NGO Advocacy Officer Job in Kenya

Advocacy Officer

Background information

The International Institute for Rural Reconstruction is an international development, research and training organization with over 80 years of grassroots experience working in people‐centered and sustainable development programs in Africa and Asia. 

IIRR is well reputed for its knowledge management capacity through documentation of best development-oriented practices, and is seeking to strengthen Kenya program activities by appointing an Advocacy Officer.

Job Summary

• The Advocacy Officer will report to the Country Director, in liaison with project advisor and is an integral member of the Country programme. 
• S/he will directly assist in ensuring that program goals and objectives are met, and support the overall management, planning, assessing and implementing of the “Chagieni Rasili Mali” NRM Project. 
• S/he will be responsible for liaising with Government offices, CSOs, and other partner organizations. 
• S/he will work closely with the stakeholders ensuring that the capacity development and advocacy needs of the CBO/NGO partners and communities are met.

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinate all advocacy activities related to the implementation of the project including linkage with relevant policy makers and policy making institutions
• Monitor and appraise the organization and stakeholders on the  reform environment and use the information generated to improve the advocacy elements of the project
• Coordination and management of capacity building activities on NRM specifically forest conservation initiatives at the County and local level;
• Strengthen networking between County stakeholders and community Natural resources Management Groups, user groups and other community key institutions in  project sites;
• Providing overall mentoring support to participating NGOs, CBOs and community members on NRM issues and particularly on forest resource conservation ;
• Ensure that training and communication to the participating communities are undertaken in respect of planned activities and project document;
• Collaborate with the Country Director in preparation of annual and quarterly project work plans and budgets in relation to the project outputs;
• Facilitate IIRR project partners to plan, implement, monitor and evaluate planned activities in accordance with agreed standards;
• Working closely with the Country Director, prepare project quarterly and biannual reports for Training/ Capacity Building, Networking and Advocacy outputs;
• Collection of information in accordance with the project’s monitoring and evaluation strategy and action plan;
• Collect, collate and disseminate project good practices and lessons learnt to County stakeholders and other development partners;
• Represent the organization in NRM advocacy forums.
• Responsible for identifying and helping to resolve problems and conflicts that arise in relation to the project. Ensure that any complaints or concerns raised by participating communities are brought to the attention of the appropriate team members and are fully and respectfully addressed.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental or in a subject related to Natural Resources management.
• Competencies / Attributes / Knowledge and Skills:
• Proven knowledge and skills in implementing advocacy projects;
• Analytical and innovative problem-solving ability;
• Demonstrated ability to handle complex process and information integration issues;
• Extensive theoretical background and practical experience in organization development, civil society engagement, communication, lobbying and. advocacy.
• Ability to coordinate major capacity building needs assessment, planning, development and implementation of capacity building initiatives;
• Ability to maintain effective working relations both as a team member and team leader;
• Ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor own work plan and those under his/her supervision.
• Proven interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people in a multi-cultural, multi-interest, multiethnic environment

Experience:

• At least 3 years of professional experience in advocacy work.
• Excellent communication, facilitation and listening skills and be a good coordinator and delegator of responsibilities
• Experience in civil society organizational capacity development, lobbying, advocacy, natural resources management is a must.

Special working conditions:

• The incumbent may have to work odd and/or long hours at a time to complete special requests for projects.
• Commitment to the realization of team goals, objectives and targets

Interested candidates are to apply by email with an up to date CV and cover letter including contacts of 3 referees and current remuneration package. Closing date for applications is 5th November 2012 before 5pm to:

Human Resources and Administration Officer,
International Institute for Rural Reconstruction,
Africa Regional Center, P. O. Box 66873-00800, Nairobi,
Email: recruitment@iirr.org

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.