Project Officer – Circular Economy Initiative (EPR) at World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Kenya

The Overall Purpose

The overall purpose of this position is

This role will lead the development and the implementation of “the Integration of Waste Managers (Formal & Informal) into the Extended Producer Responsibility Regulation project.”
Reporting to the Programme Officer, Circular Economy Initiative and will lead WWF’s work in coordination, liaison, advice as well as support WWF teams and partners  
The role is expected to build relationships with a range of stakeholders including WWF Network, government, private sector and civil society.

Roles and Responsibilities:
 
Programmes Development and Implementation

• Supports in the development and implementation of the Plastics Circular Economy programme strategy for WWF-Kenya with a vision of No Plastics in Nature by 2030.
• Leads the development and nurture of the EPR work under the Circular Economy strategy for WWF-Kenya
• Implements the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Project  including  the incorporation of the informal waste management sector into the EPR
• Participates in the development of the EPR scheme at both national and county levels that will incorporate the informal waste managers
• Coordinates the implementation of the EPR Project and activities in line with work plans/ action plans of the program under the Circular Economy Initiative.
• Supports communities to gain access to information, resources, other relevant stakeholders and opportunities that are likely to empower them to promote the EPR scheme under the project
• Provides technical support and advice to programme teams and field staff on integration of EPR in other programmes.
• Coordinates strengthening institutional capacities of stakeholders in the Kenya EPR scheme in Coastal Kenya and Kenya at large. This includes facilitating the training and sensitization of the various stakeholders in the EPR system in Coastal Kenya mainly the informal waste sector.
• In liaison with Planning and Performance team, leads in  Project planning monitoring  and reporting including quality assurance and Safeguards
• In collaboration with WWF-Kenya Communications Unit, contribute to periodic publications and features on project related communications
• Ensures compliance of programme development and implementation with WWF Kenya Strategic Plan, Coastal Kenya programme Action Plan (CKPCAP), Network Standards and government policies as appropriate
• In all activities ensure, and support others to uphold WWF’s social policies 

 Partnerships, Collaboration & Linkages

• Identifies and pursues strategic collaborations and partnerships with governments, civil society organizations, WWF stakeholders and professional bodies in advancing conservation interests and goals in line with WWF Kenya’s collaboration and partnership policy framework and strategy
• Promotes cross projects linkages and synergy in order to develop conservation capacity
• Participates in knowledge management through research for conservation, publication and dissemination of conservation achievements including representing WWF-Kenya in national, regional and international conservation platforms
• Participates in the domestication of relevant national and regional policy instruments at the local level in the EPR project

 Resource Mobilization and Management

• Support development of bankable conservation proposals as part of the wider resource mobilization strategy
• In consultation with the Programme Officer, Circular Economy Initiative and the finance team, to develop cost-effective budgets and tracks conservation programmes budget implementation to ensure compliance with donor and internal financial regulations
• Ensures prudent management and safety of conservation assets and resources in designated areas

Leadership and People Management

• Supervises all project staff under the EPR project
• Coordinates setting of programme work plans and staff performance targets and undertakes periodic performance appraisal for programme staff
• Liaises with Human Resource function in carrying out staff training needs assessments and recommends training programs to address performance gaps
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned.

 Qualifications and Experience:

• At least Bachelor’s degree in conservation, development, natural resource management, environmental science, marine science, natural resource management, environmental science, aquatic ecology, biology of conservation, or related field. Other additional professional trainings in related fields will be an added advantage
• Five years of experience in integrated coastal and marine conservation, natural resource management, environmental science, the biology of conservation, corporate engagement, recycling and material science field, development-related field or a related field.
• Knowledge and experience of working with rural and urban communities and government agencies will be essential
• Knowledgeable in contemporary issues regarding the EPR system sector including all items under the EPR, preferable plastics, and market purchase and sale values of items in the EPR system; the supply and demand cycles and market influence factors, competitors and trade prices of the plastic in the EPR system

 Key skills & competencies

• Program development and management skills
• Excellent skills in stakeholder engagement including local communities and partnership building
• Leadership and people management skills
• Problem-solving and conflict management skills
• Technical report writing and proposal development skills
• Good interpersonal skills with the ability to network and to develop and maintain strong relationships at all levels
• Good analytical, organizational and communication skills both verbal and writing, good presentation and interpersonal skills
• Creative, innovative, “thinking out of the box” mentality, solution finder
• Agile, self-starter with an ability to work autonomously
• High mobility, willingness to travel and open to other cultures
• Adherence to WWF Kenya’s core values, which are: Credible, Responsive, Innovative, Determined, Inspiring & Collaborative.