Project and Design Monitoring & Evaluation Assistant at Search for Common Ground (SFCG)

Search in Kenya is currently implementing programming with the goal to reduce terrorist radicalization and recruitment in at-risk communities in Garissa and Tana River counties.  Search is currently seeking to recruit a Project and Design, Monitoring and Evaluation (DME) Assistant to support day-to-day implementation and monitoring of its program activities in those counties. Based in Garissa and reporting to both Search’s Kenya Program Officer and Search’s Kenya Design, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, the Project and DME Assistant will support the implementation of program activities, liaising with relevant partners and key stakeholders in the different project locations, collect monitoring data to inform programming, as well as prepare activity reports. This position requires regular travel to project locations to maintain regular contact with key local stakeholders and ensure a smooth implementation and monitoring of program activities.

Key Responsibilities

Roles and responsibilities include:

• Assist with project management tasks, including the development and implementation of work plans.
• Assist in ensuring progress on all activities, including research activities, liaising with key local stakeholders and project partners.
• Assist in ensuring progress on all activities, liaising with key local stakeholders and project partners in Kenya and taking the lead on the implementation of certain activities, as per the work plans established with the Program Officer.
• Assist with the management of sub-grantees, helping them to keep updated work plans and ensuring a smooth implementation and monitoring of their deliverables, as well as timely and quality reporting.
• Prepare activity reports for the projects and assist in the preparation of quarterly narrative reporting for donors, in compliance with SFCG and donor requirements.
• Participate in the development of a strong monitoring system and tools for the project and conduct regular monitoring of project activities to collect accurate and useful data that inform programming.
• Coordinate Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) efforts, working with the Project officer, SFCG’s DM&E officer and local partners to ensure compliance and document progresses towards the project’s (un-)intended results.
• Participate in reflection meetings with program and DME staff to analyze monitoring findings and contextual updates and adapt programmatic approaches to maximize project’s results.
• Assist with communication and visibility aspects of the Kenya program, through written material, photos, the collection of success stories, updated web site, social media and traditional media.
• Assist in drafting contract agreements with consultants, experts or any contractors as needed for the projects.
• Support the administrative and logistical arrangements for the implementation of program activities.
• Assist the Project Officer and DME Officer with other tasks as needed.

As job descriptions cannot be exhaustive, the position holder may be required to undertake other duties that are broadly in line with the above key responsibilities.

Qualifications

You meet the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in international development, conflict resolution, project management or related field.
• At least two (2) years of INGO or CSO experience in project implementation or management in Kenya. Experience working in North Eastern Kenya is an asset.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Experience working with partners and networks.
• Experience with monitoring and evaluation.
• Strong and proven ability in report writing, in English.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, as well as social media platforms.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, presentation and effective communication with a variety of stakeholders.
• Ability to maintain professionalism, creativity, and enthusiasm while working in a fast-paced, multi-cultural environment with minimal supervision.
• Cultural sensitivity and strong interest in dialogue, peacebuilding and conflict transformation.
• Written and oral proficiency in English and Swahili. Proficiency in Somali or Dialects Local to Tana River or Garrissa and Arabic is an asset.
• Willingness to travel to remote areas.