Job Description

Project manager assistant

We are actively recruiting a Project Manager Assistant. The ideal candidate should have a minimum of five years of professional experience managing complex development programmes in developing countries, with strong project management skills. Experience in natural resource management, such as agroforestry or sustainable land management, will be an added advantage.

Reports to – Direct supervisor Project Manager

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist and supervise baseline survey, selection of beneficiaries, planning and data collection.

• Cooperate daily and report to Project director and coordinate/supervise as necessary a multidisciplinary team (Civil engineer, Agronomist, Hydrologist) and several contractors.

• Support set up of peace building and conflict management framework.

• Conduct in-depth research and analysis on climate finance mechanisms,funding opportunities, and carbon credit legal framework in Kenya relevant to the project.

• Provide technical guidance and support to project teams in developing strategies for project’s implementation in coordination with GIZ.

• Collaborate with project stakeholders, including government agencies, donors, carbon credit registries, and financial institutions, to implement the soil erosion and run off reduction measures adopted by the project (landscaping, construction and rehabilitation of infrastructure, planting trees, etc.)

• Collaborate with project stakeholders, including government agencies, donors, carbon credit registries, and financial institutions, to explore potential partnerships and funding opportunities for project beneficiaries.

• Assist in the preparation and submission of carbon credit certification processes, ensuring compliance with international standards and guidelines.

• Monitor and evaluate the financial performance of the project beneficiaries and identifying sustainable natural resources management strategies related to livelihoods (e.g.: fuelwood trees planting, rotational grazing, grass and fodder sowing etc.).

• Support capacity building activities for project staff and local partners on sustainable natural resources management and carbon trade methodologies.

• Contribute to the documentation of best practices, lessons learned, and success stories related to sustainable management of natural resources, climate finance and carbon credit initiatives in rangeland management, forestry and agroforestry.

Key Qualifications and skills

• The candidate must have at least a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in managing complex development programmes in developing countries, with strong project management skills.

• Must have a BSc or advanced degree in finance, economics, environmental management, agriculture, engineering or related fields.

• Strong project management skills, including work planning, scheduling, and resource coordination.

• Proven ability to supervise and provide technical guidance to field teams and implementing partners.

• Experience in stakeholder coordination, including engagement with local communities, government institutions, and partner organizations.

• Ability to develop and implement monitoring tools, analyse progress, and produce high-quality technical and management reports.

• Good understanding of budgeting and financial monitoring within project activities.

• Strong problem-solving and risk-management abilities, with capacity to anticipate operational challenges and propose mitigation measures.

• Experience in capacity building, including designing and delivering training sessions for staff and community groups.

• Demonstrated experience in managing natural resources (including soil, water, forestry and agroforestry) projects will be considered an advantage.

• Basic knowledge and understanding of carbon accounting methodologies, carbon credit standards (e.g., Verra, Gold Standard, Plan Vivo), and international climate finance mechanisms (e.g., GCF, GEF).

• Previous experience in formulating and managing carbon credit projects will be an asset.

• Excellent analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills, and proven experience in engaging effectively with diverse stakeholders, rural communities, farmers, technical staff in County services for agriculture, environment and works, NGOs and facilitate partnerships.

• Facilitation skills for the organization of workshops and training of farmers and line ministry staff at County level.

• Excellent capacity to compose clear, narrative technical reports.

• Familiarity with Kenya’s climate change policies, forestry regulations, andinstitutional framework will be considered an advantage.

• Experience in value chain development for agricultural and/or timber and non-timber forest products/nature-based supply chains will be considered an advantage.

• Experience in natural resources management such as agroforestry or sustainable land management will be considered an advantage.

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