Kenya: Project Officer – Food Security and Livelihoods (Ref.2016/ 05)

About CRS

Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. We welcome as a part of our staff and as partners people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need.

Job Title: Project Officer – Food Security and Livelihoods (**Ref.2016/** 05)**

Project: Promoting Peace and Resilient Livelihoods in Samburu North (PPRL**)**

Department Agriculture and livelihoods

Job Location: Maralal - Samburu County

Band/Grade: 5

Reports to(Job title): Program Manager – Agriculture & Livelihoods

Background

Catholic Relief Services seek a Project Officer - Food Security and Livelihoods (PO - FSL) for the Promoting Peace and Resilient Livelihoods in Samburu North project (PPRL). This is a two year (second year subject to funds availability) peace, food security and livelihoods project in Samburu County of Kenya. In day to day activities, the FSL Officer will take the specific responsibility of coordinating all food security, nutrition and livelihoods related activities within the scope of the project.

Reporting to the Program Manager – Agriculture & Livelihoods, S/he will work closely together with Caritas Maralal who will be the implementing partner of the project. The FSL Officer will be located in Maralal town with frequent visits to the project sites in Samburu County. This is a full time position.

The PPRL project aims to support food security and sustainable resilient livelihoods as well as the peaceful coexistence of the communities living in Samburu County. This will be by enabling farmers to make informed decisions about their own agricultural enterprises and encouraging cheap financial services using the CRS’ saving and internal lending communities (SILC) methodology.

The PPRL project has two strategic objectives:

• Increased availability and access to food during times of drought , and that

• Local communities use common property resources peacefully

Job Summary

On a day to day operational level, the PPRL project will be implemented by the Catholic diocese of Maralal in close collaboration with the local authorities. CRS will provide the technical assistance.

Specific Responsibilities

Responsibility 1: Project implementation and reporting including monitoring, evaluation and learning.

• Lead the development and implementation of an innovative Food Security and Livelihoods programme, through community based systems, addressing the needs of the most vulnerable members of society;

• Lead in development of a contextual analysis of economic policy, food security, nutrition and livelihoods issues affecting Samburu North and particularly the target groups;

• Coordinate and monitor SILC activities in collaboration with the CRS Nairobi SILC team

• Participate in the development and implementation of operational work plans in accordance with the budget, results framework, and administrative guidelines approved by CRS

• Participate in budget processes and periodic budget reviews for Food security and Livelihoods related activities;

• Stay abreast of new developments in Food security, Nutrition and Livelihoods and participate actively in related county based technical working groups and forums; and report the deliberations of such meeting to CRS

• Provide technical assistance in the areas of agricultural/livestock productivity, seed systems, agricultural/livestock value chains, land and water management and trade/marketing of agricultural/livestock products;

• Together with Caritas Maralal, select intervention sites and expansion areas based on set criteria after consultation with all stakeholders;

• Support the Caritas Marala team in compiling quarterly reports.

• Reporting: Develop comprehensive quarterly reports for accountability and learning.

• Monitor progress of FSL activity implementation, identifying issues (technical and coordination) and formulate solutions to address the identified issues.

  Responsibility 2: Networking, representation and collaboration

• Strengthen program linkages and foster good working relations with civil society organizations, government representatives, private sector and community based organizations;

• Facilitate training needs identification and capacity building for Caritas Maralal and other public and private partners;

• Support the MEAL department to develop annual learning agenda, data analysis from the field and producing customized reports for various applications/interventions;

• Coordinate the adoption of new products and/or approaches in Food Security and Livelihoods development and marketing;

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Key Working Relationships:

Internal:

• Program Manager – Agriculture & Livelihoods

• SILC Officer

• MEAL Officer

External:

• Caritas Maralal

• The Samburu County Government’s ministries of Water, irrigation, agriculture and livestock.

• Program consultants

  Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff)

• Serves with Integrity

• Models Stewardship

• Cultivates Constructive Relationships

• Promotes Learning

  Competencies Relevant for the Specific Position:

• A broad grasp of socio - economic policy issues with respect to food security, nutrition and livelihood development in both in rural and urban settings and especially in Samburu County

• Experience working with local implementing partners, county governments, civil society, donors and local communities;

• Diplomacy, tact and negotiating skills;

• Training/coaching skills

• Strong conceptual and analytical skills

• The ability to work independently, think innovatively and strategically and work effectively within a team

• Fluency in written and spoken English

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Detailed understanding and experience of gender and diversity issues and commitment to addressing inequalities in all the key areas of responsibility

• Demonstrate high levels of initiative

• Flexibility in tasks undertaken

• Ability to work under pressure and deadlines

• Extensive knowledge of participatory approaches

• Understanding of development/relief issues

• Commitment to humanitarian principles and action

• Needs good strategic thinking and vision

• Strong financial/budget management skills required

Required Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor degree in Agriculture or related development field,

• At least 5 years work experience in Food security, Nutrition and/or Livelihoods programming

Required Foreign Language

None.

Required Travel(where and expected %):

70% field travel and 30% office in Maralal.

Work Environment

Samburu County.

Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skills, effort, duties and responsibilities associated with the position

The following statement/declaration shall be included ON ALL job applications:

“I understand that CRS takes all allegations of abuse and exploitation seriously. Abuse or exploitation of children or vulnerable adults is grounds for immediate dismissal.”

Written applications indicating the reference number of position applied for and CV including day-time contact phone numbers, as well as names and contact information of three references should reach the below-mentioned by Close of Business Monday January 25, 2016;

Human Resources Manager

Catholic Relief Services – Kenya Program

E-mail: hr@ke.earo.crs.org

Please indicate the Reference Number (**Ref: 2016/05**) on the ‘email subject. Only Shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Note: Catholic Relief Services (CRS) does not charge any fees from applicants for any recruitment. Further, CRS has not retained any agent in connection with this recruitment