Vacancies at Diakonia Sweeden Kenya

MEAL Specialist Role and Responsibilities

• As the MEAL Specialist for the Civic Engagement Support Facility, you will play a crucial role in enhancing the effectiveness and impact of our initiatives in Somalia, including Somaliland. You will be responsible for developing, implementing, and managing the MEAL system, in collaboration with the Diakonia Global MEAL Advisor and the Human Rights and Civil Society Expert. Your work will ensure that the Facility’s projects are effectively monitored, improvements are continuously integrated, and outcomes are aligned with strategic objectives.
• Reporting directly to the Civil Society Facility Manager, your responsibilities include:
• System Development and Implementation
• Lead the establishment and oversight of the MEAL system, including the creation of guidelines, manuals, and training programs for Facility staff. Develop and maintain tools and systems essential for gathering and analyzing MEAL data, ensuring they are in line with global best practices.
• Data Management and Quality Assurance
• Manage the collection, analysis, and storage of quantitative and qualitative data. Regularly review and adapt the MEAL system to enhance its effectiveness and ensure the highest quality of data is maintained. Produce baseline data and track the progress of Facility activities to assess adherence to planned outcomes.
• Learning and Strategic Insights
• Facilitate organizational learning and knowledge sharing by developing platforms and processes for disseminating findings and best practices. Draft learning briefs and conduct sense-making exercises to inform strategic decision-making and program adjustments.
• Collaboration and Reporting
• Work closely with the Chief Finance Officer to integrate MEAL data with financial reports to analyze cost-effectiveness and value for money. Prepare and submit regular progress reports to the Executive Committee, including a comprehensive final results report summarizing the achievements and lessons learned throughout the project lifecycle.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in social sciences, development studies, or economics with high-level experience or background in M&E.
• At least 7 years of post-degree work experience, of which at least 5 as an M&E/MEL/MEAL/RBM specialist in developing countries.
• Experience working on MEAL with civil society organizations and in conflict-affected settings, with ability to work collaboratively and as coach where needed.
• Have experience in remote monitoring.
• At least 3 years of work experience in Somalia or the Horn of Africa.
• English language proficiency at level C1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages scale.  
• Ability to lead and prioritize independently while being a good team player.
• Thematic expertise within gender justice and working with civil society is highly desirable.

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Human Rights and Civil Society Expert Role and Responsibilities:

• As the Human-Rights and Civil-Society Expert at the Civic Engagement Support Facility, your role is crucial in shaping the strategic direction and execution of initiatives focused on strengthening civil society and promoting human rights. You will provide critical analysis, support program design, and plan and carry out capacity development and advocacy to ensure that human rights principles are fully integrated into all activities of the Facility.
• Reporting directly to the Project Manager, your responsibilities include:
• Strategic Advisory and Program Design
• Advise the Project Manager and other Facility staff on setting priorities that align with human rights advancements and civil society strengthening.
• Offer expert guidance on the selection of grantees, ensuring that chosen projects and organizations align with the Facility’s objectives of promoting inclusivity, accountability, and civic engagement.
• In close collaboration with Facility staff, develop and implement strategies and approaches that engage vulnerable groups and enhance civil society’s role in governance and advocacy.
• Capacity Building and Stakeholder Engagement
• Develop and lead capacity-building initiatives for Facility staff and for civil society organizations.
• Facilitate workshops, training sessions, and dialogues between civil society and government actors to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation.
• Organize and lead regular stakeholder meetings to foster dialogue and share learnings.
• Research, Advocacy and Communication
• Coordinate and conduct thematic research and analyze the civil society landscape to identify key actors and strategic opportunities.
• Monitor developments in civic space and report on issues that might impact Facility operations.
• In collaboration with Facility staff and civil society organizations, develop advocacy strategies to promote the role of human rights and civil society at local and national levels.
• Represent the Facility at public forums, craft and disseminate communication materials that highlight the Facility’s work and its impact on human rights and civic engagement
• Collaboration and Reporting
• Collaborate closely with the MEAL Specialist to integrate human rights indicators into monitoring frameworks.
• Provide regular updates and detailed reports to the Project Manager and the Executive Committee on the progress and impacts of human rights-focused initiatives.
• Contribute to the preparation of comprehensive annual learning reports and policy briefs that influence broader sectoral understanding and practices.

Experience and qualifications:

• A university degree at least equivalent to a master’s degree in a relevant field such as e.g. sociology or other social science, development studies, or law.
• At least 10 years of post-degree working experience in Africa and 7 years working with civil-society entities
• At least 5 years of experience working on human-rights issues in fragile or conflict-affected contexts, and similar years in the horn of Africa.
• Worked in Somalia including Somaliland or with Somalia/Somaliland as primary job content for at least 3 years.
• Experience working both with duty-bearers and rights-holders on human-rights issues.
• Experience supporting CBOs on advocacy, in particular regarding rights, gender, and youth.
• English language proficiency at level C1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages scale. 
• As a person, you are analytical, solution-oriented, creative, and a good team player.

