WE ARE HIRING: PROGRAM MANAGER

Location:Kenya

Status: Full-time, term contract 

Language requirements: English 

Who We Are: 

Founded in 2005, Digital Opportunity Trust Kenya (DOT Kenya) is intentionally committed to mobilising and inspiring all underserved and disadvantaged young people with digital literacy, 21st-century skills, and the self-confidence that will enable them to thrive in an inclusive digital economy. We support youth to become innovators and leaders, and empower them to create and apply digital solutions that have a positive impact in their communities. 

About the Role: 

We are seeking an experienced Program Manager to organise and coordinate programs. The role will report to the Country Director and will work closely with other departments including Learning, MERL, Communications and Finance. 

The Program Manager will support the Country Director in providing technical oversight to all projects and operational support to the country field implementation locations. As part of the Kenya senior leadership team, the Program Manager plays an active role in planning, designing, implementation, supervision, expansion/development and administration of overall country programs in collaboration with the country senior leadership team, in addition to program development and reporting responsibilities. S/he will conduct frequent visits to the various program locations to support the field teams.

The Program manager also has overall responsibility for effective and efficient management and delivery of DOT projects. S/he is responsible for annual planning, project budget, reporting, managing field officers and day-to-day project operations consistent with project cycle management and the project’s goal and to the highest standards of programmatic quality.  S/he networks with relevant in-country stakeholders and donors and deputises for the Country Director, as may be required.

Responsibilities: 

Project Management (LOE 50%)

• In collaboration with the Country Director, management and program staff, lead the development of concept notes, project proposals, budgets, and donor reports to expand the program portfolio of the organisation. 
• Lead, manage and coordinate day-to-day planning, implementation and management of project activities according to the project document and project management framework. 
• Proactively oversee all projects in country through all components of the project management cycle working closely with Program Coordinators to identify areas for quality improvement and initiate communication between operations and finance teams in country and with DOT global departments.
• Ensure monitoring system and tools developed are used by project staff to track project progress, and capture learning.
• Monitor the context and carry out adjustments to the project plans and management on an ongoing basis in light of changing conditions, resources and opportunities. 
• Monitor project expenditure against budget,and oversee the preparation and submission of required project progress and financial reports on a regular basis.
• Ensures programme implementation staff are well versed and are effectively applying organisational policies and practices, which result in successful financial and programmatic audit scores.
• Promote learning by ensuring information that is gathered during the project implementation is used for accountability and to inform future activities, or modify implementation approaches. 
• Work with the Communications department to develop stakeholders’ map, defining the interest of each group and planning and executing communication plans to stakeholders.
• Ensure the integration of the project’s gender equality strategy and DOT’s safeguarding policies into project plans, budgets, and implementation in collaboration with the Gender and Safeguarding Lead.
• Monitor and manage project risk, in collaboration with project and partner staff.
• Lead regular convening of project stakeholders to monitor timelines, track progress, discuss learnings, and identify and manage risks.

Staff Management and Development (25% LOE) 

• Manage and supervise the work of project officer, field supervisors and community leaders.
•  Ensure team and individual work plans are prepared and followed. 
• Support program officer and field supervisors in preparing their annual performance development objectives. 
• Undertake performance development reviews of the program officer and field supervisors. 
• Ensure the recruitment and training of staff as appropriate and ensure availability of appropriate professional development opportunities for staff.

Business Development (25% LOE)

• Assist the Country Director in identifying, researching and approaching potential funding partners. 
• Provide technical input and support in the development of funding proposals and project budgets.
• Establish mutually beneficial relationships with other organisations by attending networking conferences and events, growing a database of professional contacts and joining networking groups.
• Assist as necessary in obtaining new business for DOT Kenya. 
• Any other duty that may be assigned from time to time.

Qualifications: 

• A University degree in a relevant field (e.g. Development Studies, Project Management, Business Administration, Information Technology, or a related discipline). A masters degree is an added advantage.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive work experience in areas of program/project management, and international development, with a demonstrated track record of successful implementation and achieving impact.
• Proven expertise in navigating complex stakeholder relationships, including engaging with high-level government officials, private sector executives, international organisations, and community leaders.
• Knowledge of result-based management and monitoring and evaluation is desirable.
• Experience with project financial management, including monitoring budgets, reviewing cash forecasts, and BVA analyses.
• Excellent people management skills, including experience in building, leading, and motivating high-performing teams, both in-person and remotely.
• Strong digital literacy and familiarity with project management tools, data management systems, and online collaboration platforms.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with fluency in English and Swahili.
• Proven ability to develop high-quality project reports, presentations, and communication materials.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and thrive in a fast-paced, demanding environment while managing multiple priorities and adapting to changing circumstances.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with a creative and innovative approach to bringing value across multiple project components and teams.

Personal Characteristics 

• Possess a strong spirit for community service and share DOT Kenya’s passion to contribute to a better Kenya; 
• Have a preference for an entrepreneurial and agile work environment. Flexible, comfortable with ambiguity and receptive to new ideas; 
• Be results driven. Motivated by a high sense of personal performance expectations and have a sense of urgency. Be a role model whose personal performance inspires others; 
• Be strategic. Able to translate opportunity into program strategy. Have excellent interpersonal and communications skills. A comfortable leader and consensus builder, a team player; 
• A knowledgeable promoter of the role of technology in modern economic development and formal and informal education; 
• Enjoy working with youth and young adults and contributing to their development; 
• Have the highest personal ethics. A person who demonstrates integrity and is a model of ethical values and behaviour at all times.

To Apply: 

To apply, send your CV and cover letter to kenya-careers@dotrust.org by 18th October 2024, 5pm with the subject as, ‘Program Manager.’ While we appreciate all applications, only those shortlisted for an interview will be contacted. 

DOT Kenya celebrates diversity and is dedicated to cultivating an inclusive environment that values cross-cultural understanding. We strongly encourage applications from women, people with disabilities, and those from gender and sexually diverse communities and/or those with intersectional identities. DOT ensures accommodations for individuals with disabilities during the recruitment and selection process. Please indicate any need for accommodations in your application.