Community Development Officer - Kitale

Role Overview

The Community Development Officer reports to the Community Development Manager or acting Regional Manager in Kitale. The core assignment for this position is to fully understand Water Mission-oriented Community Development practices to implement and support the communities we serve across various settings. The role will provide support for any aspect of the organization's mission where possible.

A key function of this role is inspiring and nurturing the communities to proactively engage essential stakeholders, including but not limited to Safe Water Committees, government/institutional-led agencies, and other partners. The overarching goal is to increase awareness of the need for implementing sustainable, safe water solutions that contribute positively to resolving the global water crisis. This position is based in Kitale, Kenya.

Organizational Culture

As an employee of Water Mission Kenya, the Community Development Officer is responsible for developing a biblical worldview culture that results in God-honoring excellence in all their work and reinforcing the following:

• Providing accurate data.
• Empowering staff to have the skills and mindsets needed to acknowledge mistakes or problems as opportunities to find appropriate solutions.
• Empowering staff to consistently work for excellence in solutions that are consistent with Water Mission’s mission, vision, values, and standards.

General Responsibilities

1. Maintain a strong Christian witness and model servant leadership to colleagues, partners, the communities we serve, and the public.

Key Responsibilities

1. Facilitate community health and hygiene programs.
2. Participate in identification and assessment of potential communities for implementing WASH interventions.
3. Partner with communities to establish Safe Water Committees and identify relevant key players in the management of Safe Water Projects.
4. Train Safe Water Committee officials and WASH promoters on their respective roles and responsibilities.
5. Administer accounting and reporting sheets for the communities to use, ensuring compliance with sustainability guidelines.
6. Mobilize, monitor, and support the Safe Water Committees to ensure they perform their duties for project sustainability.
7. Work closely with the technical teams to ensure all aspects of Community Development are properly addressed during project implementation.
8. Work closely with the Project Manager to prepare professional reports for donors.
9. Engage in networking and collaboration with partners and government officials including, but not limited to, the Ministry of Water, County department of Water, Sub-County Water Officers, and local Government leadership, while maintaining good working relationships.
10. Plan, participate in, and report on project assessment, community mobilisation, WASH promotion, commissioning, and follow-ups within Rural Water Cooperative projects.
11. Continuously receive, report, and address feedback from the Safe Water Project stakeholders, including the community and county government representatives.
12. Report on the progress of projects through back-to-office reports, project monthly financials, follow-up reports, testimonials, and photography.
13. Maintain documentation for the Safe Water Projects on existing organization platforms like Assetas, M-Water, and in individual project files.
14. Any other duty as assigned by the immediate supervisor.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Alignment with Water Mission’s Statement of Faith and core values of Love, Excellence, and Integrity.
• Personal and growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Bachelor’s degree required: Degree in Community Development, Project Management, or any relevant Social Science.
• 3+ years of relevant experience.
• Proficiency in English, Swahili, and any local language.
• Computer literacy.
• Effective report writing skills.
• Good mobilization and capacity building skills of communities.
• Ability to engage stakeholders (communities, government, and local partners) in project-related work.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including articulating ideas and feedback constructively.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with a team.
• Ability to travel domestically for up to 2 consecutive weeks.
• Ability to drive for long hours over rough terrain.
• Authorization to work in Kenya without sponsorship. Local qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.