General Position Summary

The County Project Coordinator will be responsible for the overall county-level planning, coordination, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation of the LMS Strengthening Capacities of county government, CSOs and communities. S/he will ensure all project initiatives are implemented to achieve maximum impact as per project objectives while remaining on schedule and budget. The coordinator will directly support capacity building  of WPCs to strengthen the implementation of  ward based priorities while advocating institutionalization of ward plans approach. S/he will work with LMS established  GIRL groups in transitioning their pathways and linking them to other opportunities.  The County Project Coordinator directly manages the county-level staff and closely work with County and national government,  other Mercy corps projects, LMS  and PREG partners to ensure proper coordination, cocreation and layering of activities for maximum output and impact.

Essential Responsibilities

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

• Provide overall managerial leadership for the project at the county level.
• Develop county specific work plans and budget while ensuring teams and partners implement activities on time, within the approved budget, and project deliverables achieve desired impact.
• Review project implementation strategies and contextualize to specific county.
• Lead effective coordination, collaboration and integration among all technical, support and project units including with our lead partner – ACDI/VOCA and implementing local partner .
• Attend all quarterly project meetings in Nairobi as well as facilitate planning meetings and workshops with government, NGOs, private sector and community partners to revise plans and promote partner acceptance/buy-in.
• Provide timely updates to supervisor on progress and issues, identifying risks and proposing solutions for action and early resolution.
• Develop program risk matrix and update the same on an ad hoc and quarterly basis.
• Coordinate with procurement, logistics, security, administration and human resources teams to ensure operational systems support field activities.
• Ensure integration of nutrition, youth and gender into project activities.
• Support the local partners implementation of transitional pathways for adolescent girls COUNTY GOVERNMENT ENGAGEMENT 
• Act as the primary liaison with county and national government officials at the county level including representation.
• Identify county and national government departments relevant to LMS and outline areas of synergies and collaboration.
• Initiate an MoU with county government outlining roles and responsibilities and potential areas of collaboration.
• Conduct periodic presentations of project progress, challenges and lessons learned to county government department, assembly and partners.
• Organize periodic joint field visits with relevant government departments.
• Facilitate and ensure the participation of relevant county and national government departments in the implementation of the project. 

SUB-GRANTS PARTNERS

• Support the grants and compliance team to conduct due diligence and capacity assessments
• Led in the capacity building of community through WPCs in identified areas of weakness
• Review partners work plans and budgets and submit to supervisor
• Review partner progress reports and conduct periodic spot checks

 MONITORING AND EVALUATION

• Ensure effective and timely monitoring, documenting and reporting on all project activities including reports from sub-awardees.
• Conduct regular visit to field sites to assess progress of activities and provide formal and informal feedback to staff, beneficiaries and supervisor.
• Identify potential areas for learning and documenting the same to share with other counties and/or the larger LMS and PREG partners.
• Ensure the submission of all require M&E data and conduct validation of monitoring data before final submission to MEL Manager.
• Participate in the development of intervention designs, sector strategies and M&E frameworks.

 TEAM MANAGEMENT 

• Assist team members with information, tools and resources to improve performance and achieve objectives.
• Promote accountability, communicate expectations and provide constructive feedback informally and formally via regular one on ones and performance reviews.
• Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence.
• Work closely with the HR department to recruit, orient and lead team members as necessary.
• Conduct capacity assessment of team members and develop capacity building plans as part of staff development.

INFLUENCE & REPRESENTATION

• Represent Mercy Corps at government, donor, NGO and other relevant events, in close coordination with deputy program director, deputy chief of party and country leadership; 
• Coordinate activities with consortium partners, sub grantees, local government and other implementers, as well as with other Mercy Corps programs.

SECURITY

• Work closely with the country team’s security focal point to develop and maintain systems that promote the safety and security of all team members;
• Ensure that programs are designed and implemented with a clear analysis and understanding of security.

OTHER

• Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility

Project officers and support team members. Local implementing partners

Accountability

Reports Directly To: Deputy chief of Party

Works Directly With: Deputy Chief of Party, M/E manager, Communication officer,  Finance, HR and Operations departments, HQ Regional Program Team and Technical Support Unit and Partner Organizations.

Accountability to Participants and Stakeholders

Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our program participants, community partners, other stakeholders, and to international standards guiding international relief and development work. We are committed to actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

Minimum Qualification & Transferable Skills

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in Development Studies, Business, Planning, Social Sciences or other relevant fields. A Master’s Degree is preferred.
• Recognized qualification in project or program management or a commitment to obtain the qualification in the early months of work.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in multi-sectoral programs, managing teams, strategic planning and implementing programs.
• Strong managerial skills, including effective personnel management, adaptive management, coordination and decision-making.
• Strong facilitation and consensus-building skills.
• Understanding of the Kenyan governance system
• Experienced in budgeting and financial planning
• Understanding of working with other stakeholders in project management.
• Demonstrated experience in building networks with the ability to influence.
• Strong understanding of USAID compliance issues.
• Excellent and persuasive oral and written communication skills, including report writing, in English and other language(s), as required.
• Spoken fluency is Swahili is required and primary local dialects in the County of implementation are strongly preferred.
• Previous work experience in project location is desirable.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members.
• Ability to work comfortably in a sometimes tense and changing security environment is required.

