Project Manager – Kenya

Application deadline: 05-07-2025

Type of contract: co.co.co (Italian collaboration contract)

Term: 12 months, renewable

Starting date: 15 september 2025

Destination: Kenya, Nairobi

Salary range: €3,300–€3,800 gross per month, depending on experience.

ICU – Institute for University Cooperation is a non-governmental organization operating in the field of international development cooperation. Its goal is to promote sustainable, inclusive, and lasting growth in partner countries. Through multidisciplinary projects, ICU supports communities, institutions, and local businesses by strengthening their capacities, improving access to essential resources and services, and enhancing human and environmental capital.

ICU is looking for a Project Manager to coordinate a new project consortium in the TVET sector and launch ICU’s mission in Kenya.

Project description

The new project to be launched is in the TVET sector and aims to harness Green Hydrogen’s transformative potential as a key driver of Kenya’s development agenda and sustainable socio-economic growth.

The main goals are:
G1 – Equip current and future technicians with Green Hydrogen skills through Vocational Training Institutions (VTIs), promote a national Centre of Excellence for Green Hydrogen, and enhance women’s access to job opportunities in the sector;
G2 – Facilitate regional exchanges and study visits to promote technology transfer, capacity building, and practical knowledge sharing in Green Hydrogen programs;
G3 – Strengthen awareness and private sector engagement, especially among SMEs, on the benefits of Green Hydrogen business opportunities, workforce training, and gender equality across the value chain.

These goals will be achieved through three key COMPONENTS, namely:
A) Vocational Education and Training;
B) Exchange Program;
C) Awareness Raising and Dissemination.

General Tasks:

• General supervision of implemented activities to ensure that project objectives are achieved within the prescribed timeframe and in accordance with the parameters of the received funds. Responsibility for the overall quality and management of the project.
• Management, direction, and direct coordination of project activities in collaboration with partners and local stakeholders.
• Selection and management of local staff, including supervision and monitoring of their work.
• Meetings with staff to explain the project’s features, assign tasks and responsibilities, and outline the work plan.
• Accurate budget management and responsibility for its transparency: preparation of monthly financial records, identification of financial commitments required for project implementation, collection of quotations in accordance with procurement guidelines, and execution and authorization of purchases for planned equipment and supplies.
• Management of and responsibility for local project bank accounts.
• Drafting of project management documents and their regular submission to the NGO headquarters: operational planning and related updates, quarterly planning of local fund transfers, monthly progress reports on activities and expenses in the country, interim and final reports, and their financial statements in accordance with donor regulations.
• Coordination with relevant stakeholders (partners, beneficiaries, relevant ministries, international organizations, etc.) and participation in sectoral working groups.
• Preparation of dissemination and communication materials.
• Conducting needs assessments and drafting new project proposals in coordination with the NGO’s Italian headquarters.

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience required:

• Qualifications: University degree. A degree in international cooperation and relations, economics, environmental engineering, or social sciences will be considered an asset.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience as a Project Manager, preferably in Sub-Saharan African countries. Priority will be given to candidates with experience in managing projects in the TVET sector.
• Proven experience in administrative and logistical management carried out independently.
• Familiarity with European PRAG procedures, and specifically with GIZ procedures, will be considered an advantage.
• Experience in setting up a new field mission is required.
• Excellent knowledge of the English language (C1 level).
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple complex activity streams simultaneously.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively with diverse institutional stakeholders.
• Proven ability to manage human and financial resources to achieve objectives on time and within budget.
• Strong organizational capacity in complex and multisectoral projects.
• Diplomatic and negotiation skills.