PROGRAMME OFFICER – ADVOCACY, POLICY DEVELOPMENT & GOVERNANCE

DIVISION / DEPARTMENT : ADVOCACY, POLICY DEVELOPMENT & GOVERNANCE PROGRAMME (APDG)

Location : Nairobi

REPORTING LINES:
Post holder reports to: Executive Director with technical guidance from the Senior Programme Officer
Staff reporting to this post: Assistant Programme Officers, Project Associates, interns & Volunteers

RCK PURPOSE: To safeguard and protect the rights and dignity of forced migrants and host- communities through provision of legal aid, psychosocial support, advocacy, capacity building and promotion of inclusive governance.
JOB PURPOSE: Contribute to the achievement of RCK mission to protect and promote the rights of refugees and other forced migrants by influencing polices, systems, structures and practices of the Government and actors through lobbying and advocacy.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for driving, managing and coordinating the day to day operations of the RCK Advocacy, Policy Development and Governance (APDG) Programme, ensuring its effective and efficient delivery, as well as lead and represent the Programme in all RCK activities;
• Proactively set the RCK advocacy agenda by identifying human rights protection and governance gaps relevant to RCK strategic interests and preparing concept papers detailing a plausible plan of action for internal consumption and/or dissemination to strategic partners;
• Conceptualizing research on key strategy documents, policy advocacy and governance and practice issues in the sector and advising the Executive Director accordingly;
• Provide guidance and thought leadership on all policy advocacy and governance developments relevant to RCK’s work;
• Develop strategies for influencing the practices, systems and policies of the Government, NGOs, UNHCR and regional bodies such as the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the African Union (AU) so as to improve the welfare of refugees and other forced migrants;
• Establish strong links and partnerships with refugee host Counties for the welfare and rights of refugees and host communities;
• Develop and manages a rapid response function to act in a timely and effective way to the violation of rights of refugees’ and IDPs;
• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with relevant Government agencies, UN agencies and non-governmental organizations to improve coordination in advocacy efforts and harness synergy;
• Take a leading role in lobbying and advocating for rights of refugees and IDPs in Kenya in partnership with partner agencies and other programme officers in RCK;
• Strengthen lobbying and advocacy capacity within RCK particularly in the field offices;
• Prepare fundraising proposals for the Advocacy, Policy Development and Governance Programme;
• Participate in RCK fundraising initiatives, preparation of project proposal and budgets as well as programme reporting;
• Work closely with the Senior Programme Officer for technical guidance and support;
• Perform any other duty as assigned by the Senior Programmes Officer and/or Executive Director as may reasonably be required, commensurate with your grade.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• Degree in Social Sciences, International Development or related field
• Postgraduate qualification preferred
• Minimum of three years’ experience delivering similar or related programmes in the Human rights and NGO sector.
• Knowledge of regional and international instruments relating to refugees, IDPs and general human rights.
• Ability to organize, facilitate advocacy workshops and write good reports
• Experience in proposal writing, programme management, monitoring and evaluation
• Ability to research, analyze and write policy briefs/ policy papers
• Demonstrated keen interest in refugee and host community policy and governance issues
• Ability to communicate effectively in English and Kiswahili
• Should be a team player and capable of Working in an intercultural environment, creative and innovative.

Working Conditions
Working conditions are normal for an office environment. Required to travel nationally and internationally occasionally. The job may require long hours and can be complex and stressful.

Behaviour Competencies:
· Strong analytical, decision making and presentation skills
· Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing
· A team player, able to maintain good relationship with both internal and external contacts
· Ability to multi-task
· Flexibility.
· Ability to work independently
· Strong networking, interpersonal and negotiation skills
· Cultural Sensitivity and diversity
· Active Listening. Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
· Current technological awareness