Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is an international non-governmental organization supporting relief and development work in over 99 countries around the world. CRS has been operating in Kenya since 1965.CRS programs assist persons on the basis of need, regardless of creed, ethnicity or nationality and works through local church and non-church partners to implement its programs.
CRS is committed to being a quality-of-service oriented, programmatically focused, cost-effective, learning organization that explicitly stresses the promotion of social justice as the ultimate result of its activities. The commitment is expected to provide CRS/Kenya and its partners with an ability to reach more people with greater and more measurable impact. Within this context, this will provide technical support and guidance in the country program in all matters pertaining to the Modernizing Extension and Advisory Services (MEAS). The Monitoring Evaluation AAccountability & Learning (MEAL)/ Information & Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) Officer will build capacity of Agriculture extension staff in the selected Counties by supporting the implementation of e-extension using the Farm book Suite.
1. JOB PURPOSE:
The purpose of this position is to provide day-to-day end ICT4D and MEAL support to the MEAS project implemented by CRS Kenya. The MEAL/ICT4D Officer will be responsible for coordinating efforts with CRS Kenya, the Government of Kenya department of Agriculture and the County governments in support of the Ministry of Agriculture Extension Officers with the operations of Map & Track.
2. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES
Building Ministry of Agriculture extension staff capacity in ICT & Farm book Suite
o Providing hands on technical assistance to the extension staff on use of the applications.
o Supervise and mentor extension officers.
o Diagnosing hardware and software problems
o Lead out the roll out process of the Map & Track in the identified Counties
o On-call when needed
o Liaison with the HQ A&L team to troubleshoot, provide technical support, and feedback on any weaknesses and issues with Map & Track.
Strengthening Management Information Systems
o Installing/configuring new computers/android phones with the Map and track application.
o Repairing/upgrading PC hardware, software and android phones
o Ensure tracking and documentation of project progress, beneficiaries and sharing the information with CRS.
o Collaborating with the selected Counties to identify their project needs and allocate resources accordingly.
o Collaborate with the Counties in mentoring and assessing the performance of the extension staff
o Advance the use of information and communication technology for development (ICT4D) within the MEAS project.
Direct technical support
o Ensure that monitoring visits are meaningful and capture project needs and feed into management decisions
o Work with CRS and the County governments (under the direction and guidance of the central MoA staff) to develop a framework to monitor and evaluate the progress and impact of MEAS project.
o Organize meetings/workshops with the respective Counties for critical thinking and learning to guide decision-making and action.
o Ensure the identification, documentation, sharing and adoption of best practices and lessons learned.
o Facilitate dissemination and learning platform to discuss findings from surveys, evaluations and special studies, and to generate and document lessons
o Prepare activity and quarterly project reports for submission to the donor.
o Identify and escalate situations requiring urgent attention.
o Stay current with system information, changes and updates
Monitoring and Evaluation
o Work with the A&L Senior program officer to develop an A&L plan for the project.
o Monitor the quality of the project results through regular field visits.
o Monitor progress of work plan implementation, identify issues (technical and coordination), and offer solutions.
o Facilitate implementation of A&L plans developed with the support from A&L Officer
Reporting
· Ensure timely submission of narrative and financial reports.
· Write and ensure timely submission of progress reports to SPO Livelihoods.
4. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIREMENT
- KNOWLEDGE
o At least a University degree in a field related to ICT, project management or related field.
o IT Certification, Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate or equivalent
o At least two years in progressive responsibility in relief and development programs, including some significant time in MEAL.
o Knowledge of backup and disaster recovery solutions
o Overall knowledge of software and hardware firewalls
o Basic network troubleshooting skills
o Being ITIL Foundation Certified is an advantage
- SKILLS AND ABILITIES
o Demonstrated ability to transfer knowledge to diverse audiences through training, mentoring and other formal and non-formal methods.
o Familiarity with adult learning principles/techniques and demonstrated ability to design and facilitate learning opportunities for youth.
o Excellent interpersonal, organizational and written/verbal communication skills;
o Ability to work effectively under pressure and to organize and prioritize competing activities;
o Strong leadership skills and ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment;
o Good Communication skills using speech and writing.
o Ability to work in a multicultural environment.
- REQUIRED BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES
o Knowledge of CRS program quality standards, partnership principles and Catholic Social Teaching principles is preferred
o Serves with Integrity
o Good Stewardship of resources
o Cultivates Constructive Relationships
o Promotes Learning & innovation
5. KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:
Internal:
o Senior ICT Officer-CRS Kenya, Unit Managers (PQSI, Agriculture, Farmer to Farmer), HOP, procurement Officer and other country programming staff.
External
o State department of Agriculture
o County governments.
o Agriculture extension staff
o Internet service providers
o IT Contractors
o IT Vendors
HOW TO APPLY:
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 November 24, 2014;
Human Resources Manager
Catholic Relief Services – Kenya Program
E-mail: hr@ke.earo.crs.org
Please indicate the Reference Number (Ref.2014/41) 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
