The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) is currently recruiting a?Program Officer (PO)?for a two-year, FCDO-funded project entitled the?Kenya Elections Support Programme?(KESP).? The program is expected to build upon electoral reforms previously supported by FCDO/DFID in Kenya to contribute to a credible, peaceful and inclusive 2022 general election in Kenya. The program will support:?
    
o    Meaningful electoral reforms early in the electoral cycle and effective coordination between relevant institutions;    
o    Improvement on standards achieved in the 2017 election, and incorporation of lessons learned for more effective planning, management, strategic communication and stakeholder engagement to build public trust;    
o    An enabling environment that leads to more women, youth and persons with disabilities (PWDs) turning out to vote and elected to representative posts; and,    
o    Strengthened domestic election observation and monitoring.

PRIMARY FUNCTION/PURPOSE:  
The PO will provide technical and operation support to the IFES-Kenya field office. Specifically, PO will support the Deputy Country Director (DCD) to ensure program implementation remains on track and adheres to technical demands.

Job Responsibilities:

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:    
o    Support implementation of activities as directed by the DCD or other designated supervisor, based on approved workplan(s), budgeting, and other relevant frameworks.    
o    Provide input into the annual workplan drafting process.    
o    Coordinate with implementing partners and participate in roundtables or other events per DCD’s guidance.    
o    Help monitor IFES’ outreach program and relationships with partners.     
o    Assist in conducting workshops and similar program activities.    
o    Support in the design and preparation of training materials.     
o    Conduct trainings for partners.     
o    Provide support to consultants.     
o    Contribute to regular programmatic reports to donors and IFES HQ, including monthly and quarterly performance reports.    
o    Contribute regularly to monitoring & evaluation data collection.    
o    Maintain crucial project documents, file all project documents in an appropriate database, ensure that all documents are accurate and have been accepted by the CD.    
o    Identify any potential issues or risks that could affect the progression of the project, communicate these items with the CD, and work to identify potential solutions.             
o    Closely monitor the project schedule, monitoring deadlines for each project task, raise potential delays with the CD.    
o    Ensure branding, marking, and reporting expectations are well planned and met.    
o    Maintain and develop productive working relationships with partner organizations.    
o    Other duties as assigned by the DCD or CD.

SKILLS and SPECIFICATIONS:
•    Training experience including material development, design and implementation of training activities.
•    Ability to remain highly organized while handling multiple tasks under tight deadlines.
•    Ability to complete tasks with limited supervision.
•    Excellent reporting and document handling skills.
•    Excellent communication skills in order to be able to work with IFES program and administrative staff to identify and resolve issues.
•    Willingness to adhere to all principles of confidentiality.
•    Must value operating in a collaborative and cooperative environment.
•    Ability to show initiative, good judgment, and resourcefulness.
•    Ability to handle sensitive issues and address inclusion matters with integrity
 
EDUCATION and QUALIFICATIONS:
•    Bachelor’s Degree in political science, international relations or related field required.
•    4 years of experience working with international NGOs on implementation of international technical assistance programs.
•    Experience working on donor funded programs.
•    Familiarity with FCDO project implementation requirements is preferred.
•    Demonstrated professional experience and knowledge in the gender and inclusion field.
•    Training/facilitation skill/qualification is an advantage.
•    Proficiency in Word, Power point, Outlook and Excel.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Fluency in written and spoken English required.  Proficiency in at least one other language in use within assigned project location is strongly preferred.
TRAVEL:  Travel may be required.
 
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT: Standard office work environment.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.