The Interim Research & Insights Director will lead the research and insight generation strategy and its implementation at the Jobtech Alliance for the remainder of Phase 1 of the program (to the end of 2025). With Phase 2 funding anticipated to be secured in the second half of 2025, we will conduct a recruitment for a full-time role starting in 2026 thereafter. The role is expected to be a largely... full-time consultancy, but part-time models could be explored.

As the Interim Research & Insights Director, you will craft our learning-for-action agenda, oversee research activities on our jobtech start-up acceleration activities and beyond, and coordinate our dissemination and advocacy plans to ensure our research outputs lead to action across our ecosystem. We operate as a ‘do-tank’ rather than a ‘think-tank’ - our research insights need to be operationally impactful. You will often have a role in moving research into practice, as well as vice-versa. You will be traveling up to 20% of the time across the continent.

This role at the Jobtech Alliance will provide you with access to unrivaled information resources, data and influence across the Jobtech ecosystem in Africa:


Access to the highest-potential Jobtech start-ups across the continent working to make their business models more scalable and inclusive
The most comprehensive dataset on gig workers in Africa with rich details on engagement patterns and earnings
Deep relationships with players across the jobtech ecosystem for research dissemination and advocacy 


You will have the opportunity to influence and execute action-oriented research and learning to solve problems across the Jobtech Alliance ecosystem:


Internal use cases: where the Jobtech Alliance team requires insights that are material to the organisation’s operations, e.g. guiding our strategy around platforms in international migration
Partner use cases: where partner Jobtech start-ups or donor funders require insights for their decision making, e.g. how best to support female gig workers increase their platform earning
Ecosystem use cases: where learning products are required to shift mindsets and get ecosystem actors to do something differently, e.g. helping platform entrepreneurs curb platform cutout
Communication use cases: shorter-form thought leadership articles that raise the Jobtech Alliance’s profile, e.g. guidance on how to measure what counts as a job in gig platforms


Consultant Activities:

RESEARCH AND INSIGHTS STRATEGY25%


Craft and continuously refine our research and insights strategy, identifying the different research and insight use cases and the appropriate methodologies, formats, dissemination channels and advocacy required to translate research outputs to action.
Shape the overarching learning-for-action agenda of the Jobtech Alliance. Identify emerging themes coming out of our work, as well as upon the wider Jobtech horizon, which require further research.
Support the venture building team to identify learning themes and opportunities within their innovation sprints.
Advise the team on new issues they should be addressing in their work, based on reading emerging research in the Jobtech space.


CONDUCTING RESEARCH AND OVERSEEING RESEARCH OUTPUTS 65%


Lead research on varying themes with acceleration start-up partners, from product design, to business model strategy, user-level impact, and/or operations. This involves strategizing research approaches and methodologies in a manner that is adapted to each innovation project’s needs, and would involve data collection activities with start-ups, the venture building team, and users themselves.
Oversee the analysis, synthesis, and production of knowledge products as a primary author for various forms of audiences and channels, including long-form reports, blogs, and other communication mediums for knowledge products. Our content will primarily be in the form of 5-10 page learning reports, and 1-2 page blogs, with a few longer-form research products.
Manage researchers, consultants and primary data collectors, where required, as part of the research output production process.


LEAD DISSEMINATION AND ADVOCACY ACTIVITIES 10%


Execute tailored dissemination plans for the various research use cases identified in the strategy. This may include workshops, webinars, public events and social media campaigns.
Lead advocacy efforts to feed research findings into the decision-making process of ecosystem actors, where identified in the strategy.
Oversee quarterly research and content calendar. Ensure that research and content (blogs etc) are on course.
Ensure quality and relevance of blogs and learning products produced by other team members. 
Function as a learning focal point for engagement with external stakeholders. Attend local events, meetings and networking activities.
Where suitable, convene researchers in the Jobtech space to move forward learning agenda, or to foster collaboration.


Deliverables


Learning Studies produced on regular basis as per Learning Agenda (at least 6 over contract period)
Major Learning Study on Gender & Jobtech completed
Systems established for ongoing learning


Accountability

Reports Directly To: Director / Jobtech Alliance

Works Directly With: Start-ups, External partners, Results Measurement & Insights Lead, Venture builders,

Minimum Qualification & Transferable Skills


Bachelor’s degree in business, social science, international development, or a related field.
10+ years of relevant experience, including working in or with technology startups.
Demonstrated expertise in both quantitative and qualitative research methods.
Demonstrated ability to develop tailored research and learning strategies covering use cases, formats and dissemination plans
Demonstrated familiarity with both business strategies and decisions, as well as user-level impact.
Excellent communication and writing skills, with a keen ability to synthesize and present complex data in a simple, compelling, meaningful way.
Computer proficiency in word processing, databases, and spreadsheets.
Must be a strong self-starter.
Ability to complete tasks in a timely manner while balancing several assignments with inputs from multiple team members. more

Program / Department Summary

Mercy Corps is recruiting Program Officer to support human capital development for resilient individuals who are well placed for commercial engagement for a four-year program Promoting Resilience Inclusivity and Meaningful Engagement being implemented in Kenya in the Northern Frontier counties of Isiolo and Marsabit. The program is consolidating gains in... adolescent's empowerment and healthy communities achieved through previous programs while accelerating change through a stronger enabling environment that allows 10,000 young people to access opportunities, services and support to achieve their potential and live healthier lives.

General Position Summary

The Program Officer will be responsible for technical oversight and management of Promoting Resilience Inclusivity and Meaningful Engagement Program. PRIME utilizes three key dimensions: Life Skills: Adolescent girls, boys and young women attend safe spaces to strengthen their understanding of critical life skills, literacy/numeracy, Agri-Nutrition, safe motherhood, environmental awareness, sexual and reproductive health, financial literacy, savings, and transferable business skills. Livelihood Skills and Transitional Pathways: Utilizing the skills and relationships built in the safe spaces, the program works with the participants to identify transitional pathways, such as 1) support to remain in school, 2) support to re-enroll in school and/or attend vocational/technical training, or 3) support to start a business/engage in income-generating activities. These transitional pathways provide opportunities for girls and boys to grow educationally and economically, providing a framework for later contribution to improved health outcomes for themselves and their families. Community Engagement and Enabling Environment: Working with stakeholders to facilitate behavior change regarding the role and importance of girls and boys within society while also ensuring that the resources and services available in these communities are appropriate, accessible, and relevant to adolescents.

 The Program Officer will define implementation strategies in coordination with the Program manager, Local Implementing Partners and the entire leadership team. The Program Officer will train staff and partners, providing them with technical guidance and ensuring that common strategies and approaches are applied consistently in all communities. The Program Officer will coordinate closely with the M&E team to ensure that systems are in place to track, analyze and report results. The Program Officer will keep abreast of changing contexts and integrate new ideas and approaches as appropriate, seek additional technical assistance as needed and ensure effective working relationships with collaborating agencies.  The Program Officer will work closely with local partners who will be collaborating in scaling up the PRIME program.

Essential Job Responsibilities

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT


Contribute to teamwork plans and guide successful implementation of PRIME and Learning activities, ensuring teams follow work plans so activities are on time, target and within the approved budget, and program deliverables achieve desired impact.
Provide technical guidance on adolescent and youth personal agency empowerment safe space model and ensure that interventions are responsive to stakeholders and consistent with Mercy Corps’ relevant program guidelines, principles, values, quality standards and strategic plan. Ensure that interventions are evidence-based and adhere to adaptive management principles.
Engage community members (community representatives, teachers, religious leaders, government officials and gatekeepers) to form Program Advisory Committee to support and inform program activities.
Organize community events to sensitize communities on PRIME program.
Assist in the creation of technical curricula, basic education (numeracy & literacy), basic nutrition literacy, WASH awareness and campaign, financial literacy and reproductive health, SRH, Agri-nutrition, SILC/VSLA
Participate in recruitment and train Community Health Promoters and Field agents on PRIME technical curriculum.
Support in Managing the Field agents who supervise the SILC groups as they conduct their weekly safe space meetings.
Map Health facilities and ensure they are supported to offer adolescent friendly services.
Train SILC agents on SILC methodology and help them cascade the same knowledge to groups.
Register participants with SHIF and ensure they are accessing health services.


