Officer - Governance and Advocacy at Concern Worldwide

Reports to: Area Coordinator based in Marsabit and technically to the Senior Manager-Governance and Advocacy based in Nairobi

Contract Details:

• Starting Salary of the Pay Grade - Kes 99,197 p.m.
• Fixed Term Renewable Contract
• Pension
• Medical Cover (Principal + 2 Dependants)
• Life Assurance Cover
• WIBA Plus/Personal Accident Cover

Job Summary:

The incumbent will be responsible for the implementation of Concern’s Governance and Advocacy programme in Marsabit County. These includes working in close collaboration with Concern’s thematic programme teams to develop and deliver on advocacy objectives and working closely with county government to strengthen the linkages between formal governance structures and community conversations .

Main Duties & Responsibilities:

• Governance
• Assist in identifying technical challenges, opportunities and responsive actions to promote inclusion of the vulnerable in formal decision making through the public participation model.
• Assist in identifying and fostering strategic partnerships with county government departments, county assembly, local partners and other stakeholders, in implementation of policies and legislation on public participation (including Marsabit County Civic Education and Public Participation Policy and Marsabit County Civic Education and Public Participation Bill)
• Lead in strengthening the link between formal governance structures and Community Conversations at village , ward , sub county and county level
• Lead in monitoring the translation of community plans into village, ward , sub county and county plans during the annual county planning and budget processes, ongoing development of 2018-2022 County Integrated Development Plan and other related processes
• Lead in building the capacity of governance structures to facilitate citizen participation
• Provide leadership in diagnosing policy knowledge and practice gaps on decentralized government, and develop corresponding capacity development interventions
• Advocacy
• Support and build capacity of programme staff to develop and implement their advocacy plans and tasks (never ‘replace’ programme person)
• Participate in lobbying and negotiation led by programme sectors
• Provide direction to programmes on the content and development of policy briefs
• Liaising closely with programme teams on integration of human rights into community conversations
• Prepare comprehensive and timely monthly and quarterly narrative reports that conform to organizational standards.
• Represent Concern Worldwide in Ward, Sub-County and County technical forums on public participation and strengthening local governance as well as advocacy coalitions/networks
• Build and support the capacity of staff and sector programmes to understand the structure and functions of the county government, and to engage with them effectively.
• Participate in the development of quarterly costed workplans, annual work plans and project proposals
• Responding to Emergencies:
• Participate and contribute as necessary towards Concern’s Emergency response as and when necessary
• Comply with Concern’s health, safety and security guidelines during emergencies
• Programme Participant Protection Policy
• Adhere to the standards of conduct outlined in the Programme Participant Protection Policy and Concern Code of Conduct.

Job Specification:

• A Degree in Social Sciences preferably Law, Political Science or Public Administration.
• At least two (2) years of experience in governance programming with a bias towards a Human Rights Based Approach to Development, policy and advocacy in humanitarian or development context
• Strong knowledge of decentralized governance in general and Kenya’s devolved governance system specifically.
• Excellent oral, written and editing skills including the ability to produce clear articulate evidence based policy analysis
• Excellent advocacy and networking skills including the ability to make public representations.
• Good understanding of programme cycle management, and application of advocacy strategies to promote positive development outcomes.
• Good trainer of trainers and facilitation skills
• Excellent communication &interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to lead and work effectively in teams.
• Competency in computer applications
• Ability to work under pressure often to strict deadlines

Disclaimer Clause

This job description is not exhaustive and may be revised by the line manager from time to time.