Senior Program Coordinator, Kumekucha at Green String Network

The Kumekucha program is a community-led social cohesion program that focuses on the transformative power of what is often overlooked — the courage and grace of ordinary people; the communal impulse to be whole again; the will to move past the ravages of violence; and the cultural wealth of traditions and practices of reconciliation. The recent elections have shown that the social divisions within Kenya at both national and community levels are deep. The Kumekucha program s the type of programming that can begin to reweave social connections and begin to rebuild trust and confidence between individuals but also more importantly between groups, communities and even institutions.

Two positions available, one focusing on the Kenya coast and the other focusing on a community in Nairobi.

• Objective 1: Support Project Officer, Community Coordinators (CCs) and Community Facilitators (CFs) to carry out activities and introduce the Kumekucha program to project stakeholders, in line with program targets and milestones

Key activities & responsibilities to achieve this objective:

• Understand project targets and milestones for the program
• Understand project targets for the CCs
• Understand project targets for the CFs
• Convey targets in easy to understand format to each CC and CF
• Regularly visit, coach, spot check and give feedback to each CC about activities carried out and progress against targets
• Serve as Line Manager for Project Officer(s), as appropriate
• Facilitate field team performance reviews – directly conducting 360 performance reviews for Program Officers and Community Coordinators
• Participate in recruitment panel for Project Officer(s), Community Coordinators, and Community Facilitators
• Facilitate strong staff and volunteer morale, support for self-care and positive working environment in area of operation
• Objective 2: Select, train and supervise Community Coordinators and Community Facilitators to be self-supporting and to follow the Kumekucha social healing approach (, inclusive, small packs, multi-technology)
  • Key activities & responsibilities to achieve this objective:
  • In coordination with Program Coordinator and Regional Coordinator, have input into the development of business models that apply to VBAs’ activities (profit-making)
  • Together with the Program and Regional Coordinators, organize and supervise program trainings for CCs and CFs and other stakeholders
  • Track and report on the implementation of Kumekucha models by CCs, the success of CFs, and any challenges or barriers that may arise that limit or prevent their success
  • Act as a linkage and “hub” between CCs and GSN – as a trustworthy contact person who can manage the development and expansion of successful community partnerships
  • Maintain active relationship with national, county and local government officials, as required (
• Objective 3: Tracking and reporting on Kumekucha activities and results/impact

Key activities & responsibilities to achieve this objective:

• • Understand and train CCs and CFs on the use of the ONA reporting forms and procedures
  • Maintain own tracking records using the tools in the Senior Coordinator Management Binder
    • schedule of own activities (monthly workplan)
    • schedule of field visits
    • checklist for field visits
    • monthly checklist
    • up to date CC and CF contact list
    • current targets (seasonal plan) for own network
  • Submit monthly reports on Kumekucha activities (summarized) to the Director of Program and Admin on time, following up on any gaps (CCs who have not reported)
  • Respond to requests and instruction from Director of Program and Admin, and GSN office staff or management, for provision of reports, data or other information or records of network activities
  • Maintain records of trainings of CCs and CFs, and any other activities undertaken in the network
  • Cooperate with and actively engage with Project Officers from GSN to get up to date performance feedback from their spot-checking activities

QUALIFICATIONS

• Post-secondary education in development studies, international relations, Psychology, Social Work, Conflict Transformation/Peacestudies, or related field.
• 3-5 years work experience in peacebuilding, and/or trauma-healing.
• 2-4 years management experience in complex security environment.
• Demonstrated experience working with state authorities, negotiation and mediation.
• Demonstrated ability to work and solve problems independently and effectively in remote, highly challenging locations.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze conflict, security and political contexts.
• Excellent spoken and written English and Kiswahili.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

ESSENTIAL

• Understanding of social healing and trauma-informed approaches at the community level
• Excellent people and communication skills
• Respect for local communities a sincere desire to help them in a healing process
• Organized, able to track own activities and those of others
• Honest, hard working and dedicated
• Interested in supporting staff self-care and wellness

PREFERRED

• Technical peacebuilding and/or trauma-informed skills (various areas may be relevant and useful)
• Experience in teaching and/or training