We are an international humanitarian organisation dedicated to tackling poverty and suffering in the world’s poorest countries. Concern Worldwide began working in Kenya in May 2002 with the development of an urban programme in Nairobi. Our work expanded into a multi-sectoral programme focusing on urban and rural livelihoods, primary education, HIV and AIDS, water and sanitation, and health and nutrition in both Nairobi and Marsabit. In partnership with local organisations, Concern also responds to a number of emergencies in Kenya resulting from floods, drought and violence.

Job Summary

The jobholders will provide technical leadership in developing, implementing and maintaining citizen participation and accountability interventions at the County level. S/he will be responsible for capacity building and supporting CSOs/LDOs and County structures for improved citizen participation and accountability in health service delivery. Candidates requested to indicate clear interest of County in their application. These are Kakamega or Nakuru or Isiolo or Coast (Mombasa and Kilifi). Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed only for the specific county they applied for.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Community Engagement

• Participate in the training of Community Facilitators on community engagement using Community Conversations (CC) approach
• Provide technical backstopping for Community Facilitators in conducting community entry using the CC approach.
• Responsible for coordinating the utilization of CC approach for improved citizen participation and accountability
• Participate in the development and review of community engagement materials including manuals, tools, templates etc.

Citizen participation and Social accountability

• Conduct capacity strengthening and support to County structures for improved citizen participation through training
• Provide technical assistance to the County Department of Public Administration and Directorates of Citizen Participation to strengthen the linkages and coordination between formal governance and community structures in line with county public participation laws and policies
• Provide technical mentorship to CSOs and LDOs to engage, and catalyze citizens, government, and the private sector for oversight and accountability purposes
• Participate in empowering communities to participate actively in the County Public Finance Management cycle and utilization of social accountability tools

Planning, reporting and documentation

• Responsible for providing leadership in the implementation of citizen participation and accountability activities in the county
• Responsible for the development of County monthly and quarterly work plans for all project activities.
• Develop quality training, monthly and quarterly project reports
• Participate in all project planning, coordination and learning meetings

Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Conduct regular field visits to monitor project implementation and quality
• Collect project monitoring data using defined MEAL tools
• Participate in field visits for the project with donors, consortium partners

Representation:

• Represent the project at County, Sub-county, Ward and community level coordination and technical forums.
• Maintain good working relationships, linkages and coordination with relevant partners

Others

• Adhere to and promote the standards outlined in the Concern Code of Conduct and associated policies to their team, beneficiaries, and be committed to providing a safe working environment
• Participating and contributing towards Concern’s emergency response, as and when necessary
• Take all possible measure to meet Core Humanitarian Standards (CHS)
• Any other duties as assigned by the line manager

Person Specification

Minimum Education, Qualifications & Experience Required:

• A bachelor’s degree in community development, social sciences or any other relevant field.
• A Trainer of Trainer (TOT) in participatory approaches. TOT in the Community Conversations approach will be an added advantage.
• At least three years’ experience in utilizing participatory approaches for citizen participation and social accountability.
• Good knowledge of Public Finance Management (PFM)
• Fluency in spoken and written language in English, and Swahili. Knowledge of at least one of the local languages spoken in County is an added advantage
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Good computing and report-writing skills
• Be able to work independently, as well as in a team
• Be willing to accept responsibility and to show good judgment, initiative, and resourcefulness.

Preference will be given to candidates who have:

• A Trainer of Trainer (TOT) in participatory approaches.
• Experience in utilizing participatory approaches for citizen participation and accountability
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and report writing skills and demonstrated ability to work effectively in teams.
• High integrity and demonstrated ability to follow standards and policies
• Ability to work in a systematic and organized manner
• Energy to work long hours when needed and be out in the field all day

Competencies required:

• Good communication skills and can work well with others
• Deliver results
• Leadership skills
• Creative and innovative and open-minded to changes
• Influence and lobbying skills