Project Officer at Church World Service

Division: Relief and Development Program (RDP)
Duration: One year (12 months with possibility of renewal)
Project location: Kakuma Refugee Camp, Turkana County

Primary Purpose

This position is responsible for the management and implementation of the Resilience Strengthening Project for Refugees and Host Communities in Kakuma and Kalobeyei settlements in line with the project strategies and donor requirements ensuring high technical quality. The Project Officer will also identify and nurture relationships with strategic partners both in Kakuma camp and Kalobeyei settlement; working in close coordination with CWS colleagues and partner organizations.

This position reports to the reports to the Education Regional Program Coordinator

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake project start up activities- identification of participants, needs’ assessments, stakeholder consultations, community engagement and mobilization and induction of facilitators
• Develop learning curriculum and oversee adult literacy instruction in consultation with the department of Adult and Continuing Education (DACE) in Turkana West
• Facilitate implementation of the four stages of VSLA namely; Preparatory phase, the Intensive phase, the Development phase and the Maturity phase
• Liaise and collaborate with relevant local authorities and other key stakeholders
• Promote the rights of refugees in line with SPHERE standards
• Provide day-to-day support to the adult literacy and VSLA Facilitators--formulating clear work plans and targets
• Administer business start-up grants to VSLA project participants
• Actively participate in relevant coordination forums including camp level working groups and county forums.
• Recruit, induct, supervise and manage adult literacy and VSLA facilitators
• Coordinate with protection and inclusion partners to support the implementation of key protection mainstreaming actions plan
• Provide regular status reports to the Education Program Coordinator and prepare donor reports as required
• Any other tasks assigned by the line-manager

Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree in a related field of study (e.g., Education, Sociology, Community Development, Project Management, Business Management and any other social science) or four (4) years of paid work experience in lieu of a Bachelor's degree is required.

Experience:

• At least three years of experience working with refugees in a camp setting.
• One year of project management experience, including: project design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation skills and preparation of quality donor reports required.
• Prior experience in adult education and VSLA/livelihoods programing is a great asset.

Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of functional adult literacy, TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) and livelihoods programming
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Computer skills, including MS Word, Outlook and Excel
• Training facilitation skills
• Proposal and report writing skills
• Practical knowledge of international humanitarian standards (SPHERE Standards, DO NO HARM, Humanitarian Inclusion Standards etc.)
• Fluency in English and Kiswahili languages - both written and verbal
• Must have a valid driving license

Abilities:

The Program Officer must have the ability to:

• Manage confidential information
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Conduct oneself in a professional and courteous manner to represent the best interests of CWS
• Follow instructions from the supervisor with a positive and receptive attitude
• Deal effectively and courteously with government officials, associates, outside agencies, refugees and members of the general public
• Maintain a high performance standard with attention to detail
• Carry out all the duties of the position efficiently and effectively with minimal supervision
• Lead others and address issues as they arise
• Manage a large and diverse workload under pressure with competing priorities
• Work well as a team in a multi-cultural environment while maintaining a high level of motivation
• Effectively manage CWS’ resources

Working Conditions

Physical:

This position requires bending, squatting, climbing, kneeling, sitting, standing, walking, pushing/pulling, handling objects (manual dexterity), reaching above shoulder level, using fine finger movements and lifting/carrying heavy loads.

Environmental:

Incumbents in this position will be exposed to marked changes in temperature and/or humidity, dust and infectious diseases, harsh weather climates, long work hours, bumpy roads, extended travel, excessive sun exposure, and non-ventilated spaces.

Special Requirements

Certificate of Good Conduct issued within the last one year (12 months) is required before the start of employment. Background check which includes references and an educational criminal check is required before the start of employment. The candidate should be of good health, willing and able to work in harsh environmental conditions, and have a high degree of flexibility. Employee will be entrusted with the receipt, custody and payment of money.

Licensing/Certification

None required.

Competencies

Communication

Ensure effective exchanges of information with others. Examples of skills and behaviors include speaking to others respectfully; expressing ideas in a logical, organized way; sharing information appropriately; and clarity and conciseness in written communication.

Relationships

Ensure constructive and supportive interactions with others. Examples of skills and behaviors include being positive and supportive when working with others; sharing information and resources freely; resolving conflict constructively; and proactively working to remove obstacles to success for others.

Job Knowledge

Utilize and apply job related knowledge to complete job tasks at a level that meets or exceeds expectations. Examples of skills and behaviors include utilizing job knowledge to solve problems or develop new approaches; maintaining or enhancing skills through continuing education; and taking on projects that will develop or enhance skills.

Teamwork

Work effectively and contribute as a member of a team. Examples of skills and behaviors include supporting other team members by sharing information; covering the work of others during absences, vacations, etc.; and actively participating in developing ideas for ways to increase team effectiveness.

Problem Solving

Analyze information and develop solutions to challenges that arise during the course of performing a job. Examples of skills and behaviors include researching and collecting facts; defining the issues and the parties affected; formulating options/solutions for addressing the problem; and engendering support for and implementing the solution.

Operational Leadership

Successfully lead a group to achieve operational goals. Examples of skills and behaviors include priority setting; timely decision making; planning and organizing; delegation; and managing and measuring work.

Building and Leading Effective Teams

Earn the respect of team members, create strong morale and spirit on the team and utilize the unique skills of all team members. Examples of skills and behaviors including managing diverse relationships; flexibility; being open and receptive; running effective team meetings; and exhibiting integrity and trustworthiness.

Strategic Leadership

Accurately anticipate future consequences and trends and translate them into the fulfillment of workable strategies and plans. Examples of skills and behaviors include problem solving; dealing with ambiguity, creativity; innovation management and business acumen.