Job Specifications
The Grants Management Officer will support grant management activities of various projects undertaken by ACTS including the on-going Research and Innovation Management project within the Science Granting Council Initiative (SGCI).
Key Responsibilities of the Grants Management Officer:

Work with the relevant heads of programs to conduct due diligence on sub-grantees,... implementing partners, and consultants’ contracts before any contract/grant agreement is issued;
Prepare contracts, grant agreements and the necessary amendments as required for review and approval in line with the policies;
Support development of Requests for Proposal, placing advertisements and opening tenders, evaluation of the tenders and later negotiating contractual terms in line with the approved policies;
Prepare monthly reports on all open contracts, grant agreements and contractual payments
Guide on the on boarding of consultants and grantees in line with the procurement policy and documentation requirements;
Review contracts for all consultants, partners, market actors and suppliers and prompt users of the expiry or near expiry of the contracts and grants;
Track and report progress of implementation of projects by sub-grantees, consultants and partners;
Review the financial reports from sub-grantees, consultants, partners, market actors for the grants issued and ensure that they are in compliance with the contractual reporting requirements and the set budgetary-allocations.

Minimum Requirement

A Bachelor’s degree in Business related fields (Finance or Accounting, Project Management, Economics, Economic and Statistics)or related field with CPA (K) qualification
A minimum of 3 years’ experience in grants management preferably in NGO / IGO set up.
Experience in procurement especially in management of contracts and
Working experience with international donors / funders
Ability to analyse contracts/ grants/ any other specialised procurement and anticipate any future contractual challenges, taking into account the wider organisation and policy context;
Strong relationship management and communication skills;
Resourcefulness and ability to work well in a team offering hands-on support;
In-depth understanding of contracts management (legal, execution, obligations, responsibilities and rights).

Minimum Competences
Skills

Writes effectively and efficiently in a professional approach relevant for policy makers and/or academic audiences
Multi-tasking and problem solving to adapt well to situations
Project management
Analytical skills
Attention to details
Proficiency in French desired but NOT a must

Knowledge

Research management

Behaviours

Recognizes the importance of delivering results through teamwork,
taking responsibilities for actions and taking initiative
Demonstrates respect for others inside and outside the workplace

Desirable competences
Knowledge

African STI actors and institutions including African government policy processes

Experience

Working with or advising African science granting councils or African ministries of science, technology and/or innovation and/or Ministries of Education
Managing and reporting on international development partner funding more

Key responsibilities
The SPOKE Manager will be part of a larger international team that will work collaboratively to deliver on operationalizing the vision for the SPOKE. The manager will be responsible for a broad range of tasks that include:

Be involved in developing the overall organizational and technical structure and business model of the SPOKE.
Assist in the development and preparation... of the strategy related to the technical (i.e. the cooling and cold chain systems) and business aspects of the Centre.
Assist in the tailoring and delivery of the training, technical assistance and mentoring outreach and on-site programmes.
Manage, direct and monitor the overall performance of the SPOKE ensuring high quality business activities with maximum quality, service and profitability.
Involved in hiring, and responsible in supervision of various key staff in the SPOKE.
Overall responsible for ensuring SPOKE operates in compliance with related legal/statutory, regulations, professional duties, and obligations.
Prepares periodic reports, work plans, financial statements and records/budgets on Center activities, progress, status or other special reports for management or outside agencies.
Evaluate Center activities for effectiveness to develop improved methods and implements; analyzes results and recommends and/or takes appropriate action.
Drive development of systems, processes, operations and risk management procedures for the SPOKE including those related to the cooling and cold chain systems.
Develop and lead plans for the Centre’s programmes and initiatives progress, growth and development.
Meet Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) targets of the centre set by the management.
Serves as a key liaison of the Centre with external stakeholders, able to interact and cooperate with suppliers and customers.
Maintain and improve mechanisms for Centre activities, including surveying and measuring the operations, process, outcomes and profitability and disseminate feedback to the appropriate internal entities.

Qualifications and Experience

Able to work independently and be a self-starter.
Master’s degree with a combination of two of the following fields: – Mechanical/Agricultural/ Electrical Engineering/HVAC and business/finance.
A Bachelor’s degree in the above fields with exceptional experience may be considered.
Have a minimum of five (5) years of demonstrable work experience in management/supervisory levels.
Experience in a temperature sensitive horticultural agribusiness or fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) firm is an added advantage (Pharma/vaccines as well would be an advantage)
Have a working experience in cold chain sector and refrigeration systems.
Have excellent leadership, project management, sharp analytical, and communication (writing and spoken) skills, with a drive to meet business goals and a strong understanding of customer service.
Innovative mindset; able to come up with creative solutions and implement new ideas, make sound decisions to responsibly manage business operations.
Is a “people-persons”, have excellent interpersonal skills and a good understanding of customer/supplier relationship management.
Experience with budgeting, financial modelling, tracking and management, business development and related duties.
Good understanding of business process and management, requirements and dynamics.
Experience with value chain analysis and development, post-harvest management, and marketing systems development especially for high value agriproducts in relation to cooling and cold chain systems.
Experience working with smallholder farmers, especially through cooperatives or farmer group structures.
Have demonstrable experience in training / mentoring in relation to food businesses including community outreach.
Demonstrated understanding of cold chain and cooling technologies and the opportunities for integrated and sustainable approaches to deploying them in agri-food and other interlinked sectors and the link with and supply chain development especially in value chains such as horticulture, milk, fish among others and pharma.
Knowledge of the latest developments in advancing best practices in temperature controlled agri-food value chain and market systems development for both export and domestic markets.
Demonstrable experience preparing and presenting detailed business/financial models in agriculture.
Having private sector experience in the agri-food sector is a pre-requisite.
Commitment to gender and social equality and knowledge of gender mainstreaming principles and approaches.

The initial appointment is for two years with the possibility for renewal based on performance and availability of funding
Interested candidates should send their applications and CV along with the names of three referees by 15th July 2023 to hr@acts-net.org with a copy to i.omolo@acts-net.org more

Core duties of the Finance Officer (FO)

Managing payments of the center by ensuring timely processing, adequate supporting documents in line with ACTS policies, accurate project and expense coding, vendor account reconciliations and playing a liaison role between the procurement and the Finance department.
Review field expense reports by ensuring accuracy, adherence to ACTS’ policies, proper... project and expense coding, follow up on refunds and journal processing.
Ensure monthly accounting data is updated in the SUN System on regular basis and adequate review is carried out and corrections implemented when necessary upon approval of the same.
Carry out monthly reconciliations for all bank accounts, credit cards, petty cash etc
Perform month-end closing activities such as various ledger account reconciliations to ensure accuracy in the accounting data.
Ensure finance data is accurately maintained both physically and in softcopy.
Ensure compliance with local statutory regulations; withholding tax (WHT), PAYE, NHIF, NSSF, NITA etc.
Prepare quarterly Budget vs Actual reports and ensure regular project fund reconciliations.
Participate in the design and implementation of internal controls, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with all applicable policies, laws and regulations.
Support both project and institutional audit processes.
Supervise Accounts assistant and provide guidance when necessary.

Minimum Requirements

The candidate must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or relevant field from a recognized Institution.
Qualified Certified Accountant of Kenya.
Knowledge of Computer Skills and at least one accounting package.
At least 3 years’ experience in donor funded set-up.

Please send a cover letter, resume and scanned copies of academic certificates as a single document, including contact details for 3 references to hr@acts-net.org by 17:00 hrs. East Africa Time on 7th July 2023. more

Key responsibilities
The SPOKE Manager will be part of a larger international team that will work collaboratively to deliver on operationalizing the vision for the SPOKE. The manager will be responsible for a broad range of tasks that include:

Be involved in developing the overall organizational and technical structure and business model of the SPOKE.
Assist in the development and preparation... of the strategy related to the technical (i.e. the cooling and cold chain systems) and business aspects of the Centre.
Assist in the tailoring and delivery of the training, technical assistance and mentoring outreach and on-site programmes.
Manage, direct and monitor the overall performance of the SPOKE ensuring high quality business activities with maximum quality, service and profitability.
Involved in hiring, and responsible in supervision of various key staff in the SPOKE.
Overall responsible for ensuring SPOKE operates in compliance with related legal/statutory, regulations, professional duties, and obligations.
Prepares periodic reports, work plans, financial statements and records/budgets on Center activities, progress, status or other special reports for management or outside agencies.
Evaluate Center activities for effectiveness to develop improved methods and implements; analyzes results and recommends and/or takes appropriate action.
Drive development of systems, processes, operations and risk management procedures for the SPOKE including those related to the cooling and cold chain systems.
Develop and lead plans for the Centre’s programmes and initiatives progress, growth and development.
Meet Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) targets of the centre set by the management.
Serves as a key liaison of the Centre with external stakeholders, able to interact and cooperate with suppliers and customers.
Maintain and improve mechanisms for Centre activities, including surveying and measuring the operations, process, outcomes and profitability and disseminate feedback to the appropriate internal entities.