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Project Manager Role and Responsibilities:

• The Project Manager’s main role is to lead the Civic Engagement Support Facility’s strategy and daily operations, inspired by Diakonia’s Partnership Policy, and in line with decisions and instructions of the Executive Committee that represents the donors to the Facility.

This entails:

• Strategic Leadership and Program Management
• Drive program design and delivery in close collaboration with Facility staff, exploring new forms of partnering with change actors across Somalia, including Somaliland.
• Set up and manage the Facility according to Executive Committee directives, including strategy development, managing calls for proposals, and overseeing all grant processes in compliance with back donor guidelines.
• Lead the Facility's operations and staff across its various locations, including Nairobi, Mogadishu, and Hargeisa, fostering a collaborative work environment and ensuring efficient resource allocation.
• Stakeholder Coordination
• Build and maintain strong relationships with civil society leaders, government officials, and international donors to facilitate smooth implementation and enhance project outcomes.
• Regularly engage with stakeholders through workshops, meetings, and forums to gather input and align project objectives with community and donor priorities.
• Provide regular, detailed updates and reports to the Executive Committee and other key stakeholders, demonstrating the progress and impact of the Facility’s initiatives.
• Analysis and Monitoring
• Oversee comprehensive political-economy and civic-space analyses and stakeholder mapping to guide the Facility’s strategic planning and decision-making.
• Ensure rigorous monitoring of project deliverables and financial expenditures, maintaining high standards of transparency and accountability.
• Communication and Advocacy:
• Supervise the Facility’s communication strategies, ensuring that all messaging effectively conveys the Facility’s mission and achievements to a broad audience.
• Produce and oversee the dissemination of progress reports, policy briefs, and other communication materials that highlight the learning of the Facility.
• Act as the face of the Facility in public forums, articulating and advocating for the Facility’s strategic goals and impacts.

Experience and qualifications:

• We are looking for an experienced program manager, an expert in supporting Civil Society in its diversity, in particular women’s rights organizations, youth movements and informal actors. They have:
• A university degree at least equivalent to a master's degree in a relevant field such as, e.g., social sciences or development studies.
• Experience of at least 10 years of post-degree working experience as Head of major development projects in Africa (i.e., multi-year projects, each with budgets of USD 10 million at least).
• At least 7 years’ experience from working in fragile or conflict-affected contexts.
• At least 5 years of post-degree working experience with supporting civil-society organisations in developing countries.
• At least 5 years of working experience with fund management in development contexts.
• At least 5 years’ experience from the Horn of Africa.
• At least 3 years’ experience working in Somalia including Somaliland or with Somalia/Somaliland as primary job content.
• Experience in program management in at least three developing countries using the human-rights-based approach, including gender justice programming and conflict and environmental mainstreaming.
• English language proficiency at level C1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages scale.
• As a person, you are solution-oriented, creative, and a good team player.

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Facility CFO Role and Responsibilities:

• As the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at the Civic Engagement Support Facility, your role is essential in ensuring the financial health and compliance of the facility's operations across Somalia, including Somaliland. You will oversee all financial functions including budgeting, financial management, and reporting, as well as asset management, working closely with colleagues in the Global Operational Support and Finance Team and the Somalia Country Office. Your expertise will be crucial in establishing robust financial systems and controls that align with Diakonia’s standards and donor requirements. Reporting directly to the Project Manager, your responsibilities include:
• Financial Strategy and Compliance
• Develop and implement financial management strategies and policies, ensuring adherence to legal and regulatory requirements. Oversee all financial operations including budgeting, financial planning, and risk management. Prepare grant management procedures, financial management, and governance manuals for approval by the Executive Committee.
• Budget Management and Financial Operations
• Coordinate the preparation, monitoring, and adjustment of operating budgets for all Facility activities and funds. Process all financial transactions ensuring proper approvals, manage cash flow, and maintain up-to-date financial records. Ensure timely processing of payroll and other disbursements in accordance with local laws and organizational policies.
• Reporting, Auditing, and Asset Management
• Produce regular financial reports and coordinate annual audits in line with international standards for approval by the Executive Committee. Follow up on audit findings and recommendations to enhance financial governance. Manage the procurement and maintenance of assets, and ensure proper documentation and filing in compliance with donor requirements.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Capacity Building
• Act as the financial liaison to donors, ensuring compliance with their financial management requirements. Facilitate financial capacity building among partner organizations to ensure effective and sustainable program implementation. Manage contractual agreements with partners, and conduct quality assurance of grantees’ financial management and reporting.

Experience and qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Commerce, Economics or equivalent qualification
• Must possess at least 10 years of professional experience in financial management and/or auditing, preferably in development or fragile, conflict-affected settings.
• At least 5 years of post-degree working experience with multi-year development projects in Africa with budgets of at least USD 10 million.
• Have experience developing financial-management set-ups, including manuals, agreements, reporting, and auditing arrangements.
• Have experience with fund management or similar in a development context
• Have experience in remote management and leading teams in multiple locations.
• English language proficiency at level C1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages scale. 
• As a person, you are analytical, solution-oriented, creative, and a good team player.