Senior Project Officer-Climate Adaptation Project

Isiolo, Kenya (On-site) Be the First to Apply

Job Description

Reports To: Sector Lead- Climate Change Adaptation and Livestock 

Country/Location: Kenya/Isiolo County 

Length of Contract: One year (renewable)

About CRS

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) carries out the commitment of the Catholic 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, race or nationality. CRS works through local church and non-church partners, including the Government to implement its programs.

CRS opened operations in Kenya in 1965. For over 50 years, we have worked throughout the country to implement programs in agriculture, livelihoods, health and nutrition, water, sanitation, emergency relief and peace building. We have built deep relationships with the Government of Kenya and the Catholic Church

Background:

The CRS Kenya Country Strategy identifies climate change adaptation as a strategic priority area. CRS is working to promote sustainable, scalable, nature-based strategies that contribute to resilient development by utilizing its expertise in climate change adaptation and livestock management. In its response to the climate crisis, CRS Kenya is developing and coordinating implementation of projects that ensure natural resources including water, soils and forests are sustainably managed and developed in an integrated manner for socio-economic development and environmental security. 

Job Summary:  

The Senior Project Officer â Landscapes & Livelihoods will be responsible for technical and operational coordination of the Urejesho Rutba wa Ardhi Yetu (URAY) Project based in Isiolo County, ensuring delivery of high-quality outputs and outcomes. The project focusses on scaling the restoration of pastoral rangelands through community-managed pilots of a variety of rainwater harvesting approaches, re-seeding of rangelands and strengthening and formalizing market access and growth of the gum-arabic value chain. The Senior Project Officer will work closely with the CRS team and consortium partners implementing the NAWIRI program, as well as key private sector and government agencies in Isiolo County.

Roles and Key Responsibilities

Manage day to day operations of the project, which include effective administration and tracking of project finances, project work plan, project monitoring and evaluation, timely preparation of reports for onward submission to the donor and effective coordination and cooperation between project partners. Assist in processes related to inception and start-up of activities including the projectâs baseline assessment and liaising with relevant stakeholders to map and validate sites for rainwater harvesting infrastructure. Facilitate linkages between community groups, including those benefitting from other CRS interventions within the project area, the private sector and government agencies. Guide on strengthening community-based natural resources management practices within the project area and build the capacity of grazing committees and rangeland user groups on pasture seed management and fodder preservation techniques. Ensure sound environmental practices/guidelines are in place, monitored and reported on In coordination with the M&E officer, develop and apply the projectâs monitoring instruments and systems. Document case studies, best practices, lessons learned and develop communication materials for dissemination to target audiences. Ensure the meaningful participation and benefitting of women, youth and people with disability in all project activities. Lead CRSâ field level workshops and similar events. Represent CRS on issues at strategic, political and technical meetings, seminars and other events and processes as may be required from time to time.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

Ability to work in a team and establish effective working relations across multi-functional teams as well as with the private sector. A strong delivery-oriented work ethic with the ability to meet competing demands and challenging timelines Excellent interpersonal skills to support building and maintaining networks and partnerships. Committed to continuous learning, proactive and self-development. Strong strategic, analytical and problem-solving skills, with ability to make sound judgment and decisions and offer innovative solutions. Excellent technical report writing, presentation and facilitation skills. Proactive, resourceful, solutions-oriented and results-oriented Committed to gender sensitive management and respect, equity, diversity, inclusion initiatives. Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Key Working Relationships: 

Internal â  Technical advisor climate change adaptation, MEAL department, CRS Nawiri project team

External â  Government, community groups, Acacia EPZ, KEFRI, 

Responsibilities

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in conservation, water and land management, environmental management, climate change or related fields. At least five (5) years of experience in sustainable land and water management either in the non-profit sector, the private sector or research institutions. Demonstrable project management skills including design, budgeting, procurement, implementation, monitoring and reporting skills. Experience working with pastoral and agro-pastoral communities on climate change related and resilience building interventions. Experience in partnership development and management with the private sector, community groups and government agencies Knowledge of national/global development agenda and goals related to climate risk management. Understanding of the project management cycle

Agency REDI Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

Agency competencies clarify expected behaviors and attitudes for all staff. When demonstrated, they create an engaging workplace, help staff achieve their best, and help CRS achieve agency goals. 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 â  Consistently takes responsibility for oneâs own actions. Acts with Integrity -  Consistently models values aligned with CRS Guiding Principles and mission. Is considered honest. Builds and Maintains Trust -  Shows consistency between words and actions. Collaborates with Others â  Works effectively in intercultural and diverse teams. Open to Learn â  Seeks out experiences that may change perspective or provide an opportunity to learn new things.

Agency Leadership Competencies:

Lead Change â  Continually looks for ways to improve the agency through a culture of agility, openness, and innovation. Develops and Recognizes Others â  Builds the capacity of staff to reach their full potential and enhance team and agency performance. Strategic Mindset â  Understands role in translating, communicating, and implementing agency strategy and team priorities.

Required Languages â English required; Swahili and/or other Kenyan language an advantage

Travel required: 

Disclaimer:

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

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. CRSâ 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 Identification3001052 Job CategoryProgram Management Posting Date11/03/2023, 05:12 AM Apply Before11/17/2023, 03:59 PM Degree LevelBachelor's Degree Job ScheduleFull time Job ShiftDay Locations Kenya RAPID Project Field Office, Isiolo, Isiolo, KE (On-site)

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