Poverty Eradication Network (PEN) is a Kenyan NGO with a mission to contribute towards eradication of poverty through building institutional capacity of civil society organizations.
PEN believes that strong Community Based Organisations (CBOs) and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) are basic requirements for sustainable development with long term impact upon poverty in Kenya.
PEN operates by establishing partnership relationships with selected institutions and communities, with whom we conduct participatory assessments, produce an organizational development plan and undertake mutually agreed interventions; with the objective of assisting each institution to become more effective, efficient and sustainable.
PEN seeks to recruit a Project Officer whose job purpose will be facilitation of strong community based organizations in greater Machakos Districts (mainly Machakos, Kangundo, and Mwala) to enable them undertake and participate more effectively in development activities with special emphasis on community owned environmental projects.
The Project Officer will be based in Machakos and will be reporting to the CBO Project Manager.
Major Roles and Responsibilities
Programme (Community Environmental Facility)
* Facilitate capacity enhancement of CBOs, and community members and other stakeholders for active participation and ownership of community environmental programs.
* Undertake, in cooperation with relevant stakeholders, programmes intended to enhance environmental education and public awareness, about the need for sound environmental management.
* Facilitate the capacity enhancement of the CBOs, and other stakeholders to acquire skills in lobbying and advocacy on issues that will influence environmental policy at local and national level
* Facilitate the integration of environmental concerns into community projects, programmes and activity plans with a view to ensuring the proper management and rational utilization of environmental resources, on sustainable yield basis, for the improvement of the quality of human life in Kenya.
* Organize environmental awareness and education in schools and facilitate formation of school environmental clubs (Green Corps).
* Develop, and disseminate environmental education and awareness materials (. e.g. Posters, Flyers) to be used during public engagement meetings and environment days, among others.
* Organize environmental awareness events such as district environment day, prize giving days and public forums.
* Facilitate domestication, awareness and application of sand harvesting guidelines, EMCA environmental statutes and policy papers relating to environmental management and prevention or abatement of environmental degradation.
* Render advice and technical support, where possible, to entities engaged in natural resources management and environmental protection, so as to enable them to carry out their responsibilities satisfactorily.
Programme (Community Institutions Building)
* Facilitate CBOs in the greater Machakos in implementing of the project cycle: i.e. situation analysis, identification, planning, implementation, and monitoring and impact assessment.
* To develop and implement capacity building activities in Machakos
* Planning, designing, evaluating and facilitating community training in liaison with the Project Manager and other staff
* Gather, research input and share pertinent information from areas of operation
* Documenting experience from all the projects and sharing the documentation
Administration
* In charge of ensuring the smooth running of PENs activities in areas of operation
* Mentoring and assisting interns and volunteers seconded to learn CBO work for the period attached
* Deal with inquiries regarding PEN and organizational activities in greater Machakos
Finance, Networking and Communications
* Developing useful relationships with other organizations and other stake holders in Machakos
* Promoting PENs activities to institutions and organizations
* Attending district and divisional stakeholders meeting in the three districts
* Attending PENs partners institutional capacity building trainings
* Accounting all expenses spent on the projects.
* Any other related duty assigned by the Project Manager
Requirements/Qualifications
* Good knowledge of participatory methodologies in planning and project implementation.
* Minimum of 3 years in managing community based projects especially those in the rural set-up
* Excellent community facilitation skills
* Excellent written, verbal and organisational skills. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with diverse array of people.
* Experience in Resource mobilisation from institutional donors and governments.
* High level of self-motivation and ability to work independently, as well as commitment to working as a member of a team.
* Ability to manage several simultaneous projects in a fast-paced environment
* Integrity and professional discretion essential
* A university degree in environmental studies integrating community development.
This position is offered on a one year renewable contract.
If you feel you posses the necessary qualifications and experience, please send your resume and application letter with your cell phone contact to the address below;
The Program Manager
Poverty Eradication Network (PEN)
AACC Compound
Waiyaki Way/Church Road, Westlands
P. O. Box 4932-00200
Nairobi
Or email your application to: info @ penkenya.org
Closing Date: January 29, 2010
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Poverty Eradication Network (PEN) Vacancy Announcement: Project Officer
