Government Jobs in Kenya - Council of Governors

Council of Governors
 
Terms of Reference for a SDGs Expert at the COG Secretariat
 
Duration: 1 year
 
Starting Date: 1st October 2016

The Council of Governors (CoG) is established under Section 19 of the Intergovernmental Relations Act 2012 with the mandate to provide a mechanism for consultation amongst County Governments, share information on performance of the counties in execution of their functions, facilitate capacity building for governors, and consider reports from other intergovernmental forums on national and county interests amongst other functions (Section20).
To enable the Council achieve its mandate and vision, the Council through the support of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) wishes to recruit results oriented individual with drive, vision and creativity to fill the following positions:
 

1. Programme Officer — Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS)

1.0 Background

 
Kenya is undergoing significant reform transition ushered by the Constitution 2010. The country is at the threshold of potentially accelerated development given the reforms as it addresses some historical, geographic and gender issues that have hindered Kenya’s development.

The Constitution 2010 devolved some political power and resources to 47 decentralized units offering greater opportunities but also challenges. 

The devolved units brings political and financial resources closer to the people and should lead to more inclusive sustainable development and reduce historical marginalization.
 
The Intergovernmental Relations Act no. 2 of 2012established among others the Council of County Governors (CoG) whose functions include consultation amongst County governments, sharing of information on the performance of the Counties in the execution of their functions with the objective of learning and promotion of best practice and where necessary, initiating preventive or corrective action, consideration of reports from other intergovernmental forums on matters affecting National and county interests or relating to the performance of Counties; and performing any other function as may be conferred on it by this Act or any other Legislation or that it may consider necessary or appropriate and through the Council, Governors identify priority issues and deal collectively with matters of public policy and governance at the County and National levels among others.

The CoG operates under sectoral committees which define engagement with the National Government agencies and other stakeholders. 

To implement its functions, the Council established a secretariat that coordinates operations of the committees and facilitates information sharing among counties and other stakeholders.

County Governments have been at the forefront in the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that ended in December 2015. Kenya made substantial progress towards achievement of the MDGs, although the progress is highly variable across goals, counties just like other regions across the world.

With coming to an end of the MDGs in December 2015, the 193 UN member countries embarked in the implementation of the new development framework, Agenda 2030 on sustainable development which is a groundbreaking global commitment to end poverty and set the world on a sustainable path. It was endorsed by government leaders at a UN Summit in September 2015. 

At the core of this ambitious agenda lies a set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 169 actionable targets. Poverty eradication is the overarching goal of the new agenda which is taking a far more ambitious approach promising to address the unfinished business of the MDGs and meet the growing challenges in the interlinked economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. 

The universal nature of the agenda will provide an opportunity for engagement and a new type of partnership to address the global challenges. 

While the goals are not legally binding, governments have assumed a moral commitment to implement them to the best of their capacities and in accordance with national priorities.
 
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development targets countries facing special developmental challenges and intends to build on already existing bodies and national policies with regular reviews, coordination and knowledge sharing. At the country level, Kenya must sustain unity and solidarity in its approach to the implementation of this new transformative Agenda.
 
Kenya, like other developing countries embarked in the implementation of the SDGs in January 2016. 

The new development framework will be implemented for the next 15 years to 2030. Under the devolved system of the government, most of the activities under SDGs will be implemented at the county level. 

The country will be producing one consolidated report on SDGs progress although each of the 47 counties will have individual progress reports. 

The COG secretariat will support the roll out and coordination of SDGs including reporting in coordination with the Ministry of Devolution and Planning (MODP) and other stakeholders.
 
To support the SDGs implementation and reporting at the counties, the COG is recruiting a Senior Programme Officer to be in charge of coordination including technical support to the counties for timely implementation and reporting on SDGs. 

The programme officer will be responsible for developing and enhancing capacities on SDGs at the CoG Secretariat.
 
2.0 Overall objective: To promote / provide coordination, reporting and coherent interlinkages between county and national governments, organizational arrangements, capacity and impact, and partnership approaches within the established national framework for implementation of Agenda 2030.

