Job Type: Full Time

Experience: 5 years plus

Location: Mandera, Kenya (with occasional travel to the Gedo region, Somalia, and the Somali region in Ethiopia)

Reports to: Programme Coordinator

Contract Details: 10 months Fixed Term Contract. Renewable Subject to Availability of Funds & Performance

Job Summary:

Rural Agency for Community Development and Assistance (RACIDA) is a regional non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance self-reliance and prosperity amongst vulnerable communities living in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands through the promotion of better livelihood systems, sustainable use of natural resources and community empowerment. Since inception in 2005 RACIDA works with vulnerable communities in the arid lands and semi-arid land of Northern Kenya and Ethiopia (Somali and Oromia regions) and Somalia (Gedo region). We seek to consistently implement highly integrated, contextually appropriate, community-based programming. Our programs are part of a comprehensive strategy that sets local communities across the Mandera Triangle at the center of their own development trajectory. RACIDA in partnership with Chemonics and ACDI/VOCA is implementing the USAID Feed the Future supported Cross-Border Community Resilience (CBCR) activity in the Mandera Triangle. The CBCR activity is a regional program designed to enhance resilience and thus reduce the need for humanitarian assistance among communities in the cross-border areas of the Mandera Triangle (Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia). The CBCR activity aims to empower local entities, including communities, civil society, the private sector, and governments to chart their own pathways for addressing conflict, improving livelihoods, and/or reducing the risks of shocks and stresses.

In order to successfully implement the CBCR activity in the Mandera Triangle, RACIDA is looking for a self-driven, professionally competent, self-motivated, and committed team player to fill the position of a Project Lead to be based in Mandera with travel to Ethiopia and Somalia project areas of Liben and Gedo regions.

The Project Lead will be the CBCR activity focal point for the Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia teams, providing technical and managerial guidance to the team as well as playing a key coordination role among various stakeholders.

Main Duties & Responsibilities:

  1. Take the lead in general planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of project activities in collaboration with the project officers, M&E officer, and communications officer.
  2. Responsible for the overall achievement of the CBCR activity milestones and outputs.
  3. Work closely with the CBCR team in Mandera and Nairobi to implement the activity.
  4. Ensure adherence to RACIDA and USAID policies and guidelines in the implementation of the CBCR activity for RACIDA staff and partner local organizations.
  5. Community relationship building and mobilization.
  6. Establish close coordination and cooperation with the relevant district/county/regional governments line ministries, Chemonics, ACDI/VOCA, USAID and IGAD, and other stakeholders including the community, and CSOs.
  7. Participate in in-country and cross-border coordination meetings and where not available establish and lead relevant cross-border coordination forums.
  8. Contribute to the identification and development of future funding opportunities.

Requirement

  • A bachelor’s degree from a reputable institution in peace and conflict, international development, social sciences, community development, or additional relevant field is required. An advanced degree in a similar field is desired.
  • At least 5 years of professional experience in project design and management preferably in peacebuilding, social cohesion, stability and transition, or resilience projects in the Horn of Africa region or other similar areas.
  • Demonstrated experience and knowledge in USAID programming and working in the target regions.
  • Exceptional social acumen and an ability to forge strong working relationships with a range of stakeholders, including district/county/regional government officials and representatives from IGAD, non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, the private sector, and donor institutions is required.
  • Experience working with local and regional government structures and knowledge of government protocols.
  • Good understanding of cross-cutting issues – gender, peacebuilding, climate, DRR, etc. in the region.
  • Experience on core-creation activities and application of Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) tools
  • Excellent interpersonal, communication, and report writing skills and demonstrated ability to effectively lead teams.
  • Proficient in office computer applications
  • Fluent in both spoken and written English and Kiswahili**. Knowledge of and proficiency in the local language is strongly preferred.**

How to Apply

Application Details

Interested candidates, who meet the above requirements, should send a CV and Cover Letter only to jobs@racida.org with the subject of the email as the position applied for e.g., ‘Project Lead’. The closing date for applications is June 29, 2023, however, CVs will be reviewed on a rolling basis**.** Eligible applicants are encouraged to send in their applications soonest.

Each application must include at least three referees who can validate technical expertise. Telephone contacts and email must be submitted with the application.

RACIDA is an equal-opportunity employer. Qualified female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.