Qualifications and Experience

Able to work independently and be a self-starter.
Master’s degree with a combination of two of the following fields: – Mechanical/Agricultural/ Electrical Engineering/HVAC and business/finance.
A Bachelor’s degree in the above fields with exceptional experience may be considered.
Have a minimum of five (5) years of demonstrable work experience in management/supervisory levels.
Experience in a temperature sensitive horticultural agribusiness or fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) firm is an added advantage (Pharma/vaccines as well would be an advantage)
Have a working experience in cold chain sector and refrigeration systems.
Have excellent leadership, project management, sharp analytical, and communication (writing and spoken) skills, with a drive to meet business goals and a strong understanding of customer service.
Innovative mindset; able to come up with creative solutions and implement new ideas, make sound decisions to responsibly manage business operations.
Is a “people-persons”, have excellent interpersonal skills and a good understanding of customer/supplier relationship management.
Experience with budgeting, financial modelling, tracking and management, business development and related duties.
Good understanding of business process and management, requirements and dynamics.
Experience with value chain analysis and development, post-harvest management, and marketing systems development especially for high value agriproducts in relation to cooling and cold chain systems.
Experience working with smallholder farmers, especially through cooperatives or farmer group structures.
Have demonstrable experience in training / mentoring in relation to food businesses including community outreach.
Demonstrated understanding of cold chain and cooling technologies and the opportunities for integrated and sustainable approaches to deploying them in agrifood and other interlinked sectors and the link with and supply chain development especially in value chains such as horticulture, milk, fish among others and pharma.
Knowledge of the latest developments in advancing best practices in temperature controlled agrifood value chain and market systems development for both export and domestic markets.
Demonstratable experience preparing and presenting detailed business/financial models in agriculture.
Having private sector experience in the agrifood sector is a pre-requisite.
Commitment to gender and social equality and knowledge of gender mainstreaming principles and approaches. more

To support these, ACTS has introduced a new senior role, the Strategic Business Development Manager, reporting directly to the Executive Director of ACTS. The successful candidate will bring commercial skill and acumen to package key ACTS projects with near-market potential into viable business proposals and drive their implementation as well as drive the commercial realisation of the Konza... institute, including marketing strategy, stakeholder engagement, financial modelling, fundraising and execution support.
The Strategic Business Development Manager will be required to:

Coordinate the implementation of ACTS Konza Business Plan (2023-2026) including proposition articulation, partner identification and outreach, marketing, investment fundraising, commercial oversight.
Be the commercial face of the ACTS Konza Institute and ensure that the Institute becomes internationally recognised as a centre of excellence and the “go to” organisation in Africa for the application of advanced data science.
In collaboration with researchers, formulate and successfully implement business plans for ACTS internal IP for exploitation as companies, joint ventures or other collaborative activities and secure the investment finance needed to grow these opportunities.
Coordinate ACTS consultancy services in support of the above goals.
Over time, build a commercial team to deliver the above goals.
Proactively guide and build the internal (ACTS Staff) capacity on enterprise development, commercialization, and investment readiness.

 IDEAL CANDIDATE SHOULD HAVE THE FOLLOWING:

