Food Security Program Manager

Line Manager: Field Coordinator

Location: North Horr, Kenya

Duration: 8 months with possibility of extension

Solidarites International is an international humanitarian aid organisation which provides assistance to populations who are victims of armed conflict or natural disaster.

For 30 years, Solidarites International has concentrated its action on meeting three vital needs: water, food and shelter. By carrying out emergency programmes, Solidarites International acquired experience and expertise in the fields of access to drinking water and sanitation.

The joint Kenya / Somalia mission started in March 2007 and includes 3 field offices in South Somalia (Bardera, Afmadow and Adaado) and 2 field offices in Kenya (Nairobi Informal Settlements and North Horr) where Solidarites International implements both WASH and Food Security interventions.

In North Horr, the emergency response includes livestock intervention and food assistance activities, while the longer term DRR program focuses more on promoting drought resistant crops and techniques in agro-pastoral zones, improve livestock and an important food security promotion component.

1/ Objective of the position

The Food Security Program Manager is a key person who will be responsible in managing the Food Security operational component of the program:

To ensure achievement of the Food Security objectives within the timeframe of the program
To manage the Food Security team in the area of intervention
To prepare reports and planning
To follow up and manage the Food Security budget
To assess others needs in terms of Food Security in the area

2/ Hierarchy

Under the authority of the Field Coordinator. The Food Security program manager will refer to the Kenya Food Security Coordinator on all technical issues. This link is functional, rather than hierarchical.

The Food Security program manager will oversee the activities of the following staff:

Food security Program Assistant
Agriculture Supervisor
Veterinary supervisor
Food Security Promoters
Any other food security staff that might be recruited.

3/ Keys responsibilities

NB: this list gives the framework of the responsibilities of this position but it is not exhaustive. You may be asked to complete other duties.

Team Management

To recruit and train the staff under its direct responsibility
To animate and manage the team
To prepare and update job descriptions for each team under his/her responsibility
To evaluate the skills and performances of the staff under his/her responsibility at 6 months intervals
To complete detailed planning of activities in collaboration with the whole Food Security team.

Project development

To work closely with the Food Security Coordinator to complete detailed activity planning for the Food Security program in North Horr.
To be responsible for the coherence of the Food Security Program in terms of population needs and proposed activities.
Contribute to the development of the Food Security Program strategy in accordance with the Solidarités Kenya country strategy and the field context

Project Management

To launch the Food Security activities
To propose alternative appropriate and cost effective activities relevant to the area
To be responsible of the progress and the quality of the work for Food Security activities of the program
To control the evolution of Food Security component (progress indicator, relevance and efficiency) and to adjust activities and processes (see sections about budget account and human resources management)
To ensure periodic assessments of the Food Security component and to adjust if necessary to the needs in collaboration with the Field Coordinator, the Food Security Coordinator and the Watsan Program Manager.
To plan Food Security activities and resources in time, according to the objectives of the Program
To ensure adherence to the budgets with objectives and activities settled jointly with the financial staff in the field on in the headquarters
To be responsible for program reporting to the Field Coordinator, Food Security Coordinator and the head of mission, according to Solidarites International and donors reporting regulations.
To facilitate the collection of baseline, project monitoring and context monitoring data by Food Security field staff
To contribute to the capitalisation of experience through the development of tools and reports
To follow the advice and recommendations of the Food Security Coordinator.

Logistics / Administration

To Prepare purchase requests for materials in link with logistics and administration personnel
To plan movement and transport needs on a weekly basis
To validate access to work sites in term of security for Solidarites International staff, in link with the Field Coordinator and Logistic/Administrator.
To validate movements of materials in and out of stock, concerning Food Security activities
To follow the program budget lines
To anticipate the needs in terms of cashflow forecast for the Program

Evaluation / reporting

Make sure indicators as specified in the project logical framework are measured according to the sources specified
Participate in need assessments
Propose new activities according to need assessments for the area covered
Monitor regularly the Food Security situation in the area and develop monitoring tools

4/ Required Qualifications

University degree in relevant sectors including Agriculture, Animal Health, Food Security.
Minimum 3 years of work experience in international NGOs
Experience in program management (managing activities, managing teams, managing budget)
Report drafting skills required
Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
Good English spoken and written
Good command of MS Office and other computer programs

5/Person Specification

Mature personality with ability to cope with high stress levels. Flexible and willing to perform tasks outside of core duties. Ability to respect and abide rules and regulations.

6/ How to apply

Kindly send your cover letter, CV and contact details for 3 referees to the following email address: jobapplication@solidarites-kenya-som.org by closing date, 23rd September 2011.

Please clearly indicate the position you are applying for in the title of your email.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Solidarites international is an equal opportunity employer