Mercy Corps is a leading global humanitarian organization driven by the belief that a better world is possible. Operating in over 40 countries, Mercy Corps partners with local communities to implement innovative, impactful programs that help people overcome crisis and build stronger futures. Since establishing operations in Kenya in 2008, Mercy Corps has focused its interventions around peacebuilding, market systems development, governance, and youth employment. The organization’s work is primarily concentrated in Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), with a vision to strengthen community resilience against recurring shocks and stresses, particularly in fragile environments.
In line with this mission, Mercy Corps is currently implementing a four-year initiative titled Promoting Resilience Inclusivity and Meaningful Engagement (PRIME). The program is active in Northern Kenya, specifically the counties of Isiolo and Marsabit. PRIME seeks to consolidate gains made in adolescent empowerment and community health while creating an enabling environment for young people to thrive socially and economically.
To support this transformative initiative, Mercy Corps is recruiting a qualified and passionate individual for the following position:
Position Title: Program Officer – Marsabit
Job Category: Programming
Requisition Number: PROGR005853
Location: Marsabit, Kenya
Employment Type: Full-time, On-site
Date Posted: 27 March 2025
About the Role
The Program Officer will play a critical role in implementing the PRIME program in Marsabit. This position requires both technical knowledge and strong coordination skills. The Program Officer will support the empowerment of adolescents and young adults by facilitating access to life skills, livelihood development, and transitional pathways to economic independence. The individual will also work closely with local partners, community leaders, and government departments to create an inclusive environment where adolescents and youth can thrive.
Program Overview
PRIME is built on three interconnected pillars:
- Life Skills: Establishment of safe spaces where adolescent girls, boys, and young women can gain essential skills such as literacy, numeracy, financial literacy, Agri-nutrition, sexual and reproductive health (SRH), and transferable business skills.
- Livelihood Skills and Transitional Pathways: Offering targeted support to young people for school re-entry, vocational training, and small business development, ensuring their growth into economically independent adults.
- Community Engagement and Enabling Environment: Collaborating with communities and local authorities to foster social norms and resource accessibility that support adolescents’ growth and well-being.
Key Responsibilities
Program Management
- Contribute to work plans and ensure successful implementation of PRIME activities, adhering to timelines and budgets while delivering measurable results.
- Provide technical guidance on the adolescent and youth safe space model, ensuring program strategies are aligned with Mercy Corps’ values and evidence-based practices.
- Develop and facilitate community sensitization events to raise awareness of the PRIME program’s objectives and activities.
- Create technical curricula covering literacy, nutrition, WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene), financial literacy, SRH, Agri-nutrition, and Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA).
- Lead recruitment and training efforts for Community Health Promoters (CHPs) and Field Agents who will oversee SILC (Savings and Internal Lending Communities) groups.
- Ensure health facilities are mapped and capacitated to offer adolescent-friendly services.
- Facilitate the registration of program participants with the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) to enhance healthcare access.
Community and Government Engagement
- Conduct mobilization meetings at village level to promote community buy-in.
- Collaborate with county departments such as Health, Gender, Education, Trade, Social Services, and Cooperatives to streamline program implementation and ensure local support.
- Organize community dialogues, advocacy meetings, and international day celebrations to raise awareness about adolescent rights and empowerment.
- Engage men and boys, including fathers and spouses, through structured discussions aimed at fostering supportive environments for adolescent girls and young women.
- Identify and collaborate with community champions and male change agents to shift norms in favor of gender equality and youth empowerment.
Participant Selection
- Educate local communities on PRIME’s objectives and eligibility criteria.
- Identify and recruit mentors, CHPs, and Field Agents from the community.
- Select and organize adolescent girls, boys, and young women into safe space groups and SILC networks.
- Train Field Agents to manage group dynamics, facilitate savings processes, and monitor progress.
Partnership Development
- Establish linkages between program participants and financial institutions, traders, vocational centers, and government entities.
