Job Summary
The Natural Resource Management (NRM) and Peace Building (PB) Officer will take the lead role in the implementation of the integrated NRM and Peacebuilding interventions in the program locations assigned (in Turkana or Samburu).
Job Description/Requirements
About Mercy Corps
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible.
In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions
into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within.
Now, and for the future.
Registered in 2008, Mercy Corps Kenya has developed a robust and diverse portfolio of programs aimed at sustainably improving the lives and livelihoods of Kenyans affected by poverty, resource scarcity and conflict. In Kenya, we deliver integrated programming to strengthen resilience, market and governance systems, address the root causes of conflict, and equip vulnerable populations - in particular youth, women, adolescents and marginalized social groups - with the skills, opportunities and resources they need to be healthy, productive, and drive the development of their communities. Mercy Corps Kenya also collaborates with Mercy Corps teams and partners in neighboring countries.
The Program / Department
USAID's Office of Food For Peace (FFP) awarded a Mercy Corps-led consortium of Kenyan and international partners with a five-year Development Food Security Activity (DFSA) in Turkana and Samburu Counties. Through a phased approach that emphasizes evidence gap analysis, as well as partnership, learning, and co-creation with government, civil society, communities, and the private sector, this program aims to drive sustained reductions in acute malnutrition in both counties.
The Mercy Corps’ USAID Nawiri consortium brings together the global leadership, research capacity, technical expertise, and implementation experience necessary to partner with local institutions to test, adapt, and scale evidence-based solutions. The program requires a robust county-centered design with government leadership, active engagement from communities, the private sector, and civil society. Gender inequalities and social dynamics are some of the key drivers of food insecurity and persistent acute malnutrition in the two counties and this program will implement evidence-based interventions to address these. Together we will sustainably reduce persistent acute malnutrition for vulnerable populations in Turkana and Samburu counties.
The Position Summary
The Natural Resource Management (NRM) and Peace Building (PB) Officer will take the lead role in the implementation of the integrated NRM and Peacebuilding interventions in the program locations assigned (in Turkana or Samburu). Under the Technical Guidance of the Natural Resources and Peace Advisor and direct operational management of the Field Director and in close collaboration with the USAID Nawiri resilient livelihood technical teams, the Natural Resources Management and Peace Building Officer will support the USAID Nawiri team at the County and sub-office levels, to translate program strategies into implementation bringing a conflict sensitive lens and do no harm approaches, considering the nexus of Conflict and Persistent Acute Malnutrition in these two counties, as per evidence so far.
The NRM and PB officer will further be responsible for ensuring NRM and conflict resolution approaches and interventions are fully sequenced, layered and integrated to provide enabling systems to support development of resilient livestock and agricultural livelihoods including in provision of clean consistent water resources. The NRM and Peace Building interventions should enhance the effectiveness and quality of implementation of programme initiatives undertaken by USAID Nawiri.
Essential Job Functions
STRATEGY: OPERATIONAL IMPLEMENTATION OF NRM and CONFLICT PROGRAM STRATEGIES
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT & REPORTING
COLLABORATION & NETWORKING
KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT & COMMUNICATIONS
INFLUENCE AND REPRESENTATION
Supervisory Responsibility
None.
Accountability
Reports Directly To: NRM and Peace Advisor
Works Directly With: Field Director, Systems Strengthening Team, Gender, Youth and Social Dynamics Team, thematic officers across the consortium and Local CSO implementers.
Accountability to Participants & Stakeholders
Minimum Qualification & Transferable Skills
Core Competencies: Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Success Factors
The successful candidate will be extremely collaborative, can work independently and take initiative in tasks and self-learning, be proactive in communications, and demonstrate innovative thinking. They will be able to effectively work across departments, and disciplines, often without direct supervisory authority. They will have excellent communication abilities in written English, including concise analytical and technical writing, and can communicate USAID Nawiri’s strengths and overall vision. They will also be able to work closely with a diverse team of individuals with varying backgrounds and objectives, having an excellent team and interpersonal relationship skills, along with a positive mindset. They will be expected to travel to locations within the program geographies, as required, in meeting the demands of the position.
Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions
The position is based in Baragoi (Samburu County) and Lowdar (Turkana County) and requires up to 50% travel to support program staff, which may include travel to insecure locations where freedom of movement is limited and areas where amenities are limited. Housing for this role is in individual housing and staff will have access to good medical services and the living situation is of a high standard.
Ongoing Learning
In support of our belief that learning organizations are more effective, efficient, and relevant to the communities we serve, we empower all team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that further their personal and/or professional growth and development
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives.
We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening, and evolving to become more diverse, equitable, and inclusive than we are today.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have a sustained global impact.
We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination based on race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.
Safeguarding & Ethics
Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC and have signed on to the Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct eLearning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.
Mercy Corps does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.
Travel RequiredYes.