Program Officer

JOB ADVERTISEMENT
Position Title: Program Officer
Job Type: Project implementation
Project: Women Empowerment program
Location: Biotisho Centre, Talek, Maasai mara
Duration: 9 Months contract (Fixed term / Renewable)

Background
Basecamp foundation is a non-profit trust that implements sustainable development projects in the Maasai Mara since 2009. Our main objective is to transform lives by empowering communities through sustainable community projects, promoting micro enterprises, promoting primary education and conservation.
Overview of position
This position reports to the Program manager. The incumbent will be 100% based at the field office in Talek. The successful candidate shall be mainly responsible for success of the women empowerment program, using existing structures and other new innovative measures as approved by the board that the incumbent shall design.
Duties & Responsibilities
1. Direct implementation of the CMSG / livelihoods program following the approved workplan and log frame.
2. Maintain links with all 95 mature groups through physical meeting and telephone calls to the group officials and periodic visits to all operating groups following a preplanned schedule, which will require filling in a group outreach information collection tool after each telephone or physical meeting;
3. Identify existing private and public sector organizations working within the target area to foster relationship and collaboration to achieve common goals and results;
4. Create & maintain linkages of groups, the Federation and clusters to other existing national or umbrella Micro Financers and other development agencies supporting women;
5. Spearhead the setup and operationalization of the women empowerment craft center.
6. Management of the CMSG- Naretoo E-commerce website and operations of the physical women crafts centre.
7. Identify beadwork opportunities and ensure access/linkage to supply chains and marketing;
8. Identify skills and knowledge gaps in product development, design, financial literacy and ensure necessary corrective measures are taken to fill the knowledge gaps;
9. Identify potential conflicts and ensure appropriate conflict resolution trainings are in place to educate and create awareness on benefit sharing associated with the program;
10. Support BCFK’s contribution to policy action on livelihoods, community development and poverty alleviation;
11. In collaboration with the M&E personnel, develop internal monitoring and operational plans that help programme implementation;
12. In collaboration with the M&E personnel participate in collection of baseline data, assess, identify and inform management on opportunity and gaps on livelihoods programs;
13. Lead the capacity building agenda to integrate livelihoods activities and to add value to other project activity goals;
14. Identify supply chain and markets for products produced by the Naretoo federation Project;
15. Support Naretoo federation members / beneficiaries in setting up small businesses through the CMSG savings model and promote the move towards incorporation of a savings cooperative association.
16. Help groups in obtaining appropriate registration certificates /business certificates/licenses, import/export permits and assisting with opening of bank accounts for groups and individuals in the project target area;
17. Organize, facilitate and supervise community mobilization activities in collaboration with implementing partners;
18. Identify and ensure technical assistance geared towards building beneficiary capacity in the running of profitable income generating micro-enterprises with a focus on viable livestock and tourism products such as beadwork and contribution towards value chain addition to other tourism products;
19. Identifying weakness and strengths in the livelihoods activities and help assist to map best way forward to enhance strengths and mitigate adverse impacts or weaknesses;
20. Replicate successful livelihood activities in other projects sites as well as facilitating educational trips to learning sites;
21. Keep track of baseline data, progressively update, monitor, evaluate and report the trend of livelihood activities;
22. Write timely quality; weekly, monthly, quarterly, biannual and annual reports to management; and
23. Any other duties as directed by the project management team.

QUALIFICATIONS
Required minimum education:
1. University degree in Marketing, economics, social sciences, development studies or related fields with 2 years working experience preferred. Or
2. Higher diploma in Marketing, economics, social sciences, development studies or related fields with 5 years working experience.
Required minimum experience:
1. 2 - 5 years of experience in community development, product development and marketing of a social enterprise.
2. Experience in working with marginalised communities and familiarity with their culture, norms and beliefs is essential;
3. Familiar with appropriate community entry, community engagement process and is sensitive to diverse cultural settings;
4. Experience in working in a livelihood, gender equity and social inclusion or related project implementation activities;
5. Previous experience working in community affairs programs or experience in public relations with the private and public sector.
Knowledge and Skills:
• Proactive and creative approach in managing dynamic situations;
• Superior interpersonal skills, a positive attitude, sound judgment, planning, team building and group facilitation skills;
• Excellent team orientation and engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders;
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize and attention to detail a must;
• Proven experience managing community dialogues and working directly with beneficiaries;
• High integrity and willingness to conduct her/himself transparently and open to constructive criticism;
• Ability to respect and maintain confidentiality;
• Ability to work in a multicultural context as a flexible and respectful team player;
• Willingness and capacity to work in the field and travel frequently to project sites when needed;
• Proven experience in data collection, data input and output systems;
• Experience in working with an E-commerce website in terms of product upload, stock management, sales and product delivery.
• Proven experience in public relations, partnership and liaison at different levels.
• Sound knowledge of participatory program planning, stakeholder engagement and participation;
• Familiarity with the importance of gender equality and social inclusion and demonstrated ability in integration of gender equality and social inclusion in biodiversity conservation efforts;
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and adherence to cultural sensitivity and diplomacy;
• Able to work under pressure with minimum supervision to deliver deliverable in a timely manner;
• Excellent conceptual, oral and written communication skills; and
• Proficiency in the English and Swahili is a must.
• Proficiency in maa language would be an added advantage.