Malteser International, the worldwide relief agency of the Order of Malta for humanitarian aid, works in more than 20 countries in Africa, Asia and the Americas for people in need, regardless of their religion, origin or political affiliation. Its mission is to provide emergency relief, as well as to implement rehabilitation measures and to facilitate the link between emergency relief and sustainable development. Christian values and the humanitarian principles of impartiality and independence form the basis of its work in the following areas: relief, reconstruction & rehabilitation, health & nutrition, water, sanitation & hygiene, and resilience.
In August 2012 MI opened an office in Illeret, Marsabit County/ Northern Kenya with the aim to address the needs of the pastoralist population of the area, by supporting sustainable solutions, drought resilience and disaster preparedness. Beside increasing the access to safe drinking water, current activities to be implemented until the end of 2016, also include promotion livelihood opportunities, mainly through improved livestock management and marketing activities. To support our project location in Illeret, Malteser International is looking for an experienced
Community Support Officer
The Community Support Officer (CSO) builds and maintains proper relationships between Malteser International and the local community, thus ensuring that project activities meet the needs of the people. The CSO also mobilizes the community and raises awareness on any programme activities.
Responsibilities
· Acts as focal point for the community of Illeret
· Mobilizes (Prepares) the community, ensuring that target beneficiaries are fully informed about and involved in decision making in all stages of the programme planning and implementation
· Plans, organizes and coordinates sensitization activities (Forums, campaigns etc.) for awareness raising among the community about all programme components (software and hardware) before and during implementation period
· Designs and implements capacity-building trainings among the community to help them realize their potential in management and hence take ownership of their development projects.
· Organises workshops and focus group discussions in order to work out an acceptable contribution of the community towards various programme components
· Coordinates establishment of community projects management committees where it is required
· Manages Rain Water Harvesting systems’ contributions: Receives money from ACSO, keeps proper records and surrenders it to administrator on Monthly bases.
Qualifications
· Academic background in Development studies, Community development, Social work or other relevant field (Diploma and above)
· Previous work experience of at least three years of community liaison/mobilization and sensitization as well as work experience with pastoralist communities.
· Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills including the ability to diplomatically manage the relationship with local stakeholders and the community at large
· Readiness to work and live in a remote location under difficult circumstances; physical and mental strength
· Fluency in English with excellent verbal and written communication skills, knowledge of Daasanach would be an asset
Conditions
· Starting date: February 1st, 2016
· Duty station: Illeret, Marsabit County, Northern Kenya
· Duration of contract: 11 months (until December 31st, 2016; extendable)
· Salary according to qualification and experience, insurance package, accommodation in staff house
HOW TO APPLY:
If you are interested in this position, kindly submit your application including cover letter, CV and supporting documentation, to the following email address, by January 6th, 2016.
ApplicationsWASH@malteser-africa.org, Subject: CSO