2.1 Specific Objectives
 
a. Coordination and engagement
1.    Engage in a consultative process to ensure inclusion of the considerations and perspectives on SDGs with key stakeholders including discussions with senior leadership at the national and county governments, UN as well as civil society, the private sector, and other non-governmental stakeholders.
2.    Engage as appropriate with the regional and sub-regional stakeholders to get different perspectives on SDGs for consideration at the county levels.
3.    Ensure effective support to COG Secretariat in preparation, coordination and reporting focusing on SDGs achievements at the county levels.
4.    Ensure regular liaison with Ministries and departments relating to SDGs implementation and reporting.
5.    Standardize practices from other jurisdictions on implementation of international principles in the context of a devolved governance system guided by the principles of interdependence, consultation and cooperation.
b. Capacity Building
1.     Contribute ideas, proposals and options for counties to accelerate implementation and reporting of SDGs.
2.    Facilitate knowledge building and management on SDGs at COG Secretariat and at the county level.
3.    Organize meetings, trainings, workshops and coordinate monitoring and reporting activities on SDGs.
4.    In close collaboration with UN and MODP and other key stakeholders, develop capacity building framework and manuals for County Governments on SDGs.
5.    Establish mechanisms at the COG for SDGs coordination and reporting.
c. Advocacy and sensitization
1.    Organize, in cooperation with relevant UN agencies and MODP advocacy campaigns such as SDG campaigning, Development Cooperation Seminars, and other efforts.
2.    Ensure liaison with the National Government and effective advocacy of SDGs activities in close consultation with key stakeholders.
3.    Initiate, coordinate and implement common advocacy activities, such as the preparation of the SDGs scorecard report and publication of other relevant reports.
4.    Organize meetings/visits, liaising with all concerned parties, i.e. UN agencies, government counterparts and other stakeholders; compile and consolidate reports and action points as appropriate.
5.    Build a network of Government contacts and other stakeholders to facilitate/support SDGs work in the counties.
d. Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting
1.    Lead a continuous observation, reflection, learning, iteration, adaptation and quality improvement process to identify the most salient problems and design appropriate responses, ensuring the highest quality possible of the SDGs implementation at the county in close collaboration with internal as well as external implementation partners.
2.    Ensure adequate documentation (including lessons learnt and best practices) is made for all activities undertaken in the course of the SDGs implementation.
3.    Coordinate collection of high quality data to document SDGs effect and impact at the county level.
4.    Ensure effective implementation of M&E systems throughout the lifetime of the SDGs period.
5.    Ensure the preparation and timely submission SDGs implementation updates
e. Representation
1.    Organize field visits for UN agencies and other stakeholders upon request.
2.    Ensure that the COG and the UN are appropriately represented in relevant coordination bodies at the county levels on issues that directly relate to the SDGs.
3.    Any other assignment as it relates to SDGs that the COG CEO may assign.
3.0 Qualifications and Experience
 
3.1 Experience
  • Must be thoroughly conversant with the global, regional and national development paradigms and how they interrelate with the local development challenges and opportunities.
  • Must have an understanding of the processes that culminated into the SDGs and tools for monitoring global agenda at the local levels.
  • Must have thorough understanding of devolution in the Kenyan context and its linkages to the SDGs.
  • Must be conversant with the Kenya’s Vision 2030, Medium Term Plans (MTPs), sectoral plans including County Integrated Development Plans
  • Overall, they must have at least 15 years of experience in development work of which at least 10 years must be at a senior level coordinating and working with different experts across all sectors of the Kenyan economy. International experience will be an added advantage.
  • Should be able to show proof of having worked on assignments in the past that required high level interactions, coordination and timely interventions to deliver output and understand the development landscape in Kenya and within the region.
  • Ability to consolidate reports from different sources for concise coherent reports will be highly desirable.
3.2 Qualifications
  • A minimum of a post-graduate degree in economics, public finance, development studies or related discipline.
  • Relevant professional work experience, with at least 15 years of experience in the relevant field, especially in socio-economic development, policy analysis, reporting and evaluations.
  • Expertise in research and writing concise advocacy reports.
  • Understanding of the government’s planning frameworks and the link between policy and planning, linkage between global development paradigms and national development frameworks is an asset.
  • Understanding of Kenyan cultural, socio-economic, environmental, political and financial challenges as they relate to sustainable development is required.
  • Ability to compile information from a variety of sources and synthesize it in a coherent structure.
  • Previous experience in coordinating an array of different disciplines and producing reports.
  • Familiarity with the country’s political developments and long term development agenda
  • Excellent English writing skills
  • Ability to work independently as well as in a team
4.0 Supervision: The assignment will be task managed by the Council of Governors supervised by and reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, Council of Governors with quarterly reports shared with the Country Director, UNDP Kenya.

5.0 Duration:
 The contract duration is for an initial period of 1 year with a possibility of extension, subject to performance and availability of funds.

6.0 Output:
 The expected output of the assignment will be a fully functional system in place at the COG for coordinating implementation, capacity building and reporting on SDGs in all the 47 counties in Kenya.

