Refugee Consortium of Kenya recruitment ( June 2024) : Open Jobs/Online application

JOB DESCRIPTION:

• The Manager, Peace and Social Justice, will facilitate the implementation of programs and initiatives aimed at fostering peace, justice, and inclusivity within diverse communities, with a particular focus on displaced persons and host communities. The role will involve advocating for the values of peace and inclusivity, while promoting understanding and respect for diverse nationalities, religious and cultural beliefs. Collaboration with partners and stakeholders is central to the role, as you oversee interconnected projects and initiatives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Program development and implementation:

• Design, resource and implement projects aimed at promoting peace and justice.
• Provide overall leadership and oversight of the technical aspects of the implementation and coordination of the pillar.
• Coordinate project planning meetings with partners and identify capacity building needs.
• Contribute to the production of program reports and materials.
• Foster regular communication with project staff and local partner organizations.
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with relevant CSO partners and stakeholders. Conduct analytical reviews and capture lessons learned from project implementation.
• Supervise and support project officers field teams in the implementation and monitoring of work plans ensuring that activities reflect donor and other commitments.
• Evaluate peace and social justice needs and coordinate the design of programs on peace building.

Capacity building and training:

• Prepare a capacity building program for the department tailored for diverse stakeholders, grassroot organizations and beneficiaries.
• Prepare training tools on peace and justice issues for the department
• Coordinate and facilitate events, workshops, and seminars centering on peace and justice.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Establish and maintain effective partnerships and collaboration with relevant stakeholders including county, national and regional systems.
• Lead advocacy and dialogues with county, national and international stakeholders in addressing peace and justice needs.
• Participate in relevant forums, conferences and working groups to stay updated on economic empowerment trends, policies and best practices.
• Resource Mobilization and Grants Management:
• Identify and track funding opportunities from potential donors.
• Assist in proposal writing processes.
• Monitor grant reporting deadlines and compile reports.
• Support donor outreach and fundraising activities as needed
• Resource Mobilization and Grants Management:
• Identify and track funding opportunities from potential donors.
• Assist in proposal writing processes.
• Monitor grant reporting deadlines and compile reports.
• Support donor outreach and fundraising activities as needed

Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

• Design and implement a M&E plan and tools to track program performance and impact for the Peacebuilding program.
• Collect, analyze and report program data and outcomes to management and the donor.
• Prepare regular progress reports, document program activities, case studies, success stories and other relevant documentation.
• Plan and conduct specific research to support baseline and end-line evaluation process.

Qualifications & Experience

• A University degree in International relations, peace and conflict studies, social sciences or other related field.
• Specialized education or work experience in areas such as human rights, criminal justice, community development, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) or Alternative Justice Systems is an added advantage
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in peace and conflict transformation, rule of law and access to justice sector, informal justice or peace building programs preferably in humanitarian and development contexts.
• Clear understanding of the role of law and justice in protection, conflict prevention, peace building and development.
• Proven record of program design and management, including sourcing, managing and reporting on donor funds.
• Demonstrated experience in staff supervision, capacity building, leadership and management skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with excellent analysis and writing skills
• Strong commitment to the values of peace, justice, and inclusivity, with an open-minded approach and respect for diverse national, religious and cultural beliefs.

Working Conditions

• The job will requires working with strict deadlines, in remote areas, communities with diverse cultural and religious backgrounds in Garissa, Kakuma, Nairobi, Garissa and other regions.

Behavioural Competencies

• Professionalism- In-depth theoretical knowledge and significant experience in the relevant fields of project management, strong analytical, problem solving and drafting skills. Discretion and sound judgment in applying legal expertise to sensitive, complex legal issues
• Communication- Strong interpersonal and communication (written, spoken and presentation) skills. Proficiency in English and Kiswahili
• Technology awareness- Fully proficient computer skills and ability to use relevant software application, in particular information databases, internet/intranet services, library sources etc.
• Teamwork – Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds with respect for diversity.
• Managing performance- ability to supervise, coach, mentor and develop junior staff as required.

JOB PURPOSE:

• To provide legal assistance to the target population in Dadaab and Garissa, advocacy initiatives with state actors in both levels of government and provide procedural support to the organization on issues relating to and affecting displaced persons as well as administrative legal matters in an effective and efficient manner.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Attend to clients at the legal aid clinic and provide legal assistance on livelihoods-based initiatives.
• Advocate with state actors on policy and legislation that promote socioeconomic inclusion of forcibly displaced and hosting communities
• Prepare legal briefs and studies on a variety of legal issues and instruments.
• Prepare responses to enquiries on legal issues on laws relating to refugees and other forced migrants from RCK staff, governments, inter-governmental organizations, institutions, and the public.
• Participate in capacity strengthening of RCK’s stakeholders in relation to domestic and international laws that relate to refugees and other forced migrants.
• Develop and maintain a database of and relations with internal /external referral partners.
• Update and manage the client databases for internal and external use.
• Prepare monthly reports and donor related reports within schedule.
• Support the development of proposal for fundraising for program work.
• Assist in coordination and carry out program budgetary and administrative tasks.
• Such other duties temporarily or on a continuing basis, as may reasonably be required, commensurate with your grade.
• Legal research and writing
• Following up on procurement processes.
• Development of activity work plans and accounting for activities implemented.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelors degree in Law
• Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with a current practicing certificate.
• At least two-year experience in civil and criminal litigation.
• Experience working with an NGO/Humanitarian field is an added advantage.
• Knowledge of the Kenyan Legal system and of regional & international instruments on refugees and human rights.

