Background:
The Jasiri Consortium comprising Grassroots Organizations Operating Together in Sisterhood (GROOTS Kenya), Centre for Rights Education and Awareness (CREAW), Collaborative Center for Gender and Development (CCGD), Centre for Domestic Training and Development (CDTD) and Advocates for Social Change Kenya (ADSOCK) are jointly implementing the Jasiri Scale Up Program for a period of 5 years (2023-2028).
The Jasiri program builds on the achievements of a pilot program implemented by the consortium during the COVID-19 pandemic to address the high incidences of gender-based violence (GBV). The program seeks to deepen meaningful and responsive financial support to most at-risk young women who are survivors of GBV in 16 counties in Kenya through the Jasiri Fund – an affordable and accessible loan facility that seeks to strengthen survivors’ recovery and resilience. The fund targets women, young people and persons with disability from vulnerable communities.
GROOTS Kenya seeks to recruit an experienced Jasiri Fund Manager who will lead and coordinate the implementation of Jasiri Fund activities, with a focus on providing loans and grants to young women entrepreneurs and survivors of GBV.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Strategic Planning and Program Management:
- Develop and implement Jasiri Fund activities ensuring effective and efficient financial management to support survivors of GBV.
- Ensure that the financing products and services are gender-responsive and inclusive especially for vulnerable young women survivors of GBV.
- Collaborate with Jasiri consortium partners and key stakeholders to identify and address financial barriers faced by survivors of GBV in accessing financial opportunities.
2. Financial Management:
- Lead the financial management of the Jasiri Fund (program grants and loans),financial reporting, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations and laws of Kenya.
- Oversee the processing, appraisal and recommendation of loan applications, including follow up on loan repayment.
- Ensure compliance with financial regulations and donor requirements in the utilization of funds.
- Work closely with key financial institutions and other partners to establish and strengthen mechanisms for providing financial inclusion services to survivors of GBV, including microfinance and savings programs.
- Assess and manage the risks associated with the Jasiri fund and propose practical/ necessary prevention approaches and action to mitigate risks.
3. Team Leadership and Capacity Strengthening:
- Provide leadership and guidance to the Jasiri Fund team in effectively managing funds to support survivors of GBV.
- Conduct training and capacity strengthening activities to enhance the financial management skills of survivors of GBV and GROOTS Kenya staff.
- Foster a culture of accountability and transparency in the management of funds, promoting adherence to financial procedures and ethical standards.
4. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL):
- Liaise with GROOTS Kenya MERL Manager to develop MEL frameworks to track and monitor the financial performance of the Jasiri Fund activities and assess their impact on the socio-economic resilience of survivors of GBV.
- Utilize MEL findings to identify areas of improvement in financial management practices and inform strategic decision-making and implementation.
- Document and share lessons learned and best practices related to gender responsive and inclusive financial services and products for young women entrepreneurs.
5. Partnership Development and Resource Mobilization:
- Establish and maintain partnerships with Jasiri Consortium partners, financial institutions, government agencies, and other stakeholders to leverage resources and support for survivors of GBV.
- Advocate for policies and initiatives that promote access to finance and economic empowerment for survivors of GBV at local, national, and regional levels.
- Mobilize additional resources for the Jasiri Fund, with a focus on securing funding for financial inclusion initiatives for survivors of GBV.
Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in finance, economics, business administration, entrepreneurship, commerce, international development or related discipline.
- Holds a professionally recognized qualification in finance or accounting – e.g. Institute of Certified Management Accountants (ICMA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Management Accountant (CMA), Chartered Accountant Certification, Chartered Financial Analyst etc.
- At least 5 years of experience in grants and fund management, preferably in development programmes or organizations focused on gender equality, youth empowerment, or economic empowerment.
- Proven track record of effectively managing funds and budgets, including experience in budget development, financial reporting, and compliance.
- Strong understanding of financial regulations and loans administration, with the ability to ensure adherence to financial procedures, donor requirements and ethical standards.
- Commitment to gender equality and women’s rights and demonstrable experience working with non-governmental entities on designing and implementing economic empowerment programs for marginalized populations, including survivors of gender-based violence.
- Demonstrate leadership abilities, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and manage teams towards achieving the set goals.
- Fluency in English and in Swahili.
How to apply
Interested candidates should submit a CV and cover letter outlining their qualifications and relevant experience to talent@grootskenya.org by 23rd June 2024. Applicants must indicate the position in the email subject.
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.