Kenya: National Civil Society Advisor

This position is contingent upon funding. Position Summary: Pact seeks a National Civil Society Advisor to work with national civil society organizations in Kenya and strengthen their organizational and technical capacities to better influence government policy, ensure accountability, and advocate for improved service delivery. This work will be part of an anticipated USAID governance program in Kenya focused on supporting the devolution process of transitioning political power and functions from the central government to the regional and local governments, including establishing and strengthening the capacity of devolved government structures, county assemblies and working with citizens and civil society to hold devolved structures accountable. The position requires building the capacity of civil society organizations and their staff, through mentoring, coaching, training and grant-making. Strong candidates will possess strong communication, interpersonal skills especially with members of civil society and local government. He/She will ensure high technical quality, meet program targets in accordance with work plans, and contribute to high-caliber progress reports.

Responsibilities:

• Identify civil society organizations active at the national level with experience in policy development and monitoring; • Develop action plans and capacity development strategies; • Coach and mentor civil society organizations to influence policy and hold government accountable; • Ensure that CSO capacity development approaches, strategies and activities are in line with national policy on devolution and Vision 2030; • Ensure a flow of information between national and county level civil society actors; • Manage and oversee implementation of civil society strengthening activities and ensure that activities match work plans, are in line with budgets, and are properly documented; • Support the establishment of robust monitoring evaluation and learning systems.

Education and Experience Requirements: • Bachelor’s degree in development studies, political science, international relations, development or other relevant field. Master’s degree preferred; • Minimum 8 years of technical experience working with civil society in Kenya; • Technical experience in capacity development of civil society organizations; • Experience working civil society on human and institutional capacity development; • Strong background in advocacy and policy influencing.

Other Qualifications: • Experience in Kenya required; • Ability to efficiently work in teams and coordinate between various stakeholders; • Demonstrated experience in monitoring, evaluation and learning within a development project context; • Familiarity with USAID processes and procedures, rules and regulations highly desired; • Proven success navigating complex and high pressure operating environments. • Demonstrated ability to transfer knowledge through training and mentoring.

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