The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) is a Quaker organization that includes people of various faiths who are committed to social justice, peace, and humanitarian service. Its work is based on the Quaker belief in the worth of every person and faith in the power of love to overcome violence and injustice.
Job Description
Job Title: Program Officer: Youth Innovations
Supervisor: Country Representative for Somalia
Location: Nairobi, Kenya with frequent travels to Somalia
Summary of Responsibilities: Program Officer will support efforts to promote youth innovations, creativity, economic empowerment, rebuilding of the social fabric and enhancement of peaceful coexistence of communities. The PO will also assist in efforts to increase the capacity of young men and women to become leaders for positive change through knowledge and skills transfer, sharing of experiences, exposure and policy advocacy both within and outside Somalia with a broader focus on healing and social reconciliation. It was envisioned that the intervention would result in creating a community based leadership that seeks ways of breaking the cycle of violence and promote social reconciliation.
Description of Responsibilities: The Program Officer will have the following responsibilities:
Innovation and Projects Planning
- Work with AFSC partners to plan and implement and report on projects that engage youth and promote social reconciliation.
- Develop resources, relationships, and processes for increasing the capacity of Somali youth to be innovative and creative.
- Identify and provide support to planning innovative and creative initiatives by Somali youth, including proposal development for grants seeking.
Outreach, Networking and Partnership
- Develop and implement an outreach and advocacy engagement strategy to respond to issues affecting Somali youth.
- Articulate AFSC’s values and principles including its commitment to peace and nonviolent approaches to social justice and peacebuilding among Somali youth.
- Provide support to efforts toward creating spaces and learning circles for youth interaction through exchange visits, networking and workshops.
- Support research and writing of briefings, case studies, program knowledge management, policy papers and other materials reflecting on best practices and lessons learned for periodic AFSC Somalia publication and presentation to international and local audiences.
Monitoring and Evaluation
- Supports the application of M&E with partners to include, among others, the review of data collection tools or strategies, the review and writing of partner reports, contributions to new project proposals, and the provision of sessions on M&E concepts and approaches.
- Contribute to the developing training modules, curricula, and courses to train trainers to meet the different needs of AFSC Somalia Program Partners.
- Technically supporting AFSC Somalia Program Partners to improve in their deliveries of program services to their targeted population with greater impact and effectiveness.
- Regular field visit to the partner on monitory and support visits.
Youth Learning and Capacity Building
- Support the development of ‘the hub for AFSC Somalia’ and a network of independent regional knowledge on the ‘hubs’ within the AFSC Africa Regional Office Priorities.
- Support a strategic mainstreaming the Somalia Programming into the AFSC’s Dialogue and Exchange Program.
Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in a relevant field such as political science, economics, international affairs, peace/ conflict studies, sociology or related field).Skills and Competences:
- Minimum of 3-5 years’ experience of relevant work.
- Strong writing, presentation, and interpersonal skills required.
- Ability to develop collegial and professional relationships with various stakeholder groups.
- Excellent facilitation, leadership, communication, and youth development skills.
- Highly organized and passionate about youth directed initiatives that have the power to change communities.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team as needed.
- Entrepreneurial thinkers who can recognize and seize opportunities, solve problems, and approach challenges in a proactive way.This position will be offered on an initial contract of two (2) years with possibility of renewal upon mutual consent, performance and availability of funds.
HOW TO APPLY:
All applications including the CV, motivation letter, salary history and 3 references (one being the current employer) should be addressed to P.O. Box 66448 – 00800, Nairobi, Kenya or email:afscafricajob@yahoo.com on or before April 13, 2016. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
The American Friends Service Committee is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified persons are encouraged to apply regardless of their religious affiliation, race, age, sex, gender identity,sexual orientation or disability
