The following opinion was first published in the Business Daily.

Kenya Airways (KQ) is truly the Pride of Africa and Africa is its home. It is headquartered in Africa, flies to many African cities, and even non-Kenyans used to be proud of it.

Unfortunately, KQ appears to have adopted a self-defeating pricing strategy that has made the airline one of the most uncompetitive in the African skies.

Mother Teresa taught us that, “Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do… but how much love we put in that action.”

Recently, I have begun wondering how much love of Africa KQ has put into action when it comes to its pricing strategy. Four cases below elaborate how our love affair with the Pride of Africa may falter, and I know I am speaking on behalf of many Africans.

In the past one year, I have attended numerous conferences in African countries. I always request my sponsors to put me on KQ. Their policies, however, require that they use the best pricing possible, and, in virtually all cases, KQ has never fallen within that category.

At one point, I was to attend a conference in Mauritius. My sponsor put me on Emirates, meaning I would I fly to Dubai, then back to Mauritius. The entire journey would take 20 hours of my precious time instead of six.

After a protest, they gave me a second best option: South African Airways to Johannesburg then to Mauritius for a total of eight hours. I opted for this arrangement. KQ was fourth best after Ethiopian Airlines via Addis.

During another trip to Tanzania, I was told the best air ticket deal was Ethiopian Airlines, which would take me through Addis then back over the Kenyan airspace to Tanzania.

In other words, go north in order to go south. The proposed trip would take four hours instead of 56 minutes. I had to top up from my pocket for a direct flight to Dar es Salaam.

I faced a similar challenge while travelling to Abuja, Nigeria. Once more, KQ was nowhere in the top three for best pricing. I used Ethiopian Airlines.

I keep on asking myself: is it that KQ is not aware of its competitors? Is there a deliberate policy to be expensive at home? And if it is, why then is KQ making losses?

As I pondered on KQ’s strategic response to these questions, someone told me that the airline also lags behind in other products like cargo.

Their attempt to ship a three-tonne cargo from Accra to Nairobi via KQ failed because the cost was more expensive than shipping a similar cargo from China, a distance that is almost five times longer.

Another small enterprise wanted to ship horticultural products to Djibouti only to be confronted with a pricing that left them with no income.

Surprisingly, KQ flies to both Accra and Djibouti daily with its belly empty. One would think the airline would leverage on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to grow its Africa market.

I can only think of two plausible explanations why KQ lacks a strategic response to competitors. The first is that perhaps KQ is still stuck in a monopolistic mentality, while the second is that KQ management is probably preoccupied with operational matters at the expense of strategy.

If this assessment is true, then we have a serious problem, considering the fact that KQ’s core sustained competitive advantage (SCA) lies in its primary market – Africa. It does not have the muscle to fight with the European giants or the emerging Middle Eastern behemoths.

Management scientist, Michael Porter, explained SCA as a firm’s ability to manage the cost drivers as well as differentiation drivers so as to produce a cost advantage or a differentiation advantage.

Other management experts define SCA as the prolonged benefit of implementing some unique value-creating strategy based on unique combination of internal organisational resources and capabilities, value-creating products, technologies, processes and services that cannot be matched by competitors.

Global oil pricing, Ebola and travel advisories placed by some Western nations are just excuses that we must not entertain. If global oil pricing were the culprit, then Ethiopian Airlines would have suffered more considering that it has more networks in West Africa than KQ.

In fact, competition took more customers from KQ’s home turf than the combined number of passengers who would travel from West Africa and the tourists who cancelled their trips to Kenya.

Ultimately, we must look to value-creating products such as SMEs, manage cost drivers and complement that with building a pricing strategy that keeps competitors at bay as a strategy for exploiting Africa’s potential and give SCA to KQ.

Britam is pulling the plug on an increasingly popular low-end cover for individuals launched with Safaricom in January last year.

Working for British High Commission Nairobi

Information on job vacancies at the British High Commission-Nairobi

Head of UK Trade and Investment

Section: UK Trade and Investment

Grade: C4 (Full Time)

Salary Ksh 317,293 Per Month

Main purpose of job

This is an exciting, challenging and high profile opportunity at the British High Commission in Nairobi. BHC Nairobi is a large Mission whose officers perform a wide variety of functions across the spectrum of UK objectives; ten government departments are represented, working within Kenya and Somalia. This role is at the heart of the Mission’s commercial objective. It will involve some international travel.

