Project Officer, THRIVE, Job in Kenya

Project Officer – THRIVE supporting the planning, coordination, and implementation of programme activities, requiring a Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies with 3-5 years experience working with Civil Society Organizations, in an international NGO environment, on-site role.

Role purpose

The Project Officer is part of the THRIVE global programme team and supports the planning, coordination and implementation of programme activities across participating countries. Working closely with the Project Manager, implementing partners and other stakeholders, the Project Officer provides technical assistance, facilitates partner engagement and contributes to effective programme delivery, learning and reporting in accordance with Hivos policies and donor requirements.

Key responsibilities

The key responsibilities of the role include

Project Management

Work closely with the Project Manager to coordinate the day-to-day implementation of THRIVE programme activities in line with programme objectives.
Facilitate collaboration, networking and knowledge exchange among Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), grassroots movements, human rights defenders and other relevant stakeholders.
Support the implementation of capacity strengthening initiatives for Civil Society Organizations, including organizational development, governance, financial management and institutional sustainability.
Coordinate programme grants and partner support activities to ensure effective implementation and achievement of programme objectives.
Contribute to the development of knowledge products, learning resources and technical guidance that promote programme learning and evidence-based decision-making.
Monitor the socio-political context and support adaptive programme implementation through conflict-sensitive and context-responsive approaches.
Promote meaningful stakeholder participation and integrate gender equality, inclusion and safeguarding principles across programme implementation.

Technical assistance and program support

Build and maintain effective relationships with technical specialists, programme partners and relevant networks to support programme implementation and knowledge exchange.
Support the Project Manager in the planning, coordination and implementation of programme activities, including work plans, budgets and activity schedules.
Prepare and review programme reports, technical documentation and implementation updates, ensuring accuracy, quality and timely submission.
Monitor programme implementation to ensure compliance with the funding agreement, Hivos policies and procedures, donor requirements and the approved results framework and budget.
Provide the Project Finance team with timely programme and budget implementation information to support financial monitoring and reporting.
Prepare Terms of Reference (ToRs) and technical documentation for procurement processes, including Requests for Quotations (RFQs) and Requests for Proposals (RFPs), in accordance with Hivos policies and procedures.
Contribute to programme learning and adaptive management by documenting lessons learned good practices and opportunities for continuous improvement.

Technical assistance to implementing partners

Provide technical assistance and capacity strengthening to implementing partners through technical advice, training, mentoring and knowledge-sharing initiatives to support effective programme implementation and organizational resilience.
Promote the visibility of the THRIVE programme and foster effective engagement with key stakeholders.
Identify potential programme risks and implementation challenges and support the development and implementation of appropriate mitigation measures.

Learning network activities

Support and coordinate programme partner learning exchanges and regional learning events.
Participate in national, regional and international forums, workshops and learning events, as required.
Collaborate with other technical units across Hivos.

Stakeholder engagement, networking and coordination

Develop and maintain effective relationships with implementing partners, civil society organizations, donors, government institutions, networks and other relevant stakeholders to advance programme objectives and strengthen collaboration.
Coordinate and facilitate communication among implementing partners, the Project Manager, programme team members and other stakeholders to support effective programme implementation.
Participate in relevant working groups, technical committees, networks and coordination forums, as delegated by the Project Manager.

Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Support

Ensure accurate and timely documentation of programme activities, reports and other programme records.
Support the MEL Officer by providing timely and accurate programme data, documentation and other technical inputs required for monitoring, evaluation, reporting and programme performance tracking.
Monitor programme risks and support the implementation and periodic review of the programme risk management plan.
Contribute to programme learning by documenting lessons learned, good practices, impact stories and other knowledge products to support communications, reporting and continuous programme improvement.

Person specifications

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies, Social Sciences, International Development, Public Policy, Programme Management, Political Science, International Relations or another relevant discipline.

Knowledge / experience

Minimum 3-5 years of relevant experience.
Experience working with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), grassroots organizations, social movements and/or human rights actors.
Experience supporting the implementation of donor-funded programmes.
Knowledge of civic space, civil society strengthening, governance, human rights, gender equality, diversity, inclusion and safeguarding principles.
Experience working with multiple stakeholders and partner organizations.
Knowledge of Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) principles.
Fluency in English, both written and verbal.
Additional languages such as Arabic, Spanish or French are an asset.