Senior Project Manager – Independent Contractor

Independent Contractor - One (1) year with a possibility of extension

International Programs

– Kakuma (80%), Nairobi (20%) Kenya

ADRA Canada’s Associate Director International Programs with close collaboration with ADRA Kenya Programs and Finance Directors

National and International (as needed)

There are no set work hours, but services to be provided are estimated to be 100% of a standard 38 hour full-time equivalent workload.

Interested applicants should apply online at

ADRA Canada is seeking an experienced Independent Contractor to provide senior-level project management services to two of its health projects in Kenya. The ideal candidate has a proven track record in managing complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives, strong leadership and communication skills, and extensive experience working in the Kenyan context. This is a 1-year contract with the possibility of extension and requires a results-oriented professional committed to excellence, accountability, and impact.

• Provide strategic direction and technical support to ADRA Kenya TOGETHER and STRONGER project staff.
• Provide oversight and full cycle program management support to TOGETHER and STRONGER projects in the field, ensuring timely accomplishment of project objectives.
• Work with ADRA Canada’s project staff and/or partners to manage scope, time and cost constraints of the TOGETHER and STRONGER projects.
• Be familiar with relevant Canadian host country regulations and laws, as well as ADRA policies and procedures, and be accountable for project implementation in compliance with these policies and procedures.
• Ensure the submission of accurate, timely and compelling progress reports to donors as per donor specifications.
• Ensure the timely submission of annual work plans and budgets as per donor specifications.
• Produce other reports to key stakeholders as requested.
• Conduct regular meetings with TOGETHER and STRONGER project staff, both locally and internationally, to monitor the progress of the project.
• Represent ADRA Canada TOGETHER and STRONGER NGO, donor or partner meetings, along with ADRA Kenya focal persons.
• Assist in the development of terms of reference for key project staff and/or consultants.
• Support the TOGETHER and STRONGER project management teams and oversee all home and field office activities to ensure effective and efficient coordination between the offices.
• Coordinate and manage relationships with external Canadian partners.
• Monitor TOGETHER and STRONGER project finances (individual partner and consolidated), ensuring consistency of burn rates and activity rates in collaboration with Finance staff.
• Organize preparation of budget modification requests, and donor approval requests.
• Ensure transparent and compliant procurement and financial management, and proper review and preparation of financial reports for submission to the donor.
• Build and sustain constructive relationships with staff, community leaders and stakeholders, and manage conflict resolution mechanisms and mediate tensions.
• Lead staff capacity-building on accountability, safeguarding and cultural sensitivity.
• Serve as focal point for risk management, including security and reputational risks.
• Ensure timely and proper processing of payment requests.

*Any additional tasks as requested and agreed upon within the contract’s timeframe and relating to project management.

• Member of Finance & Procurement Committees of relevant projects.

• Master’s degree in international development, project management, social sciences, gender studies, public health, conflict/peace studies or equivalent level of education plus experience.
• 6-8 years of progressive experience managing complex humanitarian or development projects in fragile or conflict-affected contexts.
• Demonstrated expertise in community engagement, participatory approaches, and building trust across divided groups.
• Skilled in cross cultural communication, conflict sensitivity, negotiation, and mediation, particularly in tribal, ethnic, or politically sensitive contexts.
• Strong knowledge of procurement and financial compliance, with experiences enforcing anti-fraud and accountability standards.
• Leading & Supervising – Able to provide others with a clear direction and set appropriate standards of behaviour. Proven ability to mentor and build capacity of diverse teams, foster collaboration and resolve staff conflicts constructively.
• Planning & Organizing – Sets clearly defined objectives, plans activities and projects well in advance and takes account of possible changing circumstances.
• Writing & Reporting – Able to write and speak clearly, succinctly, and correctly in Swahili and English and in a convincing, engaging and expressive manner.
• Adapting & Responding to Change – Able to adapt to changing circumstances and accept new ideas and change initiatives.
• Proficiency in the use of relevant software and communication tools (Excel, Word, Teams, SharePoint, financial software etc.).
• Understanding of and commitment to programming and communications that respect the human rights of all persons ADRA serves, especially the rights of women and girls.

• Project Management Certification (PMP, CDPM Level III).
• Proven track-record in gender and SRHR/GBV programming.
• Understanding of and experience with recruitment best practices.
• Written and oral communication skills in Turkana.

ADRA Canada (the Adventist Development and Relief Agency Canada) is the Canadian relief and development agency of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. ADRA Canada’s purpose is to serve humanity so all may live as God intended. ADRA Canada and all its employees are engaged in supporting the vision of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Canada (SDACC) which is Proclaiming Christ, Nurturing Believers, and Serving Humanity. The ministry of ADRA Canada is an important part of the Christian mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and is done in harmony with its religious beliefs and practices.

ADRA Canada is one of the leading humanitarian and development organizations in Canada. Our reputation has been built by our amazing and dedicated team of knowledgeable, skilled and experienced staff who carry out ADRA's mission each and every day.

At ADRA Canada, we offer exciting and challenging careers that play an important role in positively impacting the futures of vulnerable families, and especially the lives of women and girls all over the world. Inspired by our Christian values, ADRA is active in over 130 countries globally, delivering justice, compassion, and love so that all may live as God intended.

ADRA is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to a inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes, including our work environment. We especially welcome applications from women, Indigenous peoples and members of racialized communities.

ADRA Canada welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Please inform us within your application if you require any accommodations and every effort will be made to meet your needs.

Consistent with our Safeguarding and Protection from Sexual Harassment, Exploitation and Abuse Policy, the successful candidate must receive clearance by a police background check, including a vulnerable sector screen as a condition of employment.

Due to a high volume of applicants, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you are chosen to move forward, our interview process typically follows this sequence:

• One hour in-person/virtual “get to know you” interview with a member of the HR team, Hiring Manager, and sometimes another senior staff member. This interview will evaluate values and culture fit.
• One hour in person/virtual technical interview with a member of the HR team and the Hiring Manager and/or the Department Director.
• Depending on the role, in some cases a 30 minute to 2-hour technical skills test will be required.
• Reference checks.
• A decision is communicated and an offer is extended subject to criminal background check.

At ADRA we aim to complete the entire process above within six (6) weeks. If at any time we decide to end your candidacy, you will be notified of this by a member of our team in writing. We would appreciate it if you extend us that same courtesy.

In providing the Services, the Contractor shall comply with all of the Agency’s policies, procedures and directives as communicated to the Contractor at any time.

The Contractor acknowledges that the work of the Agency is one of Christian ministry within the SDA Church. It is a material term of the Independent Contractor Agreement that all Services must be performed in a manner that is consistent with the religious beliefs and teachings of the SDA Church in all respects, as determined by the Agency.

Physical Requirements: Must be able to read, speak, and hear. Must be able to effectively communicate both orally and in writing. Some standing, walking, bending, kneeling, carrying of light items, etc. are required.

Working Conditions: Essential responsibilities are performed either in the office or in travelling conditions.

Within the office, the work is primarily in a sedentary and comfortable environment, with tasks usually performed under normal office conditions with little or no noticeable discomfort. The work area is well lit and ventilated.

If travelling (international and/or domestic) there may be difficult conditions and challenging environments, particularly in remote destinations.