NAWIRI Project Associate, Business Development At Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition

The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) is seeking a Project Associate who will provide business development expertise to support SME’s as part of the USAID funded “Nutrition in ASALs Within Integrated Resilient Institutions” Project (NAWIRI).

This role is offered on an initial 24-month contract basis and can be carried out in either Marsabit or Isiolo Counties in Kenya.

About GAIN

The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) is a Swiss-based foundation launched at the UN in 2002 to tackle the human suffering caused by malnutrition. Working with both governments and businesses, we aim to transform food systems so that they deliver more nutritious food for all people. In particular, we aim to make healthier food choices more desirable, more available, and more affordable. GAIN’s mission is to advance nutrition outcomes by improving consumption of nutritious and safe food for all people, especially the most vulnerable to malnutrition.

About the Role

Reporting to the Project Manager, you will provide technical expertise to develop SME businesses. You will be responsible for identifying, selecting and supporting the business to process, market and sell safe and nutritious food to consumers in Isiolo and Marsabit counties.

Specific Responsibilities include;

• Supporting all aspects relevant to the contract and procurement process, including the prequalification, preparation, assessment of applications and award of purchase orders/contracts including contracts administration
• Conducting pre-grant and post-grant due diligence on the project’s shortlisted businesses
• Conducting regular visits to grantee working location to verify actual status
• Supporting the business in product development and market expansion
• Participating and contributing to development and implementation of project work plans
• Assisting the project manager by monitoring the project progress against project workplan and budget.
• Collecting, documenting, collating, and analysing project data for monitoring and management information purposes.
• Maintaining crucial project documents to track project progress.
• Identifying any potential issues or risks that could affect the progression of the project and working with the Project Manager to identify potential solutions.

About You

You should have good experience in the agri-food sector in Kenya, and be able to effectively communicate with internal and external stakeholders to develop solutions within this space. You must have experience in business development, especially business planning, as well as finance (SME finance, grant funding management etc) and the contract management process from requisition and tendering through to award and close out. It would be desirable for you to have experience of public / private partnerships and private sector experience, especially in the ASAL region and/or a strong understanding of supply chain analysis. In addition, you should hold at minimum a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Entrepreneurship & SME Management and/or equivalent work experience. A diploma or equivalent certification in project management or business administration would be advantageous.

You can find more information about the role responsibilities and our person specification in the job description attached to our advert.

About our Offer

The starting salary on offer for this role is from KES 1,877,145 – 2,142,226 per annum (dependent on experience)

GAIN has a fair and competitive salary structure that allows for annual progression subject to good performance. In addition, GAIN offers a total of 37 days holiday per year (including annual leave, public holidays and additional office closure days), an attractive pension scheme and competitive insurance cover including health, travel and life assurance.

We are committed to the health of our staff, especially in these challenging times, and have developed a programme of wellbeing that includes flexible working, additional leave allowances, wellbeing days, mindfulness coaching and access to independent and confidential counselling.

GAIN also has a strong commitment to professional development. We will support you to grow in your career through both formal and informal training, and are committed to providing opportunities through internal recruitment, secondments and promotion. All of this is delivered in a supportive and collaborative environment.

This advert closes on 3rd November 2021. Early applications are encouraged. GAIN reserves the right to close this advert early should we receive suitable candidates ahead of the closing date.

Applicants must have the existing right to live and work in Kenya. Please note that GAIN are currently unable to sponsor working visas.

The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition is committed to equality of opportunity and creating an inclusive environment where diversity is valued. We are keen to reflect the diversity of our society at every level within our organisation and therefore welcome applications from talented and committed people from all backgrounds, representing the diverse societies we operate in.