BSc and MSc in a relevant scientific, engineering or business management subject. An MBA is highly desirable.
At least 5 years of demonstrable experience in senior business development, consulting and strategic planning.
Proven track record of investment finance raising from major corporates / donors / funders both in the commercial sector and those related to research and commercialization of technology innovations.
Sound financial skills and the ability to create clear and compelling business cases. The candidate should be fully conversant with business modelling and creation of financial plans including P&L, cashflow and balance sheet projections.
A good technical understanding and an ability to work with researchers and innovators to develop ideas and identify the overlap between potential solutions and established problems.
An understanding of the technology innovation and  commercialization context in Africa is an added advantage.
Experience working with STI think tanks Regionally and Globally would be an advantage but is not essential
Self-driven with the ability to work independently and lead teams to deliver on strategic goals.
Demonstrated experience in coordinating and facilitating the development of major investment proposals to corporate entities, institutional, trust, foundations and philanthropic donors.
Excellent communication skills, able to interact with individuals at the highest levels in Government and the commercial sector (Ministerial / Board levels)
Ability to create clear and compelling proposals in powerpoint and as written documents
Highly developed international networking skills and ability to form productive working relationships with a wide range of internal colleagues and stakeholders.
Experience in project and change management related to organisational development projects and international, cross-functional teams with a proven history of delivering results.
A high degree of attention to detail and the ability to lead key tasks (e.g proposal development) to on-time completion under significant pressure.
Knowledge of the application of Intellectual Property Rights and licensing is highly desirable. more

Job Specifications
The Research Fellow will support the work of the STIKS Programme within ACTS, including the on-going Research and Innovation Management project.  She/he will support implementation of public private partnership (PPP) projects, other technology transfer related projects and also conduct policy-oriented research and dissemination activities.
Core Duties of the RF
The Research... Fellow will be expected to handle the following core tasks as a minimum at the program level:

Support the implementation of the Research and Innovation Project.
Undertake research in Technology Transfer (TT), Intellectual Property (IP) and Commercialization.
Support junior researchers in the programme.
Participate in research proposal development related to Technology Transfer, Intellectual Property and Commercialization.
Support capacity building activities related to Technology Transfer, Intellectual Property and Commercialization.
Produce high quality policy outputs (not limited to policy briefs, dissemination workshops and knowledge exchange events).
Support the STIKS Programme Manager in setting and advancing programme direction through writing of strategy documents, and organizing policy outreach events among others.

Minimum Requirements
The candidate must hold a PhD Degree in a relevant field (e.g. technology transfer, intellectual property management, commercialisation, technology studies, innovation studies, knowledge management) from a recognized institution; and have at least the following:

A minimum of 3 years post PhD research experience in the field of technology transfer, intellectual property management, and commercialisation.
Knowledge in Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning is an added advantage.
An established publication record (e.g. minimum 4 publications; preferably in peer reviewed journals).
Evidence of winning research project funding (preferably as principal investigator).
Evidence of organizing policy dialogue and outreach workshops. more

Job Specifications
The Research Fellow will head and support the development of the newly established Gender, Youth and Inclusive Development Programme within ACTS. He/she will contribute towards strengthening the participation of women, youth and marginalised groups in the development, deployment, application and utilization of science, technology, and innovation for sustainable and inclusive... development. Specifically, the Research Fellow will be expected to handle the following core tasks as a minimum at the program level.

Provide leadership to the programme.
Support the integration of gender, youth and inclusive development in all projects undertaken in all the five programs of the organisation.
Mobilise resources through proposals development targeting projects in gender, youth and inclusive development.
Undertake policy research, capacity building and training
Support capacity building activities related to STI, gender, youth, and inclusive development.
Produce high quality policy outputs (not limited to policy briefs, dissemination workshops and knowledge exchange events).
Support junior researchers in the program.

Minimum Requirements
The candidate must hold a PhD Degree in a gender, youth and inclusive development or relevant field from a recognized institution; and have at least the following:

A minimum of 3 years post PhD research experience in the field of gender, youth and inclusive development
An established publication record (e.g. minimum 4 publications; preferably in peer reviewed journals).
Evidence of winning research project funding (preferably as principal investigator).
Evidence of organizing policy dialogue and outreach workshops.
Management and leadership experience. more

Job Specifications
The Research Fellow (Grants Management) will support grant management activities of various projects undertaken by ACTS including the on-going Research and Innovation Management project within the Science Granting Council Initiative (SGCI).  
Key Responsibilities of the RF (Grants Management)

Work with the relevant heads of programs to conduct due diligence on sub-grantees,... implementing partners, and consultants’ contracts before any contract/grant agreement is issued.
Support fund raising activities.
Prepare contracts, grant agreements and the necessary amendments as required for review and approval in line with the policies.
Support development of Requests for Proposal, placing advertisements and opening tenders, evaluation of the tenders and negotiating contractual terms in line with the approved policies.
Convene and coordinate proposals evaluation committees for all bids/tenders.
Prepare monthly reports on all open contracts, grant agreements and contractual payments.
Guide on the on boarding of consultants and grantees in line with the procurement policy and documentation requirements.
Review contracts for all consultants, partners, market actors and suppliers and prompt users of the expiry or near expiry of the contracts and grants.
Work with the Monitoring, Research & Evaluation (MRE) team to prepare the (Value for Money) VFM report as guided by the donor reporting guidelines.
Track and report progress of implementation of projects by sub-grantees, consultants and partners.
Review the financial reports from sub-grantees, consultants, partners, market actors for the grants issued and ensure that they are in compliance with the contractual reporting requirements and the set budgetary- allocations.

