Project Officer Job in Kenya - IIRR

Background: International Institute of Rural Reconstruction (IIRR) Kenya Country Office with financial support from UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women and Girls (EVAW) started implementation of a 3 year project in January 2016 in the northern Kenya counties of Samburu, Marsabit and Isiolo. 

It is for this reason that IIRR is seeking to recruit a project officer to coordinate implementation of the project in the selected counties. 

The project is titled; “Stop Violence Against Women and Girls in Samburu, Marsabit and Isiolo counties of Northern Kenya”.  
Project goal: The overall goal of the project, is to ensure that women and girls in Samburu, Marsabit and Isiolo counties of northern Kenya are better protected from Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and harmful cultural practices e.g. early forced marriages and Female Genital Mutilation/cut (FGM/C) and survivors have access to support services (medical, psychosocial and legal) by December 2018.

Position:
 Gender Based Violence Project Officer

Workstation:
 Field Office – Northern Kenya
 
Job Scope (Purpose): To provide technical support to the project assistants and local partners and thus ensure project activities by IIRR and partners are implemented according to plans and approved budget to achieve the desired results.

Key tasks:
 Under the direct supervision of the Country Director (CD), the incumbent SGBV Project Officer will be based in Northern Kenya and be responsible in carrying out the following duties and responsibilities:

Coordination and technical support:
  • In collaboration with CD, provide leadership/technical assistance on SGBV issues to the targeted communities and all stakeholders to ensure comprehensive approach to SGBV, and improve the visibility of IIRR in development work in Northern Kenya.
  • Support supervision of implementation of interventions to address Gender Based Violence (GBV) with targeted population through a strong community-based approach at the county level.
  • Organize SGBV working groups at the field level, providing much needed SGBV leadership in the 3 counties.
  • Attend and actively participate in the health cluster coordination meetings, providing inputs from the SGBV working group regularly including challenges and gaps and possible solutions.
  • Provide the necessary support for MISP implementation through programme development
  • Assist in the harmonization, reproduction and dissemination of national guidelines and treatment protocols for life saving procedures under the MISP for SGBV, as identified through needs assessments.
  • Facilitate capacity building (formal/ informal and supportive supervision) of Health care providers (HCPs), TOTs and Community Conversation Facilitators (CCFs) psychosocial counselors, law enforcement agencies, female activists, local government authorities and community leaders) and provide capacity development based on needs and gaps as identified through needs assessments.
  • Support in strengthening of GBV referral system or links and case management.
  • To facilitate the identification of human rights violations and protection risks, including poor access by persons with specific needs related to GBV to basic services.
  • Support the establishment and running of Community-based Protection Networks within the community.
  • Support the establishment/strengthening and running of Women Friendly Spaces (Save havens or rescue centres).
  • Ensure regular coordination with protection clusters in the counties and relevant government authorities.
  • Supervise the activities of the CCFs and prepare routine reports; monthly updates, quarterly, biannual and annual reports.
  • In collaboration with Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E), the officer will lead in project monitoring and evaluation in coordination with the project assistants, partners and communities.
  • Lead in the development of culturally sensitive and appropriate Behavior Change Communication and Information and Education Communication (BCC/IEC) materials on SGBV and dissemination/distribution at strategic points.
  • Take lead in the preparation of appropriate content for dissemination through local FM radio on SGBV issues.
  • Contribute, within the strategic framework of the SGBV working groups activated in the respective counties, for implementation and strengthening of the SGBV response mechanisms in the three target counties.
  • Liaise with the state and county authorities (Ministries of Education/ Health/ Social services gender/ youth) and the Children’s Department and interact positively with development actors/ organizations to ensure that SGBV is integrated in all response programmes/ projects of relevant organizations.
  • Propose/ prepare procurement orders for medical supplies, equipment and accessories as necessary and coordinate provision of such supplies to the target health facilities/partners.
Partnerships:
  • Identify and assess possible implementing partners for SGBV interventions in the target Counties
  • Maintain and strengthen partnerships for SGBV project/programme implementation with the identified partners including local CBOs
  • Facilitate the updating/ and signing of Letters of Undertaking or Memorandums of Understanding (LoU/MoUs) with implementing partners
  • Participate in regular meetings with stakeholders and partners and address issues
Fundraising and advocacy:
  • Assist in concept notes and project proposal writing to contribute to the appeal process of the health component that includes SRHR, maternal health, HIV prevention and medical care for survivors of sexual violence
  • Support implementing partners in community sensitization in HIV/SGBV topics as per needs and identified gaps such that initiative is beneficiary driven.
  • Advocate for minimum initial service package MISP for SGBV in humanitarian settings as lifesaving under the sphere project criteria
Monitoring and evaluation / reporting
  • Conduct regular monitoring of implementing partners' activities to ensure that deliverables are met, given the budget and timelines.
  • Collect, analyze and provide feedback on SGBV information and data to implementing partners and IIRR SGBV interns
  • Regularly monitor and prepare reports on the rational and effective use of the commodities and supplies received through UNTF project.
  • Conduct joint monitoring visits with government partners, UN Women, and CBOs, as indicated.
  • Prepare standard periodic reports and progress updates on on-going UNTF SGBV interventions
  • Perform any other duties assigned by the Supervisor (CD).
Required Competencies
  • Values: Integrity, commitment, embracing cultural diversity, embracing change.
  • Core Competencies: Achieving results, accountability, developing professional expertise, analytical thinking, working in teams, communicating for impact.
Required skills set and other aspects:
  • Possess advocacy skills
  • Results-based programme orientation. Building partnerships
  • Resource mobilization
  • Job knowledge/Technical expertise. Proficiency in current computer Microsoft office software applications
  • Ability to work under hardship conditions
Qualifications:
  • At least a first degree (Bachelor of Science in Nursing-BSN, or BSc Environmental Health/advanced degree in Public Health is preferable.
  • 3 years working experience in implementing SGBV Projects with INGO or Government
  • Fluency in written and oral English and spoken Kiswahili and an understanding of the local language (Either Samburu, Rendille or Borana) will be an added advantage.
Application Process:

If you are interested in this position, send us your application, a current CV including contact details of three (3) work-related referees, quoting current & expected remuneration. Applications shall be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Closing date for applications is 30th September, 2016 before 5pm to:
 

The Human Resources Office
International Institute of Rural Reconstruction
Africa Regional Center
 
E-Mail: recruitment@iirr.org
 

IIRR is an equal opportunity employer (for details about IIRR see www.iirr.org)