Programme Manager at Amref Kenya

Job Purpose

The Programme Manager will report to the SEMA Head of Operations and lead SEMA’s efforts to develop and implement a standardized approach for effective programme management across the organization. This role will also work closely with the Executive Director, Global & Country Heads of Markets and Head of Data and Analytics to ensure that all relevant project initiatives are effectively managed for maximum results and impact. This will include working with SEMA project sponsors to plan and develop scopes of work and key deliverables, secure the required resources, and develop the necessary work plans, budgets, and timeframes for delivery. Therefore, this person will be expected to bring strong program management expertise to different components of SEMA’s business including operations, programs, and external engagement.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Mentor and assist SEMA programme leads in planning and implementing allocated projects, ensuring incorporation of best practice project management processes. This will include developing full-cycle project implementation plans in collaboration with SEMA leads and setting objectives, performance measurements, standards, and results for impact
• Manage the timely and cost-effective implementation of SEMA interventions according to strategic goals/targets, internal expectations, and approved budgets
• Ensure timely and accurate project tracking, analysis of outputs, and reporting.
• Manage effective relations and communications with SEMA donors and implementing partners
• Support SEMA resource mobilization for expansion and extension of current projects
• Support the SEMA management team/country leads/finance manager to ensure the financial sustainability of country programmes and delivery of desired results, ensuring compliance with organizational strategies, rules, regulations, and standards of performance
• Liaise with implementing partners, manage contractual issues, payments, budgets, and invoice reviews, and review deliverables in coordination with the relevant SEMA team to ensure they meet technical and quality standards
• Conduct periodic SEMA country office visits to monitor and support SEMA operations and implementation, including conducting training, conducting or responding to audits, providing input to work planning, training on SEMA systems, conducting research, and performing other relevant tasks
• Submit critical programme management issues to the Head of Operations, to drive future process improvement and business development planning
• Manage the preparation of programme documents (including business cases/strategies, policy briefs, programme plans, and risk assessments)
• Consult and collaborate with internal and external colleagues and partners to ensure linkages, consistency, and harmonization of approaches and compliance with guidelines, framework, accountability, integrity, and performance standards
• Foster an inclusive and positive work environment, respectful of both men and women, and ensure that the highest standards of conduct are observed
• Monitor and manage risks on programme implementation, assess constraints, and take corrective action, ensuring early warning of risks to the relevant lead for action and/or intervention.
• Contribute to developing and introducing programme management innovation to ensure SEMA continually leverages best practice approaches to achieve results and drive impact
• Contribute to the dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned for corporate development planning and knowledge building

Education requirements

• At a minimum, a degree in social science, international development, business administration, or a related field

Required Qualifications and Experience

• 7 to 10+ years of relevant experience, including hands-on practical experience in programme management, preferably on sexual and reproductive health, global health, and/or global development programmes/organizations/initiatives
• Demonstrated evidence of proactivity and ability to think strategically, set priorities and manage concurrent projects, handle pressure, manage time effectively, exercise independent judgement, and assume responsibility for seeing projects through to timely and successful completion
• Ability to work in a complex environment with multiple tasks, short deadlines, and pressure to perform
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong results focus on getting the job done
• Excellent use of Excel and other software for programme and budget management
• Self-motivated and effective including being willing to work independently and as part of a team
• Excellent skills in facilitation, team building, and coordination
• Great communication and interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a complex, multi-cultural work environment and committed to promoting an inclusive culture where everyone is valued and belongs
• Eagerness to contribute positively and collaborate effectively in a team working in a start-up environment (i.e., enjoy creating, can be flexible, embrace ambiguity)
• Entrepreneurial and creative
• Deep personal commitment to sexual & reproductive health & rights, including the right to safe abortion for all who need it
• Team management experience desired
• Fluency in English required, French language skills desired

Closing: 31 August 2022