COMMUNITY AND COUNTY GOVERNMENT ENGAGEMENT.


Conduct community mobilization and sensitization meetings at village level
Identify and engage community leaders to sensitize on the PRIME and establish buy-in
Link with relevant county government departments such as Gender, Education, MOH, Trade, Cooperatives, Administration and Social Services for group registrations, financial and material support.
Conduct community dialogues, advocacy meetings and champion days in collaboration with government and communities to rally people on adolescent support and empowerment.
Conduct government engagement/briefing of government departments on program progress.
Collaborate with communities and government in celebration of international calendar days geared towards supporting young people achieve their rights.
Hold male involvement meetings e.g. spouses and parents(fathers) meetings to establish support of young women targeted under PRIME program.
Work with communities identifies champions/male change agents to support girls and women in communities.


PARTICIPANTS SELECTION


Sensitize adolescent girls, boys and young women on PRIME program, objectives and target groups.
Participate in identification and recruitment of PRIME group mentors/Community Health Promoters to deliver technical curricula to girls, boys and young women.
Identify and recruit girls, boys and young women in the community to participate in safe space groups.
Organize the young people 18-29 years into SILC groups for savings.
Identify and train Field Agents to oversee groups.


PARTNERSHIPS


Link women to other traders, markets, financial institutions, public and private institutions.
Facilitate planning meetings and workshops with government, NGO, private sector, and community partners to revise plans and promote partner acceptance/buy-in.
Identify potential opportunities for linkage with other development partners and County government


PROGRAM MONITORING.


Monitor and track the progress of safe space groups.
Support the development of customized monitoring and evaluation tools.
Collect monitoring data from PRIME groups and submit it to management.
Support assessments, evaluations and monitoring surveys relevant to PRIME program including support in the development of Scopes of Work, survey tools, training and management of data collectors, report writing and facilitating results discussion
In coordination with the MEL team, monitor the implementation of activities through regular field visits and assessments to ensure program quality and impact.
Support Program manager in the preparation of the weekly, monthly and quarterly reports.
Document approaches, successes and lessons learned.


COORDINATION


Coordinate with procurement, logistics, security, finance, administration and human resources teams to ensure operational systems support field activities.
Support operations team to facilitate procurement of goods and services related to the PRIME intervention.
Utilize pro-source in all procurement as per FP3 policy.


TEAM MANAGEMENT


Participate in recruitment and training of Field Agents and Program Assistant.
Promote accountability, communicate expectations and provide constructive feedback informally and formally via regular one-on-one and performance reviews.
Support the orientation of Field Agents at field level.
Support orientation of Program Assistants.
Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.
Other duties as assigned.


SAFEGUARDING


Actively learns about safeguarding and integrates it into their work, including safeguarding risks and mitigations related to their area of work
Practices the values of Mercy Corps including respecting the dignity and well-being of participants and fellow team members
Encourages openness and communication in their team; encourages team members to submit reports if they have any concerns using reporting mechanisms e.g., Integrity Hotline and other options.


Supervisory Responsibility


Community Health Promoters and Field Agents.
Accountability


Reports Directly To: Program manager.

Works Directly With: Director Programs, MEL Officer, Finance Officer, Procurement/Logistics Officer, Program Assistant, LIPs.

