Project Officer JD- 2012

Job title:                                PROJECT OFFICER, PAN SECRETARIAT

 

Duty Station:                        PAN SECRETARIAT OFFICE, NAIROBI

 

INTRODUCTION

 

ICS, is a Dutch child development organization that aims at creating a safe and enabling environment in which all children-irrespective of their nationality, religion, colour, gender or political opinion-realize their rights to be protected, be educated and be healthy as well as being responsible members of society. The project officer, skilful parenting will be based at the ICS Africa, regional office in Nairobi.

 

ICS together with other participating partners jointly initiated a skilful parenting initiative in Africa (Parenting in Africa Network – PAN). PAN  is now a Network of member organisations in Africa with the aim of being a platform for  information and knowledge building and sharing on areas of concern around parenting in order to inspire programs with a focus on skilful parenting for the ultimate protection of children. 

 

JOB PROFILE

 

Under the direct supervision of the Program Manager Parenting in Africa Network (PAN), the Project Officer will provide technical support to the secretariat in coordination and organization of all research related activities necessary; to build a wealth of information on parenting as is required by the Network.

 

Specifically,

·         Ensure effective start and completion of baseline surveys, studies  and research commissioned  on parenting skills as per the approved work plans and within the chosen areas in collaboration with participating PAN members and partners.

·         Design and develop a parenting information database to support the programme data collection activities; and conducting literature reviews to support programme activities.

·         From time to time, engage in a wide range of research activities and employing a range of different research methodologies to enrich the information database of PAN.

·         Drafting research specifications and agreeing on terms of reference for research when  commissioning and project-managing research projects;

·         Developing  research instruments, such as questionnaires, FGD guides and editing draft reports while ensuring quality control of the process;

·         Conducting and analyzing studies with large scale data sets, with network members and other stakeholders.

·         Ensuring that research is conducted within a set time frame to meet programme requirements;

·         Providing information on existing research available in  the programme area;

·         Working in close partnership with external research contractors, other programme  colleagues during the course of the research

• Producing both written and oral briefs for colleagues and stakeholders , based on reviews of research evidence
• Responding to external and internal research enquiries from colleagues,  and stakeholders
• Support the PAN secretariat in design and use of an M&E system for the organization.
• Keeping up to date with developments in policy and social issues, as well as qualitative and quantitative research methods;
• Delivering presentations at conferences/ meetings

KEY DELIVERABLES (OUTPUTS)

1.   Programme  planning, coordination and implementation

 

·         Develop a comprehensive survey , research  and study proposals detailing the methodology, tools and timelines of data collection for each location.

·         Organize, plan and ensure quality is adhered to from start to end of the survey and research  project

·         Design and conduct training for enumerators and staff who will participate in the field data collection activities

·         Organize and undertake pre-testing of the data collection tools/instruments in liaison with the participating PAN members and PAN secretariat staff.

·         Support the secretariat in establishing and maintaining working relations with partners and collaborators in the skilful parenting program, specifically the research project.

·         Relationships with the community and partners effectively managed and opportunities for enhancing program activities identified and communicated.

·         Prepare written progress reports through various stages of research activities. 

·         In collaboration with participating organisations and secretariat staff, lead in data analysis and documentation of an end of project report.

·         Draft the entire research report in preparation for validation, publishing and  dissemination

·         Support the secretariat with design and installation of an M&E system for monitoring program activities.

 

 

2.   Internal and external relations

 

·         In collaboration with the Program Manager, maintains frequent contact with partners and member organisations implementing skilful parenting programs and "Parenting in Africa" network.

·         Represent the Network in partnership meetings, conferences or workshops as assigned by the Program Manager

 

 

SKILLS SUMMARY

 

·         Demonstrated working knowledge of social research methodology and study design

·         Must have experience in qualitative and quantitative research methods 

·         Ability to work under minimum  supervision

·         Ability  to communicate effectively (writing and verbally) in English and have basic fluency in Kiswahili

·         Excellent interpersonal skills, with ability to work in a team

·         Relevant computer skills including MS Office and the Internet

·         Analytical and organisational skills

·         Project planning and management

·         Monitoring and Evaluation skills

 

 

 

 

REQUIREMENTS

 

a.      Degree in any of the following Social Sciences:-  Development studies, sociology, population studies  or statistics 

b.      Minimum of 3  years progressive experience in program work and particular experience in undertaking social research

c.       Interpersonal and communication skills

d.      Relationship management and networking skills

e.      Problem solving skills

f.        Administrative skills will be an added advantage.

g.       Knowledge  and experience in  research analysis software packages  ( SPSS, EPI Info or Stat)

 

 

Location: This position is based in Nairobi, Kenya but will require travel to the field stations in the region, particularly within PAN participating organisations. 

 

Duration: Initial one year contract (Jan-Dec 2012) with possibility of extension subject to availability of funding

 

 

Apply by sending a cover letter, Curriculum Vitae, including 3 referees one of who should be your current supervisor (Employer); to:

 

Parenting in Africa Network (PAN) Secretariat

C/O Regional Office ICS-Africa

Gold Rock Park, Mombasa Road
P.O. Box 13892-00800, Nairobi, Kenya

 

 

How to Apply

Eligible candidates are requested to submit an online application at the following link: rorecruit@icsafrica.org: with the subject: Application for Project Officer, PAN Secretariat. The deadline for receipt of applications is 11^TH February 2012. Applications received after this will not be considered. In view of the volume of applications, only candidates being invited to an interview will be contacted

 

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.