NGO Jobs in Nairobi Kenya - Wetlands International

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 Communications Officer to join our growing portfolio. 

Under the guidance of the Programme Manager, the Communication Officer will be responsible for ensuring the effective communication of project activities in the Eastern Africa Region. 

Position Title: Communications Officer
 
Job Ref.: WIA121
 
Location: Kenya Country office, Nairobi
 
Projects: Strategic Partners for Resilience (SPFR) and WASH-IT
 
Countries of coverage: Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, South Sudan
 
Reporting to: Program Manager, Kenya Office
 
Expected start date: 6 January 2016
 
Type of contract: Fixed term (5 years) with a probation period of 6 months

This position forms part of The Organisation’s Communications Team and entails supporting the staff members with their communication needs so as to add value, help achieve outcomes and showcase successes in a tangible and meaningful way.

Specifically this position will:
1.    Support communications planning in projects, initiatives, and other The Organisation activities, especially through advice on written (printed and electronic) communications related to the work and outputs of projects and initiatives.
2.    Assist country offices in the region to elaborate their annual national communications plans based on the projects and to develop a regional communication plan and media strategy based on these and within the framework of the The Organisation Communications Strategy
3.    Identify the communications needs of the projects and initiatives and suggest appropriate communications tools
Coordinates with: 

INSIDE The Organisation:
  • Kenya Office Team; Headquarters and Regional Team including Communications Manager
OUTSIDE The Organisation:
  • Governmental representatives, partner organisations, media
Responsibilities
  • Develop communication materials in different formats including press releases, advisories, factsheets, newsletters, summary report, press/media kits, and news stories to inform media, key partners, and the general public about projects and initiatives; results and successes, and other achievements
  • Advise staff on appropriate communication strategies including providing advice on communications plans and media outreach, presentations, roll-out campaigns and/or launching publications and products.
  • Facilitate knowledge sharing with staff and partners providing a steady flow of news and stories for website/publications, keeping them aware of communication initiatives undertaken
  • Use different social media platforms to create dialogue around our work as well as other topical issues
  • Assist with all communication efforts, including the adaptation of style or format to ensure that messages achieve maximum impact.
Selection Criteria
 
Education
1.    Minimum of a Degree in Journalism, Media, Information Management/Science, Development Communication, or related field. An additional qualification in the field of conservation or political science would be an advantage
2.    Minimum 5 years communication experience (preferably in the environmental sector)
Experience
  • Sound knowledge of communication strategies, knowledge management tools, and information technology
  • Strong writing and reporting skills, with at least two years of working experience in editing and writing material;
  • An interest in and commitment to environmental and conservation issues
  • Proven knowledge of working effectively across a range of media platforms
Competencies
  • Management/coordination: Experience working with multidisciplinary teams, particularly with international/regional agencies
  • Communication and outreach: Ability to effectively present, discuss, convince and influence different levels and target groups with tailored messages
  • Networking: A good network and knowledge of the media in the region; the ability to identify relevant partners and maintain existing linkages
  • Impact and results orientation: Proactive approach within and outside the organization to generate concrete results on an output level and to seek opportunities to transform output to outcome and impact
  • Social/team skills: Ability to work effectively and smoothly across teams with intercultural sensitivity and contribute to establishing commitment among group members
  • Flexibility/innovation: Displays a continuous learning attitude; stays abreast with changing approaches and technologies; encourages others to come up with new ideas; actively supports a continuous learning culture
  • Computer and internet literacy: Experience with word, excel, internet and Email packages, publishing software, geographic information systems, and website management
  • Language skills: Demonstrated ability to speak and write professionally, fluently, and grammatically correct in English; knowledge of other regional languages highly desirable

Position Title: Policy and Advocacy Officer
 
Job Ref.: WIA118
 
Location: Kenya Country Office, Nairobi
 
Projects: Strategic Partners for Resilience (SPFR) and WASH IT!
 
Countries of coverage: Kenya, South Sudan
 
Reporting to: Program Manager, Kenya Office
 
Expected start date: 6 January 2016
 
Type of contract: Fixed term (5 years) with a probation period of 6 months

The Programme Officer will work closely with other Program staff to ensure effective delivery of the results and objectives of Strategic Partnership projects. 

The Policy and Advocacy Officer will be a member of the WIA and WIHQ policy and advocacy team.

