Program Officer - Peace Building & Conflict Transformation (PBCT) Job at Act Change Transform (Act)

1.0 Job Summary

The Program Officer-PBCT, will primarily provide accurate and up to date information on the Peace, Security and Stability operating context in Kenya. He/she will keep close tabs on nature based conflicts, political conflicts, radicalization, violent extremism, conflict early warning and early response environment, link closely with strategic partners and advice program staff on issues in the peace building and conflict transformation, democracy and human rights and environment, natural resource management sectors.

2.0Duties and Responsibilities

Specifically, the Program Officer will be responsible for but not limited to:

2.1Peace & Security environment tracking and reporting

• Conduct bi-weekly conflict and violent extremism scans/situational briefs, analyzing the implications of the various peace, security, countering violent extremism (CVE) and de-radicalization related activities. These will be presented after every two weeks (Bi-Weekly) or as the situation may demand (ad hoc) to the PBCT program team at Act!.
• On a monthly basis, compile and maintain a roster of activities to be implemented by the PSS partners in the implementing Counties.
• Develop and maintain contacts and sustained networking with key actors in the sectors within which Act! is working.
• Represent Act! in meetings on Peace Building and CVE (e.g. those convened by the Government or the private sector).

2. 1 Program Management Support

• Assist in the development of the Peace, Security and Stability (PSS) and other Peace Building and Conflict Transformation (PBCT) detailed program work plans, including activity descriptions and timetables and manage the implementation of these activities so as to ensure the program’s activities and outputs are executed on time and to adequate quality standards.
• Assist the Program Manager to establish and deepen partnership with National, County Governments (including but not limited to the County Commissioner, County Police Commanders, National Intelligence Service, National Counter Terrorism Centre, National Steering Committee on Peace Building and Conflict Management, National Cohesion and Integration Commission, Uwiano Platform for Peace) and CSOs in target counties and the Coastal region as a whole.
• Working closely with Program Manager and Grants Officer, assist in the development of Rapid Respond Fund (RRF) including review of RRF technical applications and following up the implementation of the successful applications/sub grants.

2.2 Monitoring Evaluation Reporting & Learning

• Provide support to MERL Officer(s) in assessing extent to which partners’ initiatives are achieving the set results, writing and filing of reports.
• Together with the MERL team, develop indicators and protocols for monitoring progress in implementation of program interventions and capacity building initiatives and generate the necessary progress reports.
• In liaison with the Program Manager, take leadership in tracking and reporting PSS progression for partners and the program.
• Participate in and contribute to quarterly and other scheduled program performance review meetings.
• Participate actively in contributing to documentation of “success stories” and other anecdotal information to enhance the overall quality of performance reports to the donors.
• Share information and lessons learnt with other program staff through among others, writing of brief occasional papers for uploading into the website and internal seminars.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, bi-annual, annual and final program narrative reports.

2.3 Capacity Development

• Provide technical guidance and support to the Capacity Development team on advocacy issues.
• Provide leadership in training and delivery of PBCT training for Act! PSS Partners/sub grantees.
• Provide leadership in mentoring and coaching for partners through accompaniment and quarterly site visits.
• Liaise with the Program Manager in ensuring all advocacy capacity development needs for the partners are addressed.
• Prepare training materials and modules to respond to the PSS PBCT training areas identified in the OCAs.

2.4 Networking and Representation

• Establish and maintain regular contact with partner organizations, and to liaise and co-ordinate with the appropriate government bodies whenever appropriate to ensure successful project progress.
• Negotiate collaboration with partner institutions and government departments in support of Act! and the project activities subject to approval from the supervisor.
• Liaise and maintain contacts with government agencies and line ministries, civil societies and private sector collaborators.

2.5 Resource Mobilization

• Contribute to the development of Act! fund-raising strategy and annual fundraising plan.
• Participate in researching funding sources and donor trends to help position Act! ahead of major funding changes or trends.
• Contribute in development of proposals for fundraising.

3.0 Qualifications, Experience and Skills

3.1 Academic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Conflict Studies, International Relations or any other related field. A Post graduate degree will be an added advantage.

3.2 Professional qualifications

Professional training in Project Development Cycle or related fields.

3.3 Relevant Experience

At least 3 years’ relevant work experience in working with civil society organizations involved in advocacy for good governance, peace building and conflict management and/or natural resources management.

3.4. Essential competencies

• Demonstrated interest in development work.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent computer skills.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong analytical and report writing skills.
• Ability to work with minimum supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a team player in a multi-disciplinary team setting.
• Result-oriented.
• Willingness to travel frequently.

3.5 Complexity and difficulty of the work

A demanding job that requires tolerance, community knowledge, project area and local political dynamics.