Kenya: Peace Building & Conflict Sensitivity – Project Coordinator

Job Title: Peace Building & Conflict Sensitivity – Project Coordinator
Reporting To: Programme Manager
Responsible For: Project officer & Project Assistant
Liaises With: Managers (i.e. Business Development Managers), Peace building advisor, Coordinators & Support Services Units
Base Location: Mandera Field Office 100%
Background
Established in 1984 in the UK, Islamic Relief is an international NGO seeking to promote sustainable economic and social development by working with local communities through relief and development activities. IR aim to help the needy regardless of race, religion or gender.
IR started operations in Kenya in 1993 on one to one orphans sponsorship programme through a local CBO in Mandera District, Northern Kenya. The 2006 Horn of Africa drought inspired the birth of IR-Kenya in Mandera County, in Northern Eastern Kenya. Since then IR-Kenya has been providing humanitarian and developmental assistance; having extended its programme to Wajir and Garissa Counties in 2010 and 2011 respectively, and the Dadaab Refugee Camps in 2012. In 2017 IRK also expanded its operations to Kilifi & Marsabit counties, to deliver economic strengthening projects. Currently our major initiatives include Health and Nutrition, Water and Sanitation, Secure Livelihoods, Child Welfare, Education, Disaster Risk Reduction, Emergency Response, and various Seasonal Activities.
Overall Responsibility
Under the supervision of the Programme Manager in Kenya, the Peace building and conflict sensitivity Coordinator will be responsible for the vision, strategy, design, monitoring, and quality delivery of the Peace building and conflict sensitivity Programme for IR-Kenya. He/she shall ensure that projects plans are in place and kept updated as per the objectives of the Country Strategic Plan; and that Peace building and conflict sensitivity activities are implemented in line with the overall country Programme. The position also manages/oversees the implementation of the peace building and conflict sensitivity projects and staffs. The Coordinator will be based in Mandera to effectively run the project.
Peace Building and Conflict Sensitivity- Project Coordinator
Key Duties and Responsibilities (Key results areas 1: Strategic planning and programme development  Develop Peace building & Conflict Sensitivity programme strategy with regular analysis of political and security developments in the country  Lead proposal development process and grant-writing for any new opportunities specifically for conflict sensitivity/peace building projects and input into design of all projects as a cross-cutting theme. 2: Programme Planning and Implementation  Provide quality leadership in the overall coordination and management of the peace building project  Organize and participate in workshops, needs assessments, consultations, planning sessions and provide technical inputs as necessary  Help ensure that project activities are implemented with a consistent conflict sensitive framework: i.e. conduct conflict and context assessments, provide support and training  Identify the capacity gaps and requirements of Mandera civil society in relation to the prevention of violent conflict  Develop relations with partners and work towards the enhancement of civil society and partner organisations through the: - development of understanding and capacity of partner organisations to implement conflict prevention activities; - assistance in the design and delivery of lectures, training and other support activities at official and civil society levels;  Undertake or co-ordinate research by IRK and/or local partners, including analysing and drafting research reports and regular policy and thematic briefings and monitoring and overseeing partners’ and consultants’ work  Mentor and coach team members as they perform their duties  Contribute to effective communication and reporting on IRK project activities in the field
 Oversee periodic technical reviews and manage changes in program direction and focus c) Programme Monitoring, evaluation, Accountability & learning  Conduct frequent supervision and monitoring visits to project areas and identify any issues needing attention related to implementation, donor compliance and programme quality standards.  Take responsibility for the implementation of learning and recommendations from external or internal reviews and donor feedback.  Take responsibility for development of detailed coasted work plans at the start of the project and ensure monthly updates are made to the output databases.  Working with the M&E unit and the Programme advisors, plan baseline and end line surveys and external evaluations.  Ensure that beneficiaries have access to feedback mechanisms and that data is monitored and responses given within appropriate time periods. 3: a) Coordination and Networking
Peace Building and Conflict Sensitivity- Project Coordinator
 In consultation with Programme Manager, represent IRK at meetings, seminars, coordination fora and other events.  Ensure good collaboration and working relationship with government and other relevant partners.  Create appropriate links, working procedures and information sharing with the Key stakeholders  Work with other departments and programmes in IRK to increase cross-organisational planning and learning b) Programme Reporting • Ensure donor reports are produced on time and to a high standard. • Provide brief updates (bi-weekly or weekly) to the PM/CD and members of the SMT. • Submit monthly reports to the MEAL Unit by the deadline for compilation. • Provide to PM/CD with timely responses to queries on concept notes, proposals and reports. • Report any new developments, problems and challenges encountered in implementing emergency response projects in a timely manner. c) Others • Fulfil any additional assignment as deem necessary by the organization and/or as assigned by Line manager PERSON SPECIFICATION Essential requirements:  A Master’s degree in International Relations, Development Studies or a related discipline (or equivalent experience)  At least five years’ experience of project implementation, including engagement with several actors - civil society, governments or specialist networks  A good understanding of Mandera, particularly in terms of key political, social and economic issues  A good knowledge of the discourse on Mandera engagement in fragile societies and the implications that this has for conflict prevention, peace-building and related issues  An excellent knowledge of the discourse on security and security sector development, community security, human rights & conflict prevention.  Excellent diplomacy and interpersonal skills and an ability to work in a non-partisan manner, appreciating gender, cultural and ethnic diversity  Ability to work individually, but also with experience of working effectively as part of a team  Ability to manage multiple tasks effectively with attention to detail and an orderly approach to tasks  Strong research and analytical skills, including developing research methodology, analysing research findings and drafting reports and briefings  Fluency in English (written and spoken)
Special Skills, Aptitude or Personality Requirements:
 Must have a ‘hands on’, practical mentality, be self-driven and very motivated.
 Must be well organized.
 Able to take initiative and work independently.
Peace Building and Conflict Sensitivity- Project Coordinator
 Very high attention to detail.
 Cultural and political sensitivity.
 Must be flexible and willing to adapt to a fluid situation.
 Strong written and verbal communications skills and good command of English.
 • Good interpersonal skills.
Desirable
 Experience of working in North Eastern Kenya
 Knowledge of local language- Kiswahili & Somali
 Willing to travel to the remote areas of Northern & North Eastern Kenya
Compensation: A base salary (based on experience) plus other benefits such as insurance cover.
Approved by: ....................................................................................... Date: ...........................
Received by ............................................................................ Date: ...........................

HOW TO APPLY
For detailed Job description on the positions, kindly visit our website:
www.islamicreliefkenya.org.
Please send us your cover letter and detailed CV, including your qualifications and experience. Your application should also include names and addresses of three referees, a working e-mail address and daytime telephone contacts. The forwarding e-mail and cover letter must clearly indicate the position title on the subject line. Send your application to Hr.kenya@islamic-relief.or.ke by Wednesday 11th July, 2018.
Please note that this is an urgent recruitment shortlisting will be done on a rolling basis