Forum Syd Kenya
Title: Project Officer
Title: Project Officer
Background
Founded
in 1995, Forum Syd strives for fair and sustainable global development based on
the equal value of all people, their right to reasonable life circumstances,
and the sustainable use of the world’s natural resources.
Forum
Syd’s vision is “A just world that is free from poverty” while its mission is
"To contribute to the democratic organisation of women and men in order
that they can solve common problems, claim their rights and exert democratic
influence.”
Forum
Syd perceives civil society as a decisive force in bringing about change and
works to help strengthen the role of civil society in Sweden and the rest of
the world in its efforts to bring about global justice and sustainable
development.
Forum
Syd has over the years worked in civil society strengthening, social
accountability and citizen participation issues and has already developed a
methodology from experiences in Africa, Latin America, the Balkans, Kosovo,
Belarus and Cambodia.
Forum
Syd head office is based in Stockholm-Sweden and has seven country offices in
the different countries including Kenya.
Forum
Syd anticipates commencing implementation a Social Accountability project
funded by DFID through DAI Europe.
The
overall objective of the project is that communities that are voice-poor and
marginalized have improved democratic influence and good governance at county
government level.
The
Project will be implemented through a collaborative effort of 2 organizations,
with Forum Syd being the lead partner.
Overall objectives
Forum
Syd is looking for a suitably qualified male or female Project officer to join
the Organization.
The
primary role of the Officer will be to oversee and provide technical support to
the project and organizations implementing the project at the grassroots
level.
The
Project Officer at Forum Syd will work with the 2 partner organization staff
and will be wholly responsible for the successful coordination, management and
completion/extension of the Projects.
Reporting
The
project Officer will report to: The Country Manager in Nairobi and will have
working relations with Forum Syd Programs Department in Sweden
Contract period: 24 months with possibility of extension.
Key Functions
1. Project planning, implementation and management
- Overall
responsibility for the successful planning, coordination, execution,
monitoring, control, evaluation (internal and external) and closure of the
project.
- Direct,
supervise and manage the project from beginning to end
- Verifying
project financial reports and records from partners before handing them to
the Accountant
- Overall
implementation and management of the project including monitoring budgets
and expenditure and making requisitions from Accountant to ensure smooth
implementation of activities.
- Chairing and
facilitation of project review meetings with necessary partner, Forum Syd
and Donors as per the plans
- Organizing key
project activities i.e. workshops, meetings, stakeholders meetings,
beneficiaries’ trainings, etc
- Ensure
preparation of internal project monthly, annual reports and other periodic
reports
- Timely
preparation and submission of donor progress reports in accordance with
donor contracts.
- Planning all
project activities in liaison with partner organizations - including
preparation of annual plans and reviews
- Preparation of
project budget in liaison with Accountant
- Monitoring and
evaluating all program/ project activities
- Initiate
procurement requisitions with the assistance of the finance and
administration office.
2. Partnerships
- Participatory
coordination and management of partner organizations’ staff assigned to
the project in order to achieve project objectives
- Facilitate the
strengthening of healthy partnership relations with implementing partners
and CSOs targeted by the project
- Facilitate
participatory processes to assist partners to assess their institutional
capacities and identify opportunities that allow them accomplish project
objectives
3. Networking
- Create strong
linkages and networks that will support the achievement of the objectives
of the project from the grassroots CSOs to the national levels.
- Facilitate
knowledge sharing internally and externally
- Facilitate and
oversee networking events and meeting at all levels meet the project’s
objectives
- Lead advocacy
efforts at the regional and national levels
- Collaborate with
the regional office to support networking and advocacy efforts of the
region and Sweden levels
- Facilitate
partnerships with relevant Government Ministries and other development
stakeholders in the operational area including county officials, local
Members of Parliaments and other relevant local government officials
- Ensure
integration of program with other on-going programs
4. Communication and Visibility
- Develop
strategic relations with key organisations, media and others, support
communication and outreach strategies
- Design, develop
and implement project communication and visibility strategies
- Ensure effective
and on-time communication with partners, donors, other Forum Syd staff,
and other project stakeholders
- Update the Forum
Syd website on a regular basis
5. Fundraising & Resource Management
- Supporting Forum
Syd in its effort to develop similar projects with various donors through
the design and development of concept notes, proposals and networking with
donors.
- Use project
resources effectively and with care to achieve set objectives
- Assist the
Country Manager in the implementation of the organizational Country
strategy for Kenya.
Specifications:
- Graduate degree
in social sciences and related field
- At least 6 years
of experience in human rights, governance/accountability programs, social
justice and application of Rights based approaches
- Professional
experience working with international organizations/ development
cooperation work
- Experience in
project/program development and Management; particularly monitoring and
evaluation.
- Experience
working with youths, slum communities and devolved funds is an added
advantage
- Experience
working with partner organizations
- Knowledge on
DFID and DAI funded project
- Skills in
facilitation of partnerships to fulfil programme and/or project objectives
- Experience
working with partner assessments and capacity building
- Experience in
research and advocacy
- Experience in
participatory training curriculum development and facilitation
- Ability to work
under pressure and to tight deadlines
- Willingness to
travel extensively throughout Kenya.
- Experience in
designing M & E tools, plans and log frames preferably in similar
programs/projects.
- Experience in
database management and ICT information dissemination methods
- Knowledge of
central development issues and methods (democracy/HR, gender, etc).
- General knowledge
about the political, socio-economic and social situation in the regions.
- Skills in data
collection/analysis, donor report writing; verbal and written
communication skills in English and Kiswahili
- Able to work in
a team with minimal supervision
- Being an
accountability project, the person desired is one with high integrity
Duty Station: Based in Nairobi office with 60% travels across Kenya mostly
in Nakuru, Kisumu, Kakamega and Machakos Counties
Send application including Max 3 page CV and a cover letter to the undersigned not later than mid-day 10th August 2012
Write to
Country
Manager
Forum Syd Kenya
P.O. Box 1419, Karen, 00502,
Forum Syd Kenya
P.O. Box 1419, Karen, 00502,
Nairobi
E-mail:
info.africa@forumsyd.org and stephen.gichohi@forumsyd.org Copied to
david.munyasia@forumsyd.org
Kindly
include “Project Officer Position” in the subject line of your email.
Also
indicate the current salary.
Deadline
for application is 10th August 2012 at 12.00 Mid-day.
Applications
received after this date will not be considered.
Only
shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
