Mercy Corps is driven by the belief that a better world is possible. This belief fuels our work every day as we support communities in crisis, help people build stronger economies, and foster resilience in the face of ongoing challenges. To achieve our mission, we recognize that diverse teams and inclusive environments are essential. Our strength comes from the diversity of our backgrounds, experiences, and ideas. Every individual at Mercy Corps is respected, empowered, and supported to grow.
We are currently seeking a qualified and passionate individual to join our team in Marsabit County as a Program Assistant under the Promoting Resilience Inclusivity & Meaningful Engagements (PRIME) program. This position offers an opportunity to make a tangible impact on the lives of adolescents and young people, supporting them to access the resources, skills, and support they need to thrive.
About the PRIME Program
The PRIME Program—Promoting Resilience Inclusivity & Meaningful Engagements—is a four-year, USD 2 million initiative aimed at consolidating and accelerating progress made in adolescent empowerment and community health through previous interventions like the GIRL H and GIRL LMS programs. The program operates in Isiolo and Marsabit counties and is designed to ensure that 10,000 adolescents and young people access meaningful opportunities and services that contribute to healthier and more empowered lives.
Funded by the Swinmurn Family Foundation, the PRIME program builds on five years of programming experience and focuses on creating a strong, enabling environment for youth-led change and sustainable development. Mercy Corps seeks to strengthen partnerships, enhance grassroots engagement, and promote equity through this initiative.
Position Summary: Program Assistant (Marsabit)
The Program Assistant will play a critical role in implementing the PRIME program in Marsabit County. Reporting to the Senior Program Officer, the Program Assistant will engage with local communities, support training and mentorship activities, facilitate coordination with various stakeholders, and ensure effective delivery of the program’s objectives on the ground.
This role requires dedication, strong communication skills, and a passion for working with young people and marginalized communities. The successful candidate will be an effective team player, able to coordinate with cross-functional teams and adapt to a dynamic, field-based environment.
Detailed Job Description
Program Management Responsibilities
- Contribute to the development of teamwork plans in collaboration with the program team.
- Work closely with the Senior Program Officer to ensure effective implementation of PRIME activities and achievement of program deliverables.
- Provide logistical and facilitation support during training sessions conducted for Facilitators (FAs), Community Health Promoters (CHPs), and other stakeholders.
- Participate in the delivery of technical curricula for adolescents and youth, ensuring content is relevant and age-appropriate.
- Conduct regular field visits and monitoring assessments to evaluate program implementation and impact.
- Coordinate with internal departments—procurement, logistics, security, finance, and HR—to ensure efficient support for field operations.
- Promote community-driven approaches and integrate gender sensitivity and capacity-building into all program activities.
- Ensure strict adherence to Mercy Corps’ Gender Policy, Do No Harm principles, and Child Protection and Safeguarding policies.
- Provide mentorship support to CHPs and other community mentors to deliver curricula effectively.
- Collaborate with other stakeholders to manage and support adolescent girls’ safe space groups, ensuring inclusive and participatory learning environments.
Community and County Government Engagement
- Organize and facilitate community mobilization sessions to promote awareness of the PRIME model.
- Engage local leaders and opinion shapers to foster trust and secure buy-in for program activities.
- Build and maintain relationships with local animal and human health workers for technical support in community activities.
- Liaise with county government departments, particularly Gender and Social Services, to support the registration and empowerment of youth groups.
- Advocate for the inclusion of youth in local development plans and secure material or financial support from relevant stakeholders.
Participant Selection
- Lead awareness campaigns and sensitization activities targeting adolescent girls and boys to increase program participation.
- Participate in the recruitment and onboarding of mentors and facilitators.
- Ensure the recruitment process is transparent, inclusive, and aligned with the objectives of the PRIME program.
- Facilitate the formation and onboarding of safe space groups, ensuring they are representative and effectively supported.
Partnership Management
- Establish strong linkages between adolescent groups and key players in the public and private sectors, including markets, financial institutions, and educational or vocational training providers.