General Position Summary

The primary role of ICT/T4D Coordinator is to oversee and maintain all aspects of a MCK (Head/Regional office in Nairobi and all field offices) ICT Systems/infrastructure and effective programs to deliver programmatic impact through the savvy application of technology. This includes maintaining networks, servers and security programs and systems. The ICT/T4D Coordinator manages the upgrade and installation of new hardware and software, perform troubleshooting to address any problems with computer systems, and assess viruses and potential threats to the organization network. S/he supports the use of email accounts, create and change passwords, make suggestions for improvements to computer systems, backup data and perform data recovery if needed. Additionally, S/he is responsible for promoting the use of ICT within MC through research, training, webinars, how-to guides and by building and managing an active ICT4D community of practice among team members. The ICT/T4D Coordinator will coordinate with the Regional IT System Administrator, Regional ICT4D, Operations Director and other designated persons.

Essential Job Responsibilities

ICT Systems Administration

• Read and understand the MC IT Systems Policy on appropriate use. Orient staff on appropriate use and monitor user activities to ensure adherence to these policies.
• Conduct staff training on computer basics and the use of office applications and the use of the existing networks. Assist, as needed, with developing applications or databases for program and operational staff.
• Responsible use and confidentiality of any information identified as sensitive.
• Regularly update anti-virus programs and ensure the entire network and computers are virus-free.
• Ensure the Global IT Policy and IT Disaster Recovery plan is in place and implemented, coordinate with Internal Auditors on IT audit and compliance requirements.
• Under the guidance of the Regional IT Systems Administrator, undertake the repairing and maintaining of LAN-s, Managing Cisco Meraki Appliances, internet systems, and general IT maintenance and training– as per needs outlined by the Head of Offices and Operations Director.
• Oversee repair of computers and IT equipment at a local level, when possible - facilitate and advise on best, safest and most economical solutions in consultation with the Regional IT Systems Administrator.
• Maintain an efficient Local Area Network for MCK offices. Current designs are appropriate for the programmatic needs for the country office and any additions or changes require planning and prior approval by Regional IT Systems Administrator and Operations Director.
• Identify equipment and accessories required for the smooth functioning of computers and IT equipment in MC offices. Facilitate the purchase of items through the Procurement Team.
• Manage the creation and deactivation of staff email addresses as requested by HR department
• Assist in administration functions as needed; assist logistics staff in inventorying and tracking of ICT assets.
• Assist in identifying specifications, relocation, and assembly of any equipment including computers, printers, and accessories in all offices, as required.
• Collaborate with other African and Global IT Administrators in Knowledge sharing and support.
• Ensure that the Local or Online backup system is running smoothly by conducting regular backup checks and offsite backup for Local backup systems or make sure that staff store MC data on their Online backup account for an Online backup system.
• Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to MC and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.

TECHNOLOGY FOR DEVELOPMENT

Improve the effectiveness of MCK programming through the application of ICT by:

• Co-designing and co-implementing technical solutions with field teams, program design teams, and proposal developers.
• Providing remote implementation kick-off and ongoing support to field teams for simple projects.
• Providing direct in-the-field implementation support for complex projects.
• Working with senior leadership, field leadership, and dedicated local and regional actors to design and implementation of advanced and innovative technological solutions to key problems.
• Designing, developing, and managing a T4D community of practice among program and technical staff, and open to all interested team members.
• Developing and delivering trainings, webinars, how-to’ and other guides on key topics of T4D design and implementation to technical and program teams.
• Assessing and recommending T4D tools, services, vendors, and other partners for use by program teams.
• Working with T4D tool and service vendors to iterate and improve their offerings for MCK use.
• Engaging with the broader T4D community including NGO and impact focused technology companies and peer agencies to keep informed on key developments in the field
• Tracking key advances in technology and innovative applications to keep fresh and updated on latest developments.
• Understand emerging technology trends and potential organizational impacts.

Knowledge and Experience

• A minimum of five years’ experience in information technology systems (IT).
• A relevant university degree in computer sciences is desirable.
• Experience in both hardware and software requirements in local area networking (LAN); experience in the configuration of an internal email system as per the local area networking (LAN).
• Good knowledge of Managing Cisco Meraki Appliances, a good understanding of firewall, traffic shaping and proxy, G Suite, M365, TCPIP settings, Linux and Windows applications.
• Good experience in managing ICT4D projects in field offices.
• Experience for upright maintenance of all internet account, Logins and account status.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members is required.
• Ability to troubleshoot, plan and design low maintenance systems is a must.
• Ability to troubleshoot and maintain both wireless and cable connections is required.
• Must understand, follow and implement existing policies on IT equipment use and best practices.

