NGO Jobs in Kenya - Mercy Corps

Vacancy Announcement
 
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible.

In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action – helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within. Now, and for the future. We help communities survive and move beyond emergencies. 

When natural disasters strike, economies collapse or conflict flares, Mercy Corps is there. We see global challenges as an invitation to pioneer innovative, sustainable solutions. 


Mercy Corps is looking for committed and dynamic individual to take up the following position:

Position: Rangeland Specialist
 
Location: Isiolo

Program / Department Summary: Mercy Corps has been operating in Kenya since 2008, focusing its interventions around four objectives:

1) Peace and Conflict Management; 

2) Livelihood / Market Systems; 

3) Governance (particularly at the county level); and 

4) Youth Employment/Employability (including the social and economic development of adolescents). 

The four objectives serve to increase community resilience to drought and other shocks and stresses, and to decrease fragility with a particular focus on Kenya’s Arid Lands.  

Mercy Corps’ vision for change requires the private sector, government and civil society to work together to create meaningful and sustainable change.
Mercy Corps is recruiting a rangeland specialist to provide technical assistance and advice in the areas of sustainable Natural Resource Management (NRM) for a five-year USAID-funded Feed the Future (FtF) Livestock Market Systems (LMS) Development Activity for northern Kenya.

This position will support the Strengthening Community Capacities for Resilience and Growth component.

This project will support USAID’s Feed the Future Initiative and specifically will improve households’ income, productive assets and resilience to drought and other shocks.

Specific areas of focus include strengthened and sustained rangeland and water management; strengthened drought risk management; strengthened conflict management; improved and sustained health, nutrition, and hygiene practices; improved literacy, numeracy, and life skills; and collaborative action and learning for community empowerment.
 
General Position Summary: The Rangeland Specialist will offer support to the LMS program quality and impact through provision of technical assistance and advice in the areas of sustainable Natural Resource Management (NRM). 

This is anticipated to include early warning systems, climate information systems, participatory rangeland management, watershed management, sustainable community water management systems in pastoral and peri urban areas and livestock productivity improvement (including forage development) and small business group development.

The Rangeland Specialist will work closely with the project team to achieve program synergy. S/he will provide capacity building and technical assistance to LMS staff and partners in NRM aspects of implementing project interventions and encourage active participation of and networking between individuals and communities in recognizing NRM problems, identify solutions and implement project activities related to the identified solutions. 

The post holder will also build capacities of communities and institutions in sustainable NRM.

S/he will work closely with community facilitators, community leaders, committees and local government development agents and take part in community meetings for information gathering, exchange and carry out participatory planning supporting field implementation. 

The Rangeland Specialist will be responsible to advice and promote linking innovative market and finance based solutions to sustainable NRM. 

As part of this, s/he will ensure the establishment and effective maintenance of linkage between all relevant staff and partners.

Essential Job Responsibilities:
 
Program Management
·                     Contribute to team work plans and guide successful implementation of natural resources management activities, ensuring teams follow work plans so activities are on time, target and within the approved budget, and program deliverables achieve desired impact;
·                     Identify partnerships and innovation that could be supported by the LMS Grant Fund;
·                     Work closely with our partner ACDI/VOCA, who will be leading the implementation of the LMS and look for opportunities to link programming and clients with their programming and programming across the LMS;
·                     Collaborate with program team members to integrate activities across sectors (peace/conflict, gender, etc) and prevent siloed approaches to activity implementation;
·                     Provide advice and support to initiatives designed to consolidate and scale up sustainable Natural Resources Management linked to innovative market and finance solutions (including early warning systems, climate information systems, participatory rangeland management and participatory NRM approaches)  and ensure that interventions are responsive to stakeholders and consistent with Mercy Corps’ relevant program guidelines, principles, values, quality standards and strategic plan. Ensure that interventions are evidence-based and adhere to adaptive management principles;
·                     Facilitate NRM investigations, negotiations and implementation, and any formation of appropriate local level institutions;
·                     Network and coordinate with sector stakeholders to identify and learn from emerging technologies or approaches that can be trialed and/or scaled-up;
·                     In collaboration with program team, identify required training for government (local, regional, national), private sector, community and project staff and assist in identifying trainers and / or directly provide training and capacity building;
·                     Support participatory community based monitoring in counties where initiatives are taking place - organize and coordinate capacity building in relation to community-based monitoring, including experience sharing; 
·                     In collaboration with NDMA, facilitate discussions within communities aimed at promoting Disaster Risk Reduction approaches including for drought cycle management as important components of NRM;
·                     Integrate community approaches, gender sensitivity and capacity building into all activities as appropriate. Certify all interventions adhere to Mercy Corps’ Gender Policy, Do No Harm principles, and beneficiary accountability standards;
·                     Facilitate planning meetings and workshops with government, NGO, private sector, and community partners to revise plans and promote partner acceptance/buy-in;
·                     Keep abreast of the latest research and evolutions in the field of rangeland management and natural resources management;
·                     Define implementation strategies in coordination with the Chief of Party, Deputy Chief of Party and leadership team;
·                     In coordination with the MEL team, monitor the implement activities through regular field visits and assessments to ensure program quality and impact. Document approaches, successes and lessons learned. S/he will also coordinate closely with the M&E team to ensure that systems are in place to track, analyze and report results;
·                     Coordinate closely with the M&E team to ensure that systems are in place to track, analyze and report results;
·                     Coordinate with procurement, logistics, security, administration and human resources teams to ensure operational systems support field activities.
Influence & Representation
·                     Represent Mercy Corps at government, donor, NGO and other relevant events, in close coordination with the Chief of Party, Deputy Chief of Party and country leadership. 
·                     Coordinate activities with consortium partners, sub grantees, local government and other implementers, as well as with other Mercy Corps programs.
Security
·                     Work closely with the country team’s security focal point to develop and maintain systems that promote the safety and security of all team members. 
·                     Ensure that programs are designed and implemented with a clear analysis and understanding of security.
Organizational Learning: As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve, we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.
 
Accountability to Beneficiaries: Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.
 
Supervisory Responsibility: None
 
Accountability
 
Reports Directly To: Deputy Chief of Party
 
Works Directly With: Chief of Party, Deputy Chief of Party, Community Facilitators, Technical Advisors, finance and operations teams, HQ Regional Program Team, HQ Technical Support Unit, Partner Organizations, and broader LMS team.

Knowledge and Experience:
·                     MSc or equivalent in Rangeland Management Disaster Risk Reduction, Natural Resource Management, social sciences or other relevant field;
·                     A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in NRM or climate change where there is natural resource based conflicts with hands on experience in peace building initiatives;
·                     Skilled in NRM approaches including participatory rangeland management, participatory NRM, early warning and climate information systems;
·                     Proven experience in designing and implementing approaches that reach large numbers of pastoralist households with quality programming;
·                     Experience working with NDMA at the county level as well as working with county government officials;
·                     Experience in drafting contingency plans with communities in ASAL areas is required;
·                     Strong management skills, including effective personnel management, adaptive management coordination and decision-making;
·                     Strong facilitation and consensus-building skills;
·                     Competence in building networks, strong problem-solving skills, and ability to influence with effective listening, persuasion, negotiation and other techniques;
·                     Strong understanding of USAID compliance issues;
·                     Internationally recognized qualification in project or program management or a commitment to obtain the qualification in the early months of work;
·                     Excellent and persuasive oral and written communication skills, including report writing, in English and other language(s), and fluency in Kiswahili, and local dialects spoken in Northern Kenya are an added advantage; 
·                     Previous work experience in Northern Kenya is desirable;
·                     Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members.
Success Factors: The successful Rangeland Specialist will be familiar with the particular challenges of Natural Resources Management in Northern Kenya. 

S/he will combine exceptional management skills and capacity to manage relationships with different stakeholders including the greater LMS team. 

The position requires an ability to think creatively about improving opportunities for sustainable drought cycle management. 

A heavy emphasis will be placed on coordination with other actors implementing in the areas of intervention including county government. 

The specialist will have the capacity to spark innovative and entrepreneurial approaches to programming and to inspire groups to collaborate closely to implement high-quality programs. 

S/he will be committed to long-term program sustainability and the delivery of high-impact activities at the community level. 

Multi-tasking, prioritizing, problem solving and simultaneous attention to detail and strategic vision are essential. 

The most successful Mercy Corps staff members have a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability, thrive in evolving and changing environments and make effective written and verbal communication a priority

Environmental Conditions: 
This position will be Isiolo based, with regular travel to Nairobi, Turkana, Garissa, Marsabit and Wajir. 

This position requires approximately 50% travel regularly by road and air to program offices in often insecure environments. 

Mercy Corps team members represent the agency both during and outside work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit. 

Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.


Position: Office Assistant 
 
Location: Wajir

Program / Department Summary: The Operations Department is committed to implementing and maintaining the highest standards of efficiency and integrity in the operations functions. The overriding objective for all administration and logistics operations is the prompt and effective provision of support services to Mercy Corps’ beneficiary populations in compliance with donor specifications.

General Position Summary: 
The Office Assistant will be responsible for office cleaning, preparing tea/coffee and general office assistance functions for the Mercy Corps Wajir office.

Essential Job Functions: Overall responsible for all general office assistance aspects of Mercy Corps’ office support functions in Wajir in compliance with MC Administration and in-country policies.

Office Maintenance:
·                     Wash dishes in the kitchen;
·                     Clean washrooms, office premise and the kitchen daily;
·                     Empty garbage cans and dust bins daily;
·                     Sweep and dust the office daily;
·                     Clean the refrigerator, microwave and other machines in use in the office premises;
·                     Track the office cleaning supplies;
·                     Report items and assets in need of repair maintenance.
Kitchen functions:
·                     Prepare tea for the office staff;
·                     Prepare refreshments for meetings;
·                     Maintain stock of kitchen items and consumables;
·                     Track kitchen consumable items.
General Office Assistance:
·                     Perform receptionist duties when required;
·                     Deliver documents among departments on request;
·                     Make photocopies on request;
·                     Refill papers in printers and photocopiers;
·                     Attend to minor maintenance work;
·                     Issue and track office stationery.
Other:
·                     Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission in country of operation;
·                     Other duties as assigned.
Organizational Learning: As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve, we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.
 
Accountability to Beneficiaries: Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.
 
Supervisory Responsibility: None

Accountability: 
 
Reports Directly To: Administration and Logistics Officer
 
Works Directly With: All team members at the field office

Knowledge and Experience:
·                     Minimum 2 years’ experience in general office assistance;
·                     Basic computer skills are required;
·                     Strong organizational skills;
·                     Fluency in English and Swahili languages (both written and spoken).
Success Factors:
·                     High standard of cleanliness and attention to detail;
·                     Ability to work simultaneously on multiple tasks;
·                     Willingness and ability to work effectively with a wide variety of people;
·                     Excellent interpersonal skills;


Position: Drivers (5)
 
Location: Wajir, Garissa, Isiolo, Marsabit and Turkana Counties

Program / Department Summary: The Operations Department is committed to implementing and maintaining the highest standards of efficiency and integrity in the operations functions. 

The overriding objective for all administration and logistics operations is the prompt and effective provision of support services to Mercy Corps’ beneficiary populations in compliance with donor specifications.
 
General Position Summary: The driver work within the Operations department of the logistics support structure to provide safe, transport services for Mercy Corps program and support staff in the respective filed location. The driver will adhere to all traffic and Mercy Corps safety rules and follow the transport guidelines required by the Mercy Corps transport department.

Essential Job Functions:
·                     Operate Mercy Corps vehicles as assigned by supervisor;
·                     Maintain vehicle log-sheets in accordance with Mercy Corps policies/regulations;
·                     Check the vehicle conditions after each trip/routinely – report needs and problems to transport management;
·                     Adhere to all safety and communication protocols as advised by Mercy Corps and supervisor;
·                     Responsible for the safekeeping of all vehicle equipment, tools, first aid kits, spares etc.;
·                     Keep the vehicle ready, clean and on standby – ready for  use at all times;
·                     Assist, as required, with logistics in the office daily workloads;
·                     Cooperate and be of assistance to staff and visitors – assist in troubleshooting potential problems during daily business;
·                     Report all maintenance needs of the vehicle to transport management on a regular basis;
·                     Undertake field assignments as assigned;
·                     Adherence to all Mercy Corps policies and procedures as outlined in Mercy Corps policies and procedure manuals;
·                     Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission in country of operation;
·                     Other duties as assigned.
Organizational Learning: As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve, we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.
 
Accountability to Beneficiaries: Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.
 
