Program Officer - Textile and Apparel at IDH, The Sustainable Trade Initiative

Duties

Program development

•  Support in the development and implementation of the Apparel program in Kenya up to 2025, including reporting and development of program pipeline deliverables. This will be done by working closely with implementing partners.
•  Support the implementation of the INSTEP program in Kenya, with focus on Better Environment, Better jobs and Gender empowerment at factories and selected industrial parks.
•  Support the collaboration between IDH and global brands and other development organisations.
•  Identify and build working relationships with existing and potential implementation partners for promoting sustainable industrial parks in Kenya.
•  Developing and maintain an activity tracking system and effective feedback channels; channelling information requests to IDH experts, ensuring prompt responses, and activity planning.
•  Any other task as assigned by the Program Manager.

Program Administration

•  Support overall coordination of the Apparel program in Kenya and ensure targeted results and impact of the program at field level and upscaling to lead to the changes in business practices and at sector governance level with support and guidance from IDH HQ.
•  Support the planning process, implementation, and monitoring of the program.
•  Review project reports, invoices, and provide inputs to consider and release for approval.
•  Support the program with research, administration, and logistics.
•  Support the organization with input from the program partners to enable operations to run the required program administration and reporting. This includes the development of performance indicators for the management of program pipeline deliverables.

Stakeholder Engagement

•  Support the planning, organization, and coordination of events and workshops as required
•  Stakeholder management and networking
•  Support buyers, private sector, and donor engagement
•  Maintain contacts with existing and potential program stakeholders. Maintain the program’s network and develop new partnerships, especially within Kenya
•  Support the program’s knowledge management & communication and reporting efforts and contribute to the further strategic development of IDH.

Requirements

Candidates will be selected based on key criteria:

•  Bachelors / Masters degree in relevant discipline
•  Minimum of 3 years’ working experience in similar positions with a strong network that includes public, private and civil society sectors in Kenya, preferably with linkages into the textile, apparel & footwear sectors and related manufacturing sectors.
•  Experience and demonstrated ability to manage programs with a diverse group of stakeholders with an inclusive attitude, defining common goals and implementing actions.
•  Good general knowledge and understanding of Kenya’s textiles and apparel industry.
•  Experience and good knowledge and working with the private sector, especially buyers & investors in textiles and apparel industry and its supply chain.
•  Familiarity with the manufacturing supply chain (i.e. apparel and footwear industry)
•  Strong track record and background in environmental and social sustainability and an ability to articulate an understanding of both domestic and international requirements.
•  Able to oversee field level implementation issues and resolve conflicts.
•  Demonstrated strong communication and coordination skills.
•  Experienced and able to work to achieve agreed objectives and is accountable for meeting or exceeding them.
•  Demonstrated ability in team working.