Mercy Corps Business Officer Job in Mombasa Kenya

Mercy Corps exists to alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression by helping people build secure, productive and just communities.  

Driven by local needs, our programs provide communities in the world’s toughest places with the tools and support they need to turn the crises they confront into the opportunities they deserve.  

Mercy Corps is looking for committed and dynamic individuals to take up the following position:

Business Officer - Mombasa
 

Program Summary
 

Mercy Corps is implementing a 3-year program under USAID’s Yes Youth Can initiative. This initiative aims to empower Kenyan youth to strengthen their socio-economic and political stakes through youth-led, -owned and -managed initiatives and institutions. 

Yes Youth Can covers six provinces in Kenya: Central, Coast, Nairobi, Nyanza, Rift Valley and Western. 

In all six regions, Mercy Corps runs the Yes Youth Can! National (YYC!N) program, working in close collaboration with the YYC! Regional partners. 

YYC!N’s activities include: supporting the National Youth Bunge Association (NYBA); disbursing small grants to Village Youth Bunges for economic or community development; supporting county-level youth SACCOs; and establishing a youth policy think tank.

General Position Summary
 

The Business Officer will implement the YYC!N activities at the county and constituency levels, under the direction of the Regional Manager. 

The Business Officer engages directly with the County Youth Bunge Forums, County Youth SACCOs, Village Youth Bunges, and other local partners and stakeholders. As the “front line” for the YYC!N program, the Business Officer presents a client-friendly and responsible face.

Essential Job Functions

• Ensure that members of County Youth Bunge Forums and Village Youth Bunges understand the requirements and application process for the Youth Grant Fund.
• Work in a respectful, transparent manner with the County Youth Bunge Forums by creating an environment in which the County Bunges are provided an equal space and opportunity to lead the grant process.
• Provide direct support, capacity building, and mentorship to the Youth Bunges, County Bunges, and county SACCOs in becoming stronger, more sustainable youth institutions.
• Provide minimal technical assistance to Youth Bunges implementing economic or community development projects across a variety of areas, such as: agriculture, poultry, horticulture, small enterprises, etc.
• Ensure compliance with all Mercy Corps and YYC!N policies.
• Liaise with YYC! Regional field personnel to ensure smooth integration of all YYC activities in the region.
• Create positive relationships with all YYC!N stakeholders. Drive a client-friendly “front office” that is responsive to youth partners and other stakeholders.
• 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.

Organizational Learning: As part of Mercy Corps’ agency-wide Organizational Learning Initiative, all team members are responsible for spending 5% of their work time in formal and/or non-formal professional learning activities.

Accountability to Beneficiaries: Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

Supervisory Responsibility: None

Reports Directly To: Regional Manager, YYC!N
 

Works Directly With: Regional Finance Officer, Administration/Logistics Officer, Drivers, Head Office Team

Knowledge and Experience

• Bachelor's or other advanced degree from a recognized college or university with study in business or social sciences.
• Two or more years of relevant professional experience, with preference given for experience that includes community outreach or capacity building.
• Experience working with government partners or local leaders is desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to follow organizational procedures and policies.
• Demonstrated skills in outreach, meeting facilitation, and public speaking.
• Advanced computer skills in MS Office programs, particularly Excel.
• Excellent oral and written English and Kiswahili.

Success Factors

• Establishes positive relationships youth.
• Effectively communicates with colleagues and partners in a timely manner.
• Provides leadership, coaching and mentorship to youth.
• Holds self and colleagues accountable for high quality results.
• Balances multiple priorities and demands.
• Navigates complex situations with skill and flexibility.
• Maintains good sense of humor.

Living/Environmental Conditions
 

The position will be field-based, requiring travel up to 50% within the assigned geographic territory.

How to apply

Interested candidates who meet the above required qualifications and experience should submit on or before November 30, 2012 at 4.00 p.m. a cover letter, detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) listing three professional references (including a recent supervisor) to hrkenya@ke.mercycorps.org

Applicants must clearly indicate on the email subject; The position and location they are applying for, e.g “Business Officer Mombasa”

Applications without the right subject heading will be automatically disqualified.

Please do not attach any certificates.

ONLY Qualified short-listed candidates will be contacted