programme Support Unit (PSU) Deputy Manager - Nairobi, Kenya

UNOPS helps its partners in the United Nations system meet the world’s needs for building peace, recovering from disaster, and creating sustainable development.

UNOPS is known for its ability to implement complex projects in all types of environments around the globe.

In an effort to promote organizational excellence, UNOPS seeks highly qualified individuals for the following position:

Vacancy Details

Vacancy Code: VA/2011/AFO/KEOC/PMO/02

Position Title: Programme Support Unit (PSU) Deputy Manager

Position Level: NO-A Fixed Term Appointment

Position status: Non-rotational

Org Unit: Kenya Operations Center

Duty Station: Nairobi, Kenya, with travel to project locations in Kenya, Somalia, Liberia and
other Sub-Saharan African countries.

Duration: 1 Year

Closing Date: 12th December 2011

Background

The UNOPS mandate is to act as a project delivery platform for UN system agencies, funds and
programmes, international and regional financial institutions, intergovernmental organizations, donor and recipient governments, and non-profit non-governmental organizations.

As a self-financing entity within the UN system, UNOPS must ensure that the projects it delivers meet client expectations in terms of cost, quality and time, while at the same time ensuring that these projects collectively meet a broader array of programmatic success criteria.

The Programme Support Unit (PSU) at the Kenya Operations Center (KEOC) provides ‘support services’ in area of: human resources, procurement and administrative management to KEOC project and programme managers, as well as other personnel at KEOC project offices in Nairobi.

Duties and Responsibilities

The PSU Deputy Manager reports to PSU Manager and is responsible for the achievement of the following:

• Support the PSU Manager to achieve full compliance of KEOC operations with UNOPS rules, regulations and policies, implementation of corporate operational strategies, establishment of management targets and monitoring of achievement of results;
• Support the implementation of UNOPS business processes, including Organizational Directives and Administrative Instructions in Human Resources, Administration, and Procurement;
• Support the PSU Manager to undertake monitoring and analysis of the operating environment, advice on legal/regulatory considerations and risk assessment;
• Knowledge building and sharing with regards to management and operations in the OC, organization of support staff trainings, synthesis of lessons learnt/best practices, and sound contributions to UNOPS knowledge networks and communities of practice;

Team Leader/Manager Duties:

• Works with the KEOC Deputy Director, the PSU Manager and KEOC project managers to agree quarterly plans (‘work-packages’) for human resources, procurement and administrative package;
• Supports the development of PSU work plans on the basis of the various plans agreed with KEOC project managers and oversees the collective work of the PSU team in the fulfillment of these plans, paying close attention to cost, quality and time considerations;
• Coaches, mentors, trains and otherwise supports PSU Team members in the fulfillment of their duties and in their professional development, including to ensure that PSU Team members have an up to date understanding of the UNOPS Legislative Framework and KEOC procedures.

Procurement:

• Supervises the Procurement Sub-Unit and ensure adherence to established procedures and/or the establishment/revision of procedures, always looking for ways to make these more efficient and effective in support of the KEOC project managers.
• Liaise with the KEOC Compliance Officer in his/her capacity as Procurement Advisor, as well as with the Regional Office and the Headquarters, to obtain the necessary clearances/approvals for procurement action.

Human Resources:

• Supervises the HR Sub-Unit and ensure adherence to established procedures and/or the establishment/revision of procedures, always looking for ways to make these more efficient and effective in support of the KEOC project managers.
• Liaises with the Regional Office and the Headquarters to obtain the necessary clearances/approvals for HR action

Administration:

• Supervises the the Administration Sub-Unit and ensures that KEOC project managers and other KEOC personnel receive effective and efficient support in the areas of: travel & transport, information technology, protocol and host country relations, office administration.
• Ensures that any tenants at the KEOC HQ in Nairobi are provided with the services that they have contracted to receive

Performs any other duties as assigned by the PSU Manager.

Required Selection Criteria

• Masters degree in Business Administration, Financial or Programme Management, or related field of study; Additional years of relevant work experience, preferably in combination with a relevant bachelor’s degree, may substitute for the requirement for a master’s degree
• 2 years of relevant work experience is required.
• At least 1 year of personnel administration experience is required
• Extensive work experience in procurement and/or HR and/or general administration is required
• An ability to write clear and to the point analytical prose in English is required.
• A PRINCE2 or equivalent project management qualification is highly desired.
• Experience using Atlas or a similar enterprise resource planning system is highly desired.
• Risk management experience is highly desired.
• Quality management experience is highly desired.
• Results based management experience is highly desired.
• Experience operating in an ISO: 9001 compliant environment is highly desired.
• Prior United Nations experience desired.

Submission of Applications

Candidates are strongly requested to carefully review the application guidelines below, incomplete documents and/or submissions not meeting the application guidelines will not be considered.

