Education for Marginalized Children in Kenya (EMACK) - Education Specialist

Education for Marginalized Children in Kenya (EMACK) is an initiative of the Ministry of Education (MOE) made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented in partnership with the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF).

The program seeks to improve access to quality education, retention and completion rates for children historically underserved by the education system by focusing on a number of interrelated strategies.

These include increased community and parental participation in all aspects of school life; teacher development and improved coordination and dialogue to inform the Kenya Education Sector Support Program.

Ultimately the program aims to improve learning outcomes for all children in terms of literacy, numeracy, analysis and innovation.

We invite applications from suitable candidates to fill the following positions:

1. Senior Education Specialist

Based in Nairobi

As a member of EMACK Senior Management Team (SMT), the Senior Education Specialist (SES) plays a central role in the development and refinement of EMACK’s program plans and strategies.

The SES provides technical advice to EMACK programs across the three regions- Coast, NEP and Nairobi.

S/he is expected to travel regularly across these regions to ensure that high quality and standards are maintained by the program team.

The SES is responsible for laying a solid foundation for policy and advocacy engagement with MOE in coordination with the EMACK Chief of Party and AKF Regional Program Officer.

The SES plays a key role in ensuring that EMACK tested models and lessons learnt are discussed openly with government officials for possible adoption, replication and scaling up.

S/he will also be directly responsible for the technical oversight and quality control of all education programs in the EMACK project, with the assistance of three thematic Education Specialists (for languages, Mathematics and Pastoralist Education)

The SES leads the process of ensuring that EMACK designed innovative education programs and training packages are of high quality, effectively serve the specified target group and if necessary, facilitates further refinement of these innovations.

Essential Job Functions:

• Plays a central role in ensuring that EMACK programs aimed at increasing access to quality basic education, improving learning outcomes [and reading competencies in particular], retention, completion and transition for all marginalized children are of high quality and have impact;
• Provides technical support to EMACK staff and project partners in implementing programs that focus on children’s learning outcomes generally and on reading competencies in particular;
• In collaboration with the City Education Office and partners, designs, develops and implements an effective Non-Formal Education initiative in the informal settlements of Nairobi and Mombasa;
• In conjunction with the M&E Specialist, facilitates relevant operational research whose outcome informs improvements in program design and/or policy influencing especially in relation to Non-Formal Education programs;
• Facilitates discussions on the appropriateness of curricula following the outcome of learning assessments and shares action points and recommendations with relevant MOE departments including the KIE and the Directorates of Basic Education and Quality Assurance and Standards;
• Takes the lead in advancing EMACK’s policy advocacy agenda and ensuring EMACK tested models are reviewed by relevant MoE departments for possible adaption and replication;

Requirements:

• Minimum of Masters’ Degree in Education;
• Strong knowledge of education programs including Non Formal Education, Early Childhood Education, Primary and Secondary Education and gender perspectives in education;
• Demonstrated competencies in promoting literacy and numeracy programs;
• Knowledge of education issues affecting marginalized populations such as children living in informal settlements, pastoralist communities in North Eastern Province, gender perspectives in education (including girl children), orphans and vulnerable children and children with special needs;
• Minimum 8 years’ experience in designing and implementing large and complex education programs including knowledge of the project cycle and the logical framework analysis;
• Experience in education planning, designing and implementing NFE programs as well as development and implementation around issues of marginalized children;
• Experience with operational/action research, monitoring and evaluation;
• Experience working with a wide range of stakeholders including but not limited to international NGOs, national NGOs, CBOs and school-community project-level implementation.

2. Education Specialist

Based in Nairobi

As a member of EMACK’s core team and reporting to the Chief of Party, the Education Specialist plays a significant role in the development and refinement of EMACK’s plans and strategies related to the design and teaching of languages [English and Kiswahili] and Mathematics in both primary and secondary schools.

The Education Specialist, based in Nairobi, will provide leadership to EMACK programs in the teaching of languages and Mathematics primarily for the Nairobi programs but will be also be available to support other EMACK programs in the Coast and North Eastern Provinces.

He/she will be expected to effectively coordinate project work with MOE, local partners, other relevant government departments and NFE centre communities in order to achieve the objectives of the project.

S/he will take a lead role in conceptualizing and implementing innovative ways of teaching languages and Mathematics in collaboration with KIE, MOE’s INSET and JICA/CEMASTEA.

