Advocacy Officer ‐ Natural Resource Management

Location: Nairobi with frequent travel to Tharaka, Nithi, Meru and Nyeri

Reports Direct To: Programs Manager

Organization Background:

Grassroots Development Initiatives Foundation-Kenya (GRADIF-K) is a Public Community Development Foundation registered as a public company Limited by guarantee and with no share capital, with a goal to support the improvement of living standards of disadvantaged children, women and other vulnerable community groups in selected poverty stricken and needy areas in Kenya.

For wider reach, cost effectiveness, impact and sustainability of the supported programmes, GRADIF-K works with organized community grassroots groups and grassroots structures which are the key drivers of development agenda in various parts of the country.

The key broad areas of our work include; Democracy and Governance, Human rights, Education, Health, Gender and Women empowerment and environmental Conservation. Advocacy is a core function enabling GRADIF-K to fulfill its mission and purpose.

The position will coordinate a NRM advocacy project and among others and the person is expected to perform the following:

Key responsibilities:

Overall guidance on Natural Resource Management (NRM) advocacy strategies and lobbying agenda
Develop and deliver Natural Resource Management (NRM) advocacy and lobbying agenda and positions at Nyeri, Meru and Tharaka Nithi Counties as well as influence the country’s NRM agenda
Develop evidence based advocacy messages and/or materials i.e. presentations, policy briefs etc in consultation with Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the Programs Manager
Liaise and seek to influence NRM bodies and partners
Develop and implement the research agenda and facilitate NRM research for advocacy
Provide technical support to farmers groups, civil society actors and farmers cooperatives in advocacy and research
Guide the IT desk in disseminating frontline SMS messages
Policy tracking and analysis to support advocacy

Qualification

First Degree in relevant field, a Masters degree in a related discipline is an added advantage.

Ability & Skills

Ability to write clear and concise reports; good spoken and written English and Kiswahili will be an added advantage.
Proven ability to produce results within tight deadlines and under pressure
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Ability to interact effectively with different cadres of people and leadership
Analytical skills and decision making ability even in complex and sensitive situations
Demonstrable project management skills
Ability to multi-task
A team player and demonstration of reasonable degree of independence
Demonstrated advocacy and fundraising skills

Knowledge & Experience

Good knowledge of communication and public relations techniques.
Ability to develop and deliver presentations.
Knowledge and previous experience working in similar position preferably in the NRM field or related community development field
Excellent computer skills with expertise in Power point, Word, Excel and Outlook

Interested candidates who meet the above required qualifications and experience should submit on or before 14th February, 2012 a cover letter, detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) listing three professional references (including a recent supervisor) to:

Chief Executive Officer
Grassroots Development Initiatives Foundation-Kenya (GRADIF-K)
P.O Box 16699-00100
Nairobi, Kenya

Applications should be sent via e-mail to info@gradifkenya.org