You will lead your team to develop trade between the UK and Kenya, supporting British companies exporting to Kenya and Kenyan companies looking to set up operations or expand in the UK. You will have a challenging set of targets for business wins (providing significant support to a UK company to secure a contract, for example) and service deliveries (producing a programme to introduce a UK firm to the Kenyan market) which you will be expected to exceed. This will require you to deliver at pace, using project management skills and developing a systematic and focused approach to hitting results.

With your line manager based in Dar es Salaam, being self-sufficient and proactive, and able to drive your team without direct oversight, is hugely important. And, as the head of a team of five, being able to set your team’s direction and to delegate effectively is a must.

Hitting your targets is important, but it won’t be enough to excel. An important aspect of the team’s work is to contribute to the British Government’s broader economic and development agenda, by working alongside Foreign Office and Department for International Development colleagues through the Joint Africa Framework. In emergent markets such as Kenya, UKTI’s commercial agenda stands closely alongside the Foreign Office’s and DFID’s priorities, and you will be working with these departments to improve the business climate, in particular through the Growth and Prosperity Group. So you will need to be able to see the bigger picture of how your team’s work fits into a broader whole, and to collaborate closely with colleagues in other government departments.

You will be able to communicate confidently and with impact to senior figures in Post and externally. And you will need to be able to manage priorities, ensuring the UKTI office contributes corporately to the rest of the Mission’s work.

You will have experience of international/regional/Kenya trade and investment issues and possess demonstrable commercial expertise, with a track record of fostering business relationships in order to deliver a high standard to your customers. These will be backed up by excellent communication and networking abilities, particularly in our priority markets.

The Kenya UKTI team forms part of a regional East Africa UKTI network. You will have a responsibility to support the regional head (based in Dar es Salaam) and champion efforts to greatly strengthen regionalisation, an important change management programme which is a priority for UKTI Headquarters

Roles and responsibilities

Lead and manage the Nairobi UKTI team, while reporting to the head of UKTI East Africa (based in Dar es Salaam) and also to the British High Commissioner and Deputy Head of Mission. Responsibility for the UKTI budget.

Support the UK Government’s broader growth and prosperity agenda through robust analysis of the business climate and reform agendas and by working with FCO and DFID colleagues on improving the business climate in Kenya, through active participation in the Growth and Prosperity Group.

Lead on visits: trade missions, Ministerial and other VIP visits, as well as conferences and events.

Build and maintain an extensive network of contacts, especially in priority sectors (energy, infrastructure, financial services, agriculture, ICT), across Kenyan government ministries, relevant organisations/associations and the private sector.

Advise potential investors and businesses, highlighting commercial opportunities, developments and risks.

Support the British Chamber of Commerce;

Support the regional head of UKTI, and work to builder a stronger, more interconnected East African regional team. Be a corporate contributor to the High Commission.

Resources managed

4 staff: 2x Trade Development Managers B3, 2x Trade Officers A2

Key competences required

Seeing the Big Picture: having an in-depth understanding and knowledge of how your role fits with and supports organisational objectives and the wider public needs. It is about scanning the political context and taking account of wider impacts to develop long term implementation strategies that maximise opportunities to add value to the citizen and support economic, sustainable growth.

Making Effective Decisions: being objective; using sound judgement, evidence and knowledge to provide accurate, expert and professional advice. Leaders will be creating evidence based strategies, evaluating options, impacts, risks and solutions.

Collaborating and Partnering: creating and maintaining positive, professional and trusting working relationships with a wide range of people within and outside the High Commission to help get business done. It requires working collaboratively, sharing information and building supportive, responsive relationships with colleagues and stakeholders, whilst having the confidence to challenge assumptions.

Building Capacity for All: having a strong focus on continuous learning for oneself, others and the organisation. Being open to learning, about keeping one’s own knowledge and skill set current and evolving.

Managing a Quality Service: being organised to deliver service objectives and striving to improve the quality of service, taking account of diverse customer needs and requirements. People, who are effective plan, organise and manage their time and activities to deliver a high quality and efficient service, applying programme and project management approaches to support service delivery.

