Program Officer – Economic Development – Makueni

Purpose of the position:

Ensure the successful implementation and monitoring of Economic Development interventions aimed at contributing to improved children wellbeing outcomes within the ADP.
To effectively communicate World Vision’s Christian ethos and demonstrate a quality of spiritual life that serves as an example to others.
Effective project design, planning and implementation 40%

Ensure identification of local needs and resources
Contextualize/adopt design guidelines and utilize at the ADP/Project level
Ensure accurate and quality in PDDs based on the partnership approved ED PMs (Savings Groups, Business Facilitation and Local Value Chains Development)
Develop quality project Annual work plans with clear targets, budgets and 4D matrices
Mobilize Communities for project implementation
Provide field-level technical implementation leadership on ED
Ensure proper and timely implementation of ED interventions in the ADP/Project as per approved PDDs, WVK standards and donor requirements
Ensure effective integration of ED interventions with other projects in the program
Implement project audit recommendations;
Ensure integration of Child protection, Disability, Gender mainstreaming and environmental protection into ED interventions
Track, in liaison with ADP/Project Accountant, project implementation expenditure levels and manage work plans and budgets;
Timely Mobilization and effective communication with communities and stakeholders during baselines and evaluations

Monitoring, reporting and documentation 35%

Engage community leaders and partners in the planning of the monitoring activities in an appropriate manner;
Develop monitoring plan with communities and partners agreeing on the required standards for monitoring, with support from the DME specialist;
Build the capacity of communities and partners on monitoring including using Savings Groups MIS, BF and/or LVCD data collection forms;
Ensure monthly monitoring of indicators as per schedule developed together with communities and partners;
Analyze and utilize ED PMs data including SGs MIS, BF and LVCD data and take appropriate programming measures as may apply;
Ensure participatory monthly data collection (involving community groups and partners);
Support the utilization of DME and ED PMs softwares for accurate data entry and analysis using the standardized tools;
Facilitate regular reflections on monitoring practice to make improvements as needed.
Contextualize and utilize reporting guidelines;
Develop quality reports (CWB, Annual, Semi-annul and Monthly Management Reports) in-line with WV reporting guidelines;
Monthly monitor project expenditure and level of implementation and report on any variances to ADP/Project Manager and NO Programme Officer for decision making;
Ensure documentation of local needs and resources;
Identify best practices on ED within the ADP/Project for documentation;
Liaise for guidance in documentation of best practices from the regional office and national office;

Advocacy, Advocacy, Engagement and Networking 20%

Ensure that the key laws, polices, regulations and government service delivery standards in Economic Development are shared, interpreting and explained to communities
Effectively represent of WVK in Economic Development stakeholder meetings at county and sub-county levels.
Report on resource mobilization opportunities at county and sub-county level
Participation in National/International Poverty Eradication Days and Trade Fairs at county and sub-county level.
Provide information to inform fund raising initiatives at national level
Work with the Ministries of Agriculture, Trade, Social Services, Devolution& Planning, and Enterprise Development for technical directions and leveraging of resources to support Economic Development interventions in the ADP/Project.
Facilitate community members to advocate on Economic Empowerment issues to relevant stakeholders;
Work with Private sector, other NGOs, CBOs , FBOs, Committees and Groups with related objectives for synergy and sustainability and;
Support community, sub-county and county level forums that facilitate identification of hindrances to effective economic empowerment interventions.
Work with community groups and other CSOs to develop Memorandum and/or petitions for engagement

Others 5%

Any other duties as assigned by the Supervisor
Qualifications: Education/Knowledge/Technical Skills and Experience
The following may be acquired through a combination of formal or self-education, prior experience or on-the-job training:
A first degree preferably in Business Administration/ Commerce/ Agribusiness/ Economics or related field
A minimum of 2 years working experience in Economic Development projects at community level
Experience in partnerships including Ministries of Trade, Agriculture, Planning, Social Services and churches
Have practical business knowledge with an emphasis on marketing and financial management
Having research, monitoring and evaluation skills is an added advantage

Other Competencies/Attributes:

Must be a committed Christian who is able to stand above denominational and cultural diversity challenges
Must have good oral and written communications and relationship skills
Ability to take initiatives, team player who is able to work with minimum supervision
Good computer literate especially in Microsoft Office Suite and data analysis programs such as SPSS, Stata, EPI Info
Willing to perform other duties when required