Regional Knowledge Management and Learning Officer

Job title: Regional Knowledge Management and Learning Officer

Employment category:

Reporting to: Regional MEL Advisor

Direct reports: None

Unit/department:  Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning

Location: Nairobi or Kampala

Authorization level:

Purpose of this position is to strategically position DRC EAY as a learning organization through development and dissemination of high quality learning products/materials based on DRC work across the region. The KM Specialist will be responsible for a wide variety of activities related to identifying, managing, packaging, and disseminating key information emanating from DRC program activities with a view to advancing key learnings that will contribute towards improving the quality of program operations.  Knowledge management functions will potentially cut across or overlap with other functions within the organization such as communication, advocacy, monitoring and evaluation and grant reporting. 

Key Responsibilities:

Design and execution of an overall knowledge management strategy and related activities across the region

•       Develop regional and country based knowledge management and learning strategies and plans of action to ensure effective documentation, storage and dissemination of experiences emanating from project design and implementation
•        Support Country offices in the region to organize, package, utilize and disseminate relevant information to inform programme design and implementation and for external audiences;
•       Propose and promote creative solutions for knowledge management within the organization. This should include, though not limited to establishing  appropriate systems (both physical and electronic) for storage/archiving and retrieval of program information (reports, studies, bulletins e.t.c).
•        Identify new areas and analyze existing knowledge management support in programmes and projects within country operations

Ensure  effective documentation and dissemination of learnings from routine and periodic monitoring and evaluation activities at Country level:

•        Monitor and review regular sources of information and data from country offices required for the regular updating of information and knowledge    products, e.g. monitoring reports, evaluation reports, national survey reports, cluster data and statistics
•       Participate in annual review meetings and selected quarterly review meetings for purposes of documenting and identifying  learnings that may require further follow up and documentation for purposes of sharing with external audiences
•       Assist the DRC Country offices in preparation of annual learning reports, highlighting key learnings documented across different programs/projects.

Publication and dissemination of consolidated learning products at the regional level

•         Collate all learnings produced by DRC country operations and repackage in appropriate learning products for purposes of sharing with external     audiences
•          Lead the process of preparing learning briefs from major evaluation or research activities conducted by the Country operations
•        Explore other creative options for disseminating learnings consolidated from DRC Country operations with a view to enhancing DRC EAYs visibility and profile as a learning organization

Establish strategic linkages and networks with other knowledge based organizations and institutions to facilitate access to emerging knowledge, innovations and evidence related to DRCs areas of operations

•        Monitor, collate and disseminate information from leading think tanks, academic institutions, regional organizations, such as IGAD and the AU, as well as International Organizations, including the UN Secretariat, OCHA and the World Bank;
•       Monitor, collate and disseminate information from relevant clusters, inter-agency working groups and other established organs in emergency and humanitarian sector
•        Participate in key knowledge sharing forums at the regional and country level and collate relevant information and data that will enhance learning by DRC country operations

Experience and technical competencies: (include years of experience)

•          Demonstrated understanding of knowledge management principles and capacity to deliver knowledge management and/or organizational learning activities       
•        Demonstrated interest in and capacity to deliver knowledge management and/or organizational learning programs
•           Excellent facilitation, program/activity management, and written and oral communication skills
•        7 years INGO or other international agencies experience
•         Possess strong analytical and conceptual skills.
•        Knowledge of working in challenging environments.
•         Proven ability to manage large varied workloads and deal constructively with stress and periods with long hours.
•        Proven ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines and work with limited supervision.

Education: (include certificates, licenses etc.)

•            Bachelor’s degree with 7+ years of experience or Master’s degree with 5+ years of experience (preferred) in knowledge management, organizational learning, international development, international affairs, or a relevant advanced degree

Find the definition of DRC’s Core competencies here

All DRC staff should master the 5 core competencies:

•          Striving for excellence: you focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process
•          Collaborating: you involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.
•          Taking the lead: you take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
•          Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.
•          Demonstrating integrity: you act in line with our vision and values

Languages: (indicate fluency level)

•          Excellent communication skills in English is required.
•          Working knowledge of French (both written and spoken) is required

Key stakeholders: (internal and external)

•          DRC staff members in RO and CO