Delivering at Pace: focusing on delivering timely performance with energy and taking responsibility and accountability for quality outcomes. Working to agreed goals and activities and dealing with challenges in a responsive and constructive way. Building a performance culture to deliver outcomes with a firm focus on prioritisation and addressing performance issues resolutely, fairly and promptly.

Language requirements

Language: English, Swahili Level of language required: Fluency in both

The role requires fluent English, Non Swahili speakers are welcome to apply

Other skills / experience / qualifications: Essential on arrival: Strong understanding of Kenyan market

NOTE:

All applicants must be legally able to work in Kenya with the correct visa/status or work permit.

The British High Commission in Nairobi is an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference.

Staff members recruited locally by the British High Commission in Nairobi are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local Kenyan employment law.

Spouses/registered partners of UK Based Staff, are able to work within the BHC/BCG but their salary will be abated at the appropriate tax rates.

Reference checking and security clearances will be conducted.

If you have not heard from us 3 weeks after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful. Note: Any questions you may have about this position will only be answered during interview, should you be invited.

To Apply

All applicants should submit a short (1 page maximum) covering letter stating why they are a suitable candidate for the position along with a copy of their CV in English, by email to: [email protected]

External Application Form – C4 Head of UKTI (MS Word Document, 84.5KB)

Internal applicants should also submit the above, with a copy of their most recent 24 months of appraisal evidence (i.e. two full appraisals, or however many abridged appraisals, minutes etc to make up two years’ worth of evidence) to the same email address.

All candidates: Please quote in the subject line, of your email, the Vacancy Notice No: 13/15 NR, and position you are applying for.

Internal candidates, and spouses of diplomatic officers: Please quote in the subject line, of your email, the Vacancy Notice No: 13/15 NR, and position you are applying for, and also indicate that you are an internal candidate, or spouse of a diplomatic officer.

Only electronic applications will be accepted.

The closing date is 03 June 2015 and no further applications will be accepted after this date.

Head of Customer Service Help Desk (CSHD)

Section: Joint Corporate Services, Nairobi

Grade: B3 (L) (Full Time/Permanent)

Salary Ksh 192,867 Per Month

A vacancy has arisen at the British High Commission for a B3 (L) Head of Customer Service Help Desk (CSHD). The British High Commission Nairobi and British Embassy Mogadishu (Nairobi Office) consist of 350 employees with a wide variety of experience and job roles, representing 10 British government departments working within Kenya and Somalia.

The position is graded at B3 (L) for which the starting salary is Ksh. 192,867 per month before deduction of tax. Where the jobholder is not liable to Kenyan tax the scale will be abated under HM Treasury rules and starts at Ksh. 141,135 per month to take account of the tax they would have paid.

The Role

This is an exciting opportunity to lead the front line of Joint Corporate Services Team (JCST) activity. The successful candidate should have a good track record of Customer Service Management – including managing expectations and delivering difficult messages – and will need to demonstrate that they can work as part of a team, manage and motivate staff, delegate responsibilities and meet tight deadlines and targets. We will expect the successful candidate to become the Customer Service champion for the Mission. Outreach to the wider HMG Nairobi platform will be a key part of the job. The successful candidate will work closely with partners across government and should expect to spend a significant amount of their time helping them meet their corporate service requirements.

Key responsibilities

Working closely with the Section Heads within JCST, the successful candidate will need to deal with a range of contacts – both inside and outside the High Commission. S/he should therefore be able to provide support to the wider JCST while demonstrating excellent organisational skills. The key responsibilities are:-

Leading a team of 3 Customer Service Officers that provide a first class customer experience by communicating quickly and efficiently, and by seeking and acting upon constant feedback while adhering to HMG Nairobi policy;

Defining and delivering a JCST customer service strategy to ensure an excellent level of service is experienced across a diverse customer base, including staff coming to live and work in Kenya, and those locally employed;

Collation of qualitative and quantitative service performance data, and analysis of it to inform continuous improvements to the way services are delivered across JCST.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Responsible for the management, organisation and co-ordination of the day to day work of a team of customer service officers on the CSHD to deliver the highest standards of services to customers. Ensure the CSHD is adequately resourced by liaising with relevant staff and planning resources effectively;

Ensure that customer enquiries are dealt with in accordance with the performance and service standards as laid down by the Network Committee and Corporate Services charter, and any new Service Level Agreements between UK Government Departments. Personally deal with more complex enquiries, including complaints;

