Program Officer at International Republican Institute (IRI)

IRI is seeking resumes / CVs for local hire for the position of Program Officer to support and guide program implementation for the international Republican Institute’s Kenya portfolio.

Hiring for this position is contingent upon the International Republican Institute (IRI) receiving funds to conduct work in Kenya.

The Program Officer will work to ensure that all program activities are implemented efficiently, timely and ¡n line with the values of the organization.

S/he will work as part of the organization’s program team and assist in developing program strategy, drafting program activity proposals and reports, working with the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) officer and oversee logistics an administrative tasks in a manner in line with the values of the organization.

The Program Officer performs these functions according to direction provided by the Resident Program Director RPO) and the Program Manager (PM).

The Program Officer will possess:

• at least 3 years of experience in human rights and international development;
• work on civil society strengthening, devolution, organizational strengthening and inclusion;
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in political science, international relations, development or related field;
• Experience working on domestic or international donor-funded democracy, civil society strengthening, organizational development and good governance programs;
• Experience in project cycle management, coordinating project activities, and monitoring and evaluation;
• Experience writing reports and project proposals;
• Ability to prioritize, plan arid organize workflow to tight timeframes, handle multiple tasks, and be flexible with changing priorities;
• Conversant in matters related to devolution, constitutional literacy, participatory governance, electoral processes, women and youth inclusion, research methods for development and legislative strengthening;
• Knowledge of methodologies and best practices for promoting gender equality, equity and women empowerment in general and in Kenya in particular;
• Knowledge of media and technology to promote citizen understanding and engagement;
• Facilitating and assisting capacity building and goal achievement for local organizations and civic groups.
• Fluency in English is required.
• Experience with project design, planning and management tools that include but not limited to log frames, Gantt charts, monitoring and evaluation plans and budgets;
• A demonstrated commitment to high professional ethical standards and a diverse workplace;
• Understanding of the social, political arid economic context of Kenya; Basic financial management skills.

Primary Functions and Responsibilities

• Coordination and implementation of IRI’s program activities according to grant requirements and project workplans
• Research, write and edit time-sensitive program documents and budgets, activity reports, funding proposals, success stories, case studies and training materials;
• Monitor and provide timely research and information on Kenya’s socio-’economic and political dynamics for the PM and in reports, approved social med la and blogs as needed;
• Provide efficient and timely action on administrative and financial matters, written assignments and submission of reports;
• Cultivate relationships and communicate with civil society organizations relevant government officials, local partners, and members of the diplomatic and donor community on behalf of his/her supervisor, and represent IRI at public functions as requested;
• Work in concert with IRI M&E and program personnel to monitor and evaluate the performance of IRI and partner organizations program activities, identifying successes and failures and recommending program adjustments accordingly
• Mobilize program participants, the media and stakeholders for events and program activities;
• Ensure efficiency and transparency in the use of program resources;
• Travel from time-to-time, independently and/or as part of a team, to various locations throughout Kenya to support IRI’s programmatic objectives; and
• Establish and maintain filing systems for the office including both electronic and hard copy files.
• Keep records and maintain program records, Including office expenses:
• Manage calendars, meetings and special events for IRI
• Set up meetings and appointments and prepare files with background materials;