Social Protection Lead, USAID HERO at Kenyatta University

ROLE PURPOSE:The Social Protection Lead will provide technical leadership in the development and delivery of our work on inclusive social protection, including social security. The Social Protection Lead will help in developing and implementing social protection programs and strategies to address the needs of vulnerable populations. This role will require working closely with national government agencies especially the social protection secretariat, county governments, and other stakeholders to ensure that social protection initiatives are designed and implemented effectively. This roles requires collaboration and partnership with other technical leads on the project to ensure social protection activities are well aligned and integrated in USAID HERO program.

Key Areas of Accountability

• Lead and participate in the technical implementation of project activities under the social protection component and related assignments. This will include timely and high-quality delivery of inputs, and contributions to project outputs (e.g. production of reports, policy advocacy, training materials, etc.).
• Led the design and manage the social protection programs: This involves conducting research, needs assessments, and data analysis to identify target populations and develop appropriate program interventions.
• The Social Protection Lead in liaison with the M&E lead will develop monitoring and evaluation frameworks to assess the impact and effectiveness of social protection programs. This involves setting performance indicators, collecting and analyzing data, and reporting on program outcomes.
• The Social Protection Lead will collaborate with policymakers to influence social protection policy development and ensure social protection strategies align with national and USAID HERO focus counties development goals.
• The Social Protection Lead will provide technical guidance and support to government agencies, and other partners, help to build their capacity to deliver and manage social protection programs effectively. This will includes Technical assistance (TA) and accompaniment components that may include; training/mentorship, facilitating workshops, and best practices sessions.
• The Social Protection Lead will collaborate with stakeholders from various sectors, including government ministries, civil society organizations, and international agencies. Facilitate coordination and partnerships to leverage resources, share expertise, and ensure a coordinated and comprehensive approach to social protection.
• The Social Protection Lead will be up to date on emerging trends and research in social protection and identify opportunities for innovation and improvement in program design and delivery. The lead will contribute to knowledge sharing and organizational learning through research, publications, and participation in conferences and forums.
• Build the reputation of USAID HERO and Kenyatta University as a thought leader on social protection by undertaking research and publishing papers that provide innovative, cutting-edge insights.
• Build relations with a wide range of stakeholders (i.e. National and County Governments, Social Protection Secretariat, USAID, bilateral development agencies, consultancy firms, etc.) to strengthen USAID HERO’s reputation while influencing social protection policy thinking. This will include representing USAID HERO in different fora, such as sector working groups and conferences among others.
• Define key information needs for the project and work closely with the MEL Advisor for tracking, collection and dissemination to strengthen social protection schemes
• Identify opportunities for USAID HERO to undertake assignments on social protection and other related areas of interest.
• Actively participate in USAID HERO’s Social Protection technical activities, supporting planning while managing and mentoring staff with the aim of building a cadre of highly competent and trusted social protection specialists.
• Support the DCOP and COP in developing annual work plans, budgets, reports, success stories, and other deliverables
• Manage and coordinate relevant partners in compliance with USAID requirements.
• Contribute to and provide high quality website content on social protection, to further enhance the website so that it can strengthen its influence on national and international thinking
• Continually build self-knowledge and awareness of current trends in social protection across the focus counties and the national level.

QUALIFICATIONS 

• At least a Master’s degree in a subject related to social protection, international development, social policy, or economics.
• Demonstrated experience supporting the Ministry of Health and county governments in strengthening the health system OR experience supporting social protection initiatives in Kenya and/or East Africa preferred.
• At least 5-7 years public sector experience and working with county governments
• At least five years managing complex projects in the areas of HSS social protection experience is a plus.
• Previous programmatic work experience with USAID-funded, or other large institutional donor preferred.
• Demonstrated technical understanding of Kenya’s social protection system.
• Demonstrated success in building, managing, and maintaining effective working relations with key country and county stakeholders.
• Demonstrated capacity to build and maintain productive working relationships with a wide network of local partners and stakeholders.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Exceptional communications and presentation skills (oral and written).
• Demonstrated team player with effective cross-cultural interpersonal skills.
• Ability to resolve sensitive and complicated work issues with senior high-level county counterparts, donor representatives and senior-level staff.
• Working knowledge of virtual communication platforms: Microsoft Teams, Google Meets, Zoom; Microsoft software packages: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Excellent English language skills, both written and spoken with strong presentation skills. Ability to prepare and disseminate project findings, success stories and other documents effectively.

Additional job responsibilities

• The duties and responsibilities as set out above are not exhaustive and the role holder may be required to carry out additional duties within reasonableness of their level of skills and experience.