Interested candidates must submit their applications, including

1. Letter of interest
2. Complete Curriculum Vitae
3. Complete, updated and signed United Nations P.11 form

All of the above required documents must be sent via e-mail to vacancieskeoc@unops.org.Kindly indicate the vacancy number and the post title in the subject line when applying by email.

The body of the email must include the table below with responses in the exact format.

• Last name:
• First name:
• Highest completed educational qualification:
• Exact years of experience relevant to the assignment
• Experience with the United Nations (Yes/No). If yes, specify name of agency, Fund or Programme and exact years of relevant experience:
• Professional qualification and/or experience

UNOPS reserve the right to reject any application without the above format in the submission email.

* Please note that this is a local post and is open to all nationals of the country of the duty station and to individuals who otherwise hold a valid Kenyan work permit.

Additional Considerations

• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below the advertised level of the post.

For more information on UNOPS, please visit the UNOPS website at www.unops.org

For more information on the NO-B Fixed Term Contract position, please visit:
www.un.org/Depts/OHRM/salaries_allowances/salaries/nairobi.htm

Bridge International Academies - Land Compliance Auditor

Description: Land Compliance Auditor

Nairobi, Kenya

About Bridge International Academies

Bridge International Academies is a for-profit startup company revolutionizing education across Africa with a unique business model. The company runs a large-scale network of low-cost primary schools in Kenya that significantly outperforms other primary schools in the same areas because of our “school in a box” systems.

Our schools profitably deliver this high-quality education for less than $4 per child per month, which enable the schools to cover all their costs and create a profitable central organization at scale. We have launched 37 schools in Kenya, we will double in size in the next 6 months, and plan to rapidly scale the company to serve more than 1 million students across the continent.

About this position

We are seeking a full-time Land Compliance Auditor, who will be a vital member of the land team in their push to find plots of land suitable for schools inside slums and in low income areas all over the country.

A central part of our operations includes the identification, verification, negotiation and purchase of plots of land for our schools – this might be inside a slum or in a low-income community on the edge of a city.

These plots sometimes have clouded title histories, but through our land identification and procurement process we must establish a certain amount of security -- understanding the previous ownership, other potential competing claims, titling possibility, issues with city / municipal council, lands office, etc.

To make these determinations and the actual purchase, the process may involve negotiations with local village elders, local government administration, and local landlords, and ultimately a sales or lease contract written with some or all of these participants.

The Land Compliance Auditor will form the link between the field and the office, checking on plots of land, verifying the documentation needed to ensure a clean and efficient purchasing process.

The Land Compliance Auditor will report to the Head of Department, offering written reports on plots, checklist on the documentation we have and need to have, their ownership and the research undertaken to ensure the company has the security to purchase the plot.

S/he will also be responsible for communication from the Land Department to the Finance Department, and so therefore must be an experienced Field and Operational Auditor.

The Land Compliance Officer will focus on certain elements of the land acquisition and linkage to the Finance Department.

These include:

Land:

• Meeting and dealing with land agents and vendors
• Managing a team of land specialists (people who go to the Ministry of Lands of the Local Council to undertake title searches, file documents, collect documents from vendors, etc)
• Recognising potential conflict surrounding land and land purchases, and ensuring documentation exists to fill any gaps in the plot purchase process
• Writing briefing notes and site specific reports
• Investigating conflicting land ownership claims
• Establishing and utilizing contacts at local and central government to find clear information on land ownership

Planning

• Prepare and present annual Land audit plans for review with HOD and senior management teams
• Implement the audit plans on weekly/monthly/quarterly basis

Process and Tools

• Assist in design and implementation of structures, processes, documentation and procedures for improvement of land procurement and financial controls on the same

Analysis

• Maintain up to date records of each piece of land with all pieces of information that would be required in the finance cycle e.g. tenure, documentation, minutes, notes and minutes of procurement discussions
• Prepare weekly analysis of progress on ongoing land procurement to highlight and indicate the completion state and financial/legal/contractual requirements remaining to be done for that piece of land

Field Audit

• Visit the sites with land officers and verify facts as presented by land scouts and land officers.
• Follow up any issues that are not clear and ensure they are clarified upfront before the next stage of the plot procurement
• Meet the potential sellers and ensure they are aware of the steps to expect in completing the land sale.
• Ensure clarify that no money should be paid to land scouts/officers and any agents purporting to work for Bridge International.
• Assess suitability of land locations and seller credentials as guided by the risk analysis requirements of the Lands department
• Make any other pertinent observations that would assist the company in making the most optimal land procurement decisions
• File regular field audit reports to the Head of Lands and COO/CEO

