Economic Empowerment Program Officer

Mercy Corps works amid disasters, conflicts, chronic poverty and instability to unleash the potential of people who can win against impossible odds. Since 1979, Mercy Corps has provided $1 billion in assistance to people in 82 nations.

Supported by headquarters offices in North America, Europe, and Asia, the agency's unified global programs employ 3,500 staff worldwide and reach 9 million people in more than 40 countries. Over the last five years, more than 90 percent of the agency's resources have been allocated directly to programs that help people in need.

Mercy Corps Kenya is currently responding to the drought in Wajir County, North Eastern Kenya through response to immediate needs, restoration of livelihoods, and capacity building for long-term development.

We are currently recruiting for qualified candidates to fill the following position which will be based in Wajir.

Position: Economic Empowerment Program Officer

Duty Station: Wajir

General Position Summary:

The Economic Empowerment Program Officer is overall responsible for the day to day implementation of the economic empowerment component of ReKNDLE in Wajir County.

The Program Officer will work closely both with management and support staff (including finance, administration and program) in the Wajir Office to ensure the day to day activities are implemented according to schedule, budget and required quality.

The Program Officer reports directly to the Recovery Program Manager with written and oral activity and budget reports.

The Program Officer will assist the Program Manager in outlining a strategic plan for the implementation of this program including identifying target areas/projects, methods of operation for effective programming and maximum results.

Essential Job Functions:
Assist the Program Manager and M&E team in conducting surveys, make recommendations on needs and vulnerability of beneficiary populations;
Work collaboratively with and other project stakeholders in designing and implementing an integrated program using participatory methodology;
Supervise the day to day implementation of activities of the program including vocational and skills trainings and microfinance for women and youth;
Foster a collaborative team atmosphere which engages the stakeholders;
Develop working relationship and coordinate with relevant international and local agencies active in livestock livelihoods;
Conduct regular progress meeting with beneficiaries and other stakeholders including local authorities, INGOs, and Local NGOs;
Manage and training of field supervisors and monitors;
Prepare regular report on project status;
Conduct regular needs assessment and prepare communication materials;
Document program success stories regularly;
Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission;
Other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibility: Field Supervisors and Monitors

Accountability
Reports Directly To: Recovery Program Manager
Works Directly With: M&E Officer, Program, Finance and Operations Teams
Knowledge and Experience:
University degree in social science or related field in economic development, women’s empowerment or youth employment;
Minimum three years experience in project implementation and field supervision in economic empowerment programs with women and youth, including vocational and skills training, seed grants and savings groups;
Robust technical knowledge on economic empowerment opportunities in Northern Kenya, preferably in North Eastern Province;
Analytical and report writing skills required;
Proficiency with excel databases required;
Experience with Logical Framework Analysis and Participatory Rural Appraisal required;
Proficiency in oral and written English and Kiswahili required, Somali language skills strongly preferred.
Success Factors:
Commitment to local capacity building and the ability to engage local stakeholders in project design and implementation;
Creative ‘out-of-the-box’ thinking and dedication to high-quality program implementation;
Knowledge and understanding of Somali society;
Ability to work simultaneously on multiple tasks and keep to deadlines;
Strong team player and communicator;
Willing to interact effectively with international and national personnel and other partners.
Interested candidates who meet the above required qualifications and experience should submit a cover letter, detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) listing three professional references (including a current or/and previous supervisor) to hr@ke.mercycorps.org or delivered to Mercy Corps office in Wajir, Airport Road (former VSF office) on or before 8th Dec, 2011 4.00 p.m.

Applicants must clearly indicate on the email subject the position that she/he is applying for i.e. “Application for the position of Economic Empowerment Program Officer”.

Applications without a subject heading will be disqualified.

Please do not attach any certificates.

Only qualified short-listed candidates will be contacted