Knowledge and Experience


Minimum of 3 years’ experience working with INGOs/NGOs/CBOs in civic engagement, livelihoods and education.
Diploma in Community Development, Economic Development, Business, Agriculture, Gender and development, Livestock or related field.
Should have knowledge of quantitative and qualitative data collection, reporting techniques and should understand and be able to apply basic measures of central tendency and spread.
Commitment to working with Women, Girls, boys, youth and vulnerable groups in need, regardless of race, tribe, religion or gender.
Understanding of working with local partners and commitment to working with the greater PRIME team.
Good problem solving, written and oral communication skills.
Strong written and spoken English and Swahili.
Local language skills required.
Ability to work without constant supervision and as part of a mixed team.
Good knowledge of MS Office software such as Excel, Word, and Access. more

The Country Senior Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Officer will play a key role within the PAQ department to develop (with close supervision from the Country MEL Manager and dotted line wit Director of Programs), coordinate, maintain and continuously improve the M&E system at the country level, as well as build the capacity of M&E staff in each office or program. The general duties and... responsibilities of the Country Senior Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Officer are to oversee all monitoring, evaluation and learning activities within the country, ensuring the quality of the programs’ MEL activities, information management via the programs reporting system and Mercy Corps’ TolaData system.

Support the CMM with the development of country MEL strategy, provide leadership to field offices in developing individual program level M&E systems that inform and improve each program, as well as feed into the broader nation-wide M&E system and country strategy.
Develop the program level MEL SOPs taking into account Mercy Corps new MEL Policy and minimum standards.
Provide support with coordination and coaching of the country M&E teams in developing and maintaining a system that improves the country’s ability to analyze and represent impact to donors, government, colleague agencies, and communities themselves;
Support with providing leadership to the country MEL management meetings and actively participate in country-wide strategy sessions to contribute to improved program implementation and adaptive management.
Support the Program MEL leads in coordinating the baseline, mid-term evaluation and final evaluation, along with other key research activities including market assessments and gender assessments more

Program / Department Summary 

With funding from USAID's Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), Mercy Corps’ Nawiri Program is leading a consortium of Kenyan and international partners on a Eight-year journey to sustainably reduce persistent acute malnutrition in Turkana and Samburu Counties of Kenya. Through a phased approach that emphasizes evidence gap analysis, as well as partnership,... learning, and co-creation, the program takes a robust county-centered design with government leadership, active engagement from communities, the private sector, and civil society. Mercy Corps’ consortium brings together the global leadership, research capacity, technical expertise, and implementation experience necessary to partner with local institutions to test, adapt, and scale evidence-based solutions. Together we will sustainably reduce persistent acute malnutrition for vulnerable populations in Turkana and Samburu Counties.

General Position Summary

The Livelihoods and Food Security officer (LFSO) will be a member of the USAID Nawiri Resilient Livelihoods Team and directly responsible for implementing nutrition-sensitive resilient livelihood interventions at sub-county (all wards) level. These include Climate Smart Agriculture (irrigated crop and livestock) production, market systems linkages, private sector and financial inclusion support, enabling market systems to last mile communities to support ultra-poor, strengthening diversified efforts for improved Household Economies. The officer works alongside other officers in layering interventions for collective impact at household and community level. Specifically, The officer will be supporting livestock and small-scale irrigated crop and fodder production for diversified household access to nutrient-dense foods, private sector engagement, households economic strengthening that aims at increasing sustained access to incomes (financial inclusion), Climate smart agriculture approaches and improved ecological practices that support Natural resources management. The officer will work closely with relevant county officials, CSOs and private sector players involved in livelihoods and food security & nutrition within their areas of operation.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Program Management