7.0 Remuneration:
 This will be as per COG’s relevant remuneration scales.


Legal Officer
 

Key duties and responsibilities:
 
Reporting to the Director of Legal Services, the Legal Officer will perform the following duties:
  • Research and prepare legal briefs on legal issues confronted by the office.
  • Ensure up to date documentation of important legal paper work.
  • Coordinate logistics of the meetings.
  • Assist the legal consultants in follow up actions pursuant to meetings, MOUs, legal deeds and annual returns.
  • Compile any required information, maintain documentation and periodically update the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the Legal and Human Rights Committee of the Council of Governors.
  • Review and provide feedback on legal aspects of all Committee of the Council of Governors.
  • Enhance support and networking with the County Attorneys forum and other Sectorial County Executive Committees.
  • Maintain and provide access to statutory registers that inform all the CoG Committees
  • Ensure the Council of Governors Secretariat’s compliance with regulatory requirements such as annual submission of legal, financial and other mandatory reports.
  • Supervise the legal Research and Legal Interns.
  • Undertake any other responsibilities as assigned by the Director and/or the Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Required Qualifications and Experience
 
The ideal candidate shall possess the following:
  • A law degree from recognized University
  • An advocate of the high court of Kenya
  • Hold a valid practicing certificate
  • Member of the Law Society of Kenya
  • Advance computer applications
  • 4 years’ relevant experience
  • Negotiation and analytical skills;
  • Strong communication and reporting skills;
  • Strong organization and inter personal skills; and
  • Good leadership, mentorship and coaching skills
  • Meets the requirements of Chapter 6 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010
  • Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.
  • Good organizational and time management skills.
  • Ability to research, digest, analyze and present material clearly and concisely.
  • Have excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work on her/his own initiative.
  • Honesty and reliability and attention to detail.
  • Flexibility and adaptability to juggle a range of different tasks and to work extra hours to meet deadlines.
  • Discretion and an understanding of confidentiality
The contract duration is for three (3) years renewable annually subject to availability of resources and performance.


Photographer / Videographer
 
Key duties and responsibilities:
 

Reporting to the Director of Communication, the Photographer will be responsible for:
  • Taking photos as scheduled by the management.
  • Taking videos and photos during events.
  • Editing photos and submitting them in time.
  • Documentation of Council of Governors activities with both video and still camera.
  • Inviting media reporters and camera crew during Council’s activities.
  • Documenting both print and electronic Field activities which have been covered by the media stations.
  • Creating visual content for all digital and social media platforms.
  • To pitch pictures to online and offline media.
  • To edit, curate and share a regular flow of images.
  • To maintain and protect COG camera and editing equipment.
  • Upload all Council of Governors photos on the Council of Governors website in collaboration with ICT.
Required Qualifications and Experience
 
The ideal candidate shall possess the following:
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Photography or related field from a recognized institution;
  • A passion for the internet and all things digital
  • Candidates must have a minimum of two years’ experience of studio and field photography
  • Good contacts with Picture Editors and proven experience of pictures used by high circulation and influential offline and online media outlets
  • Portfolio of creative and striking work across broad range of subjects and areas.
  • Ability to take a brief and deliver desired results.
  • Experience of all major editing software packages and photo sharing social media platforms.
  • Experience of basic video making and editing.
  • Exceptional creativity and innovation
  • Meets the requirements of Chapter 6 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010
  • Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.
  • Good organizational and time management skills.
  • Ability to research, digest, analyze and present material clearly and concisely.
  • Have excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work on her/his own initiative.
  • Honesty and reliability and attention to detail.
  • Flexibility and adaptability to juggle a range of different tasks and to work extra hours to meet deadlines.
  • Discretion and an understanding of confidentiality
The contract duration is for three (3) years renewable annually subject to availability of resources and performance.