WORKING CONDITIONS: The work is based in Dadaab and Garissa. The job requires willingness to work a flexible schedule and travel.

Behavioral Competencies:

• Professionalism: In-depth theoretical knowledge of and significant experience in relevant fields of counseling, Strong analytical, problem solving and drafting skills. Discretion and sound judgment in applying legal expertise to sensitive, complex legal issues.
• Communication: Strong interpersonal and communication (written, spoken and presentational) skills. Proficiency in English and Kiswahili.
• Technology Awareness: Fully proficient computer skills and ability to use relevant software applications, in particular information databases, internet/intranet services, library sources, etc.
• Teamwork: Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds with respect for diversity.
• Managing Performance: Ability to supervise, coach, mentor and develop junior staff as required.

Job Summary:

• The Project Officer will be a key contributor to our Peace and Social Justice Pillar, working in close collaboration with the Program Manager. This role is dedicated to advancing our mission of promoting peace and equitable coexistence within our community. The Project Officer will be responsible for coordinating projects focused on civic education, awareness creation, mediation, conflict resolution, paralegal schemes, and strengthening community peace structures, with a special emphasis on women and youth-driven and owned peace initiatives. Additionally, this role will involve capacity building through peace training and leadership development, with a focus on alternative justice systems, as well as research on conflict and mediation, media engagement, and thought leadership activities.

Responsibilities:
Program development and implementation.

• Collaborate with the Program Manager to plan, implement, and oversee projects that promote peace, equitable coexistence, and social justice.
• Facilitate mediation and conflict resolution processes to foster understanding and harmony among community members.
• Strengthen and support community peace structures, with a primary focus on women and youth-driven and owned peace initiatives.
• Evaluate peace and social justice needs and coordinate the design of programs on peace building.

Capacity building and training.

• Implement a comprehensive capacity-building strategy, including clear objectives, curriculum, and evaluation mechanisms.
• Deliver training programs, workshops, and resources to enhance the skills, knowledge, and effectiveness of our team members, partners, and stakeholders.
• Organize and facilitate peace training programs to promote new skills and approaches in peacebuilding, with an emphasis on alternative justice systems.
• Conduct leadership training sessions and monitor county legislation related to peace and social justice issues.
• Coordinate civic education and awareness campaigns to engage the community in peace-building efforts.

Stakeholder Engagement.

• Establish and maintain effective partnerships and collaboration with relevant stakeholders including county, national and regional systems.
• Participate advocacy and dialogues with county, national and international stakeholders in addressing peace and justice needs.
• Participate in relevant forums, conferences and working groups to stay updated on economic empowerment trends, policies and best practices.

Resource Mobilization and Grants Management.

• Identify and track funding opportunities from potential donors.
• Assist in proposal writing processes.
• Monitor grant reporting deadlines and compile reports.
• Support donor outreach and fundraising activities as needed
• Resource Mobilization and Grants Management:
• Identify and track funding opportunities from potential donors.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting.

• Implement a M&E plan and tools to track program performance and impact for the Peacebuilding program.
• Collect, analyze and report program data and outcomes to management and the donor.
• Prepare regular progress reports, document program activities, case studies, success stories and other relevant documentation.
• Plan and conduct specific research to support baseline and end-line evaluation process.
• Collaborate with project managers to establish a robust system for monitoring and collecting data related to program activities and outcomes.

Qualifications and experience:

• A University degree in International relations, peace and conflict studies, social sciences or any other related field.
• Specialized education or work experience in areas such as human rights, criminal justice, community development, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) or Alternative Justice Systems is an added advantage.
• A minimum of 2 years’ experience in peace and conflict transformation, rule of law and access to justice sector, informal justice or peace building programs preferably in humanitarian and development contexts.
• Clear understanding of the role of law and justice in protection, conflict prevention, peace building and development.
• Proven record of program design and management, including sourcing, managing and reporting on donor funds.
• Demonstrated experience in staff supervision, capacity building, leadership and management skills · Strong communication and interpersonal skills with excellent analysis and writing skills.
• Strong commitment to the values of peace, justice, and inclusivity, with an open-minded approach and respect for diverse national, religious and cultural beliefs.

Working Conditions.

• The job will requires working with strict deadlines, in remote areas, communities with diverse cultural and religious backgrounds in Garissa, Kakuma, Nairobi, Garissa and other regions.

Behavioral Competencies.

• Professionalism– In-depth theoretical knowledge and significant experience in the relevant fields of project management, strong analytical, problem solving and drafting skills. Discretion and sound judgment in applying legal expertise to sensitive, complex legal issues.
• Communication– Strong interpersonal and communication (written, spoken and presentation) skills. Proficiency in English and Kiswahili.
• Technology awareness– Fully proficient computer skills and ability to use relevant software application, in particular information databases, internet/intranet services, library sources etc.
• Teamwork – Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds with respect for diversity.