Coordinate with the different levels of County Government to mobilize actions and ensure effective communication channels.
Coordinate with community leadership to facilitate activity integration and targeting of participants.
Lead implementation of livestock, crops interventions including coordination with target communities and partners at the sub-office level.
Directly oversee crop and fodder production through irrigation in selected irrigation schemes
Collaborate with Nawiri health and nutrition staff to integrate messaging into crop and livestock production training curriculum.
Design and lead TOT training sessions to Community Mobilizers / Champions in collaboration with Government counterparts.
Liaise with other project teams and staff at the sub office level to ensure that all Nawiri interventions are well-coordinated and prioritized
Coordinate with Markets and Alternative Livelihoods team members to identify private sector partners or opportunities for new enterprises that improve farmer access to input and output markets.
Coordinate with public and private service providers (animal health, crop husbandry, etc.) to reach Nawiri participants at the Sub-office level.
Support County livelihoods coordinator in the review and development of work plans and necessary reports.
Collaborate with the M&E team to support monitoring and evaluation on effectiveness and impact of livelihoods activities at the Sub-office level and make recommendations for improvements.


Community and Sub - County engagement


Mobilize sub-county, ward level and village meetings with relevant stakeholders.
Support the facilitation of planning meetings and workshops with government, NGO, private sector, and community partners to revise and customize implementation plans.
Conduct community mobilization and engagement meetings with ward and community-level leaders to implement USAID Nawiri livelihoods activities
Support community visioning process for resilient livelihoods  
Support with collaborative partnership with other development partners and identify potential opportunities for linkage


Influence & representation


Collaborate with Consortium partners, sub grantees, local government, and other implementers, as well as with other Mercy Corps programs working at the sub-office level.
Facilitate planning meetings and workshops with government, NGO, private sector, and community partners to revise plans and promote partner acceptance/buy-in at the sub-office level
Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission


Safeguarding


Actively learns about safeguarding and integrates it into their work, including safeguarding risks and mitigations related to their area of work
Practices the values of Mercy Corps including respecting the dignity and well-being of participants and fellow team members
Encourages openness and communication in their team; encourages team members to submit reports if they have any concerns using reporting mechanisms e.g., Integrity Hotline and other options


Others


Promote and adhere to the principle and objectives of the project and Mercy Corps.
Participate in other USAID Nawiri livelihoods program activities (NRM, Alternative livelihoods, Financial Inclusion)
Any other duties as may be assigned.


Accountability to Beneficiaries


Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically
to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.
Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.


Supervisory Responsibility


Supervision of assistant livelihoods officers 


Accountability

Reports directly to: County Resilient Livelihoods Coordinator

Works directly with: Climate Smart Advisor, alternative livelihoods and inclusive markets advisor, County & sub office M&E officers, BOMA Nawiri project officers, and save the children household economic officers. 

Knowledge and Experience:


Degree in agricultural related field or Diploma with over 3 years’ experience 
A minimum of 2 years’ experience directly implementing agriculture / livestock interventions at the field level in Kenya ASALs. 
Demonstrable familiarity with Kenya’s ASAL, agriculture crop and livestock, resilient livelihoods, and natural resources sectors.
Proficient analytical skills that demonstrate an understanding of the current concepts, priorities, and issues in program monitoring, data collection, and evaluation.
Team player who takes initiative and is a problem-solver.
Effective verbal and written communication, multitasking and organizational skills.
Ability to manage priorities independently
Understanding of the Turkana Local context including the local language is an asset more

The Program / Department Summary

USAID’s Office of Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) awarded funding to a Mercy Corps-led consortium of Kenyan and international partners for an 8-year Resilience Food Security Activity (RFSA) in Turkana and Samburu Counties of Kenya.Through a phased approach that emphasizes evidence gap analysis, as well as partnership, learning, and co-creation with... government, civil society, communities, and the private sector, the USAID Nawiri program aims to drive sustained reductions in acute malnutrition in both counties.

Mercy Corps’ consortium brings together the global leadership, research capacity, technical expertise, and implementation experience necessary to partner with local institutions to test, adapt, and scale evidence-based solutions. The program requires a robust county-centered design with government leadership, active engagement from communities, the private sector, and civil society. Together we will sustainably reduce persistent acute malnutrition for vulnerable populations in Turkana and Samburu counties.