- Organize planning and coordination meetings with local government agencies, NGOs, and community-based organizations to enhance cooperation and alignment.
- Promote shared learning and collaboration among partners to maximize program outcomes and sustainability.
Program Monitoring
- Track and document the progress of safe space groups on a routine basis.
- Collect and compile monitoring data, ensuring accuracy and timely submission to designated officers.
- Support evaluations, surveys, and assessments by developing tools, training data collectors, and supervising data collection processes.
- Work with the MEL (Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning) team to assess the quality and impact of field activities.
- Ensure timely data entry and reporting on all platforms used for program monitoring.
- Prepare weekly field reports, success stories, and any other documentation required for program learning and accountability.
Coordination and Administration
- Provide administrative support for procurement requests, financial expense tracking, and logistical planning.
- Collaborate with other team members to ensure smooth implementation of field activities.
- Maintain proper documentation and ensure compliance with organizational procedures.
Safeguarding Responsibilities
- Demonstrate a proactive understanding of safeguarding principles and integrate these into daily work and interactions with participants.
- Promote Mercy Corps’ values and code of conduct, emphasizing dignity, inclusion, and mutual respect.
- Create an open and transparent environment where participants and staff can freely report safeguarding concerns through appropriate channels such as the Integrity Hotline.
- Uphold Mercy Corps’ zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation, abuse, child abuse, and other forms of misconduct.
Supervisory Responsibilities
- Oversee the work of CHPs and FAs within the program area.
- Provide guidance, mentorship, and technical support to field agents and facilitators.
Reporting and Working Relationships
- Reports Directly To: Senior Program Officer
- Works Directly With: Program Manager, MEL Officer, MEL Coordinator
Minimum Qualifications and Transferrable Skills
- Minimum of 2 years’ experience working with NGOs or CBOs, especially in areas of civic engagement, economic development, livelihoods, or youth empowerment.
- Diploma in a relevant field such as Community Development, Economic Development, Business, Agriculture, or Livestock. A degree is considered an added advantage.
- Demonstrated experience working with adolescents, women, and vulnerable communities across diverse backgrounds.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse and inclusive team.
- Proficient in English and at least one local language spoken in Marsabit County.
- Comfortable using MS Office tools such as Word and Excel.
- Ability to ride a motorbike is required.
Success Factors
The ideal candidate will be a strong communicator with excellent problem-solving skills and a proactive mindset. The Program Assistant must be highly organized, flexible, and comfortable managing multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced and evolving context. Experience working in rural or marginalized communities is essential. A commitment to gender equity, child protection, and youth inclusion will be central to the success of this role.
Living Conditions
The Program Assistant will be based in Marsabit. The location offers individual housing and access to quality medical facilities. The role requires frequent travel to remote areas within the county.
Ongoing Learning
Mercy Corps promotes continuous learning and growth. All team members are encouraged to dedicate at least 5% of their time to personal or professional development through training, mentoring, or other learning opportunities.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Mercy Corps is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We believe that a wide range of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences strengthens our organization. We foster an environment where every team member feels respected, valued, and empowered to contribute to their fullest potential.
Equal Employment Opportunity
We are an equal opportunity employer. Discrimination of any kind is not tolerated. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, or ability. We value diversity and aim to ensure all team members thrive in a safe and respectful work environment.
Safeguarding and Ethics
Mercy Corps is fully committed to safeguarding all individuals we interact with. This includes upholding our policies related to the prevention of sexual exploitation, child abuse, and all forms of misconduct. All staff are required to complete safeguarding training and adhere to our Code of Conduct. Applicants are required to confirm that they have not violated any safeguarding policies in previous roles. Reports of misconduct during the recruitment process can be directed to our Integrity Hotline at: integrityhotline@mercycorps.org
Job Opportunity at Mercy Corps: Program Assistant – Marsabit
Job Category: Programming
Requisition Number: PROGR005769
Location: Marsabit, KE-25 1186800100, Kenya
Type: Full-Time
Work Environment: On-Site
Posting Date: 27 March 2025
Applications
To apply for this position, please follow the link below:
