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).
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).
1.
Programme Officer — Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS)
1.0 Background
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