Community Liaison Officer Kenyan Job - Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps works amid disasters, conflicts, chronic poverty and instability to unleash the potential of people who can win against impossible odds.

Since 1979, Mercy Corps has provided $1 billion in assistance to people in 82 nations.

Supported by headquarters offices in North America, Europe, and Asia, the agency's unified global programs employ 3,500 staff worldwide and reach 9 million people in more than 40 countries.

Over the last five years, more than 90 percent of the agency's resources have been allocated directly to programs that help people in need.

Mercy Corps Kenya is currently responding to the drought by increasing access to affordable water in Wajir County, Northeast Kenya.

The Emergency Drought Response in Northeastern, Kenya will provide immediate emergency, rebuild the livelihoods of target communities and build the capacity of local organizations involved in the implementation of the program.

The proposed program integrates the principles of response to immediate needs, restoration of livelihoods, and capacity building for long-term recovery.

We are currently recruiting for qualified candidates to fill the following position which will be based in Wajir. Candidates from Wajir are highly recommended to apply for the positions.

Position: Community Liaison Officer

1 Position

Wajir Office

Program / Department Summary:

For our Relief and Recovery for Northern Kenya’s Drought-Affected Population and Livestock Economy (ReKNDLE) program, Mercy Corps seeks an experienced Community Liaison for Wajir West and South.

General Position Summary:

The Community Liaison is responsible for maintaining close contact with communities in Mercy Corps’ target locations, assuring the program is accountable to beneficiaries, and sensitizing target communities to the risks associated with conflicts, especially those related to natural resources, and identifying ways to mitigate them.

Essential Job Functions:

• Act as focal point for communication with communities, relief committees, monitors and other stakeholders related to ReKNDLE on conflict mitigation;
• Identify communities with high risk to natural resource conflict in collaboration with ReKNDLE team;
• Sensitize target communities on natural resource risk;
• Strengthen community conflict mitigation skills through training and mentoring community leaders to be ‘guardians’ of their area of influence;
• Assist target communities with conflict resolution when requested.
• Assist the Program Officer and management team in planning for conflict sensitive project implementation;
• Support the Program Officer to ensure the project is monitored and documented, and makes recommendations for future activities and priorities to Program Officer;
• Documents (with photographs and written reports) all program activities;
• Represent Mercy Corps in a professional manner to suppliers, government officials, local and international community members and community groups, suppliers, the UN and others as needed;
• 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.

Supervisory Responsibility: Field Monitors

Accountability

Reports Directly To: Recovery Program Manager

Works Directly With: Livestock Livelihood Program Officer, Hr/Admin Officer, Economic Empowerment Program Officer, M&E Officer, Logistics, Finance

Knowledge and Experience:

• A relevant diploma and significant experience with peace building, conflict mitigation and conflict resolution in Somali communities.
• Good analytical, negotiating and communication skills.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members is required.
• Strong English, Kiswahili and Somali language skills. Basic computer skills.

Interested candidates who meet the above required qualifications and experience should submit a cover letter, detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) listing three professional references (including a current or/and previous supervisor) to hr@ke.mercycorps.org or delivered to Mercy Corps office in Wajir, Airport Road (former VSF office) on or before 20th Jan, 2012 4.00 p.m.

Applicants must clearly indicate on the email subject the position that she/he is applying for i.e. “Application for the position of Community Liaison Officer”.

Applications without a subject heading will be disqualified.

Please do not attach any certificates.

Only qualified short-listed candidates will be contacted