The Project Officer works under the overall supervision of the Project Manager and the Consortium Activity Coordinator. This role is responsible for ensuring the effective implementation of project activities in Makueni County, aligning with the project objectives, work plan, and donor requirements. The Officer leads the planning, coordination, and monitoring of activities at the county level, ensuring timely delivery, quality results, coordination with partners, and strong alignment with the local TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) ecosystem and county priorities. The duty station will be Makueni County.
Main Duties
- Support the Project Manager and Activity Coordinator in the overall planning and scheduling of project activities through the preparation and submission of weekly work plans.
- Coordinate day-to-day field activities under the supervision of the Activity Coordinator, including regular communication with project partners, local authorities, and other relevant local stakeholders on the ground.
- Provide technical and operational support to the three selected Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) in the implementation, monitoring, and reporting of project activities, ensuring compliance with approved work plans and project objectives.
- Support and organize the implementation of activities in line with approved work plans, and consult with the Project Manager and Activity Coordinator on any required adjustments to activity design or implementation.
- Manage logistics and operational aspects of field activities, including missions involving regional support staff.
- Provide on-the-ground support to project consultants during the implementation of their assignments.
- Participate in weekly internal coordination meetings with regional support staff and field teams to plan upcoming activities, discuss challenges and achievements, and share lessons learned.
- Submit monthly requests for funds related to field activities to the Activity Coordinator.
- Compile and submit all supporting documentation for expenses incurred during the previous month to the Project Accountant.
- Prepare and submit monthly project reports to the Activity Coordinator in a timely manner.
- Ensure the continuous collection, quality, and timely transmission of project data, including assessing data accuracy, flagging discrepancies to the project team, and ensuring appropriate follow-up.
- Carry out specific operational and oversight tasks related to project activities, including conducting monitoring and evaluation field visits when required.
- Conduct data collection, prepare reports, and regularly update project monitoring and activity-tracking tools.
- Represent CEFA in meetings with local authorities and other relevant stakeholders, as delegated.
- Participate in conferences, roundtables, and other project-related forums and events.
- Promote and ensure effective synergies among all project stakeholders, including project partners, government institutions, and local communities in Makueni County.
- Perform any other tasks within the project scope as requested by the Activity Coordinator or Project Manager.
Requirements
- Minimum of three (3) years of proven experience in field-based positions, preferably within education, TVET, or development projects within Makueni County.
- Diploma in Community Development, Social Work or a related field. Bachelor and/or Master Degree in the same fields are a strong asset.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.
- Good command of spoken and written English and Kiswahili.
- Strong knowledge of the social, economic, and institutional context of Makueni County, with specific reference to the education and TVET sector.
- Good computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications and Internet use.
- Experience working with local authorities, VTCs, and community stakeholders is considered an asset.
- Able to ride a motorbike and possess a valid motorcycle driving license (CLASS A).
