Program Coordination and Management

• Provide overall strategic vision and leadership for project implementation including drafting project work plans and leading the successful implementation of annual work plans and budgets
• Provide technical oversight and guidance to consortium partners on effective strategies to realize Inclusive sustainable agriculture-led economic growth; strengthened resilience among people and systems as well as well-nourished women and children
• Put in place coordination mechanisms for effective project delivery among the consortium partners
• Foster integrated vision, coordination and synergy building with other WVK, government and other partners initiatives in target areas
• Effectively manage senior programming and operations talent for optimal performance.
• Manage team dynamics and staff well-being; provide coaching and mentoring. Strategically tailor individual development plans and complete performance assessments for direct reports. Oversee the development of staffing plans and the recruitment process of senior staff.
• Identify performance gaps and training opportunities for project and partner staff and ensure the design and delivery of high-quality training and technical assistance.
• Approve program expenditures, budget adjustments, and cost modification requests to donors.
• Establish a safe environment for sharing of ideas, solutions, and difficulties and the capacity to detect, analyse and respond quickly to deficiencies.
• Coordinate relationships with consortium partner organizations, including organization of review/planning workshops. Contribute to coordination of the roles and activities of staff from other consortium member organizations in implementation in line with WVK partnership principles.
• Manage subcontractors to ensure that their performance meets or exceeds technical and financial contractual requirements
• Ensure all staff understand and adhere to WVK staff safety and security policies and plans, and ensure the updating of such plans.
• Ensure program implementation in compliance with USAID standards, WVK Policies & Procedures and aligned to acceptable financial & operational audit results.
• Ensure inclusion of cross cutting themes including gender, youth, conflict sensitivity, disability and social inclusion
• Serve as the primary point of contact to USAID as well as public, private and non-government stakeholders.

Design, Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

• Ensure the project is designed and implemented to meet donor expectations in terms of timely and quality results and budget, including strategies for phase out and sustainability.
• Ensure accurate and quality Annual Operation Plan (AOP) and Detailed Implementation Plan (DIP) for the program in place and utilized
• Ensure accurate and quality Program Design Documents (PDD) are on file
• Put in place effective monitoring and reporting systems to guide consortium partners
• Ensure the program quality standards adhered to per MEAL policy and procedures.
• Provide oversight related to project results, reporting, analysis, and the use of strategic information to drive performance across the project
• Actively identify, manage and mitigate issues and risks related to project implementation at the national and regional levels and propose risk mitigation strategies and solutions for project adjustments
• Ensure the relevant project measurements (baseline, mid-term, end-line and any other study) are accurately and promptly conducted and results utilized to inform program management
• Ensure effective use of resources, on-time delivery of project activity reports and partner deliverables, and overall compliance with USAID regulations and WVK policies and procedures
• Work with MEAL Manager ensure effective reflection and learning forums and documentation of project success for internal and external communication

Engagement, Networking and Fundraising

• Oversee the development of communication strategies and materials, complying with donor and WVK branding and marketing requirements and procedures.
• Coordinate relationships with consortium partner organizations, including organization of review/planning workshops and coordination forums.
• Maintain effective and open communication throughout the project with USAID, WVK Directors, project teams, and other relevant stakeholders
• Represent the project at meetings and events with the USAID, Government of Kenya, the business community, non-profits, and other stakeholders
• Build and Maintain effective communications and pro-active relationships with partners including the county government and the donor
• Collaborate with line ministries and departments in providing technical support and assistance to the program
• Support implementing staff to successfully engage with key internal and external stakeholders for improved trust, business development services, expanded investment in food security initiatives i.e. technology, infrastructure, skills and information
• Ensure that all consortium partners are equipped with pre-requisite capacity to effectively deliver on their mandate. Participate in public forums and events as appropriate.
• Pro-actively identify program expansion and scale up opportunities through public and private partner investments

Advocacy: Policy and Budget Influence

• Coordinate advocacy and policy influence initiatives of the program at county and national level
• Ensure competitive/strengthened public and private of institutions and systems
• Foster co-creation and partnership between community, private sector and county governments
• Influence on policy review initiated for effective governance policy and institutions as necessary
• Increase the visibility of WVK and USAID by maintaining active engagement and advocacy on project related matters
• Ensure that staff capacity around policy and advocacy well built.