Programs Manager

Job Description:

Programs Manager

LOCATION: Kenya (Njabini)

OFFICE HOURS: Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

POSITION STATUS: Management-level, exempt from overtime

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP: Reports to Director of Programs

OVERVIEW: In partnership with a network of public primary schools across South Kinangop (our “Network Schools”), Flying Kites designs, implements, and measures the impact of integrated programs and activities that address barriers to education in our community.

Reporting to and led by our Director of Programs, Programs Managers are responsible for the establishing and maintaining trusted partnerships across all stakeholders in identified Network School communities and for managing the planning, training, implementation, and management of Flying Kites activities and resources across Network Schools. Duties are fulfilled using his/her expertise and experience with project and budget management, training and communication, monitoring and evaluation “M&E” strategies, data collection and management, partner and stakeholder engagement, and logistics facilitation. The role requires exceptional organization, resource management and communication skills, the highest attention to detail and follow-through, and a commitment to teamwork, integrity, fiscal responsibility, ethics, and collaboration with educators, colleagues, partners, and all stakeholders.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: “Essential duties” are those that an individual must be able to perform with or without reasonable accommodation or additional staffing support.

Program Planning and Management: plan, document, and manage programs to maximize impact, ensure efficiency and economy, and align with target outcomes and organizational goals.

1. Develop and manage fully articulated program plans aligned with basic project management stages -- initiating, planning, executing, controlling, and closing -- inclusive of clear objectives, success criteria, curricula, resource and funding requirements, constraints, and timelines.

2. Regularly assess programmatic content and operations, making recommendations for adjustment that improve efficiency and maximize impact.

3. Arrange and manage all program logistics, including facility and equipment use and resource requirements, coordinating closely with relevant departments to ensure alignment.

4. Serve as primary liaison with relevant program stakeholders, including network school heads, teachers, students, programmatic partners, colleagues, and other stakeholders.

M&E and Data Management: support program design and impact through the implementation of comprehensive M&E plans and the collection and recording of credibly-sourced qualitative and quantitative data.

5. Manage M&E Plans aligned with programmatic logical frameworks and identified outcomes, including the introduction of methodologies and tools for data collection, authentication, and recordkeeping

6. Train and oversee teachers and support resources to ensure accurate data collection and recordkeeping.

7. Actively research, prepare, and share up-to-date information and reports on relevant topics to enrich the knowledge of team members and support program objectives.

Training and Communication: develop and deliver training curricula aligned with program needs; ensure ongoing intra-organizational alignment and transparency through clear and frequent communication and active reporting.

8. Develop and facilitate training protocol, curricula, materials, and knowledge competency models for teachers, GU Patrons, and other stakeholders on programmatic themes, including but not limited to topics related to menstrual health management, sexual and reproductive health, gender-based violence, and gender equity.

9. Prepare and distribute accurate, timely reports to inform relevant stakeholders and document decisions.

10. Prepare and provide data and summary program reports to leadership and colleagues, including in response to specific requests in support of grants and fundraising activities.

In addition to the Essential Duties and Responsibilities set forth herein, the Programs Manager may be required to contribute to special projects and/or be assigned additional responsibilities from time to time, including to support gaps in core services and to provide coverage for colleagues who are absent, on holiday or personal leave.

POSITION SPECIFICATIONS

Education and Work Experience:

● Bachelor’s degree in Health, Education, Social Work Services or a related field (Master’s degree preferred)

● 5+ years’ experience in a program management role in Kenya, preferably at an NGO or school

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

● Superior project management skills -- self-reliant, results-oriented, flexible, collaborative, and proactive.

● Highly proficient with computer applications, including managing, analyzing, and communicating data.

● Expertise and experience delivering programs related to girls’ health and empowerment

● Excellent judgment and integrity, with highest attention to ethics and policy compliance.

● Entrepreneurial team player who can multitask, prioritize effectively, and adhere to deadlines.

● Exceptional written and oral communication skills.

● Proficient in all aspects of budgeting, procurement, and fiscal management.

● Well-developed interpersonal skills; ability to interact with stakeholders at all organizational levels.

● Ability to manage and be strictly accountable for the handling of confidential and sensitive information.

● Ability to respond quickly and maintain composure in situations that impact health, safety, and security.

Additional Requirements:

● Current, incident-free Children’s Check and National Police Check (Certificate of Good Conduct)

● Consistent with the management level of this position, some weekend and after-hours work is expected and required to meet organizational priorities.

Working Conditions:

● The Kenya office is subject to occasional interruptions in power and/or Internet access.

● A significant (8-10 hour) time difference is acknowledged and generally accommodated for scheduled and unscheduled communications among management in the US and Kenya.

● All Flying Kites programs and objectives serve children from preschool through young adults. Our workplace is thus regularly accessed and impacted by children.

The statements contained in this job description are not necessarily all-inclusive; additional duties may be assigned and requirements may vary at the discretion of the organizational leadership.