Project Manager, Rural Water Project: Chlorine Dispenser Scale Up -Busia, Kenya (with potential for travel/relocation)
posted on December 7, 2009
IPA is currently seeking qualified applicants for the position of Project Manager for the Rural Water Project in Kenya. Rural Water Project (RWP) includes impact evaluations for multiple water treatment strategies. This project also includes significant policy outreach to local and national policy makers in many developing countries as well as international policy makers to encourage adoption of a new safer water technology- the chlorine dispenser. Field activities are based in rural western Kenya, and location for this candidate will be in Busia, Kenya with flexibility to travel/relocate to Kisumu, Nairobi or elsewhere in Kenya if the work requires.
Project Description:
IPA's Rural Water Project is working to disseminate the Chlorine Dispenser-a point-of-use water treatment technology developed by the project. The Chlorine Dispenser has been proven to achieve high usage rates among communities and significantly reduce waterborne disease.
The project has received very strong interest in this promising new technology from a number of partners including several ministries of Kenya's government. RWP is expanding its field activities to pilot Chlorine Dispensers in a variety of contexts and in partnership with other institutions. Informed by these pilots, the project team then plans to implement Chlorine Dispensers on a large scale.
Responsibilities will include:
The Project Manager role is a new leadership position within RWP's growing field team. Project Managers will be responsible for executing pilot projects and overseeing field activities as the project grows. The key responsibilities in this role will be as follows:
1. Field Operations Management and Planning: Manage the day-to-day field operations of the project. Prepare work plans for the execution of field activities and oversee field teams. The Project Manager will have ownership for and responsibility over the successful execution of all field work.
2. Partnership and Relationship Management: Play a key role in representing IPA while maintaining and building upon relationships with local stakeholders, including community leaders, elected officials, and government officials at the district level. Coordinate activities with local ministry offices that IPA works in partnership with.
3. Financial and Activity Tracking and Reporting: Track finances for field activities and submit timely and accurate financial reports. Use management tools to track activity progress and prepare regular activity reports. Effectively coordinate activities with colleagues across all functions of the project and communicate frequently with senior management staff.
4. Assist in Operations Development: Work with senior management staff to improve upon systems for managing field activities, delivering project services, and ensuring high-quality operations.
Desired Qualifications and Experience:
• Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree and a strong academic record
• At least two years' experience in a role with management responsibilities in a high-performance professional environment
• Strong written English, written Kiswahili and communication skills
• Exceptional organizational skills; demonstrated ability to execute complex tasks and effectively manage staff
• Strong computer literacy; significant experience with Microsoft Word and Excel preferred
• Enthusiastic to develop personally and professionally and become a leader in our organisation
• Eager to be part of a fast-paced, rapidly growing project and hard-working team
• Motivated by the project's high potential for widespread impact on public health
The position will begin as early as 2010; there will be some flexibility in the start date. The position will initially be based in Busia, Kenya for a significant period of time. As the project grows, there is the possibility of eventual relocation to Kisumu, Nairobi or elsewhere. Applicants should be flexible with regard to travel and location. The Project Manager may be based in Busia long-term, or travel and/or relocate if the work requires.
If you are interested in this position, please send your cover letter explaining your interest and fit for the role, CV, and a copy of your official or unofficial university transcript. Optionally, an example of a management/ organizational tool that has been developed and used may be submitted with the application by the applicant. Applications can be submitted via email to ipak.water.jobs@poverty-action.org with the subject line "Project Manager Application."
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted on a rolling basis and contacted for an interview.