Livelihood Technical Specialist at Rural Agency for Community Development and Assistance (RACIDA)

Overall purpose of the role

• The Livelihood Technical Specialist will provide the technical and implementation direction of the livelihood aspect of the cross-border (Kenya-Ethiopia-Somalia) Building Opportunities for Resilience in the Horn of Africa (BORESHA)-Nabad project in Mandera Triangle. The overall objective of the project is to empower stakeholders in the Mandera Triangle to enable peaceful coexistence and sustainable and climate resilient livelihoods. The Technical Specialist will ensure close collaboration and coordination with other BORESHA project sectors as well as other ongoing RACIDA supported interventions. He/she will ensure proper external representation of RACIDA in the relevant technical forums.
• Reporting to the Project Lead, the Livelihood Technical Specialist is responsible for the implementation and monitoring of the livelihood activities in the BORESHA project in Mandera triangle. The Technical Specialist will suggest appropriate implementation approaches in the changing context of the project implementation area in consultation with the relevant government authorities and other BORESHA technical specialists.The Technical livelihood Officer will be based in Mandera town, with travel to Ethiopia and Somalia project areas of Liben and Gedo regions.

Responsibilities

Coordination

• Participate in project launch and review meetings with relevant government departments. In addition, ensure the project is properly rolled out at the community level in the respective target project areas.
• Actively participate and represent RACIDA in food security and livelihood coordination meetings with local government authorities and other stakeholders.
• Ensure coordination of the Boresha-Nabad project with other ongoing RACIDA supported projects to enhance complementarity and impact to the assisted people.

Technical

• Oversee the delivery of the livelihood aspect of the project in adherence with RACIDA and donor guidelines and protocols.
• Conduct community mobilization and sensitization activities.
• Contribute to the integration of the livelihood activities with other project activities for complementarity.
• Liaise with other technical specialists within the consortium partners to ensure that the implemented activities are in line with national, regional and global best practices.
• Participate in the development of the project annual work plans and ensure they are implemented accordingly.
• Develop activity Terms of Reference for approval by the project lead before proceeding with activity implementation.
• Prepare activity reports including financial and procurement supporting documentation in line with RACIDA guidelines.
• In liaison with the MEAL officer, ensure that monthly reports are submitted on time according to internal and donor guidelines.
• Collaborate with the Communications Manger to prepare case studies for publication in the RACIDA communication channels.
• Ensure that RACIDA Complaint and Response Mechanism is rolled out during the project activity implementation.
• Contribute ideas for the development of new projects.
• Work closely with the Project Lead and the Procurement Officer to ensure that any planned procurement for livelihood activities is done on time.
• Submit monthly workplans to the Project Lead.
• Perform any other duties as requested.

Education and Technical Competencies

• A university degree or higher in agriculture, rural/community development, social economics, agribusiness, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 5 years of proven experience leading projects in the arid and semi-arid areas in the Horn of Africa region.
• Strong technical background and experience in climate smart agricultural technologies, economic recovery, microfinance/credit, voluntary savings and loan schemes in a similar context.
• Experience in capacity building and training including preparation of materials and facilitation for different groups including communities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to work as part of a team.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and local language.
• Good computer skills.
• Ability and willingness to work in remote locations with ever changing security scenarios.