PROJECT OFFICER

Finn Church Aid (FCA) is Finland’s biggest development co-operation organization and the second biggest organization in Finland working in humanitarian aid. Finn Church Aid is a member of the ACT Alliance (ACT), an alliance of faith-based development and humanitarian aid organizations forming one of the world’s largest aid organizations.

Finn Church Aid Kenya is looking for a

Project Officer – 1 Position

Duty Station: Garissa

Reports to: Program Manager

Primary purpose:

The purpose of this position is to support Finn Church Aid (FCA) to roll out a six months multi-purpose, unconditional cash assistance to help drought affected people/ households meet their basic needs. The position is open for humanitarian professionals who are available for immediate deployment. Cash transfer refers to a mechanism of providing cash as a resource to crisis (drought) affected population to enable them purchase basic needs and/or protect, strengthen or restore their livelihoods.

Tasks and duties:

• Engage and sensitize stakeholders on the project objectives.
• Develop selection criteria for targeting of beneficiaries in a participatory approach
• Conduct rapid needs assessment, community mobilization, registration and verification/validation of the most vulnerable Households affected by drought
• Ensure that project planned activities are implemented in full compliance with FCA and donor standards and guidelines;
• Provide technical support during the implementation of the project activities.
• Work closely with technical sectors (NDMA, Ministry of Interior, CSG and other agencies) in the targeted Sub-counties for effective planning, coordination and implementation of the project to avoid duplication.
• Represent FCA in the CSG and other County Coordination meetings and Technical working groups.
• Cultivate and manage relationships with project stakeholders.
• Liaise with the finance team in budget implementation for the Project.
• Ensure the project is implemented in accordance to the approved budgets
• Work closely with Finance Department to track financial transactions from FCA to service providers and beneficiaries and put in place reconciliation systems.
• Utilize existing structures such as relief committees to establish CRM/complaints help desk in the target location
• Training of CRM/help desk members on accountability, PSEA principles etc. in the target location
• Set up monitoring, accountability systems to review and address findings and recommendations on monthly basis.
• Document lessons and share best practices to different stakeholders.
• Conduct cash distribution and post-distribution monitoring
• Ensure regular project activity reports are generated and shared internally.
• Ensure internal control systems are in placed to identify and manage potential risks associated with unconditional cash transfer.
• Any other duties as assigned by the Supervisor.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor degree in the fields of: Social Science, Development studies, or related field.

• At least three years of experience in Cash Based Programming including conducting Cash Feasibility Assessment, Market Assessment, Designing and implementing of cash based projects.

• Previous experience in cash & food assistance in fragile context will be an added advantage

• Experience in engaging with donors, private sector players, government agencies, INGOs among others

• Strong evidence of good interpersonal and communication skills

• Experience in setting up functioning CRMs, monitoring and accountability systems

• Highly flexible and organized, able to work with minimum supervision

• Ability to work both on own initiative and as part of a team in a high-pressure environment while adhering to deadlines

• Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills, creativity and flexibility, ability to coordinate and build consensus.

• Ability to work well in and promote teamwork, comfortable in a multi-cultural environment, flexible and able to handle pressure well.

• Knowledge of Humanitarian standards.

• Fast knowledge of Garissa County and especially the drought affected sub counties.

• Proficient in written and spoken Kiswahili and English.