Social Development Officer at World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Kenya

Based in Naivasha

Major Function: To play a lead role in community mobilization and community engagement. The role will also lead in mainstreaming of sustainable production and consumption practices as well as promote principles and business entrepreneurship of the target Horticulture groups in Lake Naivasha Basin (LNB).

In addition, the incumbent will support mainstreaming of WWF social policies, development of Natural Resource Management (NRM) policies and advocacy materials and advancement of equitable opportunities (inclusive economic growth) amongst local communities.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Support the development of, and lead in the execution of key stakeholders engagement plans (including power relations and conflict Analysis) for effective implementation of GOALAN and SIDA projects and support development of criteria for selection of GOALAN project beneficiaries;
• Support GOALAN MSMEs and SIDA CSOs needs and capacity assessment;
• Support development of GOALAN MSMEs and SIDA CSOs training modules and conduct trainings, ensuring strong and responsible governance, social & environmental safety and improved community livelihoods;
• Lead strengthening of CSOs platforms and effective engagement with both National and County Governments (including development of citizen-led monitoring for responsiveness and accountability).
• Support development of NRM policies and, lobbying and advocacy tools/materials. Facilitate communities to advocate for appropriate policy and regulatory frameworks in NRM
• Facilitate community dialogue on peace building and conflict resolution around use of natural resources (e.g. water, pasture)
• Lead mainstreaming of WWF Social policies in ARL Programmes and beneficiary
  MSMEs and CSOs (including Gender and Human Right Based Approaches)
• Lead development of strategy on promotion of GOALAN sustainable consumption and green procurement;
• Take charge of collating gender and socio economic information (wellbeing) of the beneficiaries and updating the programme monitoring matrix;
• Support M&E training activities (including social aspects) for ARL Kenya programme staff and beneficiaries, including WWF Standards workshops;
• Maintain regular contact with GOALAN and SIDA project beneficiaries and respond to queries and special requests;
• Guide communities to develop Community Action Plans (CAPs);
• Support the /WWF Kenya Communication Unit in the compilation of news and the production of conservation communication materials and bulletins for the ARL Kenya Programme;
• Provide support to project mid-term reviews, evaluations and consultancies for the ARL Kenya Programme;
• Support development of new programmes or aspects thereof;
• Perform other relevant duties as requested by the Naivasha Programme Coordinator and/or the ARL Programme Manager.

Qualification & Experience

• Minimum of a Master’s Degree in Sociology, Anthropology, Development Studies or related field with at least 5 years’ experience (a bachelor’s degree with at least 8 years of experience may be considered)
• Good working knowledge of relevant National and International Policies and Regulations and natural resource management strategies such as Green Consumption and Production Principles
• Experience in Social Impact Assessments, Socio-Economic Surveys, and livelihood intervention Action plans etc.
• Knowledge and understanding of the political, social and economic issues affecting communities in Naivasha and Mau Mara landscapes
• Experience working with Natural Resources networks, CSOs, CSO platforms/networks
• Sensitive to poverty, diversity, gender & social inclusion

Key Skills & Competencies

• Excellent command of English and Kiswahili;
• Good technical report writing and financial management skills;
• Excellent facilitation and communication skills (both oral and written); good inter-personal skills; demonstrable ability to innovate, be creative and solution-oriented;
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and with minimum supervision; Demonstrated willingness to learn and share;
• Strong IT skills: Microsoft Office Package; Online Meeting Tools;
• Demonstrated ability for strategic thinking, conceptualization and planning of strategic initiatives within the context of conservation, natural resource management, international development, and/or other related fields;
• Conflict resolution, advocacy and negotiation skills
• Adherence to WWF’s values, which are: Passionate & Optimistic, Challenging & Inspiring, Credible & Accountable, Persevering & Delivering Results.

Working Relationships

Internal – interacts with Africa Rift Lakes Manager, the CEO, Heads of Department and programmes and staff on a regular basis, and may also interact with ROA, WWF International, and other WWF Network staff.

External – Interacts with programme partners, local, regional and national governmental institutions, non-governmental organisations, academic institutions, the media, donors, specialists/consultants, and other stakeholders.