Country: Kenya
Closing date: 15 Jul 2015
The Role
To lead the inception phase of the Bridging the Digital Divide Project in RESA, work closely with Plan International in Tanzania, Zambia, Netherlands, as well as technical staff in other offices and Accenture Netherlands. It is expected that the Bridging the Digital Divide Project will train youth in valuable digital, technical and life skills for employment through jobs and entrepreneurship using technology previously not accessible.
The position holder will ensure all staff under his/her supervision understand their obligations as Plan employees to protect children and from harm, abuse and exploitation, and work to the standards and procedures detailed in the organisation's Child Protection Policy.
The position holder will also be responsible for effective staff supervision and management through the use of annual workplans, clearly defined job responsibilities, coaching and mentoring staff, addressing underperformance in a timely manner and regularly providing feedback on performance in line with Plan’s Performance Appraisal guidelines.
Dimensions of Role
• Lead the Inception Phase of the Bridging the Digital Divide Project in RESA, working closely with Plan International Tanzania, Zambia and Netherlands offices, as well as technical staff in other Plan International offices and Accenture Netherlands.
• Upon completion of the inception phase and Accenture’s approval of the project design, oversee the implementation of the Bridging the Digital Divide Project in RESA, working closely with CO level PMs to ensure that the project meets its stated outcomes/results.
• Provide technical and grant/project management support to the Bridging the Digital Divide Project country teams to share learning, best practices and build their capacity effectively engage with the private sector.
• Provide regional leadership to Plan on effectively engaging with the private sector, particularly as it relates to youth economic empowerment.
• Identify and troubleshoot operational/implementation challenges, delays and bottlenecks; secure solutions and assistance from other teams/leadership as needed.
• Manage contracts, resources and activities that are to benefit or be executed in both countries
• Visit the country project sites as needed to monitor performance/completion and support CO teams with challenges or issues that affect project implementation.
Typical Responsibilities
Support the successful inception phase of the Bridging the Digital Divide Project in RESA (60%)
• Develop a work plan for the inception phase and provide monthly updates the Regional Oversight team on progress.
• Work with the Asia Regional Office, Plan International Tanzania and Zambia and as needed to develop the of Terms of Reference, work plan and other supporting documentation needed to support the Market Scan to identify potential private sector partners in Tanzania and Zambia.
• Work with COs, Plan Netherlands and Regional Office colleagues to revise and resubmit the project design based findings of the market scan.
• Work with CO teams to develop youth friendly strategies and approaches to ensure that you are effectively engaged in inception phase activities.
• Coordinate activities and implementation planning with project countries, Plan Netherlands and Accenture.
• Support CO teams to cultivate relationships with the private sector in Zambia and Tanzania.
Ensure timely and accurate programmatic and financial reporting for the Bridging the Digital Divide Project (15%):
• Review progress quarterly to monitor progress against key outcomes and adjust as needed.
• Financial expenditure at the RO and CO levels are monitored for accuracy and reported quarterly to Plan Nederland and Accenture.
• Monthly review of project expenditures, including partner advances and liquidations, and ensure any expenditure adjustments are made in a timely manner.
• Ensure that key RO staff and COs are familiar with and compliant with donor regulations.
Management and support for Bridging the Digital Divide Project staff at the CO level Grant and project management for the Bridging the Digital Divide project (20%):
• Conduct regular meetings with CO project staff, either by Skype or face to face
• Ensure that priorities and timelines are discussed and agreed with staff, in consultation with CO level matrix managers, and documented in Individual Accountability Plans.
• Support cross country learning amongst Bridging the Digital Divide Project staff at the country level through exchange visits, joint papers, collaborative assessments, etc.
• Ensure that all project staff are aware of and supporting the full implementation of key Plan policies and approaches, such as Plan’s Child Protection Policy, Gender Equality Policy and Strategy, and the Child Centred Community Development approach.
Other duties as required (5%)
Knowledge, Skills and Behaviour
Knowledge
• Minimum Bachelors and preferably a Masters in Social or Political sciences, Business or any related field.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in the private sector, preferably working with youth apprentices or interns.
• Knowledge and professional experience in the application of digital technologies to job creation in East or Southern Africa.
• Experience in results-based project management or other logical frameworks.
• Knowledge of human rights based approach, children and youth rights issues.
• Demonstrated facilitation and training experience.
Skills
• Influencing, representational and advocacy skills.
• Communication with and engagement of the private sector.
• Excellent communication skills, including virtually, across different cultures and across generations.
• Strong analytical and writing skills.
• Excellent command of English, both spoken and written.
Behaviour
• Promotes and facilitates teamwork, provides vision and strategic leadership.
• Flexible, adaptive while maintaining the big picture.
• Culturally sensitive, gender-sensitive and inclusive.
• Assumes responsibility for actions and results.
• Innovative, entrepreneurial and pro-actively takes the initiative to identify new opportunities.
How to apply:
Qualified and interested candidates should submit their application and curriculum vitae to plan.resajob@plan-international.org
The role is a 6-month contract with possibility of extension to 3 years. Applicants must have the right to work in Kenya, Tanzania or Zambia.
Deadline for applications is 15 July, 2015. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
References will be taken and background and anti-terrorism checks will be carried out in conformity with Plans Child Protection Policy. Plan operates an equal opportunities policy and actively encourages diversity, welcoming applications from all persons meeting the skills and experience required.