Programme Officer Job in Nairobi, Kenya

Hivos seeks qualified candidate for the position of:
 
Vacancy Name: Programme Officer, Voice
 
Number of hours: 40
 
Region: East Africa
 
Office: Nairobi, Kenya
 
About Hivos: Hivos is an international organisation that seeks new solutions to persistent global issues. With smart projects in the right places, we oppose discrimination, inequality, abuse of power and the unsustainable use of our planet’s resources.  

Counterbalance alone, however, is not enough. Our primary focus is achieving structural change. This is why we cooperate with innovative businesses, citizens and their organisations. We share a dream with them of sustainable economies and inclusive societies.

Job context

Voice: Nothing About Us, Without Us, is a new fund created by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign affairs. It is managed jointly by Hivos and Oxfam Novib.

The fund is part of the Dialogue and Dissent agenda of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Its main goal is to strengthen the capacity for lobby and advocacy of civil society organizations and representatives of the most marginalized and discriminated people, in order to empower these groups and have their voices heard and respected. 

Voice has two main components; a grant making facility that gives support to groups and organizations and a linking and learning programme that will nurture learning and innovation across countries and groups. 

It will support the use of innovative ideas to reach these groups for lobby and advocacy.

In East Africa, Hivos will support the implementation of Voice in Kenya and Tanzania.
 
Your responsibilities

Communication and Representation:
  • Coordinate the implementation of the Voice programme in the country in liaison with the Programme Manager, Hivos based in Nairobi. In close coordination with Regional  Director and Country Management Team represent the Voice programme in the country vis à vis country stakeholders
  • Coordinate the communities of stakeholders in the country and also serve as the linking and learning focal point in the country / regional team
  • Coordinate and lead on pro-active and innovative outreach to the target groups for the Voice programme and coordinates the dissemination of information about the calls for proposals to them
  • Launch and assess open country proposal calls and assess proposals with support from Voice global coordination team and others, guaranteeing application of Voice grant making criteria, principles and processes
  • Regular communication with the Voice Coordination Team in particular the Programme Manager and the Global Voice Grants Coordinator
Grant Management and Partner Support
  • Support organisation of Voice programme events and activities
  • Provide technical support as needed to potential grantees in the formulation of grant applications
  • Mentor and provide technical assistance to grantees in the implementation of projects on an as needed basis
  • Support capacity development and empowerment approaches
  • Coordinate and support in-country grants team in carrying out programme and accountability assessments
  • Ensure effective post contract grant management including collection and assessment of reports, follow up,  communication with and monitoring grantees on the ground; ensure scheduled payments to grantees, and liaise with finance officer to ensure seamless grantee management and communication
  • Manage, review and make recommendations to change as needed to ensure that grant processes are in line with Voice needs and promote effective grant making
Compliance and Reporting
  • Process and monitor information on grant allocation in the administrative system
  • Responsible for country level reporting on the Voice programme (grant portfolio reporting, data collection and learning, time writing)
  • Develop and prepare operational reports for grant management at national and global level
  • Administer Voice policies and procedures in accordance with country and organisational guidelines
  • Track Voice grant compliance and bring instances of non-compliance to the attention of the Country Director and Voice Coordination Team
  • Support grants and financial data reconciliation and preparation for reports, audits and other Voice reporting as needed
  • Monitor regulations and their effect on grant making.
Your profile
  • 5 years experience with large scale grant management
  • Excellent knowledge of LGBT and feminist/ women’s empowerment actors and issues in Kenya
  • Knowledge of and affinity with social inclusion,  marginalisation, lobby & advocacy
  • Knowledge of applicable country/ national regulations
  • Relevant Academic background (MA level) or similar
  • Excellent written and verbal English
  • Administrative project management skills
  • Excellent ICT skills ( Microsoft Office and database)
  • Excellent organisational and coordination skills;
  • Ability to perform complex tasks and to prioritise multiple projects
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a multicultural environment
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
  • Ability to make administrative/procedural decisions and judgments
  • Ability to analyse budgetary line items for compliance with budget guidelines
Desired:
  • Knowledge of grant management (desired)
What we offer

We offer a competitive package based on the candidate’s qualifications.

Like to apply?

To apply kindly send your CV and cover letter explaining why you are the suitable candidate for this position to eastafricajobs@hivos.org. 

Your letter should state your current and expected salary. 

Deadline is 3rd June, 2016.