General Position Summary

The Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Assistant will work as part of the county M&E team responsible for program quality assurance, accountability, documentation and learning. They will be involved in day-to-day implementation of the M & E system sub-county level including data collection, collation, entry, analysis and use for decision-making. The Monitoring and Evaluation Assistant will conduct quality assurance activities of field-based data collection mechanisms, program implementation and community accountability process. In addition, they will supervise enumerators during annual household surveys, Post Distribution Monitoring and Qualitative Inquiry Assessments at county level. The assistant will support M&E systems strengthening at sub-county level including, training and mentoring Community Health Workers (CHV), Ward Development Committees (WDC) and other field-based data processes to produce reliable/quality data and support platforms for data use platforms for decision-making at sub-county and ward level.

Essential Responsibilities

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT: MONITORING AND EVALUATION


 Support in roll-out of USAID Nawiri monitoring and evaluation strategy and tools at the Sub County level.
 Collect program routine monitoring data and follow-up with the program team on data collection and reporting.
 Support roll-out and supervision of data collection through Annual Surveys, Post Distribution Monitoring (PDM) and Quality Inquiry Surveys.
 Timely entry of monitoring data into mobile and computer-based data collection systems and working with MIS officers to resolve data quality issues observed.
 Support Monitoring and Evaluation activities to ensure that program-based monitoring activities are being performed according to schedule.
 Support and collaborate with the M&E Officer to provide timely reports and data summaries.
 Assist to maintaining a clear and transparent filing system at the Sub County level office.
 Support the process of testing and adopting relevant technologies for improving the efficiency of the program’s MEL function at the Sub- County level.
 Strengthen Sub-County Government M&E and Data Use Platforms including Review Meeting, Data Quality Assurance, Mentoring and Supportive Supervision.
 Other duties as assigned from time to time by supervisor.


SAFEGUARDING


Actively learns about safeguarding and integrates it into their work, including safeguarding risks and mitigations related to their area of work
Practices the values of Mercy Corps including respecting the dignity and well-being of participants and fellow team members
Encourages openness and communication in their team; encourages team members to submit reports if they have any concerns using reporting mechanisms e.g., Integrity Hotline and other options


Accountability to Beneficiaries


 Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.
 Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC’s policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.


Supervisory Responsibility

 None

Accountability

Reports Directly to: M&E Officer at the Sub County level, with technical oversight from the MEL Coordinator and administrative oversight from the Sub County Lead

Works Directly with: USAID Nawiri Program Quality and Learning team, all program staff and implementing partners at sub-county level.

Accountability to Participants and Stakeholders

Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our program participants, community partners, other stakeholders, and to international standards guiding international relief and development work. We are committed to actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

Minimum Qualification & Transferable Skills


Must hold at least a diploma in Social Science, Statistics, International development, Health, Agriculture or relevant field (with coursework in M&E, research and evaluation methodologies, statistical analysis or organizational development) or similar field of study.
At least 1 year of program monitoring and evaluation experience (Entry Level Fresh Graduate)
Experience working with USAID funded project and familiarity with USAID/BHA M&E guidance and requirement is an added advantage.
Should understand general MEL concepts and demonstrate skills in MEL system (i.e. Theories of Change, Results Frameworks/Logical Frameworks, MEL Plans and Data Collection tools).
Must have good writing and analytical skills.
Should have knowledge of quantitative and qualitative data collection, reporting techniques. In addition to Microsoft Excel, the incumbent should demonstrate fluency in use of at least one data management software including SPSS, Power Bi, Tableau and STATA.
Must be fluent in both spoken and written English. Understanding of local language will be an added advantage. more

Program / Department Summary


The operations department is committed to implementing and maintaining the highest standards of efficiency and integrity in daily administration, logistics, procurement, asset management and IT for field offices Kenya. The overriding objective for all Mercy Corps (MC) operations activities are the prompt and effective provision of on-time solutions MCs’... beneficiary populations in compliance with MCs’ and donor policies, procedures, regulations and specifications.


