Project Manager, CASCADE

About the Role

GAIN and CARE are implementing the CAtalyzing Strengthened policy aCtion for heAlthy Diets and resiliencE (CASCADE) that aims to improve food security and contribute to the reduction of malnutrition of at least 5 million women of reproductive age and children under 5 in Benin, Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia and Mozambique. The programme has two strategic objectives: it aims to increase access to and consumption of healthy diets, as well as increasing the resilience of households to economic and climate change-related shocks across the six countries, with a focus on women of reproductive age and children.

The Project Manager provides functional, technical and leadership to project teams in the CASACDE project.

They will lead a high performing cross-functional project team, and establish, manage and maintain relationships with relevant partners and stakeholders. They are responsible for the overall project management leadership and ensure the project team implement project activities within approved plans, budget, and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Responsible for the management and implementation of the CASCADE project
• Monitor risks and develop contingency plans to respond to emergencies. Escalate issues when appropriate.
• In consultation with the Head of Policy and Advocacy provide strategic leadership in the design, planning and implementation of the project as per the GAIN Project Management Guidelines (PMG).
• Define project scope, activities and objectives in line with the GAIN business plans, programme frameworks, and organizational strategic priorities.
• Monitor, attend and engage to represent GAIN, in key national-level and country-level policy fora and meetings as needed.
• Develop project implementation plan for the CASCADE project as well as relationship management between GAIN and CARE in Kenya in consultation with the Head of Policy.
• Synthesize and generate evidence from GAIN programmes that can help drive the policy agenda for nutritious and safe food in Kenya.
• Support the Head of policy and Advocacy in the drafting of reports, policy papers and briefs, factsheets and other policy documents by drawing from GAIN learnings, values and priorities.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with civil society, INGOs, government entities, private sector and other organizations.

About you

The ideal candidate should have experience managing projects with a focus on policy, advocacy and influencing in addition to proven experience in delivering projects on time / on budget, using project management processes and tools including risk management, benefits management, financial management and quality assurance. Proven ability in staff management, including coaching, motivation, performance assessment, conflict prevention and management is required.

The post holder should be able to tie policy and nutritional outcomes for effective implementation of interventions in addition to proven experience working with multiple stakeholders in government, private sector actors and civil society partners. You should be able to mobilize individuals within and outside your reporting line.

Experience working in a matrix setting is highly desired combined with excellent skills in project management and strategic planning. The candidate should have degree or recognized international accreditation in project management, postgraduate university degree in business management, sustainable development, economics, Nutrition, development studies, peace and conflict studies or related field preferred.

About our Offer

The starting gross salary on offer for this role is from KES 4’301’136 – KES 4’917’408 per annum, depending on experience.

GAIN has a fair and competitive salary structure that allows for annual progression subject to good performance. In addition, GAIN offers a total of 37 days holiday per year (including annual leave, public holidays and additional office closure days), an attractive pension scheme and competitive insurance cover including health, travel and life assurance. We are committed to the health of our staff, especially in these challenging times, and have developed a programme of wellbeing that includes flexible and hybrid working, additional leave allowances, wellbeing days, mindfulness coaching and access to independent and confidential counselling.

GAIN also has a strong commitment to professional development. We will support you to grow in your career through both formal and informal training, and are committed to providing opportunities through internal recruitment, secondments, and promotion. All of this is delivered in a supportive and collaborative environment.

About GAIN

GAIN is a Swiss-based foundation that was launched in 2002 to tackle the human suffering caused by malnutrition. Working with both governments and businesses, we aim to transform food systems so that they deliver more nutritious food for all people. In particular, we aim to make healthier food choices more desirable, more available, and more affordable. GAIN’s mission is to advance nutrition outcomes by improving consumption of nutritious and safe food for all people, especially those most vulnerable to malnutrition.

Our Working Culture and Environment

We provide a flexible working environment that includes a combination of home and office working opportunities through our global hybrid working policy. This encourages our staff to have a healthy work-life balance and increases staff motivation, enriches employee wellbeing, and improves performance and productivity.

All of our positions are based in one or more of GAIN’s designated offices as stated on our job advertisements. Successful candidates will be based in one of GAIN’s country offices and must have the existing right to live and work within a reasonably commutable distance of the relevant city / cities in which the role is advertised. Please note, that GAIN does not sponsor working visas and relocations.

GAIN reserves the right to withdraw an offer of employment for candidates who are considered to ineligible under the above conditions during or after the recruitment process.

Applicants must have the right to work and be currently based in the advertised country location, to be eligible to apply for this position.

This advert closes on 26th July 2023. Early applications are encouraged. GAIN reserves the right to close this advert early should we receive suitable candidates ahead of the closing date.

The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition is committed to equality of opportunity and creating an inclusive environment where diversity is valued. We are keen to reflect the diversity of our society at every level within our organisation and therefore welcome applications from talented and committed people from all backgrounds, representing the diverse societies we operate in.