Essential Job Functions:

• Coordinates program activities and interventions that increase access, improve quality, retention, completion and transition rates in Nairobi Area;
• Strengthens the Whole School Approach (WSA) as the overarching EMACK strategy in order to enhance community support and ownership of education programs at district/school level;
• Designs and implements training programs focused on improving children’s reading competencies in conjunction with MOE, PRIMR, JICA/CEMASTEA.;
• Develops teachers’ capacity to undertake regular learner assessments for languages [English and Kiswahili] and Mathematics in line with the principle of evidence-based programming;
• Facilitates learning forums [such as exhibitions, show case events, workshops] in order to encourage innovation and creativity in the teaching/learning of languages and Mathematics in EMACK-supported schools.

Requirements:

• Master’s Degree in Education [majoring in any one of the following subjects: English/Kiswahili/Mathematics];
• Sound knowledge of education programs in one or more of the following areas: Primary Education, Secondary Education, Non Formal Education and gender perspectives in education;
• Knowledge of educational issues affecting marginalized populations such as children in informal settlements;
• Minimum of three years teaching any one of the following subjects: English, Kiswahili and Mathematics at primary and/or secondary school levels;
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in education planning, development and implementation around issues of marginalization;
• Knowledge of education measurement [including assessment methods/techniques] desirable;
• Experience working with a wide range of stakeholders including but not limited to international NGOs, national NGOs, CBOs and school-community project-level implementation.

3. Education Specialist – Pastoralist Education Programs

As a member of EMACK’s core team and reporting to the Deputy Chief of Party, North Eastern Province, the Education Specialist – Pastoralist Education Programs (ES-P) provides leadership for all EMACK education programs in North Eastern Province (NEP) in addition to playing a significant role in the development and refinement of EMACK plans and strategies.

He/she facilitates the identification of the unique challenges facing the education of children from nomadic/pastoralist communities and with the support of both the Deputy Chief of Party and the Senior Education Specialist, develops a raft of effective interventions aimed at providing quality
education to large numbers of children in NEP, enhancing the retention and completion for those children enrolled and paying particular attention to the education of girl children in the province.

Essential Job Functions:

• Provides technical support to EMACK and partner staff in delivering EMACK interventions aimed at increasing access, improving quality of learning, retention, completion and transition rates for children in both formal and non-formal settings in North Eastern Province;
• Takes the lead in strengthening the Whole School Approach as the overarching EMACK strategy [that focuses on improving the quality of learning in schools] in order to enhance community support and ownership of education programs at district/school levels;
• Supports MOE efforts aimed at the establishment of quality learning programs in NEP, including improvement of reading skills among learners, teacher training and providing continuous mentoring and support for teachers;
• Ensures systematic monitoring of learner achievements [with a focus on reading instruction] and documentation of both partner and core team program activities and interventions;
• Develops and maintains relationships with GoK (particularly MOE and the Ministry for the Development of Northern Kenya and Other Arid Lands), NGOs, media outlets, and other relevant partners in order to influence policies favorable to the education of marginalized children;
• Strengthens public – private partnerships in order to mobilize resources (both technical and financial focusing on support for reading materials for schools) in support of reading instruction and quality learning outcomes in primary school grades.

Requirements:

• Masters’ Degree in Education;
• Training in primary or secondary school language instruction is an added advantage;
• A minimum of 5 years’ work experience in education programs especially programs with a bias for pastoralist communities;
• Good understanding of the dynamics and complexities in the management of programs in pastoralist settings;
• Sound knowledge of the education sector with a bias on literacy, numeracy, learning assessments and the policy context;
• Good understanding of the project cycle including the logical framework analysis (LFA) and Results Based Management (RBM);
• Direct experience with or some exposure to policy advocacy work;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in both English and Kiswahili;
• Knowledge of the Somali language is added advantage.

Applications, along with a cover letter, an up-to-date CV and names of three referees should be sent to the address below by 24th February, 2012

The Human Resource and Administration Manager, EMACK II
P.O. Box 99870 - 80107, Mombasa
Email: maimuna@akf-emack.org

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted

The Aga Khan Foundation is an Agency of the Aga Khan Development Network

Humanitarian Initiative Just Relief Aid (HIJRA) Health Program Manager Job in Nairobi Kenya

Humanitarian Initiative Just Relief Aid (HIJRA) is a humanitarian and development organization that aims to positively contribute towards improving the living standards and conditions of those adversely affected by disasters and conflict in the Horn of Africa, particularly South Central Somalia.

Our work involves provision of clean and accessible water supply, sanitation facilities and promotion of health/hygiene and food security programs.

Position: Health Program Manager

Ref: HR001/12

Duty Station: Nairobi with frequent travels to Mogadishu (50% - 50%)

Contract period: 12 months fixed term contract with possible extension

Annual salary: Range between Kes 2,160,000 to 2,760,000 plus other benefits

Job summary:

Reporting to Country Program Manager the Health Program Manager will contribute to the technical development of HIJRA’s current public health initiatives in Banadir and Lower Shabelle, and support the implementation of technically sound, and locally appropriate public health programming.