Minimum Requirements

A Master’s degree in Business related fields (Finance or Accounting, Project Management, Economics, Economic and Statistics) or related field with CPA (K) qualification.
A minimum of 5 years’ experience in grants management preferably in NGO / IGO set up.
Experience in procurement especially in management of contracts and grants.
Working experience with international donors / funders.
Ability to analyse contracts/ grants/ any other specialised procurement and anticipate any future contractual challenges taking into account the wider organisation and policy context.
Strong relationship management and communication skills.
Resourcefulness and ability to work well in a team offering hands-on support.
In-depth understanding of contracts management (legal, execution, obligations, responsibilities and rights). more

Job Specifications
The Research Fellow will support the work of the STIKS Programme within ACTS, including the on-going Research and Innovation Management project within the Science Granting Council Initiative (SGCI).  She/he will conduct policy-oriented research and dissemination activities for the STIKS Programme as well as day-to-day project implementation activities on the SGCI Research and... Innovation project.  
Core Duties of the RF
The Research Fellow will be expected to handle the following core tasks as a minimum at the program level.

Support the implementation of the Research and Innovation Project.
Undertake policy research in Science Technology and Innovation (STI).
Participate in research proposal development related to Science Technology and Innovation.
Support capacity building activities related to STI.
Produce high quality policy outputs (not limited to policy briefs, dissemination workshops and knowledge exchange events).
Support the STIKS Programme Manager in setting and advancing programme direction through writing of strategy documents, and organizing policy outreach events among others.
Support junior researchers in the program.

Minimum Requirements
The candidate must hold a PhD Degree in a relevant field (e.g. science and technology studies, research and innovation management, innovation studies, development economics, sociology of science, innovation policy, and development studies) from a recognized institution; and have at least the following:

A minimum of 3 years post PhD research experience in the field of innovation and development studies
Knowledge in Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning is an added advantage.
An established publication record (e.g. minimum 4 publications; preferably in peer reviewed journals).
Evidence of winning research project funding (preferably as principal investigator).
Evidence of organizing policy dialogue and outreach workshops.
Proficiency in French is required. more

Duties and Responsibilities
The main duties and responsibilities will include to:

Mobilize relevant stakeholders for various meetings, training workshops and other project activities in close collaboration with the PIs, they will include and not limited to the community members and elders, county government officials, National government officials, CSOs, BMUs, religious leaders among others.... This will also entail developing rapport with both private and public stakeholders concerned in the project.
Administer various data collection tools and templates for data collection in collaboration with other project team members. She/he will also be responsible for collating and reporting stakeholder feedback using the availed tools.
Attend relevant project, interagency County and community level meetings, trainings and conferences as may be required.
Offer technical support to Work-package leads as they develop and deliver weekly and monthly work plans in close coordination with the PIs.
Any other relevant and lawful responsibilities assigned by the project PI and the Project Implementation Committee (PIC).

Qualifications

A diploma in project management, community development, environmental sciences, social work, social science, marine/aquatic sciences, or any other relevant field. A university degree is an added advantage.
At least 1 years of significant and hands-on experience in community development, project management and environmental governance in the coastal counties.
Experience in working closely with the coastal communities
Must be a resident of Kwale and Kilifi County or be willing to relocate to Kwale or Kilifi County.
Prior experience in data collection and stakeholder mobilisation
Excellent presentation as well as oral and written communications skills, problem solving abilities and great interpersonal skills.
Ability to create and nurture effective working relationships with the project’s stakeholders.
Knowledge of and active use of MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Self-driven, has initiative and can work well with minimal supervision as well as part of a diverse team.
Ability to understand the local dialects in Kwale/Kilifi County is an added advantage. more