Akvo is looking for an enthusiastic and skilled senior programme manager in Nairobi. This is a key leadership position within our organisation. 

We are looking for a highly disciplined person with some experience in the international development sector and a solid background in successfully delivering programmes and projects in Africa and globally (not restricted by academic discipline). 

The senior programme manager reports to the regional hub manager, East and Southern Africa, and will support the delivery of several global engagements. 

About Akvo

At Akvo, we boost the impact of development programmes through data services and tech solutions. With a team of data and development experts and a proven methodology, we help governments and non-governmental organisations become data driven so that they can improve the results of their programmes and achieve sustainable change for all. 

Job Description

The core responsibility of the senior programme manager is to ensure the consistency and quality of delivery and help achieve a high level of customer satisfaction in an effective and cost-efficient manner.

The programme manager is expected to identify client issues and needs by maintaining an excellent relationship with end-users and stakeholders. This role is best suited for a skilled and hard-working individual who possesses superb leadership and interpersonal skills. If you’ve got good communication skills, have a hands-on pragmatic attitude, like to work with people and deliver results, this might be the  role for you. You should also be passionate about delivering end-to-end customer-driven solutions with high client satisfaction.

Quite simply, the programme manager is responsible for the delivery of our projects using Akvo’s suite of solutions. You will work closely with the tech, data and the design teams at Akvo to define the vision, keep the project execution team on the right track, and ensure tasks are carried out according to priority. You will also ensure that all our solutions are built to an appropriate level of quality.

As the senior programme manager, you will be actively managing one or two key projects. You will also oversee and guide execution of projects in Anglophone Africa and beyond in order to have a solid view of resources within the Africa teams in Akvo. You will primarily serve the needs of the project execution/delivery  team, and lead them in the right direction. A good example of this might be removing ‘blockers’ or obstacles to progress: negotiating with stakeholders, refocusing senior leadership, or addressing procurement issues. The senior programme manager should also ensure an effective governance model for managing complex multi-stakeholder projects. 

We expect the senior programme manager to be able to spot warning signs, to foresee and remove blockers before they become problematic – often, this means constructively challenging the senior management team at Akvo on key issues. 

You will make the work visible to staff and stakeholders, and regularly undertake activities to build trust with people involved in the area of work – you clarify strategies and plans, and communicate a clear sense of direction and purpose for self and team. You should actively participate in the agile project management community; sharing and re-applying skills and knowledge, and bringing in best practice across the organisation and government.

On a day-to-day basis, you will lead collaborative planning processes, prioritising the work that needs to be done against the capacity of the team. Some of this prioritisation may include facilitating daily stand-ups and other sprint ceremonies, and coaching teams on Agile tools and techniques.

People who are unhappy in their jobs are undoubtedly less productive. So it’s very important for the senior programme manager to also ensure teams are able to not only work effectively by having a productive working environment, but are happy at work. 

Key responsibilities

• Manage several key projects within Kenya or Anglophone Africa
• Monitor and keep an overview of all the projects executed in Anglophone Africa
• Remain on top of financial numbers vis-a-vis progress of the various projects
• Hold monthly meetings with all the project managers, review progress, and set goals for the next month/quarter
• Work closely with the global delivery manager and align the project tracking process

Key competencies and skills

• Post graduate with at least 10 years’ work experience
• Solid project management credentials (PRINCE 2, PMP etc.) 
• Prior experience with agile project management methodologies and the ability to deliver multiple projects at the same time will be considered an advantage. Some background in development studies, agriculture, water, climate sciences will also be useful.

You should be based in Nairobi. We are open to all nationalities with a valid permit to work in Kenya. 

Akvo’s values and behavioural principles

We are innovative and responsible. We stand for open collaboration and impact for citizens. These values guide our strategy and our decision making in our day to day work.

As a team, we follow a set of behavioural principles which describe the way we work together, internally and externally. These principles are: Be responsible, Communicate clearly, Collaborate with others, Innovate for impact, Keep growing, and Be a leader.

What we offer

• A full time role (one FTE assignment )
• A unique chance to be part of our international Akvo community, with motivated and talented people whose diverse backgrounds converge to accomplish ambitious objectives
• Contribute to our mission: unlocking the power of data to boost sustainable development 
• A one year Kenyan contract with possibility of extension
• A competitive salary 

How to apply

Akvo works with a diverse and international team, and we are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion across our organisation. If you think you are the right person for this position, we highly encourage everyone to apply.

Think you’ve got what it takes? To apply for this position, or in case of any questions, please complete the application form by clicking on the button below. The closing date for this application is 15 March. We aim to fill this position by 1 May.