Technical Specialists (Kenyan Nationals): Winrock International Jobs in Kenya

Technical Specialists (Kenyan Nationals) - Kenya Youth Empowerment

General:

Winrock International is a nonprofit organization that works with people in the United States and around the world to empower the disadvantaged, increase economic opportunity, and sustain natural resources.

By linking local individuals and communities with new ideas and technology, Winrock is increasing long-term productivity, equity, and responsible resource management to benefit the poor and disadvantaged of the world.

Closing date:
 20 Apr 2010

Location:


Kenya

Position Title:
 Technical Specialists (Kenyan)

Location:
 Kenya (possibly Nairobi, Mombasa, or Eldoret)

Unit:
 Empowerment and Civic Engagement

Reports To:
 Chief of Party

Program Summary:

The Technical Specialists will oversee one or more of the four technical areas described below for the Kenya Youth Empowerment Program. The program aims to positively engage Kenyan youth in political, private sector and social spheres through youth-driven approaches and youth economic development.

Position is contingent upon receipt of donor funding.

Essential Responsibilities:

Provide management oversight and substantive technical guidance in one or more of the following areas:

1. Enterprise Development and Microfinance Access.
 

Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

  • lead the implementation of the economic empowerment and access to capital part of the program;
  • analyze and recommend industry sectors or subsectors most suitable for youth entrepreneurship development;
  • work in partnership with financial organizations to design and deliver sustainable financial services and products targeted to the needs of youth;
  • lead capacity building activities in microfinance for partners and staff;
  • develop indicators and monitor economic viability and effectiveness of these services in achieving self-sufficiency and social integration of target youth.
2. Partnership Development and Capacity Building.

Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:
  • identify approaches and linkages for collaboration with public and private sectors to achieve program objectives and sustainability of its results;
  • build a network of committed public and private sector agencies; coordinate and manage relations with interested agencies;
  • develop, implement and monitor demand driven public private partnership projects for the program.
3. Youth/Adolescent Development and Social Mobilization

Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:
  • develop strategies, tools and training materials on facilitation of positive behaviors and participation among youth;
  • design and manage volunteer programs for adult mentors and youth leaders;
  • provide capacity building support to program partners;
  • develop performance indicators for gauging youth development;
  • oversee achievement of development and behavior change targets and adjust strategies and techniques accordingly.
4. Enterprise Development in one of the following sectors:Information & Communications Technologies, Agribusiness, Forestry/Natural Resource Management, Renewable Energy

Qualifications and Background:

Education:
 Masters Degree or higher in finance, economics, business, education/vocational education, child/youth psychology, or other closely related social science field. Supplemental training in HIV/AIDS, gender, income generation/entrepreneurship, monitoring and evaluation preferred

Work Experience:
 At least 5 to 10 years of professional experience in a technical role implementing youth empowerment, enterprise development vocational training or relevant programs in East Africa.

Extensive and in-depth technical knowledge of one or more of the program areas noted above (Enterprise Development/Microfinance, Public Private Partnerships, Adolescent Development and Behavior Change or sector specialists in ICT Enterprises, Agribusiness, Forestry/Natural Resource Management, Renewable Energy Enterprises)

Experience working in USAID-funded programs

Knowledge of local and international players addressing the issues of youth empowerment in Kenya.

Skills:
 
  • Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook
  • Demonstrated effective interpersonal skills, creative problem solving, and effective staff management skills
Other: Flexibility, willingness to learn and work in a team

Dedication to human rights and gender equity

Written and spoken fluency in English and Swahili required


Salary & Benefits:

The annual salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Applications:

Applicants should go to the Jobs link at www.winrock.org and submit a current resume and cover letter referencing Technical Specialists-Kenya Youth by April 20, 2010.

Winrock would like to graciously thank all applicants for their interest but only candidates who meet all requisite criteria and are short listed will be contacted.

EEOE/AA.