The selected candidate will provide technical support and expertise in the areas of public health sector program design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.

S/he will also play a lead role in providing training and capacity building of health team at the field level, as a key contributor to HIJRA commitment to ongoing improvement of quality and impact of our public health initiatives in Banadir and Lower Shabelle region.

Health Program Manager may be required to visit program sites, conduct assessments for program expansion in our emergency response, and represent HIJRA in technical meetings and working groups.

Other tasks and responsibilities:

Provide overall technical guidance and supervision to HIJRA Health team in Mogadishu, support the health staff in needs assessment, development of concept papers, project proposals and responses to donors, take the leadership in conducting needs assessments, coordinate and conduct training of national staff, monitor and evaluate program performance through project site visits, compilation, consolidation, analysis and presentation of program outcome and impact data and give advice that is required to changing health needs of beneficiary populations, contribute to the development of a HIJRA specific public health model that guides field staff on the minimum operating standards and best practice approaches in Public Health programs worldwide.

S/he will act as a liaison with local and regional officials, UN and NGO agencies in the planning, coordination, promotion of, and support for existing emergency and development of HIJRA projects with public health components.

The incumbent will work closely with HIJRA management to ensure programs are implemented according to best practices, assist with training programs, workshops, and other participatory activities to broaden knowledge and practice of effective monitoring and evaluation of public health programs, assist with supply chain procurement and distribution, lead in the preparation for and assistance in implementation of public health and general program management trainings, work one-on-one with HIJRA partners to troubleshoot and assist with public health program issues, coordinate and standardize public health programs across agencies.

Keep abreast of current international standards and best practices.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor Degree in Public Health or related field
• Minimum of 5 years working with health-related programs
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, including presentation and negotiation skills,
• Good knowledge and experience in working with local communities with a capacity of providing technical training.
• Involvement in emergency relief programs in Somalia would be an asset
• Ability to work well under pressure and in response to ever changing needs
• Experience of working with Sphere Standards and Guideline
• Must have experience in reports, proposal writing and fundraising
• Must have the ability to travel and work in difficult circumstances

Desired skills and qualifications

• Masters in Public Health or other related field
• Work experience in Somalia
• Knowledge and understanding of the NGO humanitarian sector

If you meet the above requirements kindly send your application with an updated CV which should have at least three names of your referees including their contacts to vacancies@hijra.or.ke.

You are required to state clearly on the subject line the Title and Reference for this position.

For more information regarding the organization you may visit our website: www.hijra.or.ke

Deadline: 24th February 2012.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

HIJRA is an equal opportunity employer

Kenya Re - Information Systems Auditor and Risk & Compliance Manager Jobs in Kenya

Vacant Positions Ref No: KRC/HR/02/01

Kenya Reinsurance Corporation Limited (Kenya Re), is a leading reinsurer in the region listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE).

It is ISO 9001: 2008 Certified and is rated B+ by A.M Best and AA by the Global Credit Rating Company (GCR).

Kenya Re now seeks to recruit and fill the following positions:-

Information Systems Auditor

The Position

The selected candidate will report to the Manager Internal Audit.

The holder of this position will undertake reviews of the Company’s ICT infrastructure and provide assurance to management on the adequacy of the system controls.

Key Responsibilities

The main duties will include but will not be limited to:-

• Conducting regular risk assessments in the Corporation’s Information System and recommending control measures to mitigate them.
• Contributing to the development of the annual Information Systems audit plan.
• Execute Information Systems Audit Reviews based on annual Information Systems audit plan.
• Providing support to other assurance processes to ensure the overall system audit opinion is incorporate the risks identified in the underlying information systems and the entire Corporation.
• Monitor the implementation and operation of defined controls and recommendations on an ongoing basis.
• Ensuring that financial and operational audit programmes include sufficient and relevant information systems audit tests.
• Ensure that the Corporation’s automated systems and information technology are in compliance with Corporation’s policies and procedure requirements.

The Persons

Applicants should possess:

• A degree in Information Systems preferably BSC in Computer Science from a recognized University or a business related degree.
• Professional Qualification in Certified Information Systems Audit (CISA)
• 2-3 years progressive experience in Information Systems audit within an internal audit function or external audit work experience specializing in Information Systems audit from a reputable audit firm.
• Understanding of information systems controls and techniques for evaluating such controls in the concept of risk and risk assessment.
• Understanding of diverse information systems environment and architecture, software, computer operations and systems lifecycle.
• Knowledge of information systems governance and security principles and practices.

