Livelihood Project Assistant at Islamic Relief

The programme includes a strong focus on disaster risk reduction to reduce the vulnerability of rural livelihoods to external shocks and the effects of climate change, as well as the strengthening of organization advocacy capacities to influence public rural development.

The successful candidate will need to understand and take on Islamic Relief’s values and commitment to pastoral communities’ economic empowerment.

Lastly they will need to show strong self-awareness, interpersonal skills, and self-motivation, with the ability to deliver results and work well under pressure and to be flexible in demanding situations.

The Project assistant will be responsible for the day to day engagement with the project implementation stakeholders and farmers in Mandera to ensure project results and realized in an effective manner as per the project documents and donor guidelines and expectations.

Livelihood Project Assistant Job Key Responsibilities

Project Administration and Operation

• Implementation of the Securing Water for Food (SWFF) project in accordance with the project requirements and work plan.
• Organize and execute Farmers/Group Saving and Loans Associations (GSLAs) capacity building in line with the IR training manual.
• Monitor GSLAs economic activities initiated through the project for technical advice and link them to other private sector players for partnership.
• Mobilize savings among GSLAs and ensure group rule including weekly meetings are followed by all the members.
• Collaborate with local entrepreneurs and stakeholders to identify market opportunities for farmers participating in the SWFF project.
• Build the business capacity of the targeted GSLAs for easy access of available credit facilities for start-up capital and expansion of business ventures.
• Work with local partners in advocacy efforts around strategic issues affecting farmers in Mandera and ensure their participation in the county government processes.
• Keep abreast of political, economic and social developments priorities in the area of operation and report the same to the line manager for appropriate action.
• Identify existing and emerging challenges facing the community and recommend suitable sustainable innovative approaches of addressing the gaps.
• Link with other related interventions run by IRK and other partners in Mandera to ensure synergy and avoid duplication of activities.
• Work with the project staff in the development of other sustainable development Programmes appropriate for the target location.
• Monitor and mentor the field GSLA promoters
• Compile all projects monitoring information on a regular basis and documentation of lessons learnt from field visits and project activities.
• Report regularly to the line Manager on general progress including learning, participation in project activities and other relevant matters.
• Work closely with relevant government department that are charged with Agribusiness agenda both at the sub-county, county and the national government level in Mandera.
• Maintain service-oriented culture to achieve service excellence objective.

Training/Meeting/ Forums

• Prepare and conduct community sensitization forums/meetings with community groups.
• Document lessons learned from training activities, community meeting and assist in preparing training reports
• Represent IRK in Food Security and Livelihood forums in the assigned area.
• Participate in Food Security Advocacy forums in Mandera County.

Design, Monitoring and Evaluation activities

• Participate in the development of appropriate tools for monitoring and reporting including Detailed implementation plans (DIPs) and M&E Plans.
• Participate in regular lessons learned feedback sessions with the project team

Essential Skills & Qualifications for the Livelihood Project Assistant Job

• Advanced Diploma on Agriculture, Agribusiness, entrepreneurship, economics or any other food security related field.
• A Bachelor’s degree in similar fields is preferred and will be an added advantage.
• Minimum of at least Three years’ experience in sustainable livelihood, Group saving schemes and enterprise development Programmes targeting vulnerable groups.
• Vast experience in youth livelihood Programmes –planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and learning.
• Knowledge of the key issues/challenges and trends with regard to sustainable livelihood in pastoral communities.
• Excellent command of the most common methodologies to identify, execute and monitor GSLA activities, with proven record of achievements;
• Experience in the use of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages.
• Flexible, with ability to work and handle multiple tasks and meet strict deadlines
• Ability to provide continuous input on the organization’s processes, implementation of new systems etc
• Strong planning, organization and problem solving skills with ability to work hands-on, independently, and within a team
• Strong communication (written & spoken) and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work on your own initiative as well as a part of a team.
• Valid motorbike driving license will be an added advantage