JOB CONTEXT
The Project Officer is responsible for the implementation of the East Africa regional component of the ‘Resource of Open Minds’ (R.O.O.M) programme. The R.O.O.M programme aims to build a global movement of young makers who rethink and rebuild the space for free expression in the 21st century. To achieve these objectives, the programme aims to:
Support creative hubs which provide makers with tools, services and a community of peers;
Implement effective professional skills development training for makers;
Set up effective financial mechanisms for makers such as crowdfunding and;
Provide means for experimentation to makers.
The programme aims to strengthen interregional and global cooperation through joined linking and learning activities with the other Hivos regions and specifically with Southern Africa and the Middle East and North Africa.
The person is directly responsible for the delivery of project’s results through the successful management of the Hivos project cycle. The person is also directly responsible for the regional planning, implementation, monitoring evaluation, reporting on the region’s components.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
Programme Planning & Strategy
Actively look for synergies with the other regions that are part of the programme and develop the regional strategy linking up with other regions of the R. O.O. M programme.
Undertake annual planning and budgeting for the regional components of the R.O.O.M programme.
Programme Implementation and Monitoring
Implement the R.O.O.M programme components for East Africa region: Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania in close cooperation with the Programme Manager-Transparency, Accountability, Freedom of [removed]East Africa) and the Programme Manager in the Global Office;
Develop and implement a plan for M&E for the regional component and ensure that partners are clear on how to contribute to the plan;
Review and assess the programme progress, including through regular partner meetings;
Establish a regular reporting schedule(financial and narrative) with regional partners ensuring that all reports respond to relevant programme indicators and are in line with the regional M&E Framework;
Carry out regular field trips to partners and communities specified in the R.O.O.M to ensure ongoing oversight of the regional programme components;
Contribute to quarterly and annual programme review process ensuring that the review provides clear evidence of progress and challenges and that it meets internal and external reporting requirements;
Coordinate the Roaming Academy component locally ensuring that it facilitates learning and documentation among partners;
Develop and produce timely project narrative and financial reports in accordance Hivos and donor requirements.
Partnership and support
Management of relationship with key stakeholders in the project environment; promotes and integrates the materialisation of their support into actions and shares successes and failures for further improvement;
Ensure that all relationships with partners are in keeping with Hivos core values, policies and procedures;
Promote accountability of partners to target communities as specified in the R.O.O.M programme.
Institutional Funding
Work together with the Programme Manager – Transparency, Accountability, Freedom of [removed]East Africa) and the Programme Manager in the Global Office to identify additional funding sources for the R.O.O.M Programme and contribute to the development of applications as agreed;
Ensure that partners are aware of the grant management and reporting requirements of back donors and where necessary provide training and support to partners in order to meet these demands.
Advocacy & Networking
Coordinate policy and advocacy efforts on key issues relevant to the creative cultural, media and technology sectors in East Africa in close relationships with partners and networks;
Participate in relevant thematic working groups, networks and learning forums, nationally, regionally and possibly internationally in order to improve R.O.O.M programme and advocacy learning, sharing and impact;
Develop relationships with peers in other INGOs working in the same issues as R.O.O.M programme and maintain an overview of their work, identifying possible opportunities for collaboration.
Team work and collaboration
Work collaboratively with colleagues at Regional Offices in East Africa, Southern Africa, Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and global levels, to contribute to the achievement of broader organizational goals;
Participate in and contribute to global thematic meetings relevant to the R.O.O.M Programme;
Provide project material for Hivos communications and fundraising;
Deliver on other tasks as agreed with the Programme Manager – Transparency, Accountability, Freedom of [removed]East Africa).
YOUR PROFILE:
Possess a degree in social sciences, arts or humanities. A graduate degree in Social Science or Humanities will be an added advantage;
At least 3 years’ experience in development programming, project management and administration with a bias towards culture, media and technology and human rights based approaches;
Strong knowledge of the cultural, media and technology sectors globally and East Africa in particular;
Excellent communication skills;
Good understanding of project cycle management and application of advocacy strategies;
Experience of working through partnerships as well as co-implementation;
Experience managing institutional funding such as from SIDA;
Good understanding of financial management systems, budget development, monitoring and reporting;
A results oriented person with strong conceptual, analytical thinking;
A team worker with strong commitment to working with others to achieve mutual objectives;
Strong interpersonal skills and experience of working with people from different cultural backgrounds;
Strong commitment to the values of free expression, gender equality and social justice.
WORKING CONDITIONS
The position is based in Nairobi with regular travel in the region and some international travel.
WHAT WE OFFER
We offer a competitive package based on the candidate’s qualifications.
