Livelihoods Technical Specialist at Concern Worldwide

Job Summary:

The incumbent will take a leading role in technical development of the livelihoods programme in Kenya. This includes overseeing the implementation of high quality livelihoods programme in all areas of operation including technical support to local partners implementing livelihoods project. Responsible for the design and development of technical approaches and strategies that inform the design of proposals for the livelihoods programme, strengthening the technical competencies of livelihoods staff in Kenya programme, representing Concern Kenya programme in technical livelihoods forum at the national level and supporting relevant field staff to participate in similar forums at the field level, and lead in learning, monitoring and evaluation for the livelihoods programme. The incumbent will also represent Concern Kenya in relevant technical forums for livelihoods advocacy aimed at increasing access to basic services by communities in all areas of operation and development of sustainable food systems. Lead the development of technical briefs, research and discussion papers for the livelihoods programme. In doing so, the specialist will work closely with the Livelihoods Coordinator, other sector leads, MEAL, county leads and external stakeholders in the delivery of the roles and responsibilities.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Programme Quality in Implementation

• Lead in the development of a project specific monthly implementation plan for all livelihoods projects in each of the target Counties and sub-counties. This includes both projects implemented directly by Concern and partners
• With support from MEAL, lead the development of a project specific results chain clearly identifying the links between activities, outputs, outcomes and impact. Take lead in monitoring progress and adherence to the results chain for each project
• Lead in the monthly review of the progress against the project specific implementation plan for all livelihoods projects in each of the target Counties and sub-counties.
• Lead in the technical monitoring of livelihoods projects to ensure they are implemented in line with donor commitments, Concern Livelihoods guidelines and internationally accepted programme quality standards such as LEGS, SEADS and SPHERE among others
• Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning initiatives such as but not limited to field monitoring visits, technical support in planning, coordination and implementation on assessments, surveys and evaluations.
• Support in the documentation of project activities, achievements and challenges in regular internal reports and also ensures that external reporting obligations are met.
• Support in the integration of all the livelihoods components included but not limited to Climate Smart Agriculture, Livestock production, Disaster Risk Reduction, Market Systems Development, Cash Transfer Programming, Natural Resource Management, etc.

Programme Quality – Design

• With support from your line manager, lead in the development of technical strategies and livelihoods informing the livelihoods programme for Kenya Programme
• Lead in the technical capacity development of the livelihoods team on the strategies and approaches

Representation in Technical Livelihoods Forums

• Together with your line manager, identify and attend all relevant technical livelihoods forums including but not limited to Kenya Food Security Meeting, Kenya Cash Working Group, Agriculture Sector Forum etc
• Establish networks and liaise with national and county government officials as well as other partners in livelihoods related sectors of agriculture, livestock, trade & enterprise development, disaster risk management etc
• Participate in national and county livelihoods technical meetings.

Others

• Adhere to and promote the standards outlined in the Concern Code of Conduct and associated policies to their team, beneficiaries, and be committed to providing a safe working environment
• Participating and contributing towards Concern’s emergency response, as and when necessary
• Take all possible measures to meet Core Humanitarian Standards (CHS)
• Any other duties as assigned by the Line Manager

Person Specification

Minimum Education, Qualifications & Experience Required:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Community Development, Veterinary medicine, Livestock Production, Crop Production, Social Sciences or any other relevant field.
• At least seven (7) years’ experience implementing integrated livelihoods program.
• At least three (3) years in a livelihoods sector management role.
• Proven experience and knowledge of Project Cycle Management, Climate Smart Agriculture, Community Managed Disaster Risk Reduction, Animal Production and Health, Water Supply Systems, Natural Resource Management, Cash Transfer Programming and Market Systems Development.
• Fluency in spoken and written language in English and Swahili
• Good computing and report writing skills

Preference will be given to candidates who have:

• Good understanding of cross cutting issues such as gender, HIV and AIDS, DRR, etc. and how to integrate them into the livelihoods program.
• Analytical Skills - Critical thinking, & Data analysis.
• Be able to work independently, as well as in a team
• Strong leadership and management skills
• Be willing to accept responsibility and to show good judgment, initiative, and resourcefulness

Competencies required:

• Manages resources efficiently and effectively, demonstrating personal accountability.
• Actively listens to others, helping them to focus and contribute their ideas.
• Creative and flexible in approaches to achieving results
• Networking, coordination, and leadership skills.