Job in Nairobi Kenya - Emergency Programme Manager - HelpAge International

Job Title: Kenya Emergency Programme Manager

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Department: Programmes

Reporting To: Regional Programme Manager

Responsible For: Team of local staff

Key Relations:

• ARDC Programme and support Staff, Regional Emergency team,
• Worldwide Emergencies Staff (London)
• Programme Officer (London)

Grade: National Scale 1

Salary Range: 256,141 – 327,988 per month

Background to HelpAge International (HelpAge) and emergencies

HelpAge International has a vision of a world in which all older people fulfil their potential to lead dignified, healthy and secure lives. HelpAge is a global network striving for the rights of disadvantaged older people to economic and physical security; healthcare and social services; and support in their care giving role across the generations.

HelpAge’s strategic aim for its work in emergencies is to ensure that older people receive the humanitarian assistance they are entitled to according to humanitarian principles. We achieve this by implementing responses to emergencies and, using the evidence of our programmes and research, influencing the policy and programmes of other humanitarian aid providers – including national governments – to ensure they meet the needs of older people.

HelpAge International has committed to step-up its emergency programmes:

• To meet the growing needs of older people arising due to conflict, climate change and other climate events, and the global food crisis through its own programmes.
• As the only international organisation working exclusively to address the needs and protect the rights of older people in emergencies, to improve the way governments, the international humanitarian system and national organisations address the needs of older people
• To increase its capacity in Kenya in terms of technical expertise and financial resources in order to respond effectively through operations and advocacy in support of older people affected by emergencies
• To develop and implement humanitarian programmes in Kenya in response to crises and disasters including severe drought, malnutrition, conflict and displacement (including refugees).

Overall Purpose of the job

To develop and manage emergency and Disaster Risk Reduction(DRR) programmes in Kenya in line with the Africa and Global Emergency Strategies and the CPE plan for the country.

The post holder will develop and manage HelpAge programmes, advise and support partners/affiliates and advocate to influence policies and programmes of the Government of Kenya and humanitarian organisations operating in the country (including UN agencies and international and national NGOs) to address the needs of older people.

Job Content and Main Responsibilities

Programme development

• Monitor and analyse relevant political, food security and climate trends and support the development of contingency plans focusing on potential crisis triggers
• Realign the Kenya country CPE plan to the Africa Regional Emergency strategy, the ARDC regional targets to the global emergency targets
• Identify partner organisations and develop accountable partner relationships with partners and affiliates using HelpAge partner assessment procedures
• Conduct needs assessments to ensure the necessary data on the situation and needs of older people is available
• Keep abreast of best practice developments in the humanitarian and DRR sectors and ensure they are applied in HelpAge emergency response and DRR programmes.
• Organise and provide capacity building and training in order to develop capacity in HelpAge and its partners and ensure necessary technical and logistical skills are present for emergency responses and DRR work

Programme management

• Initiate and manage emergency response programmes and DRR programmes in a principled and accountable manner in accordance with HelpAge policies and procedures and donor requirements
• Support and advise affiliates and partners in Kenya in relation to emergency response and DRR programmes, establishing systems and procedures and ensuring regular monitoring of programmes, including evaluation and audit missions
• Build relations with donors, monitor potential funding sources and write high quality proposals in order to ensure funding for emergency responses and DRR programmes
• Ensure security plans and guidelines for the emergency programmes are developed, observed and regularly updated in order to ensure the safety and security of HelpAge staff and property in Kenya.

Financial management

• To develop and manage the emergencies and DRR budgets of HelpAge programmes
• Support affiliates and partners in monitoring and implementing their emergency and DRR budgets

Learning

• Document experience gained in HelpAge’s emergency and DRR programmes as well other sources in order to share evidence and learning and disseminate good practice
• Mainstream HIV/AIDS and Social Protection work within the emergency programme if/when relevant and appropriate.
• Develop collaborative and partnership operations with other operational agencies in order to mainstream response to the needs of older people.

Representation

• Represent HelpAge with relevant stakeholders including the Clusters and other local humanitarian forums, donors and the media to highlight issues of older people in emergencies
• Advocate to the Government of Kenya and international and national organisations to ensure they address the needs of older people in their policies and programmes
• Actively identify and seize opportunities for influencing policies and strategies

Other

• Participate in the activities of the HelpAge Africa Regional Development Centre and perform any other duties as may be required from time to time

Extent of Authority

• The post holder is expected to operate within all HelpAge’s policies and procedures.
• The post holder is authorised to make decisions within the framework of the agreed budget and programme proposals in consultation with the management structure at the ARDC.

Key relationships

The post holder will relate with the various organs of HelpAge International and key stakeholders as follows

• Affiliates and partners to support, train, monitor and evaluate the implementation of emergency programmes
• Regional Development Centre staff – to ensure consistency of approach in HelpAge International’s work in the region and to ensure the development of complimentary activities.
• Government institutions and agencies working in emergencies in order to share information and influence policy and practice
• International and national organisations working in emergencies to share information and influence changes in policies and practices
• Donor organisations to influence their funding practices and obtain funds
• Media to develop positive relationship and ensure that media are positive allies in our quest for inclusive policies and programmes.
• In the UK Secretariat including WWE, Resource Development and Advocacy and Communications Departments in relation to the key tasks of the programme.

Person Specification

Essential

• Knowledge and understanding of international humanitarian principles, the Red Cross Code of Conduct and Sphere standards
• Substantial technical and managerial experience in programme design, implementation and monitoring of humanitarian assistance programmes
• Experience of developing and managing multi-skilled and multi-cultural teams in fast-moving settings
• Experience of work in an advisory capacity
• A good technical understanding of at least one relevant emergency sector - protection, health and livelihoods
• An understanding of DRR approaches and methodologies
• Successful experience of proposal development, compiling and managing substantial multi-donor budgets
• Experience of implementing donor and beneficiary accountability frameworks,
• Experience of liaison with UN agencies, international donors and humanitarian organisations, forums and networks
• Ability to work flexibly (with tact and diplomacy) at the highest level to lobby and advocate for inclusion of older people’s issues in policies, strategies and programmes and also to work with local partners to support their capacity and their engagement in humanitarian work
• The ability to travel at very short notice and for extended periods to difficult environments, often in very basic living conditions
• Experience of managing cross functional teams across different sites
• Demonstrated capacity to interrelate with people of different cultural backgrounds.
• Fluent written and spoken English
• Administratively self supporting.

Desirable

• A developed understanding of intergenerational dependency issues

To apply for this position, please send a CV and covering letter by 26 August, 2011, explaining how you meet the criteria for the role to:

Human Resources Officer
HelpAge International
Africa Regional Development Centre,
P.O. Box 14888 - 00800
Westlands, Nairobi

Email: helpage@helpage.co.ke

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. HelpAge International is an equal opportunities employer

Previous applicants need not re-apply