General Position Summary

The community capacity building officer will be responsible for technical oversight and ensuring management for all activities related to community development, conflict management and peaceful co-existence around natural resource. S/he will define implementation strategies in coordination with the county government,  LMS project coordinator and other leadership team. The community capacity building officer will train WPCs after conducting technical capacity assessment. S/He will provide technical assistance based on identified gaps; and ensure that common strategies and approaches are applied consistently in all communities’ priorities as envisaged on ward based plans. S/he will coordinate closely with the M&E team to ensure that systems are in place to track, analyze and report results. The Officer will be required to keep abreast of the latest research and evolutions in the field of conflict management around natural resources and integrate new ideas and approaches as appropriate, seek additional technical assistance as needed and ensure effective working relationships with collaborating agencies.  S/he will work closely with NDMA on community participatory scenario planning,  our partner ACDI/VOCA and advocate the adoption of ward based planning approaches. 

Essential Responsibilities

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

• Oversee the implementation of Ward Development Planning Process
• Capacity builds the WPCs to strengthen their governance and financial mobilization skills.
• Conduct WPC capacity assessment in collaboration with communities and county governments
• Contribute to teamwork plans and guide successful implementation of conflict management and natural resources management activities, ensuring teams follow work plans so activities are on time, target and within the approved budget, and program deliverables achieve desired impact;
• Conduct, participate in and/or update ward development process, involving a variety of stakeholders;
• In collaboration with National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) and county governments, facilitate discussions within communities aimed at promoting Disaster Risk Reduction approaches including for drought cycle management as important components to community resilience to shocks and other stress.
• Integrate community approaches, gender sensitivity and capacity building into all activities as appropriate. Certify all interventions adhere to Mercy Corps’ Gender Policy, Do No Harm principles, and beneficiary accountability standards;
• Work with adolescent girl groups and link with WPCs development agenda

COMMUNITY AND COUNTY GOVERNMENT ENGAGEMENT

• Conduct community mobilization and sensitization for the WDP process
• Engage development actors  to resolve resource-based conflict and facilitate community dialogues
• Engage and support county government in the WDP process and ensure their participation and integration of plans into county priorities.
• Facilitate planning meetings and workshops with government, NGO, private sector, and community partners to revise plans and promote partner acceptance/buy-in.
• Support county government initiatives to develop appropriate policies related to ward planning approach 

PARTNERSHIP

• Link Ward Planning Committees to county government department and other development partners
• Establish collaborative partnership with other development partners working on community resilience and community development
• Identify potential opportunities for linkage with other development partners such as Partnership for Resilience and Economic Growth (PREG)
• support FCDC in passage and implementation of ward development bills/acts

PROGRAM MONITORING

• Support MEL team to develop appropriate monitoring tools for the WDP process,
• Support participatory community-based monitoring in counties where initiatives are taking place - organize and coordinate capacity building in relation to community-based monitoring, including experience sharing 
• In coordination with the MEL team, monitor the implementation of activities through regular field visits and assessments to ensure program quality and impact.
• Document best practices and lessons learned across counties and share with management and team members 

COORDINATION

• Coordinate with procurement, logistics, security, finance, administration and human resources teams to ensure operational systems support field activities
• Support operations team to facilitate procurement of goods and services related to the WDP process and conflict management  

INFLUENCE & REPRESENTATION

• Represent Mercy Corps at government, donor, NGO and other relevant events, in close coordination with the County project coordinator and country leadership. 
• Coordinate activities with consortium partners, sub grantees, local government, and other implementers, as well as with other Mercy Corps programs
• Facilitate planning meetings and workshops with government, NGO, private sector, and community partners to revise plans and promote partner acceptance/buy-in;
• In coordination with the MEL team, monitor the implementation of activities through regular field visits and assessments to ensure program quality and impact. Document approaches, successes and lessons learned;
• Coordinate with procurement, logistics, security, administration and human resources teams to ensure operational systems support field activities. 

SECURITY

• Work closely with the country team’s security focal point to develop and maintain systems that promote the safety and security of all team members. 
• Ensure that programs are designed and implemented with a clear analysis and understanding of security.

OTHER:

• Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission;
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Experience

• BA/S or equivalent in development studies, Disaster Risk Reduction, Range management, conflict mitigation, social sciences or other relevant field;
• A minimum of three years of relevant professional experience in community development where there is Natural Resource based conflicts with hands on experience in working with ward development committees;
• Experience drafting contingency plans with communities in ASAL areas is required;
• Strong management skills, including effective personnel management, adaptive management coordination and decision-making Strong facilitation and consensus-building skills;
• Competent in building networks, strong problem-solving skills, and ability to influence with effective listening, persuasion, negotiation and other techniques.
• Strong understanding of USAID compliance issues.
• Excellent and persuasive oral and written communication skills, including report writing, in English and other language(s), and fluency in Kiswahili.  Local dialects spoken in duty station is a plus;
• Previous work experience in northern Kenya desirable.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members