Project Officer – Livelihoods

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.

1. POSITION IDENTIFICATION:
   Department : Health
   Job Title : Project Officer – Livelihoods (Ref.2016/08)
   Grade : 5
   Reports To : Senior Project Officer
   Supervises (Direct Reports Only) : N/A
   Based In (Location) : Samburu
   JOB PURPOSE
   Reporting to the Senior Project Officer, the Project Officers-Livelihoods will work with APHIAplus, IMARISHAconsortium partners, implementing partners (IPs) and the GOK to ensure APHIAplus IMARISHA Service Delivery on food security to marginalized, vulnerable and underserved populations including youth, PLHIVs and those on ARVs, orphans and children affected by HIV/AIDS. They will work with IPS, Consortium members through and with GOK structures at national, county, district and community levels to deliver on USAID/Kenya Strategic Goal for health: “Sustained improvement of health and well-being for all Kenyans”.
   KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES:
   The project officers-Livelihoods are responsible for coming up with strategies that would promote food security as one of the key social determinants of health to improve the well-being of marginalized, poor and underserved populations APHIAplus IMARISHA targets.
   The following are specific Responsibilities:
2. Liaise with GOK, to provide technical assistance in conducting participatory on-farm trials and demonstrations with focus on variety identification and crop production techniques.
3. Liaise with GOK to disseminate innovative production practices in IMARISHA
4. Liaise with GOK and IP to establish community based, on-farm seed bulking and distribution where appropriate
5. In partnership with GOK and local partner project staff, conduct value chain analyses to identify market opportunities and private sector linkages suited to the target beneficiaries
6. Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with local technical stakeholders to provide emergence food to project beneficiaries as a temporary strategy in areas of highest need
7. Establish programs that promote food security
8. Conduct food security forums in the target regions
9. Increase adoption and use of product preservation and storage technologies
10. Conduct market and livelihood opportunity assessments for the target communities
11. Initiate village saving schemes where applicable
12. Provide targeted technical assistance to strengthen IGAs
13. Support partner in the preparation of yearly work plan and budgets.
14. Develop and implement strategies for technology transfer and capacity building of local partners, government to increase food security under the Community Strategy
15. Regular monitoring and reporting of partner implementation

4. OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACTIVITIES:

• Support interventions and strategies that would increase food security, improved nutrition and sustainable livelihoods amongst the target groups
• Strong coordination with other related programs including, but not limited to, the Global Hunger and Food Security Program.
• Support and provide linkages with other programs in the IMARISHA region that provide savings and loan schemes, micro-insurance, entrepreneurship and vocational and job-readiness training; as well as matching with value-chain and other market-based initiatives
• Stay abreast of professional standards, trends and policies affecting this set of responsibilities, demonstrating continuous learning of the field
  KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIREMENT
• KNOWLEDGE
• A university degree in Agriculture, food security and other related relevant training
• At least 3-5 years of experience working as an agricultural extension officer or crop research among pastoralist and nomadic communities.
• Experience in working with resource poor farmers, especially on dry land farming systems, project monitoring and evaluation
• Knowledge and experience in market-based cash and/or voucher transfer mechanisms
• Good knowledge and understanding of microenterprise, value chain chain approach and sub-sector analysis
• Sound knowledge and experience in project management including planning, budgeting and reporting
• SKILLS AND ABILITIES
• Experience implementing US Government-funded projects.
• Ability to transfer skills and knowledge through, training, mentorship and accompaniment
• Demonstrated ability to work with various teams.
• Excellent written, oral communication in Kiswahili and English
• Excellent analytical and computer skills (Microsoft office package and excel)
• Demonstrated ability foster integration in programming approach
• Good understating of GOK policies and strategies on Arid Lands livelihoods
• Willingness to travel
• REQUIRED BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES
• Serves with Integrity
• Models Stewardship
• Cultivates Constructive Relationships
• Promotes Learning
• Actively promotes safety and security

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.”

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 Friday January 29, 2016;

Human Resources Manager

Catholic Relief Services – Kenya Program

E-mail: hr@ke.earo.crs.org

Please indicate the Reference Number (Ref: 2016/08) 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