Project Officer – Peace and Social Justice at Refugee Consortium of Kenya

Job Summary:

• The Project Officer will be a key contributor to our Peace and Social Justice Pillar, working in close collaboration with the Program Manager. This role is dedicated to advancing our mission of promoting peace and equitable coexistence within our community. The Project Officer will be responsible for coordinating projects focused on civic education, awareness creation, mediation, conflict resolution, paralegal schemes, and strengthening community peace structures, with a special emphasis on women and youth-driven and owned peace initiatives. Additionally, this role will involve capacity building through peace training and leadership development, with a focus on alternative justice systems, as well as research on conflict and mediation, media engagement, and thought leadership activities.

Responsibilities:
Program development and implementation.

• Collaborate with the Program Manager to plan, implement, and oversee projects that promote peace, equitable coexistence, and social justice.
• Facilitate mediation and conflict resolution processes to foster understanding and harmony among community members.
• Strengthen and support community peace structures, with a primary focus on women and youth-driven and owned peace initiatives.
• Evaluate peace and social justice needs and coordinate the design of programs on peace building.

Capacity building and training.

• Implement a comprehensive capacity-building strategy, including clear objectives, curriculum, and evaluation mechanisms.
• Deliver training programs, workshops, and resources to enhance the skills, knowledge, and effectiveness of our team members, partners, and stakeholders.
• Organize and facilitate peace training programs to promote new skills and approaches in peacebuilding, with an emphasis on alternative justice systems.
• Conduct leadership training sessions and monitor county legislation related to peace and social justice issues.
• Coordinate civic education and awareness campaigns to engage the community in peace-building efforts.

Stakeholder Engagement.

• Establish and maintain effective partnerships and collaboration with relevant stakeholders including county, national and regional systems.
• Participate advocacy and dialogues with county, national and international stakeholders in addressing peace and justice needs.
• Participate in relevant forums, conferences and working groups to stay updated on economic empowerment trends, policies and best practices.

Resource Mobilization and Grants Management.

• Identify and track funding opportunities from potential donors.
• Assist in proposal writing processes.
• Monitor grant reporting deadlines and compile reports.
• Support donor outreach and fundraising activities as needed
• Resource Mobilization and Grants Management:
• Identify and track funding opportunities from potential donors.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting.

• Implement a M&E plan and tools to track program performance and impact for the Peacebuilding program.
• Collect, analyze and report program data and outcomes to management and the donor.
• Prepare regular progress reports, document program activities, case studies, success stories and other relevant documentation.
• Plan and conduct specific research to support baseline and end-line evaluation process.
• Collaborate with project managers to establish a robust system for monitoring and collecting data related to program activities and outcomes.

Qualifications and experience:

• A University degree in International relations, peace and conflict studies, social sciences or any other related field.
• Specialized education or work experience in areas such as human rights, criminal justice, community development, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) or Alternative Justice Systems is an added advantage.
• A minimum of 2 years’ experience in peace and conflict transformation, rule of law and access to justice sector, informal justice or peace building programs preferably in humanitarian and development contexts.
• Clear understanding of the role of law and justice in protection, conflict prevention, peace building and development.
• Proven record of program design and management, including sourcing, managing and reporting on donor funds.
• Demonstrated experience in staff supervision, capacity building, leadership and management skills · Strong communication and interpersonal skills with excellent analysis and writing skills.
• Strong commitment to the values of peace, justice, and inclusivity, with an open-minded approach and respect for diverse national, religious and cultural beliefs.

Working Conditions.

• The job will requires working with strict deadlines, in remote areas, communities with diverse cultural and religious backgrounds in Garissa, Kakuma, Nairobi, Garissa and other regions.

Behavioral Competencies.

• Professionalism– In-depth theoretical knowledge and significant experience in the relevant fields of project management, strong analytical, problem solving and drafting skills. Discretion and sound judgment in applying legal expertise to sensitive, complex legal issues.
• Communication– Strong interpersonal and communication (written, spoken and presentation) skills. Proficiency in English and Kiswahili.
• Technology awareness– Fully proficient computer skills and ability to use relevant software application, in particular information databases, internet/intranet services, library sources etc.
• Teamwork – Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds with respect for diversity.