Project Officer-Natural Resources Management - West Pokot

Job Description:

Effective Technical Program design, Planning and Implementation

• Work closely with IMARA Program Coordinator for Climate Change and Carbon specialist to facilitate the implementation of FMNR  and sustainable natural resource management components and activities.
• Support implementation of the all activities in the IMARA Program with a focus on FMNR and sustainable natural resource management components and activities in partnership with consortium and other program stakeholders. 
•  Contribute to effective and timely implementation of all ecosystem restoration and landscape restoration interventions with  focus on FMNR in partnership with communities.
• Provide technical support and  supervision to Community-Based Structures and conduct on site ecosystem restoration trainings for community structures (CFAs, NRM Committees, Grazing Committees etc) and ensure ecosystem restoration and management objectives are met.
• Ensure all-natural resource management initiatives within the project area of influence meet or exceed planned outcomes and are implemented in full compliance with the program guidelines.
• Collaborate with the local administration to conduct community mobilization and awareness sessions on program activities especially on FMNR and biodiversity conservation. 
•  Ensure focused quality implementation, monitoring and evaluation of  FMNR  interventions
• Partner with formal/informal groups to build their  capacity on FMNR and other community-led landscape restoration initiatives 
• Facilitate adoption of other  best practice/approaches  such as  Assisted Natural Regeneration ,  enrichment planting, Sustainable Land Management Practices (SLMPs), Community Based Natural Resource Management, Biodiversity Conservation, Dryland Forestry, Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA), Soil and Water Conservation, Disaster Risk Management, Advocacy and Policy Influence, etc.

Project Planning, Implementation and Monitoring

• Participate in the preparation of overall and activity work plans and budgets (annual, quarterly, monthly & weekly) for the program specific activities.
• Collaborate with relevant ministries and other relevant partners at the County and community levels to ensure integration and high-level implementation of the planned activities.
• Be able to systemically review DIP/budget and other key implementation tools as well as initiate innovative approaches that will open new opportunities for program success.
• Conduct continuous activity and budget analysis to ensure adherence to the approved work, budget and procurement plans.
• Make technical input into the planning and design of program specific operational researches, including baseline and end line evaluation and other relevant program assessments. 

Partnership, networking and resource acquisition, 

• Ensure representation of WV Kenya in key stakeholder forum/meetings at the County  and national level.
• Actively participate in County level Sector Technical Working Groups (TWGs) and relevant to policy and planning forums for ecosystem restoration.
• Develop partnerships with Community, relevant Government authorities, research institutions and other stakeholders at the county level to cascade FMNR as a restoration model. 
• Participate in the Annual County Government’s Planning and Budgeting process to influence adoption of FMNR in  environment conservation, climate change policies and planning for ecosystem restoration.
• Together with partners to conduct joint reflection,learning, and documentation sessions on  FMNR adoption. 
• Work with community groups to utilize advocacy approaches, such as Citizen Voice and Action (CVA) to enable communities  and local partners to engage directly with local government on FMNR adoption , climate change adaptation and mitigation measures and develop  elaborate program  feedback and accountability mechanism. 
• Support resource acquisition and management by developing concepts for FMNR scale up programs /projects at the community and national level. 

Quality Assurance, Monitoring, Reporting & Documentation, 

• Support program assessments, planning, implementation, monitoring & evaluation, documentation and dissemination of  best FMNR practices.
• Support in developing a monitoring and evaluation framework for FMNR activities  within IMARA Program.  
• Coordinate joint monitoring visits with consortium partners and   program stakeholders to track and document FMNR implementation progress in   the targeted counties.
• Support  development and submission of program reports and core documents as per WVK guidelines and donor standards.
•  Support developing context specific electronic and live media communications on FMNR .
•  Support development of technical papers and/or policy briefs on key issues on FMNR for external  engagement with decision makers.
• Any other duties as assigned by the IMARA Program Coordinator for Climate Change and Carbon Specialist or Senior Program Manager. 

Qualifications,Knowledge and Skills 

• The holder of this position must have a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field from a recognized University; preferably in Natural Resource Management, Biodiversity conservation, Environmental Science/Studies, Rangeland Management, Forestry, or Climate Change.
• Minimum of three years’ experience in implementing sustainable natural resource management (SNRM), Biodiversity programs in ASAL/degraded parts of Kenya integrating livelihoods strengthening; with demonstrable competencies in designing, planning, implementation, documenting, record-keeping and reporting;
• On job experience working with farmers, communities and multiple stakeholders on a combination of any of the following fields: Forestry, Agroforestry, Natural Resource Management, Landscape Restoration and Management, Dryland Agriculture, or Climate Smart Agriculture.
• Experience in implementing multi-sectoral projects will be an added advantage. 
• Technical knowledge in NRM/ FMNR, Biodiversity Conservation; Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation; Extension Services; environmental conservation and management, Gender issues, Women and Youth Inclusion; agroforestry Livelihoods.
• Experience working with private sector, local communities, institutions, governmental and traditional authorities in ASAL regions
• Experience in Project Management, including program design, implementation, monitoring & evaluation and reporting
• Knowledge of  and experience working with the Government and community-based structures.  
• Experience in implementation of integrated development programs with a focus on ecosystem restoration.
• Strong community engagement skills.
• Ability to build relationships/partnership with all stakeholders (GoK, INGOs, private sector, etc.)
• Excellent communication, networking and advocacy skills.
• The holder of this position must be a results-orientated person who can handle a heavy work load as well as manage and satisfy multiple and at times conflicting organizational, donor and other stakeholders’ demands.
• S/he must also have ample experience in public relations and be a strong team player.
• S/he must have skills and ability to provide training and mentorships.
• S/he must be a self-starter, able to work under minimum supervision and maintain good relationships.
• S/he must have excellent interpersonal, communication, networking and presentation skills.
• S/he must demonstrate proven leadership qualities, problem-solving and negotiation skills, and evidence of a successful team player.