Reporting

• Prepare and circulate weekly land updates to respective heads of department
• Prepare monthly land transaction reports and audit commentaries for review with head of lands and head of finance
• Prepare quarterly land procurement cash flow projections with monthly reviews and revisions
• Prepare land cost analysis for evaluation of agreed review issues e.g. cost per square foot comparatives etc

Inspection

• Inspect commencement of construction in new schools to provide the bridging support between lands and construction at the transition point
• Review land records with respective agents to ascertain accuracy, authenticity and any encumbrances
• Inspect land reports and records in the company’s Navision system and assure proper and consistent application of internal policy and standard land accounting policies

Approval/Payment support

• Initiate land payment processes at each level of land procurement for approval by heads of lands and finance
• Provide feedback of process completion before next level of payment can be made
• Participate in the payment supervision and collation of evidence of payment in every aspect of Land procurement

Compliance/Liaison

• Monitor city/municipal/county council fees and other payments requirements and liaise with finance for prompt payment to the right agencies
• Ensure compliance with all other internal and external rules, regulations and processes affecting land procurement and payments

Oversight

• Regular visit to the Legal advisers on land to review our land files for completeness and other required actions
• Market value reviews and feedback

This is a very hands-on job, with the Land Compliance Auditor in the field about 20% of the time (although reducing once the correct processes are tools are in place leading to greater efficiency)

About You

• You are knowledgeable of land transactions and the procedures involved
• You have project management and supervisory skills
• Operational and finance audit experience for 5-7 years preferably in a reputable property company or leading audit firms in Kenya
• Ability to plan and consistently deliver on agreed activities throughout the year
• Understanding of legal/property/financial processes will be essential- qualifications in accounting, finance, land economics or law will be required.
• Cross departmental communication skills are essential
• Highly ethical professional with proven integrity
• Well organised and process minded person
• Experience in working in very poor communities is a real plus
• Experience in dealing with sensitive issues regarding land
• You are not afraid of getting your hands dirty
• You have experience managing and working with teams of people
• You function well in a fast-paced informal environment where constant change is the norm and the bar for quality is set high
• You are comfortable with numbers and maps
• Advanced computer skills (Excel, Project Management) and web literacy

Our team has a passionate belief that basic primary education is critical to the development of every child, family, community and nation.

We believe that it is possible to address this critical need for poor families through new and innovative approaches leveraging the private sector, and that by providing low-cost but high-quality primary education, we will give millions of children the opportunity to accomplish their dreams.

We are looking for someone who wants to join us in this rewarding task

Bridge International Academies - Billing Specialist

Position Title: Billing Specialist

About Bridge International Academies

Bridge International Academies is a for-profit startup company revolutionizing education across Africa with a unique business model. The company runs a large-scale network of low-cost primary schools in Kenya that significantly outperforms other primary schools in the same areas because of our “school in a box” systems.

Our schools profitably deliver this high-quality education for less than $4 per child per month, which enable the schools to cover all their costs and create a profitable central organization at scale. We have launched 37 schools in Kenya, we will double in size in the next 6 months, and plan to rapidly scale the company to serve more than 1 million students across the continent.

About this position

We have and are continuing to develop one of the most sophisticated approaches to providing affordable education to MILLIONS of children in one of the most challenging environments in the world.

A central part of our operations includes the identification and verification of plots of land for our schools inside the informal settlements. This position within a Development environment, will be responsible for performing all billing transactions required including (but not exclusive to)

Key Areas of Responsibilities:

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word and Excel required)
• Must have strong knowledge of customer relations/satisfaction as they relate to billing and financial concepts
• Works well in an environment with firm deadlines; results oriented
• Perform multiple tasks effectively
• Able to work both independently and as part of a team
• Strong analytical skills required
• Capable of making timely, independent decisions
• Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communications skill
• Identifies and resolves client billing complaints
• Provides weekly and monthly reports and goes over with COO
• Maintains strictest confidentiality
• Opens and closes all files
• Responsible for overall coordination of billing and accounts receivables process
• Enters daily payment receipts and issue resolution, and assures that all issues are resolved on timely basis
• Maintains, customize and troubleshoots the billing/client management software
• Performs other duties as assigned

About You

• 4-year bachelor's degree in real estate, finance or business administration
• Possess advanced skills in customer service and provides effective solutions
• Ability to work long hours including weekends
• Passionate about children and education in Africa
• Knowledge of billing/problem resolution practices (at least 3-5 years of experience)
• Knowledge of billing computer programs
• Ability to operate office equipment
• Ability to read, understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients and employees
• Effective knowledge of business office procedures
• Must be well organized , detail-oriented and personable with a professional demeanor
• Excellent communication skill necessary to interact with attorneys/lawyers and clients by both telephone and written correspondence

In order to be considered for this position all candidates must register and upload their CV’s on our website at www.bridgeinternationalacademies.com