Job Description
Working with the support and under the supervision of the Head of Cooperation:
Support the Head of Cooperation in the management and administration of all programmes funded through the Embassy’s Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) budget, including monitoring, reporting and evaluation;
Identify programmes and partners for support which will contribute to achievement of the Embassy Business Plan and that are aligned to A Better World, Ireland’s International Development Policy (including key sector and thematic areas of focus: agriculture, gender, education, climate action, governance and economic development);
Support implementation of the Ireland Kenya Agri-food Strategy (IKAFS) and specific programmes under three value chains including regular liaison with implementing NGOs, reviewing budgets and workplans, monitoring, reporting and evaluation of impact;
Support the Head of Cooperation in ensuring the successful roll-out of the Young Scientists Kenya initiative including liaison with stakeholders and sponsors, communications and media outreach, and documentation;
Provide technical inputs and support monitoring of development and humanitarian activities in the countries of accreditation – Kenya, Somalia, Sudan and Eritrea, including coordination with NGO and UN partners, the EU and other Missions and Missionaries and the relevant line Ministries within these countries;
Work closely with the Embassy’s Commercial Attaché to support implementation of the Catalytic Fund for agribusinesses, including reporting and documentation;
Organise and participate in field visits to monitor programmes and contribute to performance management monitoring. Travel outside of Kenya as required;
Contribute to the planning/delivery of Ministerial and other high level visits to Kenya which include a focus on development and humanitarian programmes;
Support administration of the Embassy’s micro projects fund including appraisal of applications, disbursement of funding, monitoring and reporting on results;
Support the Embassy’s Fellowships scholarship programme including administering the application and selection process, appraisal of applications and liaison with HQ;
Contribute to the Mission’s reporting requirements and Mission Strategy in relation to development and humanitarian context and achievements;
Support Embassy communications on development and humanitarian activities, including via social media.
Key skills and competencies required
Post graduate education in international development/public policy or a related field;
Minimum of 3-5 years’ demonstrated experience working in international development, preferably with an NGO or public sector institution; ideally with expertise in agriculture, gender, education, climate action, governance and/or economic development;
Experience and recognition of the importance of instituting and maintaining good management systems;
Understanding of the complexities of international cooperation in Kenya and the countries of accreditation (Somalia, Sudan and Eritrea);
Excellent communication, writing and reporting skills;
Strong networking and advocacy skills, including the ability to build rapport and engage effectively with individuals and organisations from a diversity of backgrounds and contexts;
Flexibility and good team working;
Self-motivation and a capacity for creative thinking.
Oversight, logistics, cost
The Programme Officer will work as part of the Embassy team. He/she will report directly to the Deputy Head of Mission/Head of Cooperation and will regularly communicate with the Head of Mission. They will also work closely with other staff at the mission.
The Programme Officer will avail of the existing transport and administration arrangements at the Embassy.