Programme Manager- Environment & Climate Change

Job Title: Programme Manager: Environment and Climate Change

Reporting To: Head of The Development Cooperation Section

Department: Kenya Development Cooperation Section

Contract Type: Permanent with 6-month probation

Number of Positions: 1 position

Gross Salary Range: Competitive

Job Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Placement: Immediate

Employers Background

The Embassy of Sweden in Nairobi represents Sweden in Kenya, Somalia, Seychelles, and Comoros. The Embassy also represents Sweden in UNEP and UN-HABITAT. The Embassy represents and advances Swedish policies, interests and values in political and economic relations, development cooperation, in trade and investment promotion and in cultural and information matters. It provides consular services to Swedish nationals and migration services to non-nationals.

The Embassy is now recruiting a Programme Manager: Environment and Climate Change to Kenya Development Cooperation Section. In close collaboration with colleagues at the Embassy in Nairobi and Stockholm, the Programme Manager will contribute to Sweden's collective efforts to support sustainable development results for the poorest and most vulnerable in Kenya. From 2021, Sweden has a strategy for our development cooperation in Kenya. The development cooperation strategy currently focuses on three thematic areas: 1) human rights, democracy rule of law, gender equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights 2) environment, climate, sustainable use of natural resources and biodiversity, and 3) inclusive economic development.

Within Kenya development cooperation section, the Programme Manager will be part of a team of 18 colleagues who, together with partners, contribute to the implementation of the strategy. The team includes regional advisors based in Nairobi.

The Embassy's vision is to work based on agile principles to drive change and development, where holistic perspective, teamwork, follow-up, and close collaboration with partner organizations are at the center to increase the quality and learning in development cooperation. The Embassy is looking for a flexible, thorough, and well-organized person with previous experience to the duties outlined below.

Key Roles & Responsibilities

Manage a portfolio of projects/programmes and follow up on Swedish funded projects in environment, climate, and biodiversity by, inter alia: plan, assess and approve funding applications, follow up, risk management, administer, preparing decisions/contracts and agreements, reviewing and approving narrative, financial and audit reports.

Financial management, including follow up of disbursements and payments of contributions.

Support policy dialogue with relevant Government of Kenya ministries, development agencies, donors, and relevant stakeholders in the sector, including drafting speaking notes, briefings, participating in, and drafting reports.

Represent Sweden and actively participate in co-ordination for a, technical and sectoral meetings; program reviews; technical discussions, and field visits.

Build relationships and develop networks through interaction and continuous dialogue with relevant bilateral, multilateral, and sectoral actors.

Contribute to the development of Sweden's strategies and policies for Kenya.

Education, Competence & Experience

Masters degree in environmental sciences, climate change, natural sciences, forestry, or other relevant academic background.

Previous experience in the development sector working with a broad range of actors within the thematic areas of environmental management, preferable linked to biodiversity, natural resources management including environmentally induced conflicts, circular economy, innovative financing, and private sector development and/or related areas.

A minimum of ten (10) years working experience in the above areas.

Good knowledge and practical experience on the climate change and biodiversity policy landscape at national, regional and international levels.

Previous experience working with UN agencies, interstate membership organizations, non-governmental organizations, governmental agencies, and ministries on national and/or county level.

Experience in programmes/projects design, implementation, and performance monitoring.

Proven analytical skills and ability to seek information independently.

Excellent command of both written and spoken English and computer skills.

Excellent conceptualization and reporting skills.

Additional Skills

Good knowledge of the Kenyan development context in general (including institutional structures, key actors, development strategies, etc.) and specifically in relation to environment, climate change and biodiversity.

Good knowledge on the just and green transition/low-carbon development including evolving carbon markets and bio-economy in Kenya and the region.

An understanding of multidimensional poverty analysis principles.

Knowledge of the Kenyan institutional structures, key actors, development strategies, in relation to environment, climate and biodiversity.

Experience working with a range number of actors including the private sector and civil society.

Experience of working with results-based management.

Good experience of working with reporting and documenting systems.

Personal attributes

Dynamic team player able to work across relevant sectors and across different focus areas and take initiative as well as work independently.

Ability to adjust to changing priorities and undertake multiple tasks simultaneously.

Respect for cultural diversity, with the ability to fit into a diverse team and to establish networks.

Excellent organizational skills and strong oral and written communication skills.

Self-motivated with ability to take initiatives and work unsupervised.

Ability to communicate, share knowledge and experiences, and cooperate easily with colleagues.

What to expect as an employee:

Medical Insurance (family eligibility is subject to completion of probation)

Pension benefits (subject to 5 years employment)

28 days of annual leave

Gym allowance

Competitive remuneration

How to Apply

Interested individuals are invited to submit a 1-page Cover Letter, a CV, and a minimum of 3 professional references to GAP Recruitment, no later than May 22, 2024. If you are not a citizen of Kenya, please attach a copy of your Kenyan work - and residence permit. All candidates must be legally able to work and reside in Kenya with the correct visa/work permit status or demonstrate eligibility to obtain the relevant permit. The responsibility lies on the successful candidate to 1. Obtain the relevant permit, 2. Pay fees for the permit, 3. Make arrangements to relocate 4. Meet the costs of relocation. The Embassy of Sweden does not sponsor visas/work permits. Work permits will not be arranged by the Embassy.

The email subject should be Programme Manager: Environment and Climate Change

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The terms and conditions for locally employed staff apply. The employment will start with a minimum of 6 months probation. Any form of canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification.