Livelihood Specialist at ACDI/VOCA

He/She will Lead market-oriented livelihood development activities including small livelihood grants, provide Enterprise Development training and technical assistance for GIRL groups as well as support activities leading to market-based technical skill development for youth.

Job Responsibilities:

• Develop a livelihood strategy and oversee its technical implementation to enhance the livelihood security of the poor and marginalized households;
• Develop guidelines to facilitate assessments of livelihood issues in partner communities and develop appropriate responses to the identified issues;
• Develop training modules for capacity building of benefiting Individuals and Groups in livelihoods to increase their livelihoods security;
• Lead the integration of livelihood interventions in all programs;
• Provide technical expertise and leadership in value chain analysis and assessments of economic viability and technical feasibility of micro-businesses;
• Lead the design of monitoring systems to capture critical aspects of livelihood programming;
• Guide the documentation of livelihood promising practices and share them with partners;
• Support the beneficiaries in developing of proposals for livelihood interventions;
• Plan and lead the implementation of value chain improvements that result in resilience impacts for project communities (increased and diversified income that is less dependent on favorable weather conditions);
• Contribute to building and upgrading a strong network of LMS implementing partners, including technical appraisals, support to the development and implementation of capacity building plans;
• Support beneficiaries & implementing partners in their development and adjustments of up-to-date work plans and budgets;
• Provide comprehensive trainings curriculum and technical capacity building; as well as providing regular technical backstopping and supervision to improve their livelihood strategies;
• Foster thematic integration, ensure harmonized approaches, promote synergies and complementarity in programming and implementation;
• Work with Livestock and Agribusiness Directors and Business Development Specialists in the development and implementation of project strategies, including sustainability and gender aspects.
• Conduct regular reviews of partner implementation progress and reports;
• Coordinate with private sector actors, other projects and government partners;
• Document better practices, prepare reports and publications as may be required.

Qualifications:

• Must have a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics, Rural Development, Management, Business Administration or related field. Master’s degree is highly preferred;
• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in managing Economic Strengthening/Livelihoods development portfolio preferably in ASAL areas in Kenya;
• Experience working with private sector, local communities, governmental and traditional authorities in ASAL regions;
• Experience implementing results-oriented projects, preferably with USAID programs;
• Strong capacity building, planning and monitoring & evaluation skills;
• Ability and experience developing partnership with grassroots organizations, entrepreneurs, agricultural research institutions, GOK technical ministries;
• Experience with conceptualizing agricultural field demonstration and monitoring and sharing results;
• Possess strategic thinking ability; excellent oral and written communication, analytical, ability to work efficiently and quickly under pressure;
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, networking and representation skills;
• Proven leadership qualities, problem-solving and negotiation skills, and evidence of successful team player;
• Must have skills and ability to provide training and mentorships;
• Must be able to manage own workload and juggle competing priorities in order to meet deadlines;
• Must be able to analyze information, evaluate options, think and plan strategically.
• Preparedness to travel frequently in project counties including to remote locations is essential;