General Position Summary


The primary role of the IT Intern(s) is to support the IT infrastructure at Mercy Corps Kenya's Country office (Nairobi) and Field Offices. The IT Intern(s) will assist in ensuring the proper functioning of equipment and networks to meet organizational needs and demands. The intern will support daily IT operations, assist with network troubleshooting, provide basic IT training, and help with IT documentation. They will work under the guidance of the ICT Systems Administrator.


Essential Job Responsibilities


Assist with daily IT operations including user support and troubleshooting of hardware and software issues.
Provide first-level support to staff for IT-related problems and escalate more complex issues to the ICT Systems Administrator.
Assist in setting up and configuring new computers, laptops, and other IT equipment.
Support the installation, configuration, and updating of software and applications on user devices.
Assist in maintaining an inventory of IT assets, ensuring records are accurate and up to date.
Support the implementation of IT policies and procedures and ensure compliance with IT standards.
Assist in conducting regular maintenance checks on IT equipment and report any issues to the ICT Systems Administrator.
Provide basic IT training to staff, including how to use common software applications and best practices for IT security.
Assist with ProSource Vendor Data Administration (VDA) setup and troubleshooting.


Organizational Learning


As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient, and relevant to the communities they serve, we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.


Accountability to Beneficiaries


Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring, and evaluation of our field projects.
Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values always and in all in-country venues.


Safeguarding


Actively learns about safeguarding and integrates it into their work, including safeguarding risks and mitigations related to their area of work
Practices the values of Mercy Corps including respecting the dignity and well-being of participants and fellow team members
Encourages openness and communication in their team; encourages team members to submit reports if they have any concerns using reporting mechanisms e.g., Integrity Hotline and other options


Supervisory Responsibility


None


Accountability


Reports Directly To: ICT Systems Administrator
Works Directly With: Operations Officers, ICT Assistants and Program Staff in identifying IT needs.


Minimum Qualification & Transferable Skills


Enrollment in or recent graduation (within a year) from a recognized academic institution in Kenya with a Degree or a Diploma or a certificate.
Ability to support both hardware and software requirements in local area networking (LAN)
Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members is required.
Ability to troubleshoot, plan and design low maintenance systems.
Ability to troubleshoot and maintain both wireless and cable connections is required.
Must understand, follow and implement existing policies on IT equipment use and best practices. more

Program / Department Summary 

USAID's Office of Food for Peace recently awarded funding to a Mercy Corps-led consortium of Kenyan and international partners for a 5-year Development Food Security Activity (DFSA) in Turkana and Samburu Counties of Kenya. Through a phased approach that emphasizes evidence gap analysis, as well as partnership, learning, and co-creation with government, civil... society, communities, and the private sector, the NAWIRI program aims to drive sustained reductions in acute malnutrition in both counties. Mercy Corps’ consortium brings together the global leadership, research capacity, technical expertise, and implementation experience necessary to partner with local institutions to test, adapt, and scale evidence-based solutions. The program requires a robust county-centered design with government leadership, active engagement from communities, the private sector, and civil society. Together we will sustainably reduce persistent acute malnutrition for vulnerable populations in Turkana and Samburu counties.

General Position Summary

The Monitoring Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Coordinator is a key position for program quality assurance, accountability, documentation and learning. The position holder will support the NAWIRI team in planning and execution of monitoring and evaluation activities at the county level while ensuring quality in accordance with accepted standards, providing essential feedback for learning, accountability and decision making. They will be responsible for providing internal capacity building for program staff at County level on monitoring and evaluation activities as well as reviewing the necessary tools that will feed into the needs of the program and government counterparts. Under the overall leadership and direction of NAWIRI’s M&E Manager, and in close collaboration with the M&E Lead, the MEL Coordinator will be developing partner technical team’s and M&E officer’s capacity in M&E and ensuring effective field-level collaboration, and promoting a culture of M&E for learning and adaptation.

