National Project Officer - Enterprise NOA (DC)

Introduction

The ILO is part of a Partnership on Inclusive Jobs and Education for Host Communities, Refugees and other Forcibly Displaced Persons, known as PROSPECTS.  The Partnership is a multi-year programme, funded by the Government of the Netherlands, that brings together five agencies (ILO, World Bank, IFC, UNICEF, UNHCR) to devise collaborative and innovative approaches for inclusive job creation and education in contexts characterized by forced displacement. The programme encompasses three pillars, namely Education, Jobs, and Protection and operates in eight countries across East Africa, Horn of Africa and the Middle East employing an area-based approach, in which the partner agencies jointly focus their activities on selected regions in each country. In Kenya, the programme is implemented in the refugee hosting counties, and nationally for policy interventions.  Under the partnership, the ILO, together with IFC and World Bank, lead interventions to improve livelihoods and create jobs for host communities and refugees. 

The ILO is technically responsible for jobs creation outcomes which are achieved through entrepreneurship support, market systems development, and financial inclusion among other related thematic areas. 

The National Project Officer for Enterprise will support the implementation of pillar 2 of the programme whose main outcome is improved livelihoods and expanded economic opportunities for refugees and host communities. The officer will provide support to intervention implementation, project cycle management and undertake duties and responsibilities detailed under the Section Description of Duties below.

Reporting lines

The incumbent will perform his/her duties under the overall guidance of the CTA PROSPECTS and reporting directly to the National Program Coordinator- employment. He/she will work in close collaboration with the project team and other relevant technical teams including the ILO CO-Dar es Salaam Programme Unit and specialists from the ILO DWT, regional and headquarters.

Required qualifications

Description of Duties

• Support effective implementation of the project through efficient and timely execution of technical tasks under the enterprise pillar, in accordance with the project document and strategy, and the schedule of activities targeting to enhance sustainable jobs creation for refugees and host communities through enterprise development.
• Prepare budget estimates and expenditure forecasts by analysing and prudently monitoring resources utilization in line with planned activities and by making recommendations for remedial action.
• Foster, sustain and facilitate cooperation with PROSPECTS partner agencies, implementing partners, ILO constituents (i.e. workers’ organizations, employers’ organizations and the government), actors in the displacement ecosystem, and other key stakeholders to ensure the smooth and timely delivery of project activities. 
• Working closely with the National Programme Coordinator and technical specialists, support partners to accurately interpret technical and implementation guidelines across the enterprise thematic areas, ensuring compliance with the market systems development approaches. Promote the inclusion of gender equality and non-discrimination in all aspects of the project. 
• Effectively identify capacity building gaps within partners and key actors in the sector, and present needs for prioritization under institutional strengthening plans, or link them to relevant technical resources within ILO.
• Regularly identifying and documenting contextual changes and opportunities for the project’s learning and action, as well as mapping impact of interventions and change stories for documentation.
• Review, verify and analyse workplans, progress reports and data provided by implementing partners and ensure quality delivery of interventions to required ILO standards. Follow-up on deliverables, reports and other documents, clarify information, and answer questions about clearance and processing requirements to support successful completion of agreed activities.
• Support project monitoring and partner contract tracking in accordance with the project implementation plan and regularly deliver updates on project activities’ progress.
• Support organization of training programmes, seminars, workshops, and meetings, and represent the project as delegated, including by delivering training.
• Organize and conduct technical field missions, and guide, advise and coordinate the work of national and international staff and consultants, ensuring the proper and effective use of project resources and that deliverables meet ILO standard procedures and methodologies.
• Support development and dissemination of project communications items by drafting materials, publications and press releases and by ensuring effective communication with project stakeholders. 
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the supervisor.

Education

First level university degree in economics, social sciences, development or another relevant discipline/field.  A master’s degree in a social science discipline of relevance to development studies will be an asset.

Experience

At least two years of professional experience at the national level in project management, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, with a thematic emphasis on enterprise promotion 

• Experience working on issues related to refugees and asylum seekers is a strong advantage
• Proven experience in working effectively with government bodies in charge of policymaking and with development partners.
• Familiarity with UN policies and procedures, including experience working with officials of the Ministries responsible for enterprise development in Kenya.

Languages

Excellent command of the English language. A good working knowledge of Kiswahili is an advantage

Competencies

• Good knowledge of social and economic development, including labour and employment trends in the country.
• Good knowledge and understanding of the forced displacement ecosystem in Kenya.
• Ability to maintain good working relationships with all project stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to manage technical co-operation projects of international organizations.
• Ability to understand and effectively work with Government, workers’ and employers’ organizations, non-government organizations and UN agencies.
• Ability to conduct action-oriented research and write analytical technical report in English.
• Ability to conduct policy discussion and high-level political processes.
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal, to successfully advocate for and mobilize action to promote socio economic inclusion and decent work.
• Clear commitment to mainstream gender into project activities.
• Ability to lead and work in a team and good interpersonal relations.
• Ability to train and guide personnel.
• Ability to work under time pressure and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work in diversified environments.
• Proficient in basic computer software (Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Adobe Reader) and ability to use other software packages required by the Office.
• Ability to work independently with a minimum of supervision.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.