Program Officer Job in Nairobi, Kenya

Position Title: Program Officer
 
Job Ref.: WIA116
 
Location: Kenya Country Office, Nairobi
 
Countries of coverage: Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, Ethiopia
 
Projects: Strategic Partnership for Resilience and WASH-IT!
 
Reporting to: Program Manager
 

Expected start date: 6 January 2016
 
Type of contract: Fixed term (5 years) with a probation period of 6 months

Coordinates with:
 
 

INSIDE The Organisation:
  • Office Teams in Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia and South Sudan; Regional Team including Communications Manager; HQ team including the water team
OUTSIDE The Organisation:
  • Governmental representatives, partner organisations, consultants
Background: The Organisation is dedicated to safeguarding and restoring wetlands for people and nature. We are driven by the knowledge that safeguarding and restoring wetlands is urgent and vital for water security, biodiversity, climate regulation, sustainable development and human health. 

In our disaster risk reduction work, we work from the principles that environmental degradation can lead to disasters and aggravation of hazards, and that the sustenance and restoration of healthy ecosystems are key to reducing disaster risk and improving livelihood resilience. 

See our website [www.wetlands.org] for more information on the values, strategies and policies that guide our work. 

As from January 2016 together with other partners and with the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The Organisation will engage in new 5 year Strategic Partnerships namely: WASHIT and Strategic Partners for Resilience (SFPR). 

The SPFR project will seek to promote Integrated Risk Management in 8 countries including Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia and South Sudan. 

On the other hand the WASH-IT! Project will seek to deliver improvements in WASH and water resources governance in 6 countries including Kenya and Uganda. 
 
Both programs will focus on strengthening the capacities of civil society organisations (CSOs) to influence policy, practices and investments. 

The Organisation will focus on landscape level approaches, risk impacts of investments and policies and promote ecosystem-based solutions.

The Country Program therefore seeks a Program Officer to join our growing portfolio.

The Programme Officer will work closely with other Program staff to ensure effective delivery of the results and objectives of Strategic Partnership projects in the Eastern Africa Region under the guidance of the Program Manager.

Main Duties and Responsibilities
  • Delivery strategic and operational work-plans for the delivery of the Strategic Partnership Projects
  • Contribute to timely implementation and delivery of technical outputs of the Strategic Partnership projects, ensuring high quality, relevance and technical accuracy in accordance with project documents, annual work plans and procedures of The Organisation
  • Ensure the Program/Project budgets are utilised and monitored in accordance with all The Organisation internal controls and donor agreements
  • Lead on and ensure the collection, collation and reporting of all project data and documents, including timely submission of technical progress reports according to the agreed formats and deadlines
  • Maintain appropriate and effective communications with all The Organisation staff and stakeholders
  • Develop and implement strategies for learning and knowledge generation from initiatives for sharing with the wider The Organisation community
  • Identify and establish relationships with strategic partners necessary for Programme delivery and growth
  • Identify needs and opportunities for Programme development and work with the Programme Manager, technical officers and other members of the team to develop new concept notes and mobilise resources
  • Carry out other relevant tasks assigned by, and mutually agreed with the line manager
Selection Criteria
 
Education
  • An advanced degree in Water Resources Management, Natural Resources Management, Environmental Science and Management, Environmental Policy and Management and other related disciplines
Experience
  • At least 10 years’ experience in managing and coordinating environmental policy and management projects
  • Sound knowledge of integrated water resources management issues including WASH, ecosystem based disaster risk reduction (ECO-DRR), biodiversity and other related fields
  • Experience working in policy and advocacy related programs including familiarity with the national and country water, wetlands, integrated risk management processes and associated policies and laws
  • Relevant and proven experience in project management and administration
  • Experience in organizing and facilitating multi-stakeholder participatory processes and policy dialogues
  • Good knowledge of the current policies and practices related to wetlands, water and disaster management
  • Experience of data collection on environmental and water management issues in the field and from desk studies
  • Working experience in the NGO sector
Competencies
  • Ability to communicate the benefits of sustainable ecosystems to stakeholders from different sectors
  • Proven experience in fundraising and resource mobilisation
  • Ability to demonstrate project management skills including development of work plans, project financial management, monitoring and evaluation and effective reporting
  • Good written and oral presentation skills and ability to communicate to a variety of audiences
  • Excellent command of the English language
  • Comprehensive computer skills, especially in Word, Excel, Email and Internet packages
  • Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines
  • Proven ability to work in teams in a multi-cultural environment
  • Willingness to travel
Remuneration: Remuneration is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Method of Application
 
Applications should consist of a CV and covering letter and be emailed to eastafricaposting@gmail.com no later than 5pm on 30th November 2015 clearly indicating the position title and vacancy number. Interviews will be held during the week of 14th December 2015.

If you are not interested in this opportunity today, please refer any friend or colleague you know that might suit the required profile.

Please DO NOT apply if you do not meet the requirements of the position. 


We regret that ONLY shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Note:
 We do not charge any fees for receiving and reviewing applications or for interviews