Supervisory Responsibility: None

Accountability:
 
Reports Directly To: Logistics Officer in Area of Responsibility
 
Works Directly With: Program and Operations staff team across the field offices as required

Knowledge and Experience:
·                     Valid driver’s license and at least 3 years driving experience operating 4x4 vehicles;
·                     Experience working in a pastoral/arid lands field locations;
·                     Good understanding of English and fluency in all local languages is required;
·                     Experience preparing and maintaining vehicle log sheets;
·                     Knowledge of routes, duty stations, project areas, the NGO and diplomatic community is required.
Success Factors:
·                     Respect and adherence to all safety and traffic rules;
·                     Excellent sense of judgment;
·                     Willingness and ability to work effectively with a wide variety of people;
·                     Excellent interpersonal skills.


Position: Administration and Logistics Officer 
 
Location: Wajir

Program / Department Summary: The Operations Department is committed to implementing and maintaining the highest standards of efficiency and integrity in the operations functions. 

The overriding objective for all administration and logistics operations is the prompt and effective provision of support services to Mercy Corps’ beneficiary populations in compliance with donor specifications.

General Position Summary: The Administration and Logistics officer is responsible for facilitating the administration and logistics functions at Mercy Corps field office. 

Working closely with Program, Operations and Finance departments, the Administration and Logistics Officer is instrumental in supporting program activities through his/her coordination and execution of Procurement, Logistics and Administration functions at the field level.

Essential Job Functions:
 
Procurement:
·                     Daily coordination of MC procurement activities;
·                     Ensure full understanding and adherence to MC procurement policies and formats and assist as needed in training staff on these policies;
·                     Guide staff  as required on creating clear and understandable Purchase Requests and other procurement related documentation;
·                     Collect quotations and bids from the market for PRs as assigned by manager – as per Mercy Corps standards and formats;
·                     Interact with Vendors during collection of quotations – explain Mercy Corps formats and ensure that vendors will use the provided forms;
·                     Ensure fair competition and strictly adhere to  MC procurement rules regarding vendor relations;
·                     Maintain up to date Mercy Corps Procurement data management system;
·                     Interact with contractors, in coordination with the Program & Operations Managers;
·                     Ensures that the required documentation of supplies and transactions are completed to MC standards;
·                     Ensure proper asset management; maintain proper and updated asset register with clear asset identification tags.
Fleet management:
·                     General management of agency vehicles in co-operation with the Operations Manager;
·                     Ensure that all vehicles are safe and road-worthy;
·                     Collect and distribute of vehicle log-sheets to drivers; responsible for monthly compilation and submission of log-sheets;
·                     Schedule vehicle use to meet programmatic and operational needs;
·                     Maintain vehicle movement board daily;
·                     Oversee fuel consumption purchase and tracking including coordination with the designated fuel station;
·                     Collect Vehicle Service Requests from drivers. Submit VSR-s to the Operations Manager for approval;
·                     In coordination with the Operations Manager, organize regular service schedules for vehicles and maintain service schedule files;
·                     Ensure vehicle repairs are done in a timely manner;
·                     Ensure security measures for vehicles such as parking, storage of keys, emergency supplies, etc.;
·                     Ensure that security incident reports are completed and filed (if related to vehicles).
Administration:
·                     Ensure proper management and coordination of staff travel arrangements including transport and  security;
·                     Ensure good general office management and cleanliness of the office premises in coordination with the Office Assistant;
·                     Coordinate with the Operations department in Nairobi to ensure adherence to Administrative and IT procedures by all field based staff;
·                     Ensure that the office is run in a professional and responsible manner including hosting guests, receptionist duties, general contact and liaison with outside agencies as well as cleanliness of the office premises in coordination with the Office Assistant;
·                     Coordinate with the Administration Officer in Nairobi to provide administrative guidance to MC staff when required;
·                     Manage and renew office lease agreement;
·                     In coordination with the Program Leads and the Administration Coordinator in Nairobi track airtime allocation for field based staff;
·                     Coordinate the purchase of office supplies;
·                     Coordinate any other necessary administrative and office management details including the maintenance of the premises.
Other:
·                     Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.
·                     Other duties as assigned.
Organizational Learning: As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve, we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.
 
Accountability to Beneficiaries: Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.
 