Senior Program Officer, Health
 

Reporting to the Director of Programs, you will perform the following duties:
  • In liaison with Health and Human Resources, Labour & Social Welfare committees of the CoG, coordinate county engagement processes to facilitate successful entry into select counties for project implementation.
  • In consultation with CoG secretariat and committees, coordinate invitations for the national forums for CECs for Health, Chief Officers of Health, County Public Service Boards and all the relevant stakeholders for participation in the organized forums including HRH ICCs.
  • Supervise the staff in the health committee.
  • Take lead in the planning and management of national forums for CECs for Health, Chief Officers for Health and County Public Service Boards including, communication to stakeholders and providing linkage to the County Cluster coordinating mechanism to harmonize their activities with the priorities adopted at National and County level.
  • Serve as primary focal point for receiving and collating feedback and updates from the national forums for CECs for Health, Chief Officers for Health, and County Public Service Boards for action by COG.
  • Support resource mobilization activities to enable sustainable implementation of the national forums for CECs for Health, Chief Officers for Health, County Public Service Boards priorities including the realization of targets set out in the Health Sector HR Strategy 2014-2018.
  • In liaison with Health and Biotechnology and Human Resources, Labour & Social Welfare committees of the CoG, coordinate the devolved system of HRH management incorporating broader stakeholders including constitutional institutions with HRM role, Public Service Commission and other related sector and inter- county HRH Stakeholders Committee representation.
  • Facilitate the Health & Biotechnology Committee and Human Resources, Labour & Social Welfare committees of the CoG to lead the stakeholder coordination and inter-governmental liaison within the health sector (including regulatory bodies), constitutional institutions with HRM role, other sectors and county representatives.
  • Set up a repository of health studies, policies, guidelines and reports for health at the CoG, in order to assist in capacity building and sharing knowledge.
  • Routine follow up with members on agreed actions and deadlines so that work is completed in a timely manner, deliverables met and interface created between County HRH decisions and National priorities.
  • Coordinate capacity building activities and processes for Health and Human Resources, Labour & Social Welfare committees of the CoG in fostering its HRH oversight role.
  • Remain abreast with current publications, events and developments in the area of Health at county level and ensure that such information is shared with the Counties.
  • Closely Monitor coverage in the media of issues concerning the committees and those that Committee need to deal with;
  • Advising the Committees and members of the Council on relevant policy matters;
  • Progress casework through liaison with local and national bodies, government agencies, lobby groups and other associated bodies:
  • Maintaining precise and detailed records of issues (including minutes of committee meetings and technical briefs) and ensure the confidentiality of information at all times;
  • Any other related duties as my be assigned by the supervisor
Required Qualifications and Experience
 
The ideal candidate shall possess the following:
  • A Bachelor´s degree in health or any other relevant discipline from a recognized university
  • A Master’s degree will be an added advantage
  • At least 5 years relevant experience
  • Six years’ experience with at least 2 years at senior level and aligned to donor requirement in the health sector.
  • Ability to work under pressure and to adhere to tight deadlines.
  • Commitment to devolution and its objectives
  • Good organizational and time management skills.
  • Have excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work on her/his own initiative.
  • Honesty and reliability and attention to detail.
  • Flexibility and adaptability to juggle a range of different tasks and to work extra hours to meet deadlines.
  • Discretion and an understanding of confidentiality
  • Meets the requirements of Chapter 6 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010
The contract duration is for three (3) years renewable annually subject to availability of resources and performance.


Director of Communication
 

Reporting to the CEO, the Director of Communication will set and guide the strategy for all communications, and collateral to consistently articulate the Council of Governor’s vision and mission.
 
The Director Communication will be responsible for building visibility, managing CoG’s reputation by implementing a vibrant communications strategy and stakeholder engagement plan, including traditional and social media.

The Director of Communication will work closely with Heads of Departments, Technical Committees and other stakeholders to provide leadership, coordination and guidance on all matters pertaining to the implementation of the communication strategy in accordance to the CoG Strategic Plan and Terms of Reference.
 
Essential Job Functions: 
  • Implement the Council of Governors Communication Strategy and identify the components that require further review, and develop an implementation strategy that meets the demands of the CoG and effectively communicates the results of the work of the CoG. 
  • Set up the communication unit of the Council Of Governors.
  • Develop branding initiatives for the Council of Governors with a view to ensuring that the larger public understands the role of the CoG secretariat. 
  • Work with the County Directors of Communication to ensure that there is sharing of information between CoG Secretariat and Counties to facilitate information sharing.
  • Develop branding initiatives, internal communication and external media relations.
  • Execute programs to deliver communication objectives throughout the organization and strategies for delivery of corporate culture and business strategy. 
  • Manage media relations, research editorial opportunities and build relationships with print and electronic media and manage all social media communication platforms including twitter, Facebook, among other online communication platforms.
  • Develop, execute and manage internal and external communication strategy aimed at establishing congenial and constructive partnerships for the organization and stakeholders.
  • Provide weekly media briefs and information to the public on Council of Governors
  • Overseeing development of all CoG communications materials, including press releases, talking points, reports, speeches, web materials, and videos. 
  • Ensuring all communications materials are in tandem with CoG’s Vision, strategy and policy positions. 
  • Sensitization and training of the CoG members of staff to own and support the communication strategy. 
  • Have direct supervision of the Communications Department staff. 
  • Any other tasks incidental to the forgoing tasks. 
Qualifications & Experience: 
  • A Bachelors degree in any of the following disciplines: Communications Studies or Public Relations and a Masters degree from a recognized institution. 
  • Certificate in computer applications. 
  • The candidate must have served in the grade of Director, Corporate Communications or in a comparable position for a minimum period of four (4) years with proven experience in communication.
Skills and Specific Knowledge requirements:
  • Proven ability to design, develop and implement both strategic communication programs.
  • Expertise in media outreach and excellence in originating and preparing written material – such as issue briefings, press releases, web content and layout – for use in various communication media.
  • Superior written and verbal communication skills, coupled with highly developed interpersonal, reporting and analytical skills.
  • Familiarity with international best practices in communication strategies
  • Strong leadership capabilities and a demonstrated record of successful leadership of multidisciplinary teams.
  • An understanding of the Kenya Constitution 2010 and devolution.
  • Diplomatic skills and ease with working in a political environment.
  • A team player.
  • Strong managerial skills, including motivating, developing, coaching and leading teams.
  • Demonstrated self-authored or produced report(s) or publications. 
Other requirements: 
  • Demonstrates integrity by modeling CoG values and ethical standards
  • Treats all people without favoritism 
  • Ability to work under pressure 
  • Initiative and independence 
  • Adaptability 
  • Commitment to national values and sensitivity to cultural and gender issues
  • Meets the requirements of Chapter 6 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 
The contract duration is for three (3) years annually renewable subject to availability of resources and performance.


