Senior Officer-Governance and Advocacy at Concern Worldwide

Job Summary

• The job holder will support the implementation of Concern’s strategy of improving governance through the increased participation of people living in extreme conditions of poverty in civic life. Specifically this position will primarily involve providing technical assistance to the County Government of Tana River to improve policy environment and strengthen the county government systems to facilitate and support effective citizen participation and accountability in service delivery.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop strong and strategic relationships with the County Government of Tana River, specifically the County Executive and County Assembly to improve the policy environment for improved service delivery, citizen participation, and accountability.
• Develop strong and strategic relationships with Local Civil Society Organizations (including media) to augment their efforts to hold county governments accountable for quality service delivery and amplify citizen voices in county governance processes
• Provide technical assistance to the Department of Public Administration and Coordination to strengthen the linkages and coordination between formal governance structures and Organized Community Groups at village, ward, sub-county, and county levels in line with county public participation laws and policies.
• Liaise with the Technical specialist - Community Empowerment for establishment and engagement of Village and Ward and level structures for strengthening community engagement, citizen participation, and accountability.
• Lead in building the capacity of CSOs, LDOs, and governance structures such as the Directorate for Public Participation, Sub County, Ward, and Village Administration, and community structures to facilitate meaningful citizen participation.
• Provide technical oversight for the undertaking of advocacy studies (baseline or otherwise).
• Always build the capacity of Programme staff to lead advocacy initiatives and tasks
• Guide and provide technical mentorship to Community Owned Resource Persons (CORPs) in the implementation of project activities and community engagement.
• Undertake frequent (monthly) field visits to program sites to monitor progress, quality, and impact of activities approved in the annual program proposals, and quarterly costed work plans.
• Liaise with Officer-Communication for documentation of project processes, outcomes, impacts, and learning.
• Represent the organization and actively participate in various project meetings and forums at the County level.
• Participate in the compilation and submission of timely monthly, quarterly and annual reports
• Participate in planning and coordination of field visits for the project with donors, consortium partners

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:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration, Law, Social Science, Community Development, or a related development field with 5 years’ experience implementing governance, and human rights-based programs
• At least 3 years’ experience in governance in Kenya with a strong understanding of devolved governance structures at the county level and how these structures work
• Knowledge of public finance management laws, County Government Act, and related amendments and other regulatory frameworks of government.
• Have proven ability to develop relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders including county leadership - CEC, CO, directors, and county staff at technical levels; county assembly; sub-county and ward administration, civil society; communities
• Good understanding of program cycle management and application of advocacy strategies to promote positive development outcomes.
• Demonstrated experience in facilitating meaningful participation of citizens in the annual county planning and decision-making processes
• Experience in community mobilization and engagement using participatory approaches in ASAL contexts. Experience in the Community Conversations approach is an added advantage
• Must have a working knowledge of Project Cycle Management
• Possess strong written and oral communication skills
• Be able to work independently, as well as in a team
• Strong leadership and management skills
• Be willing to accept responsibility and show good judgment, initiative, and resourcefulness.

Preference will be given to candidates who have:

• Experience in working with County Government departments to improve policy environment
• Experience in utilizing participatory approaches for citizen participation and accountability
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and report writing skills and demonstrated ability to work effectively in teams.
• High integrity and demonstrated ability to follow standards and policies
• Ability to work in a systematic and organized manner
• Energy to work long hours when needed and be out in the field all-day
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn
• Innovative, team player with an ability to work under pressure
• Qualified residents of Tana River County are encouraged to apply.

Competencies required:

• Influence and lobbying skills
• Good communication skills and can work well with others
• Deliver results
• Leadership skills
• Creative and innovative and open-minded to changes