Manager Advocacy at Concern Worldwide

Job Summary

• The primary purpose of this role is to lead the management and implementation of the Concern Kenya Programme Advocacy Strategy in line with the Country Strategic Plan 2022 – 2026. This will entail fundraising, budget management, people management and technical leadership on governance and advocacy sector

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Advocacy

• Oversee the implementation of the Concern Worldwide Kenya Country Programme advocacy strategy
• Work closely and support sector leads, line manager and Country Director in defining sector specific advocacy needs, developing advocacy plans and framing key sector specific advocacy
• Work closely and support sector leads in Health and Nutrition and Livelihoods, the line manager and Country Director to define key sector specific advocacy research needs, developing advocacy research plans and overseeing together with the MEAL team on undertaking of advocacy research
• Together with the line manager and Country Director, map out key advocacy opportunities for the country programme on a quarterly basis and spearhead engagement within these spaces
• Build technical capacity and support to the country programme staff and local partners where appropriate in the implementation of advocacy strategy

Program Development and Implementation

• Provide leadership and technical guidance in the design, implementation, and monitoring of the governance and advocacy program in line with both the Concern Kenya advocacy strategy and relevant advocacy policies
• Collaborate with the Monitoring Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) team to monitor and evaluate ongoing governance and advocacy projects for program effectiveness, high quality and timely program delivery as well as integration with other programs in health, education and livelihoods and make data-driven adjustments as needed.
• In collaboration with the Senior Officer, Grants, Partnerships and Fundraising, Programmes Director and any other relevant staff, take a leading role in developing expressions of interest (EOIs), concept notes and proposals for new projects
• Lead in carrying out a contextual analysis in the sector for a holistic view of the environment to aid in program design
• Coordinate the development of project costed work plans and detailed implementation plans
• Monitor over and under spending and initiate mitigation measures.
• Documentation of the programme process and successes including generating lessons learnt and case studies in collaboration with the Communications Officer.
• Coordinate timely development, review and submission of internal and external technical and financial project reports
• In consultation with the line manager, represent the programme in relevant meetings

Partnership Management

• In close collaboration with the senior officer partnership, support in identification, engagement, assessment and management of local partners as appropriate in line with the country programme’s commitment to localization
• Cultivate and maintain positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, relevant line ministries, government officials and other Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).

People Management

• Engage with direct reports for performance management and development through regular performance development reviews; monthly individual work plan development, implementation and review
• Participate in recruitment, induction and on boarding of new staff and provide ongoing mentorship, coaching and support for professional development.
• Manage leave planning and utilization for direct reports

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 measure to meet Core Humanitarian Standards (CHS)
• Any other duties as assigned by the line manager

Person Specification

Minimum Education, Qualifications & Experience Required:

• Bachelors’ degree in Social Sciences, Law, Development Studies, Economics .A Master's degree in public policy will be an added advantage
• At least 8 years’ proven experience managing advocacy and influencing for country programme portfolios, including development of high-quality advocacy strategies
• Strong analytic skills and proven experience in conducting social science research, publishing, communications, knowledge management
• Experience in leading on advocacy campaigns at national level including with media engagement
• Proven experience in fundraising and development of fundraising instruments such as EOIs, concept notes, proposals for advocacy related projects
• Excellent communications, planning and problem solving skills
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Leadership experience with the ability to inspire and motivate a team
• Data-driven presentation and decision-making skills
• Knowledge of budgeting and financial management
• Experience and commitment to diversity, equality and inclusivity

Preference will be given to candidates who have:

• Strong facilitation and time management skills with an ability to plan ahead, anticipate requirements, problems and obstacles and manage competing priorities
• High integrity and demonstrated ability to follow standards and policies
• Ability to work in a systematic and organized manner and attend to details
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn

Competencies required:

This position will demand a highly motivated, committed and energetic individual who will be able to manage, engage others, influence and communicate effectively.

• Effective management
• Individual leadership
• Communicating and working with others
• Creativity and innovation
• Influencing, advocacy and networking

Interested candidates, who meet the above requirements, should send a detailed CV with three referees and Cover Letter Only to nairobi.hr@concern.net with the subject of the email as 'Manager Advocacy' on or before Friday 5th January 2024. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interview.

Closing date

5 Jan 2024