VSF Belgium Community Development Officer Job in Garissa County, Kenya

VSF - Belgium is a recognized developmental International NGO founded in 1995 working with disadvantaged communities to increase their standards of living, improve food security and livelihood sustainability through improved animal health and animal production.In East Africa, our programmes focus on community based animal health services, capacity building of local institutions and governments, conflict mitigation and sustainable natural resource management.
Position Title: Community Development Officer (CDO)
The CDO’s main role will be to mobilize and organize communities in the implementation of the VSF Belgium animal welfare project funded by The Brooke. This will be done in a culturally appropriate manner and in accordance with standards and guidelines provided by VSF Belgium and the Brooke.The holder of this position will be required to travel extensively to project sites within Garissa County. The position will report to the Field Vet, Doweli project.Project implementation, monitoring and reportingApply techniques and tool kits such PRA tools to mobilize and engage effectively with equine owning communities in project areas to advance equine welfareCarry out needs assessment in a participatory way to identify knowledge gaps and appropriate training aids for the local communityDevelop work plans, facilitate implementation and formulate monitoring plans for the project in consultation with the programme manager and field teamConduct trainings and provide technical advice to target project beneficiaries and project partners following needs assessment/expression of needInvestigate the sustainability of the project activities in improving equine welfare and in linkage with other projects strengthening community resilienceBe at all times a role model for sympathetic and humane handling, treatment and management of working equine animalsMonitor and evaluate the community engagement aspects of their project to ensure desired changeis being realized among equine owning communitiesLiaise with other players in the county with similar interventions to ensure synergy and collaboration Support the Kenya team in development of project concepts and proposals with reference to specific donor regulationsCompile comprehensive mission specific, monthly and other relevant project reports or documentationResponsible in promoting cross-learning between communities through gathering, documenting and sharing best practicesSupport in other project activities as advised by supervisorEnsure prudent use of funds allocated to project activities and all field missions as per VSF B and specific donor policiesInform and collaborate with the project manager on continuous basisRepresenting and communicating the interests of VSF Belgium work internally and externallyPromotion of team spirit at all levelsAssist the Programme Manager to identify and effectively manage all community development related risksUniversity degree in either Rural development, Livestock Production, Development studies, Social sciences or related fields from a recognized universityKnowledge of basic animal welfare concepts and an understanding of the importance of working equines to the economies of developing countriesAt least three years experience in community empowerment initiatives in pastoral regions is idealExperience in conducting participatory monitoring and planning of programmes at community levelExperience in assessing training needs and capacity building of community groupsProven practical experience in identifying, establishing and managing community development issues and related conflictsKnowledge and experience in participatory training approachesClear strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem solving skillsA culturally sensitive communicator and excellent negotiation skillsMotivation to engage and learn and be at all times a role modelGood writing and reporting skillsGood organization, planning and follow up skillsAbility to work under pressure in remote areas with pastoral communitiesAbility to deal with conflict and crises and mobilize communities for appropriate responsesComputer literacy especially with MS Word, Excel and power pointFluent in written and spoken Swahili and English; knowledge of the local language would be an added advantageStrong interpersonal and communication skillsWillingness to work flexibly and on occasions, outside of office hoursCommitted to the mission of VSF Belgium, adherence to animal welfare minimum standards and community development principlesProven ability to work with a range of local stakeholders including local government and project partnersAttentive to detailTeam playerPlease send your application (reference to Community Development Officer), CV and 3 references (one must be your current employer, by e-mail to recruitment@vsfb.or.ke on or before 14th May 2013
This Vacancy is open to male and female candidates. Only short listed candidates will be contacted. 

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