Position Title: Project Manager
Duty Station: Nyahururu, Laikipia County, Kenya
Contract Type: National staff position
Starting Date: 1.02.2026
Duration: 12 months, renewable based on performance
Reports to: Project Coordinator and Head of Mission
Application Deadline: 5.12.2025 at 5 PM
Salary Range: 130,000 KES -150,000 KSH/Month Gross according to the candidate's professional experience
About IPSIA
IPSIA is an Italian non-governmental organization operating in Kenya since 2015. The organization implements projects aimed at promoting sustainable development, strengthening community resilience towards climate change, and improving livelihoods, through the lens of women empowerment.
We are currently seeking a highly qualified and motivated Project Manager to lead the implementation of an AICS-funded project in Laikipia West, Kenya. The initiative aims to contribute to food and water security for agro-pastoral communities in arid and semi-arid areas (ASAL) of Laikipia West and Laikipia North, in Kenya. Specifically, the project aims to: a) consolidate sustainable practices in agriculture, livestock farming and land management; b) expand access to water sources and optimise their use and management in agriculture, while promoting ecosystem restoration to reduce the risk of natural disasters; c) strengthen climate-resilient value chains and entrepreneurial initiatives.
Under the supervision of the Project Coordinator, the Project Manager will be responsible for ensuring effective planning, coordination, and implementation of all project activities, while guaranteeing full compliance with donor requirements, IPSIA’s internal procedures, and strong, constructive relations with partners and stakeholders. The role requires continuous engagement with local institutions, communities, and implementing partners to ensure alignment, foster collaboration, and promote a shared vision for the project’s objectives. The Project Manager will work in close coordination with the Project Coordinator, the Project Administrator, the Project Officer, and the wider IPSIA Kenya team.
Main responsibilities
Project management and implementation
- Support the Project Coordinator and staff in planning, implementing, oversighting, and monitoring of all project activities in line with the approved proposal and donor regulations.
- Develop detailed work plans, activity calendars and budgets, ensuring timely and quality execution.
- Supervise field activities of IPSIA and implementing partners and ensure that project outputs and outcomes are achieved as planned.
- Maintain ongoing communication with the Project Coordinator, sharing regular updates on technical progress, challenges encountered, and lessons learned.
- Ensure full compliance with AICS requirements, IPSIA procedures, and all contractual obligations.
- Support risk identification and mitigation throughout the project cycle.
Consortium coordination and stakeholder engagement
- Supervise and coordinate the activities of project partners, ensuring their compliance with IPSIA’s technical standards, contractual obligations, and reporting deadlines.
- Coordinate closely with target communities of the project, relevant authorities, and project stakeholders.
- Facilitate regular coordination meetings and ensure effective communication among all implementing partners.
- Represent IPSIA in project-related meetings, working groups, and stakeholder consultations as required.
- Strengthen relationships with county authorities and relevant line departments.
Financial oversight and procurement support
- Ensure that all supporting financial documentation and expense justifications for field activities are accurate and submitted on time.
- Support the Project Coordinator and the Project Administrator in monitoring project expenditures and ensuring alignment with the approved budget.
- Assist the Project Administrator in preparing procurement documents and ensure full compliance with all procurement procedures, from drafting tender documents and identify technical specifications to evaluating bids and overseeing the implementation of contractual obligations.
- Oversee procurement processes at field level to ensure transparency, accountability, and compliance with IPSIA and AICS procedures.
- Under the guidance of the Project Administrator, monitor the partner’s budget execution and provide support to ensure full adherence to accountability and compliance requirements.
Monitoring, evaluation, and reporting
- Oversee data collection, field monitoring, and consolidation of project progress information.
- Contribute to drafting high-quality narrative reports for internal and donor use, ensuring timely submission.
- Support the MEAL Manager and team in documenting lessons learned, challenges, and success stories through the collection, analysis, and documentation of progress data.
- Ensure that all supporting documents (attendance sheets, activity reports, procurement documentation, MoUs, etc.) are properly compiled and archived.
Team management
- Provide guidance and day-to-day supervision to project staff assigned to the initiative.
- Support capacity-building activities for partners and community actors involved in the project.
- Provide timely support to IPSIA staff and the Head of Mission as needed, including for tasks in other offices.
Professional Conduct and Compliance
- Foster a collaborative, respectful, and accountable working environment, ensuring all language and behavior are gender-sensitive and respectful of marginalized groups, both within the team and in external interactions with communities, county officials, and stakeholders.
- Ensure that all project activities adhere to these principles of respect, inclusivity, and sensitivity toward marginalized groups.
- Uphold the highest standards of integrity, including financial transparency, ethical conduct, and accountability in all project-related activities.
Requirements
Mandatory Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies, Project Management, Social Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, Environmental Studies, or a related field.
- Minimum of 4–5 years of experience in project management within INGOs or development programmes.
- Proven experience in managing donor-funded projects, preferably from AICS or similar institutional donors.
- Strong knowledge of the full project cycle (PCM), including planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting.
- Demonstrated experience in coordinating diverse stakeholders, including government authorities, community groups, and partners.
- Solid understanding of procurement, accountability, and compliance procedures.
- Strong budgeting and financial monitoring skills.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
- Excellent command of spoken and written English and Swahili.
- Strong commitment to IPSIA’s mandate and to community-based development.
Desired Requirements
- Master’s degree in a relevant field is a strong asset.
- Previous experience in projects related to agriculture, support for vulnerable or marginalized groups, women’s empowerment, livelihood enhancement, or climate resilience.
- Knowledge of the Laikipia context and local partnership networks.
- Experience in MEAL processes is an added advantage.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to send their CV (MAXIMUM 2 PAGES) and cover letter (MAXIMUM 1 PAGE) by 5.12.2025 at 5 pm to: Questo indirizzo email è protetto dagli spambots. È necessario abilitare JavaScript per vederlo..
Please indicate “LW – Project Manager” in the subject line.
IPSIA reserves the right to close the vacancy early should a suitable candidate be identified.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Safeguarding and Equal Opportunity
IPSIA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and has a zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment. We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from all qualified individuals regardless of gender, age, disability, or ethnicity.