Specifically this position will:
  • Work closely with the The Organisation policy and advocacy teams to support the development of advocacy strategies and activities on priority issues and develop coordinated activities on priority themes
  • Provide research and analysis to key debates and produce reports, briefing notes and materials on the policy environment within Kenya and the region
  • Lead advocacy efforts on specific advocacy priorities, representing The Organisation Kenya to high profile policy makers, practitioners, think tanks, academic partners, the media and the public
  • Jointly with partners, plan and coordinate all policy and advocacy initiatives to ensure the program delivers effective evidence base to influence policy
Coordinates with: 
 
INSIDE The Organisation:
  • Kenya and South Sudan Office Teams; Regional Team including Communications Manager; Headquarters team including Policy and Advocacy team
OUTSIDE The Organisation:
  • Governmental representatives, partner organisations, consultants
Responsibilities
  • Assist the Program Manager and Country staff by undertaking research and providing analyses of policy issues including ecosystem based water resources management, ecosystem based DRR and biodiversity
  • Coordinate policy development providing advice and technical assistance to pertinent staff to ensure consistency and coherence
  • Engages where appropriate, in advocacy activities with different stakeholders including governments (national and county), international bodies, civil society organisation (CSOs) in emerging policy debates and dialogues
  • Represent The Organisation at workshops, briefings and pertinent meetings
  • Plans, organizes and supports the delivery of capacity development activities for staff and CSOs and support the development of related materials, on-line tools and information kits
  • Ensure the effective and successful planning, budgeting, monitoring and management of advocacy work;
Selection Criteria
 
Education
  • Advanced university degree in Environmental Law/ Political Sciences with a bias in environmental sciences or natural resources management, or related field
  • At least 10 years of progressive working experience in policy analysis, programming, advice and analysis and capacity building
Experience
1.    Experience in policy analysis and advice, strategic management and programme formulation and implementation associated with ecosystem based water resources management, ecosystem based DRR and biodiversity
2.    Experience in Kenya (and possibly the Eastern African region) and a good understanding of the regional and country policy landscape and key advocacy targets and processes governing IRM, WASH and IWRM
3.    Experience in working with county governments, national governments, intergovernmental bodies, private sector and civil society bodies and processes at different levels;
Competencies
  • Demonstrated capacity to strategically lead and manage multidisciplinary teams and programs to achieve results
  • 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 English
  • Comprehensive computer skills, especially in Word, Excel, Email, Internet packages
  • Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines
  • Proven ability to work in teams in a multi-cultural environment

Position Title: Project Manager - Protracted Crisis HoA
 
Job Ref.: WIA117
 
Location: Kenya Country Office, Nairobi
 
Projects: Protracted Crises Horn of Africa (HoA) Project
 
Countries of coverage: South Sudan, Ethiopia
 
Reporting to: Program Manager - Kenya Office
 
Works closely with: Project Manager – HQ, Project Officer - South Sudan, Program Coordinator - Ethiopia
 
Expected start date: ASAP
 

Type of contract: 1-year contract with possible extension, with a probation period of 2 months

Overall Purpose of Job:
 The Project Manager will be responsible for the implementation of the Protracted Crisis HoA Project as directed by the Program Manager. 

The Project Manager will be responsible for the planning, management and implementation of the project.

Main Duties and Responsibilities
  • Implement the SCRSE and South Sudan Projects by developing annual work plans for the project and in-country activities, in collaboration with the in-country project staff and relevant project partners
  • Provide technical guidance and technical backstopping to and coaching of the project staff in Ethiopia and South Sudan
  • In collaboration with the project staff, oversee the implementation of project activities undertaken in the 2 participating countries, including ecosystem assessments, establishment of demonstration sites, delivery of training activities, operation of regional workshops, development of awareness materials and activities
  • Manage performance of all project staff in Ethiopia and South Sudan, regularly monitor and report on their progress
  • Manage the SCRSE and South Sudan Project Finances according to the agreed Project Budget and in accordance with the The Organisation Financial management system
  • Monitor and regularly report on the progress of the project against the annual plans of implementation and agreed milestones for the project and in each country, identify urgent issues that need urgent attention by management; implement remedial actions as needed to ensure compliance with plan goals, timelines and budgets
  • Maintain linkages with other projects and identify opportunities for partnership and collaboration with other agencies, organisations and donors
  • Perform other tasks that may be assigned by the Program Manager
  • Be a The Organisation ambassador
Selection Criteria
 
Education
  • Minimum of a Post graduate qualification in Water Resources Management, Natural Resources Management, Environmental Sciences/Management or related field
Work Experience
  • At least 8 years of relevant project management experience (at least 5 years’ experience in facilitation or management of watershed and Integrated Water Resources Management projects at national and regional level)
  • Strong knowledge, qualifications and experience in ecosystems mapping and assessments
  • Demonstrated experience using GIS
Competencies
  • 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 English
  • Comprehensive computer skills, especially in Word, Excel, Email and Internet packages
  • Ability to prioritize and meet strict deadlines
  • Proven ability to work in teams in a multi-cultural and in an international working environment
  • Willingness to travel to Ethiopia and South Sudan on a regular basis
Remuneration: Remuneration is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

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
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