Program Manager – DRIP FUNDI At Millennium Water Alliance

The Millennium Water Alliance (MWA) www.mwawater.orgis a permanent global alliance of leading humanitarian, research, and business organizations that convene a trusted network and serve as a hub for collective impact, accelerate learning, and influencepriorities and funding to scale sustained WASH services and resilience globally. MWA and its members collectively serve over 50 million people in over 100 countries and are leading advocates for greater water and sanitation commitments by governments and the private sector.

Program description

MWA is seeking an experienced Program Manager to support the USAID funded DRIP FUNDI (Fixing Uptime Now and Decision Improvement) program in Kenya. The program, which is set to be implemented in the five counties of Marsabit, Garissa, Wajir, Isiolo and Turkana seeks to increase the borehole uptime across 200 boreholes in the five counties. The underpinning goal of the program is to address the challenge of borehole non-functionality that is prevalent in the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) of northern Kenya and rural areas of Kenya at large. Non-functional water systems make it particularly difficult for communities to cope with the recurrent droughts that the region experiences. The program will partner with respective county government borehole repair teams and private sector partners to facilitate the rapid repair of the boreholes. Further, it will also engage selected private sector partners for the provision of the spare parts required for borehole repair. Finally, the program aims to set up a carbon financing system to support the continued repair of the 200 boreholes beyond the program’s life.

Job Summary

The Program Manager will oversee the implementation of the DRIP FUNDI program and ensure that program targets are achieved within the program’s life (18 months) and the allotted budget. The Program Manager will work closely with MWA’s partner, Virridy Inc, to ensure that the set-up of carbon financing is completed. The position holder will report to the WASH Systems Manager, manage the County Coordinators, and Carbon Credits Officer. The Program Manager will also work closely with the Country Representative, Finance and Operations Manager, Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Learning Manager and Data Analyst/Learning officer. The position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya with frequent travel to program sites.

Roles and Key Responsibilities

The Program Manager will oversee the following functions.

• Broker and coordinate partnerships with private sector partners, communities at the 200 boreholes and the county governments to facilitate the seamless execution of the program.
• Ensure that key program milestones are achieved within required timelines including finalization and submission of the program baselines, installation of sensor at all 200 boreholes, brokering of partnerships with private sector partners and county BRRTs for repair and maintenance and registration and certification of the program by the Gold Standard Foundation.
• Monitor program budget expenditure in partnership with the MWA’s finance team.
• Be the primary liaison between the MWA and Virridy to ensure that registration and certification of the program on the Gold Standard platform is being carried out.
• Oversee the setup of processes and methods for data collection, analysis and dissemination for the DRIP FUNDI program including providing guidance on the baseline and end-term evaluation.
• Lead technical and financial reporting requirements and ensure all reports are submitted promptly according to the program reporting schedule.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to the entire program’s staff including the County Coordinators, Carbon Credit Officer, and Data Analyst/Learning Officer.
• Ensure all USAID documentation including contracting documents, reports, agreements, and carbon credit waivers among others are stored in the correct directory, easily and readily accessible and up to date.
• Attending relevant internal/external meetings as required.
• Supporting business development efforts that MWA may engage in including drafting proposals and fostering partnerships with donors and funding entities.
• Any other duties assigned.

Qualifications

• A Masters Degree in water or environmental or mechanical engineering (or any related engineering) is required. An undergraduate degree in any of these engineering fields and a Masters in Project Management or Economics is acceptable.
• Experience in project management or management consulting, preferably with an international non-governmental organization or large-scale consulting firm is required for the role.
• A minimum of five (5) years working in the development sector on a range of water or energy programs is required.
• Relevant membership and up to date certificates of good standing with EBK or KETRB is desired.
• Experience managing or leading donor-funded programs or large-scale consulting assignments is required.
• Experience in USAID funded programs is mandatory.
• Experience in engaging with private sector partners and market system development practices is desirable.
• Experience or knowledge of water supply systems in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) of Kenya will be an added advantage.
• Knowledge of carbon markets and the requisite certifications will be an added advantage.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to listen, communicate and lead a team.
• Extreme attention to detail is required.
• Clear and concise report-writing skills are required.
• Ability to work independently and be self-motivated.
• Ability to adjust to changing work environments, priorities, and goals.
• Ability to quickly learn and pick up on new concepts.