Information Communications & Technology for Development (ICT4D) Officer

Nairobi, Greater Nairobi, Kenya (On-site) Trending Job Description Reports To: Program Manager - YouthLength of Contract: 3 years Please note that this position is contingent upon award of the funding opportunity. About CRS: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 is an international non-governmental organization (NGO) supporting relief and development work in over 100 countries around the world. CRS programs assist persons on the basis of need, regardless of creed, ethnicity, or nationality. CRS works through local church and non-church partners to implement its programs. Catholic Relief Services (CRS) opened operations in Kenya in 1965. For over 50 years, we have worked throughout the country to implement programs in agriculture, health, microfinance, water, sanitation, emergency relief and peacebuilding. We have built deep relationships with the Government of Kenya and the Catholic Church through ongoing collaboration and support. CRS’ projects in Kenya currently include agriculture, health, multisectoral nutrition, microfinance, emergency response, HIV care and treatment, and services for orphans and vulnerable children. CRS Kenya implements its programs through partnerships with local organizations, including the Catholic Church, other faith-based organizations and community entities for maximum impact and sustainability. Background:CRS in partnership with Safaricom Foundation is launching a new initiative titled BORA - Boresha Ujuzi Wa Vijana Project (Swahili for Improve Skills of Young People). The project is a three-year initiative which seeksto improve access toquality, equitable, and inclusive skills and learning opportunitiesfor the young people. With a geographical focus on Nairobi, Kilifi, Isiolo, Busia, Kakamega and Nakuru, the project aims to reach approximately 10,000 youths directly over a 3-year period. BORA Project places a strong focus on 4 main pathways that are essential to building life-long, sustainable skills and learning opportunities for youths. This includes Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), Work-Based Learning/Apprenticeship, Entrepreneurship, and ICT.Under the ICT pillar, CRS is harnessing its disruptive youth-service marketplace App called Fundi254 to upskill youth artisans/technicians with demand-driven skills and match them to short-term jobs. Essentially, Fundi254 aims to increase the economic opportunities of young people and improve the quality of training at TVET institutions. Since inception, Fundi254 has made tremendous progress including the development of the first Minimum Viable Product (MVP) in Feb 2022 as well as implementation of the testing and pilot phase of the product. The App is now moving to the full-scale pilot and market entry of the product. Job Summary: As a member of the BORA team, the ICT4D Officer will report to the Program Manager - Youth and be responsible for the roll-out and rapid scaling of Fundi254 in Nairobi County. He/she will work closely with the CRS ICT4D team, Project staff, Software Developer and Safaricom Foundation to promote and explore innovative approaches as well as introduce and adapt digital technologies and technological products and services in the BORA project. The ICT4D Officer will also provide technical assistance and build partnerships and networks with ICT partners to bring efficiency in the Youth Programming and deliver greater impact for beneficiaries. Specific Responsibilities: Provide technical support to the CRS Youth Programming on innovative platforms for youth engagement, skills building, and employability. Monitor digital innovation trends, policies, relevant funding opportunities and contribute to business development on ICT4D solutions. Map out and foster partnerships with stakeholders including private sector, TVET institutions, innovation hubs, and development partners for growth of digital initiatives in the Youth programme. Support the creation and smooth running of the TVET Digital Communities of Practice and network of ICT4D collaborators within the country. Coordinate Fundi254 pilot implementation and launch in Nairobi County working in close collaboration with young people, Software Developer, and key private sector partners. Support the conceptualization, drafting and finalization of Fundi254 playbook, operational guidelines and standard operating procedures. Engage in regular check-ins with the Youth Program Manager and Senior MEAL Officer to ensure Fundi254 implementation is supported, and lessons learnt captured accordingly. Lead in documenting the successes, lessons learnt and iterating of the Fundi254 journey. Facilitate the sharing of knowledge and learning from project with the key stakeholders in the ICT ecosystem. Identify technological and innovative solutions to increase Fundi254’s reach, engagement, efficient and impact for young people as well as to overcome operational challenges. Collaborate with ICT team and Youth Programming team, to develop and design tools/solutions with high potential for impact and scale, in line with contextual needs and gaps. Ensure all necessary data safety and protection requirements are met as required by the CRS policies and practices. Lead in capacity building of Project staff, Caritas partners, TVET institutions and other stakeholders to support and implement agreed ICT4D interventions. Provide ongoing support to project staff as needed (targeted working sessions, coaching and problem-solving) on ICT4D solutions introduced. Lead in business development for CP Kenya Youth Innovations & ICT initiatives. Personal Skills: High level of ownership and independence is an asset. 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. Ability to collaborate and contribute to a close knit, supportive team environment, and work with people and organizations of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and cultures. Efficient, high-capacity self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced work environment. Outstanding interpersonal skills. Ability to quickly establish trust and rapport with professional and community stakeholders; comfortable addressing politically sensitive and policy questions with tact and poise. Demonstrated commitment to respect, equity, diversity, and inclusion including gender equality. Required Languages – English, Kiswahili Travel - Must be willing and able to travel up to 40% within Nairobi and other project locations. Key Working Relationships: Supervisory Responsibilities: NoneInternal: BORAProject staff, Program Manager – Youth, Head of Programming, Senior MEAL Officer, ICT Manager, Regional Technical Advisor - Youth & Financial Inclusion and Global and Regional IT team.External: Software Developer, Safaricom Foundation, Caritas Kenya, TVET partners, ICT partners, Private Sector, Donor, Government Agencies, Partner INGOs, Local NGOs, Community representatives, Employers, Local Community and Beneficiaries. Qualifications Typical Background, Experience & Requirements:Education and Experience Bachelor's Degree required, ideally in Technology, ICT, ICT4D, Data Science or Engineering, Computer Science or a related field. At least three years of experience in software development, innovations, technology and digital economy in a start-up or NGO sector or social enterprise. Experience of introducing ICT solutions in the implementation development programmes at field level. Good relationship management skills with regard to fundraising and partnering with businesses, funders, NGOs, private sector and government. Proficiency with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and other valuable presentation platforms. Experience developing capacity/delivering training. Agency-wide REDI 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. Personal Accountability Acts with Integrity Builds and Maintains Trust Collaborates with Others Open to Learn Strategic Mindset Develops and Recognizes Others Leads Change 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. ***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 based on 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.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. Women and persons with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply.By applying to this job, I understand and acknowledge that CRS requires its staff to treat all people with dignity and respect and to actively prevent harassment, abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking. Further, I understand that if I am a successful candidate, I will be subject to a comprehensive background check, and my personal/professional references will be asked to evaluate my behaviors related to the above safeguarding-related topics. About Us Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding. About the Team CRS' talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all people - especially children and vulnerable adults - to live free from abuse and harm. CRS welcomes candidates from the countries and regions in which we work. In the event the successful candidate is an expatriate or global telecommuter, the anticipated duration of the assignment is informed by a term limit, based on the type and level of the job and the needs of the agency. CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer Job Info Job Identification3000768 Job CategoryICT Posting Date06/23/2023, 04:17 AM Apply Before07/06/2023, 04:59 PM Degree LevelBachelor's Degree Job ScheduleFull time Job ShiftDay Locations Karuna Close, St. Augustine's Court, Westlands, Nairobi, Nairobi, 100, KE (On-site) Similar Jobs