Programme Officer: Child-Protection at Kesho Kenya

The Position

An exciting opportunity has arisen within Kesho for an innovative, effective, self-driven Programme Officer to design, implement and evaluate Kesho’s Child Protection programme to meet our strategic objectives. The position is for an initial contract period of 1 year and renewable subject to performance and availability of funds. The position location is Kesho office, Kilifi.

Main Responsibilities

Managerial Duties

• Plan, coordinate and execute Child Protection & Family Support Programme activities as envisioned in the
• Strategic Plan and as per Donor agreement.
• Design and initiate new projects and interventions.
• Identify potential partnerships to implement programmes. Liaise with other agencies/NGOs/government bodies/donors to ensure coordination and implementation of common standards in the field.
• Provide technical guidance and direction to relevant staff for effective planning, implementation and monitoring of Child Protection related activities.
• Promoting best safeguarding practice across the wider partnership network.
• Represent Kesho Kenya in meetings with government officials and other actors, to advocate and promote programme goals and objectives, and communicate with major partners on policies.
• Develop training programmes and assist in capacity building for staff and partners.
• Ensuring the CP policy is implemented and promoted within Kesho Kenya.

Operational Duties

• Ensuring all staff are familiar with, and adhere to the Child Protection Policy. This includes inducting new staff.
• Ensure quality implementation of all projects as laid out in RBM log frame and/or as per donor agreement.
• Acting as a first point of contact for Kesho-Kenya on issues of Child Protection, both internally and externally.
• Keeping an up-to-date knowledge and understanding of the area of child protection and family support, including attending appropriate training.
• Ensuring all relevant information around Child Protection is communicated to the Core Team.
• Make frequent field visits to areas of operations to monitor implementation of activities, identify opportunities and constraints and any adjustments needed including additional staffing or staff training.
• Hold planning and progress review meetings with relevant staff and partners.
• Optimise all relevant administrative systems and update them in response to organizational growth and need.
• Support in the development of proposals specific to the CP & FS programme.

Qualifications & Experience

• Graduate degree in social work/social sciences
• A degree in law will be an added advantage
• Professional experience working with National/international/NGO and experience in 
child rights and women empowerment.
• Knowledge of community based child protection approaches and Alternative Care 
Processes preferably including experience in participatory approaches (PRA/PLA) 
and child participation methodologies.
• Comprehensive knowledge of case management and Best Interest Assessment 
processes for children at risk is a plus.
• Knowledge of civil society networks in Kenya that focus on child rights issues – and experience of working with these networks on programming and/or advocacy for children preferred.
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills including influencing, negotiation and coaching
• Skills and experience in report writing, M&E and budget monitoring are essential.
• Highly developed cultural awareness and ability to work well in an environment with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Familiarity with programming in the local cultural context, local government and local languages is a distinct advantage.
• Experience of solving complex issues through analysis, definition of a clear way forward and ensuring buy in.
• Ability to present complex information in a succinct and compelling manner.
• Fluency in English and Kiswahili, both verbal and written.
• Commitment to Kesho’s values

This job advertisement does not list all the duties of the posted job and a further job description will be provided.