Community Development Officer - Kakuma Turkana at Water Mission

What is the opportunity?

The Community Development Officer, WASH will report to the Community Development Manager. The general assignment for this position is to become completely versed with Water Mission oriented Community Development practices to be able to implement and support the communities we serve in a variety of settings and providing support for any aspect of the Mission of the organization where possible.

The role will play a key function of inspiring and nurturing the communities to proactively engage the key stakeholders, including but not limited to the Safe Water Committee, government/ institutional-led agencies, among others. The overall goal is to increase awareness of the need to implement sustainable, safe water solutions that positively impact the global water crisis. The position is based in Turkana. 

A successful Community Development Officer will:

General Responsibilities:

• Align with Water Mission’s Statement of Faith and core values of Love, Excellence, and Integrity.
• Maintain a strong Christian witness and model servant leadership to colleagues, partners, the communities we serve, and the public. 
• Engage and participate in prayer before and after team meetings.
• Lead and participate in biblically based staff devotions.
•  Have a personal and growing relationship with Jesus Christ.

Other Responsibilities:

• Facilitate community health and hygiene programs.
• Partner with communities to set up Safe Water Committees.
• Train Safe Water Committee officials and WASH promoters on their respective roles and responsibilities.
• Administer accounting and reporting sheets for the communities to use.
• Monitor and support the Safe Water Committees to ensure that they do what is expected of them for project sustainability.
• Work closely with the technical teams to ensure all aspects of Community Development are properly addressed in project implementation.
• Work closely with the Project Manager to prepare professional reports for donors.
• Develop and maintain good relationships with government officials including, but not limited to, the Ministry of Water, County department of Water, Sub-County Water Officers, and local Government leadership.
• Plan, participate in, and report on project assessment, community mobilisation, restore survey, commissioning, and follow-ups.
• Write monthly reports on project progress through write-ups, testimonials, and photography (follow-up, monthly summary, & RWC reports).
• Maintain documentation for the Safe Water Projects.
• Any other duty as assigned by the Supervisor.

What is required?

• Alignment with WM’s Statement of Faith and core values of Love, Excellence, and Integrity.
• Personal and growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Alignment with Water Mission’s Statement of Faith and core values of Love, Excellence, and Integrity.
• Bachelor’s degree required: Degree in Community Development, Project Management, or any relevant Social Science.
• 3+ years of relevant experience.
• Proficiency in English, Swahili, and any local language.
• Computer literacy.
• Effective report writing skills.
• Good mobilization and capacity building skills of communities
• Ability to engage stakeholders i.e., communities, government, and local partners in project-related work.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including articulating ideas and feedback constructively.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with a team.
• Ability to travel domestically for up to 2 consecutive weeks.
• Ability to drive for long hours over rough terrain.
• Authorization to work in Kenya without sponsorship.