Action for Children in Conflict Project Officer Job in Kenya

April 23, 2012

Position Title: Project Officer

Project Title: Children Lead the Way (CLTW)

Reporting To: Program Manager

Action for Children in Conflict (AfCiC) Kenya in partnership with Save the Children is implementing a project named Children Lead the Way (CLTW) focusing on working children and children affected by HIV & AIDS in the larger Thika District.

Working Children in Kenya numbered 1.01 million in 2006 of which 14.7% were employed under exploitative conditions. The 2008 Child Labour Analytical Report also states that working girls are highly involved in exploitative domestic and social services, including commercial sex work.

Another group of vulnerable children are those negatively impacted by the HIV and AIDS epidemic as they suffer from poor health, malnutrition, psychological stress, inability to access basic education among others. Many cases of abuse and neglect are reported these by vulnerable children who face stigma, discrimination and are likely to live alone or be cared for by aged guardians.

This project aims to ease the challenges faced by children and youth as a result of HIV and AIDS through prevention, care and support. It will also promote the participation of working girls, boys and youth in policies and programs that affect their lives.

Key Responsibilities

Act as the direct contact in working children and HIV and AIDS issues for AfCiC in relation to Save the Children , Government of Kenya and other actors operating in Thika
Ensure that working children and children affected by HIV within Thika who are targeted by the project are identified, and a database maintained
Ensure access and retention of working girls and boys supported by the project to primary and secondary schools, vocational institutions, through subsidized scholarships, campaigns, child friendly responsible school environment
Coordinate training and awareness creation on children’s rights as per the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child and the ACRWC, HIV and AIDS prevention, care and support and gender issues with a view of promoting protection of children in Thika District
Advocate for local government and local structures to address the protection of vulnerable children in the larger Thika region
Coordinate the training of target girls and boys on HIV prevention through life skills, peer education, community CT outreaches among other approaches
Promote child participation in both the working children and HIV and AIDS components of the project through the establishment of working children groups, children advocacy clubs, collaboration with stakeholders and relevant government Ministries
Development of detailed project implementation plans and budgets and executing the same in a timely manner
Carry out regular monitoring of the project and report the findings internally at AfCiC and to Save the Children
Timely preparation and submission of monthly, quarterly, annual and other written reports such as project publications/brochures/fact sheets/newsletter etc. for internal and external use
Collaborate with local government authorities specifically District Labour Office, District Children’s Officer, District Health Officers, NGO, other CBO and stakeholders in relationship to the project
Any other duties as may be assigned by the supervisor or his /her designate

Background and Experience

A minimum Bachelor’s Degree in Social sciences
At least 5 years’ experience in the development field preferably working in community initiatives
Good understanding of project cycle management and excellent reporting writing skills
Good working knowledge in M&E and
Excellent project management skills and donor relations
Deep knowledge of child rights and child protection issues in the local context, HIV and AIDS programming, working children and gender issues
Exposure to Results based management would be an added advantage

Desired Skills and Behaviors