Catholic Relief Services (CRS) carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. We welcome, as a part of our staff and as partners, people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and commitment to serving those in need.
CRS has worked in Kenya since 1965. Over the years, CRS’ focus shifted from direct relief and food distributions to a comprehensive development program. Our approach to delivering outcomes at scale is facilitative, focusing on partnerships, capacity building and a commitment to strengthening local leadership. We work through local implementing partners and collaborate closely with government of Kenya both at National and County levels and other stakeholders.
CRS Kenya is currently working in Turkana, Marsabit, Isiolo, Kilifi, Nairobi, Kisumu, Siaya, Kakamega, Mombasa, Meru and Homabay Counties, and implementing projects in the program areas of Agriculture and Livelihoods, Health, Water and Sanitation, Peace building, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation, Emergency Response and Social Services for children and families.
Job Summary:
Reporting to the Head of Programming, the Technical Advisor - Climate Change Adaptation & Livelihoods will provide technical assistance, guidance, and support to a wide range of program design issues with a focus on climate change adaptation, focused business development efforts and play a lead role in establishing CRS as a climate change adaptation thought leader in Kenya in line with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) program quality principles and standards, donor guidelines, and industry best practices to the Country Program (CP). S/he will contribute to the development of programs, strategies, tools and best practices in climate change adaptation and livelihoods that effectively engage communities, partners, donors and governments, with specific focus on climate financing and advocacy, climate smart agriculture, integrated livelihoods and value chains.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of programs, strategies, standards, tools, and best practices in climate change adaptation and livelihoods that effectively engage communities, partners, donors and governments. Specific areas of focus include climate financing and advocacy, climate smart agriculture, integrated livelihoods and value chains.
- Contribute to the CP’s efforts to position for growth opportunities to support CRS’s Strategic Change Platform on Resilient Livelihoods and Flourishing Landscapes. Lead or contribute to the development of the technical design for large and/or complex proposals, including defining appropriate monitoring systems and indicators. Advise project teams on integrating donor strategies, priorities and technical requirements into CRS’ approach.
- Contribute to capacity strengthening initiatives in climate change adaptation and livelihoods programming for staff and partner through helping develop learning and training strategies and agendas/curriculums, conducting trainings and workshops, and mentoring and coaching to staff.
- Contribute to research, knowledge management, documentation and learning through collecting and analyzing program data, evaluating strategic projects, assisting with measuring program impact, capturing and sharing lessons learned and best practices, and research and internal reports.
- Capture and disseminate the ECCAT learning journey for enforcing accountability and documenting learning for scale with the final learning product being a comprehensive guide to securing community climate financing for use within and beyond Kenya.
- Establish and maintain relationships with donors, peer organizations, research and other institutions. Participate in forums around integrated climate change adaptation and livelihoods to collect and share best practices and promote CRS’ work.
- Develop and as appropriate, lead small innovation projects advancing CRS’ agenda in climate change adaptation and livelihoods
- Work closely with the project MEAL lead to implement and strategically adapt to the global and geographical trends and best practices documented in course on the project implementation.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Excellent relationship management skills with ability to influence and get buy-in from people not under direct supervision and to work with individuals in diverse geographical and cultural settings.
- Strong strategic, analytical, problem-solving and systems thinking skills with capacity to see the big picture and ability to make sound judgment
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Strong presentation, facilitation, training, mentoring, and coaching skills
- Proactive, resourceful and results-oriented
Education and Experience Requirements:
- Master's Degree in resilience, climate change adaptation, natural resource management, or related field, required.
- Minimum of five years relevant working experience in an advisory or management role with progressive responsibilities, ideally with an international NGO, with a minimum of three years working for programming interventions in climate change adaptation and livelihoods.
- Previous experience providing technical assistance and developing successful proposals for external donor funding is required. Experience with donors including USAID, the EU, German Government, Green Climate Fund, and various UN agencies preferred.
- Demonstrated application of technical principles and concepts climate change adaptation and livelihoods. General knowledge of other related disciplines to ensure cross-sectoral approach.
- Experience in business development, project design and proposal development in climate change adaptation and livelihoods, including technical writing.
- Experience in mentoring, coaching, facilitation and training applying adult learning principles and practices.
- Experience with program monitoring and evaluation, including applying data collection tools and methodologies, data analysis, and data presentation.
- Experience and skills in networking and relations with donors, peer organizations, and faith-based and civil society partners. Understanding of partnership principles.
- Proficient in MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Web Conferencing Applications, information and budget management systems, knowledge-sharing networks.
- Demonstrated commitment to respect, equity, diversity and inclusion including gender equality.
CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package and the opportunity to work in a collaborative, mission-driven culture that is committed to improving the lives of the poor throughout the world.
***Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.
CRS Kenya strives to be a place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come and work, stay, and do their best.
CRS provides equal employment opportunity to all qualified employees and applicants for employment and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, ancestry or national origin, sex, age, marital status, physical or mental disability or handicap, medical condition and any other status protected by law. As an equal opportunity employer, CRS will recruit, hire, train and promote persons solely on their qualifications and abilities.
CRS’ emphasis on family values supports benefits, including maternity and paternity leave, policies that promote exclusive breastfeeding, the availability of a baby room at the office, and flexible working hours where possible. Women are highly encouraged to apply.
