Program Officer, Misereor

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) is a Quaker organization that includes people of various faiths who are committed to shared and sustainable peace, an economy that works for people and earth, Just Approaches to Forced Displacement and Migration. Its work is based on the Quaker belief in the worth of every person and faith in the power of love to overcome violence and injustice.

Job Description

Job Title: Program Officer

Supervisor: Country Representative for Somalia

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Summary of Responsibilities: Carry out research and analysis on key issues in Somalia, to inform program and policy work and to understand the dynamics of conflict in Somalia and the horn of Africa, to inform the Country program, as well as using this learning to inform fundraising approaches for country program; Prepare situation reports on reconciliation, post/in conflict work and peacebuilding for internal communication as well as to inform planning; Enhance the AFSC’s relationships with its partners – including Quaker groups, grassroots peace groups and other civil society organizations – Assist in policy analysis and formulating advocacy plans for the AFSC and its partner groups; Be in the lead in the implementation of the country program’s peace building strategy including actively training key program constituencies (communities, CSOs, FBOs and government partners etc.) in peace programming, employing “do no harm” principles and conflict prevention and analysis methods; Participate in the country program’s planning and implementation, including accompanying partners in program scoping and design, planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and reporting (project cycle management) in line with the country office’s strategic plan; Involve beneficiaries (youth, women, children and men) in the assessment, identification and implementation of conflict-reducing initiatives and trauma healing as well as any other income-generating activities as may be relevant; Work with partners to ensure that peaceful co-existence and livelihoods activities are jointly identified and implemented with the beneficiaries in ways that enhance participation, promote local ownership and increase self-reliance; Support and enhance partners’ and AFSC’s efforts in building relations with the Government of Somalia, UN agencies, other INGOs and partners with focus on IGAD and the African Union; Design and organize regional dialogue forums and lessons learned conferences on thematic issues (based on AFSC’s regional strategic priorities and focal areas)

Skills

• Innovation, creativity, flexibility and ability to navigate a complex socio-political environment, whilst maintaining healthy communication and accountability at multiple levels (line manager, region, team, partners, key institutions)
• Excellent reporting skills & proven leadership qualities
• Able to interact at all levels (national, regional and international); Ability to work independently and collectively within a team. Hands on person, flexible and adaptable
• Demonstrated analytical and communications skills; fluency in spoken and written English knowledge of other languages such as Somali is an added advantage.
• Partner coordination, grant management & demonstrable knowledge of the PMC
• Experience in proposal development and proven fundraising acumen
• A professional with good analytical skills, good judgment, maturity and reliability in handling confidential material and information.
• Gender and cultural awareness and sensitivity, and dedication to principles of diversity
• Works well to deadlines & excellent time management skills

Qualifications

• A degree and relevant experience in the following fields; Peace Studies, Conflict Transformation, Peacebuilding, Law, International Relations, Project Management, Policy Studies and Economic Development, or other fields relevant to the INGO’s work on peace, social justice and humanitarian assistance.
• Familiarity with the peacebuilding work and willingness to train/facilitate and convene dialogues and capacity building forums on peacebuilding. Conflict transformation, and nonviolent approaches to problem solving a must. Including working with vulnerable and marginalized communities
• ONLY applicants meeting the above listed criteria need apply

Assignment: This position will be offered on an initial two (2) year contract with possibility of renewal.

The American Friends Service Committee is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified persons are encouraged to apply regardless of their religious affiliation, race, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or disability.

AFSC’s Central Office and some of its offices in the U.S are unionized workplaces. This position is not represented under the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

AFSC maintains a deep commitment to a mandate of care for our staff and communities, and thus requires vaccination for COVID-19; as well as adherence to social distancing, masking, and office occupancy protocols.

The American Friends Service Committee is a smoke-free workplace.