Background
The SDG Philanthropy Platform (SDGPP) is a global initiative that connects foundations and philanthropists with knowledge and networks that can deepen collaboration, leverage resources and sustain impact. The Platform supports foundations and philanthropists who are looking to support multistakholder sustainable development initiatives. It is a global and local facilitator that helps philanthropy optimize its resources by enabling effective collaboration with the broader development ecosystem. The SDG Philanthropy Platform in Kenya represents a unique player combining deep understanding of government and philanthropy, access to diverse and pertinent data, and use of robust networks to provide the tools, and guidance, contacts and facilitation needed to co-create and scale promising development solutions.
The vision of the Platform is to have strong collaborative partnerships between philanthropic organizations, the United Nations and other development partners, governments, civil society, and businesses - including social enterprises - in achieving collective SDG aspirations.
Desired outcomes include: collaboration around SDGs to reduce duplication, create synergies and efficiencies and leverage resources across partners; increased voice, coordination and participation of philanthropy and their grantees in National and County development planning and implementation on SDGs; and innovation and scaling approaches from philanthropy, civil society and private sector applied to UN and government collaboration under the United Nations Developemnt Assiatnce Framework in Kenya.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Country Coordinator, SDG Philanthropy Platform, the Research & Programme Assistant is expected to:
- Manage and monitor innovative grants for advancement of the Early Childhood Development in Kenya;
- Project and grants management, financial and activity monitoring & evaluation, and reporting;
- Country strategy refinements for the Platform, including expansion of thematic focus and support of related resource mobilization activities;
- Relationship/contact management with foundations and other stakeholders at global and national level interested in investing in Kenya, including organizing convening’s, policy dialogues and consultations;
- Knowledge management, including oversight, development and dissemination of knowledge products;
- Development of communications and positioning materials and tools including the SDG Philanthropy Platform country web-page at SDGPhilanthropy.org, an associated innovation community portal focusing on the thematic focus areas, and social media engagement;
- Support the Country Coordinator of the SDG Philanthropy Platform in any other tasks as directed from time to time.
Competencies
- Commitment to the UN and UNDP's mission, vision and values;
- Sensitivity to cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age differences;
- Highest standards of integrity, discretion, confidentiality and loyalty;
- Respect for diversity and adaptability to other cultures, environments and living conditions
Functional Competencies:
- Strategic vision, strong technical and analytical capabilities;
- Ability to work in a team under direction of the National Coordinator, develop synergies and establish effective working relations with grantees, collaborators, advisors and partners;
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, resourcefulness, initiative, maturity of judgment, tact, and negotiating skills, and the ability to cope with situations which may pose conflict;
- Strong interpersonal skills, communication and diplomatic skills, ability to work in a team;
- Ability to communicate the Platform’s vision and strategies concisely and clearly;
- Excellent verbal and written presentation skills and attention to detail;
- Excellent MS Office skills are required;
- Ability to multitask and accommodate additional demands on short notice;
- Ability to work under pressure and stressful situations whilst meeting deadlines;
- A proactive approach to achieving key results and a high level of thoroughness in a complex multitasking and matrix management environment;
- Ability to manage heavy workload and solve complex problems with minimum supervision;
- Proactive approach to foresee constraints and suggest solutions;
- Knowledge of other UN languages is an asset;
- Knowledge of the development context and stakeholders in Kenya especially relating to philanthropy, and SDGs.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Graduate (Masters) University degree in Social Science, Political Science, International Development or a related field.
Experience:
- At least 3 years of experience in a Foundation, CSO or international organization of which minimum 1 year being within Kenya;
- Minimum one (1) year of experience of working with multi-stakeholder approaches in development and fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships;
- Demonstrated experience in at least or more of the following sectors: Education, Primary Health, Early Childhood Development, Nutrition preferably in Kenya;
- Demonstrated experience of project management, including track record of working with due diligence/risk management;methodologies, managing databases and M&E and reporting.
Language:
- Fluency in written and spoken English required.
Application details:
Interested and qualified International Individual consultants should submit their applications which should include the following;
- Personal History Form (P11) - Template Provided (see link below);
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae;
- IC Proposal form - Template Provided (see link below).