Supervisory Responsibility: The Office Assistant and Drivers

Accountability:
 
Reports Directly To: The Wajir Head of Office with a dotted technical line to the Operations Manager
 
Works Directly With: Program, Operations and Finance teams

Knowledge and Experience:
·                     Degree in a relevant business field is desired;
·                     At least 3 years of experience in large scale logistics, supply chain management and/ or international business;
·                     Must demonstrate understanding of logistics, procurement and administration ethics and good management skills with diverse team with large flow of information and activities;
·                     Experience in an NGO setting is preferred;
·                     A strong understanding of donor compliance is required;
·                     Excellent organizational  skills and ability to make recommendations for improvements;
·                     Strong MS Office computer skills;
·                     Excellent spoken and written skills in English;
·                     Willingness to travel to field locations when required.   
Success Factors:
·                     Meticulous with an excellent sense of judgment and ability to multitask;
·                     Ability to work independently and prioritize, show initiative;
·                     Ability to coordinate and work effectively with a diverse teams in a multi-cultural set up;
·                     Thorough understanding on logistical challenges, market mechanism and supply chain dynamcis;
·                     Positive team spirit.


Position: Senior Finance Officer
 
Location: Wajir

Program / Department Summary: The Mercy Corps Finance Department is responsible for all financial functions in Kenya, including accounting, payments and banking, payroll, budgeting, financial reporting, and grant financial management and compliance.  

Mercy Corps Finance Department ensures compliance with donor regulations as well as Mercy Corps’ internal policies and procedures. 

In its role as a support to the Program Department, the Finance Department provides timely reports and assistance to the Country Director and the Program team to ensure that financial resources are used efficiently and effectively.
 
General Position Summary:The Mercy Corps Finance Department is responsible for all financial functions in Kenya, including accounting, payments and banking, payroll, budgeting, financial reporting, and grant financial management and compliance.  

Mercy Corps Finance Department ensures compliance with donor regulations as well as Mercy Corps’ internal policies and procedures.  

In its role as a support to the Program Department, the Finance Department provides timely reports and assistance to the Country Director and the Program team to ensure that financial resources are used efficiently and effectively.

Essential Job Responsibilities:
1.           Support in preparation of  monthly bank reconciliations
2.           Maintain custody of the office cash fund and make daily payments of approved transactions
3.           Prepare cash payment vouchers and ensure that all cash transactions are fully and properly documented
4.           Review expense reports (travel expense reports and operational expense reports) for accuracy and completeness and ensure that expense reports have been fully approved before payment
5.           Perform weekly cash count as per FFM
6.           Record payment vouchers daily in the Field Connection Accounting System
7.           Maintain  field advance tracker file and prepare past due advance tracker for the Senior Finance and Reporting Officer
8.           Preparing cheques based on fully approved  &  finance reviewed documents and present for signing
9.           File all cash and bank batch vouchers and maintain voucher filing system such that files are updated, complete and safeguarded
10.        Maintain the bank file, ensuring that all bank information is properly filed and updated
11.        Assist with month end balance sheet account reconciliations
12.        Make sure that all supporting documentation is prepared and filed according to MC procedures.
13.        Assists in sub grants management & compliance at field office
14.        Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission
15.        Other duties as assigned.
Organizational Learning: As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve, we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.
 
Accountability to Beneficiaries: Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.
 
Supervisory Responsibility: None
 
Accountability
 
Reports Directly To: Country Finance Manager
 
Directly With: Nairobi Finance Team, Program Team and Operations Team

Knowledge and Experience:
·                     At least four years of accounting or bookkeeping experience;
·                     A degree in accounting or a relevant business field;
·                     Strong computer skills in MS Office programs, particularly Excel;
·                     Familiarity with computerized, double-entry accounting software;
·                     Strong organizational skills as well as attention to detail;
·                     Experience working in an International Non-Governmental Organization is an added advantage;
·                     Excellent oral and written English skills.
Success Factors:
·                     A clear understanding of finance and procurement ethics as well as the willingness and ability to enforce compliance with Mercy Corps and donor policies and procedures;
·                     The ability to interact effectively with international and national staff members is required;
·                     A demonstrated ability to work quickly, accurately, meet deadlines, and process information in support of changing program activities is necessary.
Application Procedure: 

Interested candidates who meet the above required qualifications and experience should submit a Cover Letter and detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) listing three professional references (including a recent supervisor) to ke-hrkenya@mercycorps.org  on or before 12th December, 2017.

The email subject line must clearly show the job title and location they are applying for.

Applications without an appropriate subject heading will be automatically disqualified.
 
Please do not attach any certificates.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
  
NB: We do not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process