- Facilitate multi-stakeholder planning sessions with NGOs, private sector actors, and county departments to ensure alignment and coordinated efforts.
- Explore and develop potential partnerships to expand program reach and effectiveness.
Program Monitoring
- Monitor safe space activities and track progress against established indicators.
- Develop and implement customized monitoring tools to collect relevant program data.
- Collaborate with the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) team to conduct regular field assessments.
- Contribute to data collection, reporting, and documentation of program impacts, challenges, and lessons learned.
- Assist in the preparation of comprehensive weekly, monthly, and quarterly progress reports.
Coordination
- Work closely with operational departments (procurement, finance, administration, security, and logistics) to ensure smooth program implementation.
- Ensure procurement processes align with Mercy Corps’ FP3 policy and utilize the Pro-Source system.
- Coordinate procurement of materials and services required for the PRIME program’s field activities.
Team Management
- Support the recruitment and orientation of Field Agents and Program Assistants.
- Provide ongoing mentorship and performance feedback to field staff.
- Encourage professional conduct and foster a culture of accountability and high ethical standards.
- Serve as a role model for professionalism, integrity, and respect in all community interactions.
Safeguarding
- Promote safeguarding principles in all program activities, ensuring the dignity, safety, and well-being of participants.
- Proactively identify and mitigate risks related to safeguarding, and encourage team members to report any concerns via established channels such as the Mercy Corps Integrity Hotline.
- Uphold Mercy Corps’ Code of Conduct and participate in mandatory annual training on ethics and safeguarding.
Supervisory Responsibilities
- Direct supervision of Community Health Promoters and Field Agents.
Reporting Lines
- Reports directly to: Program Manager
- Works closely with: Director of Programs, MEL Officer, Finance Officer, Procurement/Logistics Officer, Program Assistant, Local Implementing Partners (LIPs)
Knowledge and Experience Requirements
- Minimum of three years’ experience working with NGOs, INGOs, or community-based organizations (CBOs) in areas such as civic engagement, livelihoods, and education.
- Diploma in Community Development, Business, Gender Studies, Agriculture, Economic Development, or a related field.
- Proficiency in quantitative and qualitative data collection and reporting techniques.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with fluency in English, Kiswahili, and local languages.
- Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and maintain team cohesion.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word, and Access.
- Strong problem-solving capabilities and willingness to work in remote, under-resourced settings.
Success Factors The ideal candidate for the Program Officer position is a dynamic professional with a passion for youth empowerment and community development. They should possess the ability to think creatively, facilitate collaborative partnerships, and adapt programming to local contexts. Success in this role requires multitasking, strategic thinking, and the ability to engage meaningfully with stakeholders at all levels. Mercy Corps values individuals who demonstrate integrity, resilience, and a commitment to delivering sustainable, high-impact programs.
Living and Working Conditions The Program Officer will be based in Marsabit. Individual housing is provided, and staff have access to appropriate medical services. The role may require frequent travel within the county to engage with communities and partners.
Learning and Development Mercy Corps promotes a learning culture where staff are encouraged to dedicate 5% of their time to professional development. Opportunities for training, reflection, and mentorship are integral to staff growth.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Mercy Corps is committed to building diverse teams and creating inclusive workspaces where all individuals feel valued. The organization seeks candidates who bring unique perspectives and backgrounds to help drive innovation and problem-solving.
Equal Employment Opportunity Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based solely on merit, without regard to race, gender, religion, disability, sexual orientation, age, or any other protected status.
Ethical Standards and Safeguarding All Mercy Corps staff are expected to uphold the organization’s high ethical standards, with zero tolerance for any form of abuse, harassment, or exploitation. Successful applicants must commit to safeguarding policies and undergo mandatory training upon hiring and annually.
For applicants, if you witness or experience any form of misconduct during the recruitment process, you are encouraged to report it via Mercy Corps’ Integrity Hotline ([email protected]).
How to Apply
