Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within. Now, and for the future.
Program / Department
Mercy Corps began working in Kenya in 2008 and has built a robust and diverse portfolio working to enable Kenyans affected by poverty, climate change, resource scarcity and conflict to be healthy, productive and to drive peace and development of their communities. To do this, we deliver integrated programming to strengthen market and governance systems, innovate urban youth employment opportunities, respond to climate-related shocks, address the root causes of conflict, and build the resilience of vulnerable populations – in particular youth, women, adolescents and marginalized communities.
Mercy Corps is seeking Program Officer- Energy to support our Resilient Approaches in Natural Rangeland Ecosystems (RANGE) program, the position will be based in Marsabit. RANGE seeks to strengthen the resilience of communities in the Arid- and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) of northern Kenya through natural resource management, livestock market engagement, governance, advocacy and adaptive learning. The program will contribute to sustainable economic and social development in a well-managed landscape.
General Position Summary
The Program Officer- Energy is a key member of the program team supporting Isiolo, Samburu and Marsabit Counties and will report to the Marsabit County Coordinator. Will lead the delivery of energy related activities in pursuit of program outcomes.
Essential Responsibilities
PROGRAM SUPPORT
Work with the County Coordinators and consortium partners to support all relevant aspects of RANGE implementation in pursuit of the program goals and outcomes.
Provide updates and analysis of key developments in Energy sector in the targeted thematic areas.
Identify needs and opportunities energy sector and provide relevant information to facilitate the program team’s ability to develop and implement renewable energy.
Under guidance by the Energy 4 Impact team, identify and oversee delivery of relevant market-led renewable energy and clean cooking interventions in program locations.
Document lessons and best practices on application of green technologies to support livestock systems, strengthen land management, and mitigate climate threats.
Support activities to strengthen capacities of the public sector, private sector, and communities in clean energy supply and adoption.
Under the guidance and QC by the E4I team provide technical assistance to any energy companies identified and engaged in the program.
Under the direction of the County Coordinators, develop and maintain relationships with organizations/ actors in key target sectors (e.g. faith organizations, youth groups, women’s organizations, CBOs/local nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), local government officials, etc.).
MONITORING AND EVALUATION
Work with the Monitoring and Evaluation team and partners in program monitoring, evaluation and learning.
Support tracking of partners’ activities – attending all events in the targeted counties, as relevant.
Support partners on activity-level Monitoring and Evaluation(M&E) efforts, ensuring quality, reliability, and consistency in data collection efforts using program M&E templates.
Support analysis on the contribution of energy interventions to natural resource management, livestock systems, livelihoods, and climate mitigation.
Help identify lessons learned from project implementation and facilitate the incorporation of lessons learned into the activity development cycle.
Meet regularly with the program team to evaluate project progress, identify successes, challenges and lessons-learned, and adjust practices as necessary to improve performance.
Prepare and submit to the program team reports of specific events, field trips and meetings attended.
Support the team in effectively utilizing established Monitoring and Evaluation formats and provide feedback for their improvement.
S/he can help (with E4I’s guidance) to build MCK’s in-house knowledge and capacity on integrating clean energy technologies in achieving our climate action objectives.
S/he could also participate in the Green team and be our representative in the satellite offices.
Reports Directly to: County Coordinator
Works Directly with: RANGE County Coordinators, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Manager, Senior Program Manager, Energy 4 Impact team, Director of Programs, PAQ Department, Partner Staff and Technical Advisor.
Minimum Qualification & Transferable Skills
Bachelor’s degree in Energy and Environmental Technology/Renewable Energy related fields, Electrical Engineering, or in a related degree from a recognized institution.
At least 3 years’ experience implementing donor funded projects.
Knowledge and experience in implementing carbon reduction initiatives and clean energy technologies. Experience working with the private sector on technology and business model development is advantageous.
Experience in project development, financing, operation and capacity building of communities and partners on renewable energy solutions.
Excellent organization and project management skills.
Ability to interact effectively with the diverse project stakeholders, including government officials (National and County Government), private sector actors, local Implementing partners Community Based Organizations and community members.
Experience in project Monitoring and Evaluation.
Strong analytical and report writing skills.
Previous experience working in Kenya’s ASAL counties preferred.
Good knowledge and skills with the of MS Office applications such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook and Access
Fluency in Swahili and other relevant languages necessary
Success Factors
The Program Officer- Energy will have the ability to work effectively communicate with Mercy Corps target populations and partners. S/he will have demonstrated cultural sensitivity and appropriate flexibility to work cooperatively with team members and partner organizations.
Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions
The position is based at Marsabit and requires up to 30% travel to field locations to support program implementation in all the Three RANGE program counties of Isiolo, Samburu and Marsabit. Which may include travel to insecure locations where freedom of movement is restricted and areas where basic amenities are limited.
Ongoing Learning
In support of our belief that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities we serve, we empower all team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that further their personal and/or professional growth and development.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives. We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact. We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.
Safeguarding & Ethics
Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct eLearning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Mercy Corps does NOT charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.