Maintain effective relationships with service colleagues (Technical Works Group and other JCST teams), key stakeholders (User Group, Network and People Committees), contractors (local and UK), hard to reach groups (spouses and new arrivals), the wider community (including responsible Departments in the Foreign Office and regional posts) and other organisations to ensure the effective delivery of customer services;

Challenge current methods of service delivery and identify, recommend and implement improvements to better meet agreed standards. Keep up to date with customer services best practice to improve customer satisfaction and reduce costs;

Ensure allocated jobs are tracked and that the team follow-up to ascertain jobs are completed within agreed service times. Ensure that customer service officers achieve the required performance targets and standards. Monitor and report progress and performance, provide feedback and take appropriate corrective action;

Maintain and develop a thorough and up-to-date working knowledge of all JCST services including procedures and guidance to deal with customer enquiries. Implement any changes to procedures, business processes and technology. Continually assess the effectiveness of the team, especially in terms of quality of service, and ensuring all guidance on SharePoint and on the DFID equivalent is kept relevant and up to date by the Customer Service teams and amended to cover new, regularly raised questions or concerns;

Monitor and co-ordinate management information relating to the work of the teams. Undertake an annual JCST customer survey, consultation, exit surveys and elicit feedback on services with a view to improving service delivery. Critically analyse information, monitor performance, identify trends and make recommendations for continuous improvement to meet targets. Prepare and present reports and management information relating to performance and any other aspect of the team’s work;

Ensure all relevant correspondence is answered within service targets. Ensure all complaints are answered in accordance with set procedures and guidelines. Monitor, track and analyse complaints making recommendations on trends and improvements that will reduce volume and pattern of complaints and improve quality of service;

Motivate, develop, coach, train, induct and formally appraise employees to set performance standards, recognise achievement and deal with performance;

Monitor and achieve appropriate customer outreach – by holding briefings with new arrivals and existing customer groups on different aspects of service offered and managing customers’ expectations, working closely with the CLO for UK-based staff. Liaise with teams across the mission to maintain an up to date list of arrivals and departures and coordinate a joined up Corporate Services response to ensure a positive customer experience.

Manage the handover of HR and Finance enquiries to Regional hubs, helping to ensure continuity of service while easing the resource burden on those teams.

Required Skills

Excellent communication skills, both spoken and written English

Strong IT skills (a working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Access, PowerPoint and Word is essential)

Previous staff management experience

Customer service management experience

Strong team working skills

Key Competences

Seeing the Big Picture – having an in-depth understanding and knowledge of how your role fits with and supports organisational objectives and the wider public needs;

Making Effective Decisions – being objective; using sound judgement, evidence and knowledge to provide accurate, expert and professional advice;

Leading and Communicating – leading from the front and communicating with clarity, conviction and enthusiasm;

Collaborating and Partnering – People skilled in this area, creating and maintaining positive, professional and trusting working relationships with a wide range of people within and outside HMG Nairobi to help get business done;

Managing a Quality Service – being organised to deliver service objectives and striving to improve the quality of service, taking account of diverse customer needs and requirements;

Delivering at Pace – focusing on delivering timely performance with energy and taking responsibility and accountability for quality outcomes

NOTE:

The British High Commission in Nairobi is an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference.

Staffs recruited locally by The British High Commission in Nairobi are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local Kenyan employment law.

All applicants must be legally able to work in Kenya with the correct visa/status/work permit.

The successful candidate will be subject to reference checking and security clearances checks.

If you have not heard from us 3 weeks after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful. Note: Any questions you may have about this position will only be answered during interview, should you be invited.

Application

All applicants should submit a short (1 page maximum) covering letter stating why they are a suitable candidate for the position along with a copy of their CV in English, by email to: [email protected]

External Application Form – B3 Head of Customer Service Help desk (MS Word Document, 84.5KB)

Internal applicants should also submit the above, with a copy of their most recent (last 24 months) appraisals to the same email address.

All candidates: Please quote in the subject line, of your email, the Vacancy Notice No: 14/15 NR, and the position you are applying for.

Internal candidates, and spouses of diplomatic officers: Please quote in the subject line, of your email, the Vacancy Notice No: 14/15 NR, and the position you are applying for, and also indicate that you are an internal candidate, or spouse of a diplomatic officer.

Only electronic applications will be accepted.

The closing date is 05 June 2015 and no further applications will be accepted after this date.

Estate Finance Officer

Section : JSCT

GRADE : A2

POSITION TYPE : PERMANENT

SALARY : Kshs.129, 949 PER MONTH

A vacancy has arisen at the British High Commission for an Estates Finance Officer. The British High Commission Nairobi consists of over 300 employees with a wide variety of experience and job roles, representing over 10 government departments working within Kenya and Somalia.

The position is graded at A2(L) for which the current salary scale starts at Kshs. 129,949/- per month before deduction of tax. Where the jobholder is not liable to Kenyan tax, the scale will be abated under HM Treasury rules and starts at Kshs. 97,356- per month to take account of the tax they would have paid. The anticipated start date is June 2015.

Main purpose of job:

The Estates Finance Officer will join the BHC Joint Corporate Services team providing support in budget oversight and day to day financial management of a substantial residential and office estate. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing a budget worth 40% of the overall post budget allocation, covering rent, utilities, security and property maintenance. She/he will be expected to work in conjunction with various teams to profile and forecast spends on budget lines.

Roles and responsibilities:

Work in conjunction with the Estates Manager to forecast and profile spends on budget lines, monitor expenditure and ensure value for money and compliance with procurement audit procedures;

Coordinate bid preparation for the Medium Term Financial Planning exercise on; rental budget, furnishings, maintenance, security and utilities budgets which run up to Ksh. 340 million;

Prepare requisitions or distribution sets detailing payments on utilities, rents and security due for submission to the Global Transaction Processing Centre in the UK;

Monitor expenditure on Technical Works Group projects and providing accurate reporting (including financial compliance monitoring);

Undertake regular financial housekeeping, including clearing invoices on hold and goods received but not invoiced, closing open purchase orders;

Preparation of requisitions and receipting of goods and services on accounting system PRISM;

Prepare and maintain the Post’s utilities data inventory on Pyramid (The High Commission Property Management system).

Key competences required:

Collaborating and Partnering – Working collaboratively, sharing information and building supportive, responsive relationships with colleagues and stakeholders, whilst having the confidence to challenge assumptions

Delivering Value for Money – Efficient, effective and economic use of taxpayers’ money in delivery. Seeking out and implementing solutions which achieve the best mix of quality and effectiveness for the least outlay. Taking decisions based on evidenced information and following agreed processes and policies, challenging these appropriately where they appear to prevent good value for money

Changing & Improving – Responsive, innovative and seeks out opportunities to create effective change. Open to change too, suggesting ideas for improvements to the way things are done, and working in ‘smarter’, more focused ways. Making use of alternative delivery models

Delivering at Pace – Focusing on delivering timely performance with energy and taking responsibility and accountability for quality outcomes, working to agreed goals and activities and dealing with challenges in a responsive and constructive way

Other skills / experience / qualifications:

The successful candidate will require a background in finance work, in particular budget management and forecasting

Must have excellent IT skills

Good oral and written communication skills

They will also need to pay attention to detail and show initiative

Must have good customer service skills coupled with an ability to handle difficult customers.

NOTE:

All applicants must be legally able to work in Kenya with the correct visa/status or work permit.

The British High Commission in Nairobi is an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference.

Staff members recruited locally by the British High Commission in Nairobi are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local Kenyan employment law.

Spouses/registered partners of UK Based Staff, are able to work within the BHC/BCG but their salary will be abated at the appropriate tax rates.

Reference checking and security clearances will be conducted.

If you have not heard from us 3 weeks after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful. Note: Any questions you may have about this position will only be answered during interview, should you be invited.

To Apply

All applicants should submit a short (1 page maximum) covering letter stating why they are a suitable candidate for the position along with a copy of their CV in English and application form, by email to: [email protected]

External Application Form – A2 Estate Finance Officer (MS Word Document, 84.5KB)

Internal applicants should also submit the above, with a copy of their most recent (last 24 months) appraisals to the same email address.

All candidates: Please quote in the subject line, of your email, the Vacancy Notice No: 12/15 NR and the position you are applying for.

Internal candidates, and spouses of diplomatic officers: Please quote in the subject line, of your email, the Vacancy Notice No: 12/15 NR and the position you are applying for, and also indicate that you are an internal candidate, or spouse of a diplomatic officer.

The closing date is 10 June 2015 and no further applications will be accepted after this date. Only electronic applications will be accepted.

Project Officers (2)

Section: Counter Terrorism Department (Nairobi Office)

Grade : B3

Position type : Fixed term contract for 1 year

Salary : Ksh. 201, 161 Per Month

Two Project Officer Positions have arisen at the British Embassy in Mogadishu. The role is based in Nairobi but will require travel to Mogadishu, which could potentially include providing leave cover for the CT Programme Manager. The position is graded at B3 for which the current salary scale starts at Kshs.201,161/- per month before deduction of tax. Where the jobholder is not liable to Kenyan tax, the scale will be abated under HM Treasury rules and starts at Kshs.147,205- per month to take account of the tax they would have paid

Main purpose of job

To oversee specific CT projects using PPM skills to design proposals, manage implementation, monitor project expenditure, and deliver VFM within an overall Programme. Particular emphasis is on delivery via contract management skills and maintaining detailed project plans, developing and maintaining mechanisms to monitor spend vs. forecast.

Roles and responsibilities

Project Management:

Assisting in the drafting of programme bids and their security and justice assessments.

Initiate and complete procurement/tender processes.

Contract Management – drafting of contracts and ToRs, liaison with the FCO’s procurement team, implementers and stakeholders, monitoring and managing of budgets, ensuring guidelines are adhered to.

Design, management and monitoring of various work strands (quality, budget, risk, and timelines).

Financial management – including developing mechanisms to monitor spend vs. forecast, regularly reviewing spends, looking at Value for Money and challenging where necessary.

Document management – MOUs, contracts, sanctions process, gifting proformas, and amendments/additions to existing project documentation.

Project reporting as required.

Policy Management and collaboration

*Engagement with policy experts and colleagues on aspects of project delivery and ensuring collaboration between project strands.

Corporate:

Ensure project files are maintained in line with Information Management policies and procedures.

Ensure project finances are recorded and reported as required.

Resources managed

Two posts are advertised one of which will have line management of one A2 project assistant. Both posts are jointly responsible for financial management of a programme budget of c. £3.5M

Key competences required:

Delivering Value for Money

Changing and Improving

Making Effective Decisions

Collaborating and Partnering

Language requirements

The role requires fluency in written and spoken English

Other skills / experience / qualifications:

Essential on arrival: Experience of working in a project or programme environment particularly financial and budget management skills Desirable: Previous experience of project management would be an advantage.

Learning and development opportunities:

Opportunities for learning and development in this role include project and programme management qualifications along with SAFE+ training

Due to the nature of the role it is necessary that any applicant be security cleared to SC status, or demonstrate that they can easily obtain such clearance.’

Clearance is most easily obtained by UK nationals with at least 3 years residence in the past 10 years in the UK, USA, Australia, Canada or New Zealand. Nationals of the latter four countries may also be able to get clearance. Candidates must have a traceable history over the last 5 years

NOTE:

All applicants must be legally able to work in Kenya and Mogadishu with the correct visa/status or work permit.

The British Embassy in Mogadishu is an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference.

Staff members recruited locally by the British High Commission and British Embassy in Nairobi and Mogadishu are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local Kenyan employment law.

Spouses/registered partners of UK Based Staff, are able to work within the BHC/BCG but their salary will be abated at the appropriate tax rates.

Reference checking and security clearances will be conducted.

If you have not heard from us 3 weeks after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful. Note: Any questions you may have about this position will only be answered during interview, should you be invited.

To Apply

All applicants should submit a short (1 page maximum) covering letter stating why they are a suitable candidate for the position along with a copy of their CV in English, by email to: [email protected]

Internal applicants should also submit the above, with a copy of their most recent (last 24 months) appraisals to the same email address.

External Application Form – B3 Project Officer (MS Word Document, 84KB)

All candidates: Please quote in the subject line, of your email, the Vacancy Notice No: 15/15 NR, and the position you are applying for.

Internal candidates, and spouses of diplomatic officers: Please quote in the subject line, of your email, the Vacancy Notice No: 15/15 NR, and the position you are applying for, and also indicate that you are an internal candidate, or spouse of a diplomatic officer.

Only electronic applications will be accepted.

The closing date is 12 June 2015 and no further applications will be accepted after this date.

Temporary Trade Officer (4 months)

Section : UK Trade and Investment

Grade : A2 (L)

Position type : Full Time

SALARY : Ksh 129,949 PER MONTH (Before Tax)

A vacancy has arisen at the British High Commission (BHC) for a Temporary Trade Officer to provide assistance to British businesses looking to invest in Kenya for a period of 4 months beginning July 2015. The BHC consists of 360 employees with a wide variety of experience and job roles, representing 10 government departments working within Kenya and Somalia.

The Role

UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) is the United Kingdom Government’s international business development agency. The UKTI team in Kenya is charged with trade development between the UK and Kenya, assisting Kenyan companies looking to set up operations or expand in the UK and, informing British businesses about opportunities in Kenya. The team also contributes to Her Majesty’s Government’s work on the Prosperity agenda through providing high quality advice and analysis regarding the business environment and commercial potential.

The Trade Officer will be a highly motivated individual, have excellent communication skills, be well organized, able to use his/her own initiative and, effectively manage UKTI budgets.

The main duties include:

Support Trade Development Managers and Head of UKTI Kenya.

Focal point of contact for British Businesses, handle initial queries, provide advice on the business environment and company registration procedures

Undertake research and marketing activity, help the Trade Development Managers identify potential investors that would be interested in setting up or expanding their operations in Kenya.

Write and compile reports on specific topics relating to market developments, best routes to market, and potential Kenyan business partners for UK companies looking to enter the Kenyan market.

Compile visit programs and organise company meetings for UKTI. Attend meetings where appropriate and assist in management of client relationships

Provide operational and administrative support by maintaining UKTI Customer Data Management System (CDMS).

Assist with the planning and execution of international trade missions, industry focused seminars and other events to promote the UK.

Input into and manage a database of key contacts in the industry.

Identify public and private sector tenders and alert UK companies on the opportunities.

Desired skills

Understand international / regional / Kenyan trade and investment issues

Excellent research and report writing skills.

Attention to detail and good follow up discipline

Ability to produce good quality and accurate work, against tight deadlines

Ability to excel in a collaborative team environment.

Ability to prioritise, effectively manage and execute multiple tasks to a high standard

Educated to a degree level (University graduate or equivalent work experience) preferably in international business or marketing.

Fluency in English, written and verbal

Strength in MS Office, Excel, Access and Outlook

Proven online research skills.

Knowledge of UK and Kenyan domestic / foreign affairs is desirable

Key Competences

Making Effective Decisions: being objective; using sound judgement, evidence and knowledge to provide accurate, expert and professional advice. Leaders will be creating evidence based strategies, evaluating options, impacts, risks and solutions.

Collaborating and Partnering: creating and maintaining positive, professional and trusting working relationships with a wide range of people within and outside the High Commission to help get business done. It requires working collaboratively, sharing information and building supportive, responsive relationships with colleagues and stakeholders, whilst having the confidence to challenge assumptions.

Building Capacity for All: having a strong focus on continuous learning for oneself, others and the organisation. Being open to learning, about keeping one’s own knowledge and skill set current and evolving.

Managing a Quality Service: being organised to deliver service objectives and striving to improve the quality of service, taking account of diverse customer needs and requirements. People, who are effective plan, organise and manage their time and activities to deliver a high quality and efficient service, applying programme and project management approaches to support service delivery.

Delivering at Pace: focusing on delivering timely performance with energy and taking responsibility and accountability for quality outcomes. Working to agreed goals and activities and dealing with challenges in a responsive and constructive way. Building a performance culture to deliver outcomes with a firm focus on prioritisation and addressing performance issues resolutely, fairly and promptly.

Language requirements:

Language: English Level of language required: Fluency

NOTE

All applicants must be legally able to work in Kenya with the correct visa/status or work permit.

The British High Commission in Nairobi is an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference.

Staff members recruited locally by the British High Commission in Nairobi are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local Kenyan employment law.

Spouses/registered partners of UK Based Staff, are able to work within the BHC/BCG but their salary will be abated at the appropriate tax rates.

Reference checking and security clearances will be conducted.

If you have not heard from us 3 weeks after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful. Note: Any questions you may have about this position will only be answered during interview, should you be invited.

