Mercy Corps Capacity Building Specialist (YYC Central Program) in Thika

Mercy Corps exists to alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression by helping people build secure, productive and just communities.

Driven by local needs, our programs provide communities in the world’s toughest places with the tools and support they need to turn the crises they confront into the opportunities they deserve.

Mercy Corps is looking for a committed and dynamic individual to take up the following position:

Capacity Building Specialist, YYC Central Program (Thika)
 

Program / Department Summary: Mercy Corps’ goal in Kenya is to strengthen and sustain capabilities of Kenyan society and stakeholders to be agents of positive change in their communities. 

It achieves this goal through three objectives:
 

1) Strengthened ability of local, district, and regional structures to manage conflict and become managers of democracy;
 

2) Empowered Kenyan youth to achieve a greater voice in national reform and create new livelihood opportunities and
 

3) More resilient drought affected populations in North Eastern Kenya.
 

The Yes Youth Can (YYC) program is a multi-year USAID-funded program that focuses on building youth-owned, youth-led and youth-managed institutional arrangements and capabilities at both national and county levels. 

Mercy Corps implements two of USAID’s regional YYC programs—one in the Rift Valley and one in Central region. 

In partnership with the County Bungee Forums and SACCOs, Mercy Corps works to achieve the following four objectives:
 

1) Mobilize youth and form youth representation structures at the village and county level;
 

2) Support youth to exercise a greater voice in local and national affairs;

 

3) Increase youth productivity, employment opportunities, and income; and
 

4) Increase young women’s access to social, political, and economic opportunities.
 

Entering its fourth and final year of implementation, Mercy Corps has reached 1.9 million youth in Rift and Central regions and supported the development of over 11,000 bunges (youth parliaments).
 

General Position Summary: The Capacity Building Specialist will be responsible for ensuring that mobilization of village youth bunges, capacity building program and training programs for youth structures, county forums and county secretariats set up, grants implementation and project closure are implemented in an effective and efficient manner. 

S/he will work closely with the Program Manager to liaise with relevant authorities and other organizations to ensure the implementation of quality programs in Central region.

Essential Job Functions:

• Provide ongoing technical support at the county level and advice to Mercy Corps and County Boards. Liaise with and support key program staff to ensure that the Yes Youth can program is running effectively, making best use of project resources at the county level and effectively providing helpful advice and services to the village bunges.
• Assess and develop County Boards’ organizational capacities to successfully implement Yes Youth Can County Board work plans and follow up with their strengthening plans.
• Coordinate with County Bards with mobilization and training of youths and support to the village bunges with a focus on civic engagement, livelihood development and other positive social change activities.
• Work with the Program Manger and County Board executive to set up county secretariat including equipment set up and training of the officials.
• Provide support in increasing young women participation in the program and increased access to opportunities as per program objective.
• Plan, monitor and measure impact of program activities in the field, keeping Program Manager informed at all times
• Prepare accurate and timely monitoring and field reports, coordinate and collect monthly quarterly County board reports and other project documentation as required.
• Attend coordination and partner meetings with county boards and stakeholders and coordinate activities with all involved stakeholders.
• Coordinate the procurement processes of all the program activities in the counties of responsibilities ensuring timely paperwork and adherence to procurement procedures.
• Stay abreast of project developments and needs and communicate the same to the Program Manager & COP
• Supervise 2 Field Officers as well as the County Presidents as they execute the County work plans giving mentorship and coaching at all times.
• Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility: Field Officers
 

Accountability

• Reports Directly To: Program Manager
• Works Directly With: Administration/ Logistics Officer, Gender and training specialist, M&E officer, Finance Officer and County Board.

Knowledge and Experience:

• University degree, preferably in community development, economic development, youth development or related field;
• 2-3 years’ experience working with NGOs on peacebuilding, economic development and youth based programs;
• Commitment to working with youth and vulnerable groups in need, regardless of race, tribe, religion or gender;
• Ability to take initiative and act independently when appropriate or necessary;
• Willing to work in the field with very nascent youth structures with low capacity
• Ability to organize events and evaluate program plans
• Understanding of working with local partners;
• Good spoken and written English;
• Good knowledge of MS Office software such as excel, word, and Access;

Success Factors:

• Hard working and committed to the promotion of Youth Empowerment & Peace in Kenya;
• Strong organizational and communication skills;
• Must be able to work independently while being a strong team player;
• Ability to deliver high quality work in timely manner;
• Strong interpersonal skills

How to Apply

Interested candidates who meet the above required qualifications and experience should submit on or before October 10th, 2014 at 4.00 p.m. containing a cover letter and detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) listing three professional references (including a recent supervisor) to hrkenya@ke.mercycorps.org.

The email subject line must clearly show the job title and location they are applying for. 

Applications without the right subject heading will be automatically disqualified.

Please do not attach any certificates.

(ONLY Qualified and selected candidates for the interview will be contacted)

NB: Mercy Corps does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process.