Essential Skills

• Excellent in written and verbal communication, numerical, analytical and report writing skills.
• Ability to apply professional and other skills acquired in an Enterprise Resource Planning environment will be an added advantage.
• Must be proactive and innovative keeping abreast with technological advancements.
• Must have ability to work independently with minimum supervision.
• Must be a team player with good interpersonal skills.

Risk and Compliance Manager

The Position

The selected candidate will report to the Managing Director.

The holder of the position will manage the Corporation’s Risk and Compliance Programs.

He or she will ensure that the Board of Directors, senior management and employees are in compliance with rules and regulations of regulatory agencies and that the Corporation’s policies
and procedures are being followed.

In addition the holder of the position will ensure that risks are properly managed across the Corporation in line with enterprise risk management frameworks and charters.

Key Responsibilities

The main duties will include but will not be limited to:-

• Reviewing and recommending policies, processes and framework for managing enterprise-wide risks to promote a risk management culture through reporting and other internal communications.
• Providing oversight and support to Business functions and management to ensure that risks are properly managed across the Corporation,
• Assisting with implementation of procedures for proactive review of risks for projects, transactions and new products, to assess the impact of daily business decisions on the overall risk profile and subsequent monitoring of the procedures.
• Reviewing deviations from the Enterprise Risk Management Framework or other Risk Management procedures and reporting as appropriate.
• Analyzing key risks and supporting management to deliver adequate mitigating controls and actions.
• Driving the process development and execution of all activities required to continuously improve the Corporation’s compliance processes and lower potential risks.
• Managing the compliance aspects of the business to provide an effective second line of defense for compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

The Person:

Applicants should possess:-

• A University degree in Economics, Finance, Legal, Business Administration or any other relevant discipline.
• Certified Public Accountant CPA (K) or Associate Certified Chartered Accountant (ACCA),
• Information Systems Security Professional Qualifications CISA or CISM will be an added advantage,
• Possession of reinsurance /insurance professional qualifications and familiarity with current regulatory themes including Solvency II would will be an advantage,
• Six years relevant working experience two of which should be at management level within compliance, risk or audit fields with proven people management skills and experience

Essential Skills

• Must be self-driven, mature and possess integrity,
• A team player with good interpersonal skills
• Proven ability to work under pressure with accuracy and focus

Kenya Re is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the grounds of gender, colour, race, religion, natural origin, age or physical disability. An appropriate remuneration package will be offered to the successful candidate.

Closing Date: 24th February 2012

Applicants should post or email as attachments their CV and cover letter quoting the relevant reference number and outlining how they meet requirements for the position to:-

The Human Resource and Administration Manager
Kenya Reinsurance Corporation Limited
P. O Box 30271, 00100 GPO, Nairobi
E-mail: hr@kenyare.co.ke

MSF Spain - Preparation & Travel Officer and ITC Officer Jobs in Kenya

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international, independent, medical humanitarian action-driven organisation, providing aid to populations in need.

Currently MSF Spain wishes to recruit the above vacant temporary positions, based in Nairobi

Preparation & Travel Officer

Ref. “PTO-NBO”

Mission

The Preparation & Travel Officer is the position that ensures that MSF Staff are adequately integrated and receive proper guidance and support when preparing their departure to the field.

For this s/he has to manage national and international trips, visas and the briefing/debriefing process in accordance with the existing procedures and applicable policies in force in MSF Spain.

The Preparation & Travel Officer will act as the main interlocutor for the employees from the moment a suitable person has been identified and selected for a new vacancy, to everything linked to their return from the field.

Selection Criteria

• Diploma of Tourism
• Desirable: Experience of minimum 1 year in the tourism sector (travel agency, air carrier, travel management.).
• Language: fluent English. Swahili desirable. French or Spanish will be an asset.
• IT knowledge as advanced user (Microsoft Office).
• Knowledge of ERP (SAP) will be a plus.

ITC Officer

Ref. “ITC-NBO”

Mission

The ITC Officer is the position that installs and maintains systems and communications, software and hardware, in accordance with MSF Spain policies, and gives support and training to users in the office to ensure efficient use of ITC systems and equipment.

S/he works closely with the team of the Office in Nairobi, the team of ITC, the Logistics Dept. and ITC suppliers.

Selection Criteria

• Systems technical engineer or similar.
• Language: fluent English; Swahili desirable.
• French or Spanish will be an asset.
• 2 years experience in a similar position.
• Desirable experience with MSF. Experience in direct user support.
• Field experience with humanitarian NGOs is also valued.

Applicants should send their CV and a cover letter, under the corresponding reference, to:

MSFE-RRHH-NBO@barcelona.msf.org

or

MSF-Spain,
Attn: Human Resources Referent
P.O.Box:52837-00200
Nairobi, Kenya

Deadline for Applications: 17th February 2012

Replies will only be sent to short-listed candidates