To Apply

All applicants should submit a short (1 page maximum) covering letter stating why they are a suitable candidate for the position along with a copy of their CV in English and Application form, by email to: [email protected]

External Application Form – A2 Trade Officer (Temporary) (MS Word Document, 84KB)

Internal applicants should also submit the above, with a copy of their most recent 24 months of appraisal evidence (i.e. two full appraisals, or however many abridged appraisals, minutes etc. to make up two years’ worth of evidence) to the same email address.

All candidates: Please quote in the subject line, of your email, the Vacancy 16/15 NR, and position you are applying for.

Internal candidates, and spouses of diplomatic officers: Please quote in the subject line, of your email, the Vacancy 16/15 NR, and position you are applying for, and also indicate that you are an internal candidate, or spouse of a diplomatic officer.

Only electronic applications will be accepted.

The closing date is 09 June 2015. No further applications will be accepted after this date.

Team Leader Sustainable Economic Development, Senior Private Sector Adviser

Division: DFID Kenya

A vacancy has arisen for a locally recruited A1 Team Leader for the Sustainable Economic Development team, who will also be the Senior Private Sector Adviser.

The jobholder will lead the DFID Kenya SED (Sustainable Economic Development) Section. The jobholder will have overall responsibility for the day to day management and implementation of the SED programme portfolio reporting to the Head of Office.

Major components of the SED programme include: business climate reform; a markets for the poor (M4P) programme; support to East Africa regional integration (primarily on trade, taxation, transport and ports,); financial sector deepening; a competitiveness programme including public private partnerships (PPPs), key sector development and other areas; and extractives and youth employment programmes; all with scale up planned for the next four years. The post supports and manages the climate adviser on an exciting environment programme, a new mini-grids programme and on the cross office implementation of the UK International Climate Fund (ICF).

The appointment will be under local terms and conditions and is subject to security clearance.

The salary for this position at A1 level is Kshs 918,737 per month before tax.

Check the links below for more information and details

Programme Management Competencies Framework (MS Word Document, 83.6KB)

Job Description – Sustainable Economic Development Adviser (MS Word Document, 273KB)

External Application Form – Sustainable Economic Development Adviser (MS Word Document, 83.5KB)

New Civil Service Competencies (PDF, 1.5MB, 46 pages)

If you are interested in applying for this position please email your BHC external completed application form and CV to: [email protected]

The closing date for applications is: June 21 2015. Applications will not be accepted after this date.

Any queries relating to this position should be directed in the first instance to Adrian Green

The appointment will be under local terms and conditions, and Kenyan employment law.

Candidates should have: a Masters, MBA, or PhD, a minimum of 15 years’ relevant work experience, and line management expertise or be able to demonstrate equivalent transferable skills (for example in a senior role in business, as an accountant, a banker or in an equivalent leadership role).

DFID is an Equal Opportunities employer. Applications are welcomed from all parts of the community, and we actively encourage interest from women, ethnic minority groups and those with disabilities. Selection is on merit

Direct High Commission link here

NSE-listed agricultural firm Sasini has put up for sale one of its prime properties in Nairobi’s central business district quoting a bottom price of Sh600 million. The building on Loita Street, whose main tenants are corporate firms, sits on 0.2159 acre piece of land. The sale is expected to raise cash for Sasini’s expansion plans.

“Prospective buyers can view the building during office hours and may send their offers to purchase the building in writing,” said an advert published by the company.

Sasini this year said it would sell 513.7 acres of its leasehold land, a transaction that is expected see the firm gain Sh1 billion to boost its cash flows.

GP Otieno, an official of Sasini, said the move would the company focus on strategic investments that add value to its shareholders.

“Real estate has never been our core business and we want to raise money that can fund our expansion in other sectors and help grow our subsidiaries,” he said.

The firm said the sale would be completed through the disposal of its subsidiaries Mweiga Estate and Wahenya Limited which hold 266.7 acres and 247 acres respectively.

Sasini made a net profit of Sh45.4 million in the year ended September.

The company’s net profit peaked at Sh993.7 million in 2010 when its turnover stood at Sh2.2 billion, underlining the falling margins over the years.

Sasini blamed the slow sales on reduced output and lower prices of its two key commodities — tea and coffee.

Businessman Nashaud Merali, who is a director and one of the big Sasini shareholders, recently sold part of his stakes in telco Airtel Kenya, Swift Global, Equatorial Commercial Bank  and Kenya Data Networks.