GVEP International Programme Manager CARE2

Job Title:       Programme Manager CARE²

Reports to:     Regional Director, Africa

Based in:       Africa Regional Office, Nairobi, Kenya

Purpose

This is a fixed term contract (with a possibility of extension) to support the Africa Regional Office in managing the Capital Access for Renewable Energy Enterprises (CARE2) project funded by Sida. GVEP International is implementing all aspects of this programme which will support the growth of a sustained market for renewable energy, focusing on “e-MSMEs” (energy-focused micro, small and medium sized enterprises) in East Africa, as a means to drive economic prosperity in a way which is inclusive of people living in poverty. Lasting three years, the project is targeting the creation of 3,600 new jobs in 1,400 e-MSMEs, through a balanced combination of interventions designed to increase both the supply of capital to businesses, and their capacity to deploy that capital effectively.

The project has three components:

1.    A   Business  Support   function   also   known   as   the   Technical   Assistance  Facility,

(“TAF”), will identify energy e-MSMEs with potential, help them to identify potential lenders and/or investors, and to prepare their investment cases. The TAF will also provide post-investment technical support to businesses which secure finance.

2. A Loan Guarantee Fund, (“LGF”), to improve the supply of capital, in particular bank debt, by underwriting some of banks’ default risk on loans to qualifying e-MSMEs.

3. Pipeline Development Projects, (“PDPs”), targeted market development activity, in specifically defined niches, designed to stimulate the creation and growth of e-MSMEs in those niches, and thereby to build the “pipeline” of potential transactions for investors/ lenders. At the start of the project two specific PDPs will be launched, but the intention is for additional ones to be added over time.

The Role

To deliver these results and more, GVEP International has proposed a strong team of qualified, experienced and motivated individuals to take on various roles in the project and possibly in other GVEP activities. The Programme manager will lead on the Pipeline Development Projects and the Loan Guarantee Fund with overall responsibility for results. However the Programme Manager will work closely with the Business Support Manager to ensure projects and businesses are adequately supported. She/he will be responsible for overall progress of the programme as well as technical and financial reporting, ensuring compliance with donor requirements, interfacing with other programmes within GVEP International as well as looking

for follow-on work from this programme. The role will report directly to the Regional Director Africa and will be responsible for this component of the Sida programme and for other related programme work. A small team of five managers will report to this position.

Main responsibilities include:

·         Strategic planning and direction: providing a framework for implementing the activities of the project, communicating the same to all involved in implementation

·         Managing the project on a day to day basis to ensure that its deliverables are met on time in each of the four participating countries

·         Staff management: Ensure that the project is adequately staffed as designed with all staff having clear job descriptions and mutually agreed (between the manager and the staff) objectives and targets which are reviewed quarterly

·         Financial management: Ensure that budgets are agreed and aligned to objectives, manage expenditure to meet these budgets, ensure timely and accurate financial reporting internally and to Sida and maintain accurate up to date records which are harmonised with the GVEP financial records maintained by the finance department

·         Ensuring there is proper communication and coordination on all project matters among GVEP staff, relevant government agencies, Sida headquarters, Sida country offices and beneficiary SMEs involved

·         Procuring consultants and any other services or goods required using agreed procedures to realize the maximum value for the project

·         Monitoring: Working with appointed M&E Coordinators to ensure the project achieving the desired outputs, outcomes and impacts, and taking immediate corrective action when deviations are noted. This will involve ensuring accurate data is collected by project staff, that this data is reviewed and analysed regularly and lessons learned inform ongoing operational practice and strategy reviews

·         Reporting: Ensuring that all required reports, both technical and financial, are delivered on time as required internally and as agreed with the donors and that the reports are of high quality

·         Harmonisation with other GVEP activities and programmes with optimal use of shared resources and realization of synergies with those programmes

·         Documentation of results: Documenting achievements and developing case studies and documentaries in coordination with the communications office for records and for publicity

·         New Business development: Developing future activities that could complement the programme in line with GVEP International’s vision and mission

·         Any other duties that may be reasonably allocated by senior management.

Requirements:

· 5 Years experience with international donor programmes, with a strong project management skills and a track-record of delivering programme results. A good track record in programme management and experience with financial markets will be considered in lieu

·         Experience in the energy sector essential including project financing and investment, energy technology and the energy environment

·         Experienceworking with Financial Institutions (commercial banks, microfinance) will be an added advantage

·         Experience working with Governments and Government agencies

·         At least 5years experience of working in the East Africa region

·         High level of inter-personal skills and ability to communicate clearly (oral and written English);

·         Experience working with rural or small businesses, and an understanding of unique challenges faced by African SME

·         Experience in refining business plans, technical reports and financial information

·         Refined numeracy, communication and presentation skills

·         A can-do and collaborative mindset – comfort with the ambiguities and demands of a rapidly evolving environment.

The position will require regular travel within East Africa.

To apply please send your CV plus a covering letter (in English) outlining how your knowledge, skills and experience match the job specification to  recruitment@gvepinternational.org

Deadline for applications submission is 19^th October 2012.

Interviews will be held during the week commencing 22^nd  October 2012 in Nairobi

GVEP International is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation or disability.