ICU is Hiring: Project Manager – Lead a Green Hydrogen Education Initiative in Kenya (Apply Before 5 July 2025)

The Institute for University Cooperation (ICU) is seeking an experienced Project Manager to coordinate a newly launched development project in Nairobi, Kenya. The position offers a unique opportunity to lead a multi-stakeholder consortium focused on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and Green Hydrogen—a critical sector for Kenya’s sustainable development agenda.

This role marks the launch of ICU’s operational presence in Kenya and is ideal for a seasoned project manager with experience in international cooperation, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa and in the education or environmental sectors.

About ICU

Established in 1966, ICU is an Italian non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting sustainable and inclusive development through international cooperation. ICU implements multidisciplinary projects that improve access to essential services, strengthen institutions and local businesses, and promote human and environmental capital. ICU’s work spans over 40 countries, where it collaborates with communities and institutions to drive long-term development impact.

Project Overview

The new project in Kenya falls under the TVET sector and leverages Green Hydrogen as a transformative driver of sustainable economic growth. The project aims to align technical skills development with national energy and climate goals, while enhancing gender equity and fostering private sector engagement.

The initiative focuses on three strategic goals:

• G1: Equip current and future technicians with Green Hydrogen skills via Vocational Training Institutions (VTIs), support the establishment of a National Centre of Excellence, and promote women’s inclusion in the sector.
• G2: Facilitate regional exchanges and study visits to encourage technology transfer, capacity building, and shared learning in Green Hydrogen applications.
• G3: Increase awareness and private sector engagement—particularly among SMEs—regarding the business opportunities, workforce training needs, and gender equity potential within the Green Hydrogen value chain.

These goals are supported by three components:
A) Vocational Education and Training
B) Exchange Programs
C) Awareness and Dissemination

Key Responsibilities

The Project Manager will oversee the full project cycle and will be responsible for implementation, administration, and strategic direction. Specific duties include:

• Ensuring high-quality execution of all project activities in alignment with project objectives, timelines, and funding requirements.
• Coordinating with project partners, government stakeholders, private sector actors, and local institutions.
• Selecting, hiring, and managing local staff; assigning roles and monitoring performance.
• Leading internal planning meetings and developing detailed work plans.
• Managing project budgets, preparing monthly financial records, and conducting procurement according to ICU and donor guidelines.
• Operating and overseeing local project bank accounts.
• Preparing project documents for ICU’s headquarters, including operational plans, quarterly fund transfers, monthly progress updates, and final donor reports.
• Participating in sectoral working groups and representing ICU in national and regional platforms.
• Producing communication and outreach materials related to project activities and goals.
• Identifying additional project needs and assisting in the drafting of new proposals in coordination with ICU’s central office in Italy.

Candidate Profile

Minimum Requirements:

• University degree in a relevant field such as international development, cooperation and relations, economics, environmental engineering, or social sciences.
• At least three years of experience as a Project Manager, ideally within the Sub-Saharan African context.
• Prior experience managing projects in the TVET sector is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to handle administrative and logistical operations independently.
• Experience with European PRAG and GIZ procedures is considered an asset.
• Proven capacity to establish a new field mission and operate in complex environments.
• Strong command of English (minimum C1 level).
• Advanced organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously.
• Strong communication, diplomacy, and negotiation skills with experience working with diverse institutional stakeholders.
• Proficient in human and financial resource management, with a proven track record of delivering projects on time and within budget.

Contract Details

• Location: Nairobi, Kenya
• Starting Date: 15 September 2025
• Contract Type: co.co.co (Italian collaboration contract)
• Duration: 12 months, renewable
• Gross Monthly Salary: €3,300 – €3,800 depending on experience

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted by 5 July 2025. Interested candidates who meet the minimum requirements should click the “Apply for the position” button and submit:

1. An updated CV in PDF format (Italian or English) labeled as: Project Manager_KE_Surname_CV
2. A cover letter (in Italian, English, or French) labeled as: Project Manager_KE_Surname_CoverLetter, covering:
   • Previous experience or familiarity with ICU
   • Major written and approved project proposals (including success rates)
   • Expected gross annual salary
   • Date of availability
   • Contact references

Only pre-selected candidates will be contacted for further steps.

Lead the change toward sustainable development in Kenya—join ICU’s mission today.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring organization. For any inquiries, please contact the hiring organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.