Project Officer Forum Syd Kenya

Background

Forum Syd is a Swedish democracy and rights organization with 183 Swedish member organizations and thousands of partner organizations and networks worldwide.

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,

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.