Kenya: Project Assistant (PA) (Ref.2017/060)

Organization: Catholic Relief Services

Country: Kenya

Closing date: 08 Oct 2017

Department/Country: Programming/Kenya

Reports To: Chief Of Party (COP)

Job Location: Kisumu

Position Type: Fixed Term

Grade: 5

About CRS:

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. We welcome as a part of our staff and as partners, people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need.

CRS has worked in Kenya since 1965. Over the years, CRS’ focus shifted from direct relief and food distributions to a comprehensive development program that works with partners and enhances local capacity. CRS Kenya programs now support children affected by HIV, and community-based efforts to increase household incomes, improve family health and sanitation, and enhance agriculture livelihoods.

Background:**

CRS is implementing a 5 year orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) program, MWENDO, which seeks to empower local and county-level OVC stakeholders to strengthen the formal and informal HIV and child protection systems and services and the linkages between them, including cross-sectoral service referrals and coordination to ensure quality service delivery for OVC and their HHs.

Job Summary:**

Reporting to the Chief Of Party (COP), the Project Assistant (PA) will provide support to the office of the COP ensuring successful implementation of MWENDO Project. Overall, the PA will be responsible for smooth running of the COP office by managing the MWENDO program calendar and document proceeds of meetings.

Specific Responsibilities:**

· Create and maintain folders for all important project documents (agreements, modifications, workplans and reports)

· Provide operational support in collaboration with administrative staff on making logistical arrangements for travel and providing other support needed to help ensure that tasks are completed successfully for the betterment of MWENDO project.

· Support the documentation of promising and best practices as they evolve in the project implementation.

· Participate in meetings, seminars, debriefings and other technical meetings.

· Participate in all project senior management and consortium meetings and compile meeting reports

· Liaise with STA OVC, M&E Specialist and Finance Manager to collate all the thematic areas reports, case studies and lessons learned and compile the required reports and submit to COP.

· Support the development of annual, quarterly and monthly workplans and compile cluster level reports into one for COP use.

· Participate in the development of, and/or the timely completion/review of MWENDO technical reports, such as: monthly, quarterly, and/or annual reports; strategic plans and work plans; and other ad hoc reports, as required.

· Document technical team meetings, partner meetings, conferences, and workshops, so that notes are available for reference and sharing.

· Provide support on technical initiatives, including performing literature searches, investigating key issues, and contributing to technical activities as required.

· Represent MWENDO in meetings as delegated by the COP or STA OVC.

· Performs other duties and tasks as determined by the COP, STA OVC or any other Project Advisor

· Comply with the requirements of CRS’ child protection policies, comply strictly to security procedures and other staff policies.

· Coordinate with the COP and the STA OVC on the inclusion of key thematic areas as part of the learning agenda for CRS Kenya staff’s annual Learning events.

Representation

Participate in relevant fora, conferences, trainings and meetings as may be directed and take notes on behalf of the COP

Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.

• Serves with Integrity

• Models Stewardship

• Cultivates Constructive Relationships

• Promotes Learning

• Maintains strict confidentiality on work related information

Competencies Relevant for the Specific Position:

These are rooted in the mission, values, and principles of CRS and used by the Project Assistant to fulfill his or her responsibilities and to achieve the desired results:

· A broad grasp of socioeconomic policy issues with respect to social/economic development, OVC and HIV/AIDS in both rural and urban settings;

· Experience working with government line ministries, private sector partners, civil society, donors, and local communities;

· Understanding of development/relief issues;

· Commitment to humanitarian principles and action;

· Strategic thinking and vision.

Supervisory Responsibilities (if none, state none):

None

Key Working Relationships:**

Internal: The Project Assistant is a key member of the MWENDO project technical team. S/he will report to the COP, and collaborate with other technical staff to ensure a holistic, integrated, and comprehensive project.

Required Qualifications and Experience:**

Education

• A first-degree holder with 3 years solid experience in one of the following disciplines: social sciences, Secretarial, international development, development economics or another related field

Knowledge

• Solid analytical, writing, listening and communication skills (including developing advocacy messages)


• Proven collegial and cooperative approach to management and decision-making


• Ability to develop productive working relationships with project team


• Ability to work in a complex environment with multiple tasks


• Recent experience working in international implementing organizations

Skills and Abilities

• Accuracy and timeliness in all areas of responsibility


• High level of accuracy in work, and ability to analyze complex sets of relationships and situations


• Demonstrated ability to work with and in teams


• Excellent written, oral communication


• Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Office)


• Excellent understating of GOK, and CRS operating procedures

· Strong conceptual and analytical skills

· Ability to think innovatively and strategically

Required Foreign Language:**

None

Required Travel:**

The Project Assistant will be based in Kisumu but expected to travel to MWENDO project areas for 20% of the time.

Disclaimer:

This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.

How to apply:

Written applications indicating the reference number of position applied for and CV including day-time contact phone numbers, as well as names and contact information of three references should reach the below-mentioned by Close of Business Sunday, October 08, 2017.

Human Resources Manager

Catholic Relief Services – Kenya Program

E-mail : hr@ke.earo.crs.org

Note: Catholic Relief Services (CRS) does not charge any fees from applicants for any recruitment. Further, CRS has not retained any agent in connection with this recruitment

CRS’ recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation