Project Officer - Adolescent/DREAMS at Catholic Relief

REF: 2019/048

Project Officer-Faith and Community Initiative (2 Positions) (Background:

CRS is implementing a 5-year orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) program, MWENDO, which seeks to empower local and county-level OVC stakeholders to strengthen the formal and informal HIV and child protection systems and services and the linkages between them, including cross-sectoral service referrals and coordination to ensure quality service delivery for OVC and their Households.

Job Summary:

The Project Officer (PO) Adolescent/DREAMS will provide technical and management oversight to Local Implementing Partners (LIPs) to ensure efficient implementation, M&E and reporting of adolescent/DREAMS initiative interventions and their integration in the respective counties.

S/he will be responsible for specifically providing leadership in developing strategies and interventions to improve the quality and responsiveness of HIV prevention programming and service delivery to address adolescent needs. The key role of this position is to strengthen LIPs capability to address issues relating to adolescents with respect to OVC.

The PO will work with LIP staff on technical aspects of program implementation that pertain to adolescents and ensure MWENDO is responsive to the unique needs of this group, with a focus on the program goal of successful OVC graduation / transition into adulthood.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Support the coordination, implementation, and monitoring of all assigned Adolescent/DREAMS MWENDO project activities as outlined in the detailed implementation plan in line with CRS program quality principles and standards, donor requirements, and good practices.
• Monitor and report any challenges and/or gaps identified to inform adjustments to DREAMS plans and implementation schedules. Assist Local Implementing Partners (LIPs) in their efforts to reflect on project experiences.
• Support accountability through coordinating project evaluation activities and assisting LIPs in their efforts to collect and analyze DREAMS data per specified mechanisms and tools. Collaborate with LIPs to prepare reports per established reporting schedule.
• Collect information on technical assistance needs of LIPs. Provide technical support and monitor capacity building and technical support activities to ensure effective impact.
• Complete project documentation for assigned activities. Assist with identifying information for case studies and reports on promising practices. Actively engage in dissemination and use of relevant knowledge in the field.
• Represent CRS in meetings at county and cluster levels, Adolescent technical working groups (TWGs), and other events as requested, to support forging relations with the MoH, LIPs, other stakeholders, and the community.
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting of all assigned DREAMS MWENDO activities per donor and CRS standards and established schedules.
• Support the conceptualization, integration and operationalization of specific adolescent/DEAMS strategies to address the needs and perspectives of adolescents.
• Work with CHMT, health facilities and community partners in the respective DREAMS Counties to ensure coordination with other programs and stakeholders for quality and comprehensive services to adolescents.
• Keep abreast emerging research and best practices in adolescent/DREAMS programming and ensure that information is shared in an appropriate manner.

Typical Background, Experience & Requirements:

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Health, Community Development, Gender, International Development or a related field. Master’s degree will be a plus.
• A minimum of 4 years for Bachelors’ degree holders or at least 2 years progressive experience for master’s holders implementing adolescent focused integrated HIV/AIDS, DREAMS/Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) and other health related projects in Kenya, preferably in an NGO setting.
• Excellent understating of GOK structures especially the MoH working structures or having worked with the MoH in a devolved unit.
• Strong technical and programmatic skills and experience across a range of adolescent issues and topics.
• Training and knowledge in community HIV/AIDS prevention and working with Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW).
• In-depth understanding of donor expectations for program results, outcomes, impact, and reporting
• Experience in the development of strategic and tactical plans in collaboration with others (stakeholders) who may represent a wide range of interests and needs

Personal Skills

• Observation, active listening and analysis skills with ability to make sound judgment
• Good relationship management skills and the ability to work closely with Local Implementing Partners and community members and inspire teamwork among diverse partners without direct supervisory responsibilities
• Strong interpersonal, writing, presentation, and organizational skills
• Proven collegial and cooperative approach to management and decision-making
• Attention to details, accuracy and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities
• Proactive, results-oriented and service-oriented

Required/Desired Foreign Language

Able to clearly communicate in written and spoken English

Travel Required

70% of the time to Adolescents/DREAMS MWENDO project sites

Key Working Relationships:

Supervisory: None

• Internal: Project technical officers
• External: Representatives of the GOK, LIPs, other stakeholders, and the community

Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.

• Integrity
• Accountability & Stewardship
• Builds Relationships
• Develops Talent
• Continuous Improvement & Innovation
• Strategic Mindset

Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.)