Job Title: Project Officer – Rangelands and Livelihoods

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Catholic Relief Services (CRS) 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.

CRS has worked in Kenya since 1965. Over the years, CRS’ focus shifted from direct relief and food distributions to a comprehensive development program that works with partners and enhances local capacity. CRS Kenya development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding.

Kenya Resilient Arid Lands Partnership for Integrated Development – Kenya RAPID+

Kenya RAPID + isa  five year SDC funded project to be implemented in Isiolo, Turkana, Wajir, Marsabit and Garissa under the leadership of Millennium Water Alliance. The program objective is to improve access to safe water and sustainable rangeland management in the five counties and contribute to resilient livelihoods for communities in a peaceful environment. The program aims to combine the capabilities of national and devolved water sector institutions, rangelands resource management capacities, and the skills and experience of the private sector to address the complex problems posed by inadequate water access and poor management of rangeland resources in the target counties. CRS is the implementing partner in Turkana and Isiolo counties.

Job Summary:

The Project Officer – Rangelands and Livelihood will support rangelands and livestock management interventions under Kenya RAPID+ project in Isiolo. On a day to day operational level, the KENYA RAPID+ program will be coordinated by a County Coordination Unit (CCU), led by a County program lead and located within the Isiolo County administrative offices. You will be part of this CCU team and will report to County program lead and  work closely with the Rangeland and IWRM Intervention Manager  based in MWA office – Nairobi, and with county employees assigned to work with the project  team from relevant ministries (e.g., water, agriculture, livestock,) to implement the approved work plan for the county.   The incumbent will facilitate the achievement of project objectives through coordinating and reporting on all rangelands activities and providing technical guidance to the project staff in Isiolo.

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead the contextual analysis of rangeland management structures, policy environment and livelihoods issues affecting the target groups.
  • Lead the development and implementation of an innovative rangelands interventions, through community-based systems, addressing the needs of the most vulnerable members of society.
  • Participate in the development and implementation of operational work plans in accordance with the budget, results framework, and administrative guidelines approved by the Program Steering Committee (PSC).
  • Champion adoption of appropriate technologies in rangelands and livestock management.
  • Ensure learning properly accompanies project activities throughout the project cycle. Support accountability through coordinating project evaluation activities and guiding partners in their efforts to reflect on project experiences. Analyze implementation challenges and report any inconsistencies and/or gaps to inform adjustments to plans and implementation schedules.
  • Coordinate and oversee working relationships with all local project stakeholders and serve as the liaison between them and the project team to mobilize local actors and promote project activities and impact.
  • Ensure project documentation for assigned activities is complete with all required documents and is filed per agency and donor requirements. Assist with preparation of trends analysis reports and documentation of case studies and promising practices.
  • Strengthen program linkages and foster good working relations with civil society organizations, government representatives, private sector and community-based organizations.
  • Facilitate training needs identification and capacity building for the county staff and other public and private partners.
  • Support the information/data management officer to develop annual learning agenda, data analysis from the field and producing customized reports for various applications/interventions.
  • Provide technical support to the project in launching tenders and calls for proposal; contract service providers and implementing entities.
  • Monitor compliance of rangelands activities contract service providers, consultants and implementing entities contracted by the CRS.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Analysis and problem-solving skills with ability to make sound judgment
  • Good relationship management skills and the ability to work closely with local partners
  • Proactive, results-oriented and service-oriented
  • Attention to details, accuracy and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities

Required Languages – Excellent verbal and written communication in English, able to write reports in an understandable manner

Travel – 30% field travel and 70% office in Isiolo.

Supervisory Responsibilities: No internal supervision responsibilities.

Key Working Relationships: 

Internal: Project Manager and Officers, CP MEAL Manager, Other MEAL (CP, EARO, Global) staff

External: MWA, Community members, partner staff, other local stakeholders, MEAL staff from peer agencies

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture/ Livestock/Range management or related development field, a master’s degree will be an added advantage.
  • At least 4 years work experience in Food security and/or Livelihoods programming.
  • Experience in market systems development is a plus.
  • Demonstrated commitment to respect, equity, diversity and inclusion including gender equality.
  • Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff) 

These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.  

  • Integrity  
  • Continuous Improvement & Innovation 
  • Builds Relationships  
  • Develops Talent 
  • Strategic Mindset 
  • Accountability & Stewardship 

Disclaimer:  This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.

What we offer:

CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package and the opportunity to work in a collaborative, mission-driven culture that is committed to improving the lives of the poor throughout the world.

CRS’ emphasis on family values supports benefits, including maternity and paternity leave, policies that promote exclusive breastfeeding, the availability of a baby room at the office, and flexible working hours where possible.

Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

CRS Kenya strives to be a place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come and work, stay, and do their best.

CRS provides equal employment opportunity to all qualified employees and applicants for employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry or national origin, sex, age, marital status, physical or mental disability or handicap, medical condition and any other status protected by law. As an equal opportunity employer, CRS will recruit, hire, train and promote persons solely on their qualifications and abilities. Women are highly encouraged to apply.

For application; https://crs.taleo.net/careersection/ex_crs/jobdetail.ftl?job=210000NO&lang=en&rb

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