Wednesday, 21 March 2012

Bridge International - Head of Lands Job in Nairobi

About Bridge International


Bridge International Academies was conceived in 2007 out of the belief that giving every child access to a high quality education would have the greatest impact on reducing poverty worldwide.


With that guiding insight, Bridge International developed a strategy that would enable it to launch a large-scale network of high-quality, ultra low-cost, for-profit primary schools.


Operating a network of schools supported by a strong central headquarters gives Bridge International the scale, experience, and capacity to invest in systems of management, support, training, and innovation that allows individual schools to dramatically increase their effectiveness.


Using this model, Bridge International is able to profitably deliver high-quality education for $4 per child per month. This ensures that its academies will continue to successfully serve its communities as long as parents value the educational service provided.


The first Bridge International Academy launched successfully in Kenya in 2009 and 60 academies will be operating in Kenya in January 2012. Through rapid and strategic expansion, Bridge International will provide a quality education to over a million students in the coming years.


About this position


Head of Lands


We are seeking an individual 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 Head of Lands 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 COO 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 to 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


Reporting


    Prepare and circulate weekly land updates to the COO
    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 individual in the field for almost 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.


You can apply and view detailed job requisitions on the Careers page at www.bridgeinternationalacademies.com


Only short-listed candidates will be contacted

Kenya Coffee Producers Association - Chief Executive Officer

The Kenya Coffee Producers Association (KCPA) is the national association of coffee farmers
in the country.


The organization is mandated by the members to champion their interests to enhance coffee production in the country and ensure farmers maximize returns from their investments in coffee production.


In so doing, the association engages with the government and other stakeholders to ensure issues affecting the coffee sector that prevent farmers from accessing reasonable profits from their produce are addressed.


Hence, KCPA addresses gaps emerging from coffee production, processing, marketing and service delivery to the farmers.


The association is committed to ensure coffee sector regains its past glory as a major foreign
exchange earner for the country.


The association is now seeking to fill the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This is a
challenging and key position in championing the association to realize its mission and strategic
goals. Liaison Consulting Limited is supporting the board of KCPA to recruit for this position.


Job description of Chief Executive Officer


The holder of this position will be reporting to the board of KCPA and will work with various
functional sub committees to ensure the strategic goals of the association are realized.


The CEO will be expected to provide organizational leadership and management and work with the various stakeholders in the coffee sector and development partners.


It is expected that the CEO will position KCPA as a reputable national association of coffee farmers.


The following are specific duties of the position:


    Provide leadership in development and execution of strategic plans
    Ensure the association has effective operational policies that are followed by staff and the board members
    Support the staff in developing annual plans and guide them in implementation
    Design projects/ programmes that are in line with the strategic goals of the association
    Provide leadership in resource mobilization to support programmes and operations of the association
    Effectively manage staff to enhance productivity and retention
    Provide required reports by the board , development partners and other stakeholders
    Initiate and participate in lobbying and advocacy to ensure issues affecting the members are given attention
    Network and participate in forums to ensure the association is visible nationally and internationally info@liaisonconsultants.co.ke
    Support the board and its sub committees to enhance their contributions to the association
    Ensure there are effective internal controls and all assets of the association are well managed and safeguarded


Qualifications and other requirements


    Applications are invited from Kenya citizens who hold at least a university degree from recognized higher institutions of learning
    A minimum of three years experience as manager or Chief Executive Officer in an organization
    Track record of achievements in managing organizations or a departments
    Must be between 25 to 45 years
    Experience in resource mobilization and working with development partners is a prerequisite
    Experience in working with farmer’s organizations is an added advantage
    Knowledge and interest of the coffee sector is an added advantage 


Remuneration


The association will provide a competitive package but this will be sustained by the ability of
the CEO to coordinate implementation of projects and to raise resources.


However, those expecting a monthly salary of above KES 120,000 do not need to apply.


How to apply


Those interested to apply for this position should send their curriculum vitae and
application letter to info@liaisonconsultants.co.ke by 30th of March 2012.


Do not attach copies of certificate. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted by 2nd of April 2012

Save the Children - Community Care and Support Project Assistant Job in Kenya

Save the Children works in 120 countries around the world to deliver child rights programs. Established in Kenya in 1984 our programs support education, child protection, livelihoods and interventions.


We are a member of Save the Children International, the world’s leading independent organization for children.


Job Purpose


Based in Meru, the Community Care and Support Project Assistant will support implementation of a community care and support project for vulnerable children and adults infected and affected by HIV and AIDS pandemic.


Expanding the reach of our AIDS, Population and Health Integrated Assistance project operating since 2008 in Meru County, the Project Assistant is required immediately for 9 months, renewable to 2013, subject to funding.


Key Accountabilities:


    Work closely with the HIV Project Officer to develop project work plans and monitoring schedules
    Mobilize and provide support to project community based partners (PLHIV, care givers, and community based resource persons CORPS). Act as the project focal person for referrals to health facilities and community support systems.
    Prepare reports, generate and document project information and data.
    Assist in the recruitment and registration of project beneficiaries adhering to donor guidelines.
    Responsible to ensure project beneficiaries database is maintained according to donor standards.
    Represent the organization in project meetings and local networks as advised by the HIV Project officer. Attend workshops and training events as requested.


Essential Qualifications


    Degree in social sciences; or relevant diploma with equivalent work experience
    Minimum 2 years experience working in HIV and OVC project, preferably USAID supported
    Project implementation skills including organizing training sessions; knowledge of child rights and child protection issues
    Experience working with local communities, community mobilization and report writing


Interested applicants should send a cover letter, curriculum vitae, three referees including current supervisor and day time telephone contact to kfo@sc-canada.or.ke or Box 27679-00506, Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi no later than Wednesday 28th March 2012

Silverwriters Article writers Jobs in Kenya

Job Title: Article writers urgently needed


Job Category: Research Article Writers


Silverwriters is a writing service in Kenya looking for experienced article writers to join our team of professional writers. We are looking for people who


    Able to write quality articles free from spelling and grammar errors
    Have excellent research skills
    Are able to work under strict deadlines
    Have good typing skills
    Are able to produce original written article with good flow
    Have reliable internet connection


We pay our writers via M-pesa every Wednesday.


Interested candidates can reach us by using the email address, silverwriters@yahoo.com

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