Director of Legal Services
 

The Director of Legal Services will be expected to provide advice to the Council and Management on governance, corporate secretarial services, legal and regulatory and compliance matters. 

He/ She will render legal advice to the Chief Executive Officer for any legal actions to be initiated and /or defending the interest of the COG and advising on day to day legal matters.
 
Key duties and responsibilities:
 
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Director of Legal Services will be responsible for:
  • Ensure efficient provision of legal services to the Council of Governors including response to and defense of the Council of Governors against any tribunal or court matter arising thereof.
  • Ensure compliance with the law in the operations of all divisions and sections within the Council of Governors
  • Perform legal and regulatory risk analysis as required for decision making, enforcement actions and statutory intervention.
  • Ensure legal and regulatory policy reform
  • Offer legal opinions to internal stakeholders
  • Participate in formulation, development and implementation of the Council of Governors’s strategy and work plans in particular related to formulating an enabling legal and regulatory framework aimed at ensuring that the Council of Governors performs its mandate as required by law
  • Ensure risk exposure is prudently managed
  • Provide company secretarial services to the Council of Governors and advice on good corporate governance practices.
  • Enhance day to day communication with the Council of Governors for the purpose of executing the work plan of the Council.
  • Prepare corporate briefs, presentations, cabinet memoranda, gazette notices and responses to parliamentary questions from time to time as required.
  • Ensure that the divisional work plans are set and implemented in line with the strategic plan and the Council may direct as from time to time.
  • Ensure that the performance contract targets that are under the division are achieved
  • Oversee day to day correspondence to internal and external stakeholders for achievement of divisional objectives.
  • Prepare, implement and control the divisional budget and costs.
  • Approve expenditure to delegated amounts in accordance with approved budget.
  • Oversee drawing of contracts and agreements for the organization;
  • Advise and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements;
  • Ensure safe custody of legal documents
  • Supervise and develop staff in the division.
Required Qualifications and Experience
 
The ideal candidate shall possess the following:
  • Masters degree in Law from a recognized university
  • A law degree from recognized University
  • An advocate of the high court of Kenya
  • Hold a valid practicing certificate
  • Member of the Law Society of Kenya
  • Certificated Public Secretary qualifications
  • Advance computer applications
  • A member of the Institute of Certified Public Secretaries of Kenya
  • 8 years’ experience with at least 4 years at senior level management
  • Negotiation and analytical skills;
  • Strong communication and reporting skills;
  • Strong organization and inter personal skills; and
  • Good leadership, mentorship and coaching skills
  • Meets the requirements of Chapter 6 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010
  • Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.
  • Good organizational and time management skills.
  • Ability to research, digest, analyze and present material clearly and concisely.
  • Have excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work on her/his own initiative.
  • Honesty and reliability and attention to detail.
  • Flexibility and adaptability to juggle a range of different tasks and to work extra hours to meet deadlines.
  • Discretion and an understanding of confidentiality
The contract duration is for three (3) years renewable annually subject to availability of resources and performance.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should send a CV, cover letter, copies of ID, certificates, testimonials, current and expected remuneration, names and addresses of three referees to hrcog@cog.go.ke on or before Friday, 16th September 2016 and indicate the name of the position you are applying for as the Email subject