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 jobholder will provide leadership in the management and implementation of (Kenya Inclusive Governance, Accountability, Performance and Participation (KE-IGAPP) project. Specifically, this position will primarily involve planning, coordination, management, and implementation of project activities in Kakamega, Nakuru, Isiolo, Kilifi, and Mombasa Counties. The jobholder will work from the Concern Nairobi office.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead in the planning, coordination, management, implementation, and evaluation of project activities
• Develop strong and strategic relationships with the County Governments of the aforementioned Counties specifically the County Executive and County Assembly to improve citizen participation and accountability in service delivery
• Develop strong and strategic relationships with Local Civil Society Organizations (including media) to augment their efforts to hold county governments accountable for quality service delivery and amplify citizen voices in county governance processes
• Provide technical assistance to the Department of Public Administration and Coordination to strengthen the linkages and coordination between formal governance structures and Organized Community Groups at village, ward, sub-county, and county levels in line with county public participation laws and policies.
• Participate in the development of project strategies, tools, training content, and materials.
• Lead in building the capacity of CSOs, LDOs, and governance structures such as the Directorate for Public Participation, Sub County, Ward, and Village Administration, and community structures to facilitate meaningful citizen participation.
• Liaise with the Technical specialist – Community Empowerment for establishment and engagement of Village and Ward and level structures for strengthening citizen participation and accountability in Health service delivery.
• Guide and provide technical mentorship to Officers-Community Empowerment in the implementation of project activities.
• Undertake frequent (monthly) field visits to program sites in target counties to monitor progress, quality, and impact of activities approved in the annual program proposal, and quarterly costed work plans.
• Liaise with Officer-Communication for documentation of project processes, outcomes, impacts, and learning.
• Represent the organization and actively participate in various project meetings and forums at the County and National levels.
• Provide regular (monthly) constructive feedback to direct reports on their performance and provide support on existing gaps including identification of training opportunities.
• Responsible for the development and submission of quarterly costed work plans
• Compile and submit timely monthly notes, quarterly and annual reports

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 Project Management, Public Administration, Public Policy, Law, Social Science, Community Development, or a related development field with 5 years’ experience implementing community engagement, governance, and human rights-based programs
• At least 3 years’ experience in governance, advocacy and community engagement programmes in Kenya with a strong understanding of devolved governance structures at county level and how these structures work
• Knowledge of public finance management laws, County Government Act, and related amendments and other regulatory frameworks of government.
• Demonstrated experience in facilitating meaningful participation of citizens in the annual county planning and decision-making processes
• Good understanding of program cycle management and application of advocacy strategies to promote positive development outcomes.
• Possess strong written and oral communication skills
• Strong leadership and management skills

Preference will be given to candidates who have:

• Experience in utilizing participatory approaches for Citizen participation and accountability
• Experience in working with and capacity-strengthening of County Government departments
• 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
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn

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