Essential Job Responsibilities

STRATEGY AND VISION


Seek the active collaboration of consortium partners in M&E as well as their appropriation of the tools, including integration of M&E in core program management functions.
Ensure consistent utilization of the NAWIRI MIS database for all M&E data submissions.


PROGRAM MANAGEMENT


Contribute directly to achieving the project’s strategic objectives and components through the implementation of a single integrated/harmonized monitoring system.
Responsible for managing the data collection and coordination with the County team (and consultants if necessary) ensuring a high quality of data collected and the use of evidence to inform adaptive management.
Coordinate and supervise all enumeration activities in the County level during the annual surveys commissioned by the project.
Create and instill an M&E culture that promotes the learning and self-critical skills of program staff in the pursuit of project excellence.
Ensure alignment of M&E activities with program objectives and contribute to the development of annual work plans.
Support County Program Directors and other technical leads in the preparation of quarterly/annual activity reports and verification of reported data.
Coordinate and support the implementation of the main M&E phases of the Project Management Cycle (baseline survey, mid-term evaluation and final evaluation)
Work closely with consortium partners to track implementation of the research agenda, develop milestones for progress and conduct the evaluation of research agenda.
Plan and conduct Routine Data Quality Assurance (RDQA) for the reported data at County level to ensure adherence to USAID/ Mercy Corps data quality standards.
Participate in the planning for and review of the baseline, midterm and final evaluation SOP, data collection tools and reports.
Ensure that lessons learned throughout the project at County level are captured and communicated to internal and external stakeholders through appropriate channels for decision-making.


TEAM MANAGEMENT


Create and maintain a work environment where mutual respect among team members prevails and where the pursuit of individual and collective excellence is valued.
Promote individual accountability and commitment by clearly and regularly communicating expectations and providing constructive feedback.
Train County program team members on their M&E responsibilities and how to use the tools developed.
Ensure that team members comply with the Mercy Corps Code of Conduct and the Principles of Humanitarian Accountability and immediately report to their Supervisor and National Director any cases of fraud or conduct not in accordance with Mercy Corps policies within the program.


REPRESENTATION


Develop the necessary relationships and partnerships with consortium partners
Identify, build and manage trusted partnerships with consortium agencies, local government and other stakeholders
Maintain good working relationships with donors and other development organizations and represent Mercy Corps at meetings when necessary
Effectively communicate the program's best practices to build Mercy Corps' positive image with development stakeholders
Conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times.


SAFEGUARDING RESPONSIBILITIES


Actively learns about safeguarding and integrates it into their work, including safeguarding risks and mitigations related to their area of work.
Practices the values of Mercy Corps including respecting the dignity and well-being of participants and fellow team members.
Encourages openness and communication in their team, encourages team members to submit reports if they have any concerns using reporting mechanisms e.g. Integrity Hotline and other options


OTHER


Conduct themselves both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.
Other duties as assigned


SECURITY


Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership.
Proactively ensure that team members operate in a secure environment and are aware of policies.


ORGANIZATIONAL LEARNING 


As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve, we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.


ACCOUNTABILITY TO PARTICIPANTS


Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.
Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.





Supervisory Responsibility


County M&E Officers


Accountability

Reports Directly to:  Monitoring and Evaluation Manager

Works Directly with: MEL officers, Technical Leads & Field Director from Turkana

Minimum Qualification & Transferable Skills


BA/S or equivalent in public health, monitoring and evaluation, development economics, international development, sociology, or business/project management.
5+ years of professional experience in monitoring food security and nutrition focused projects.
Experience with GIS software use in development programming.
Strong, documented analytic and statistical skills.
High degree of computer literacy and typing proficiency; Excel and Word skills.
Experience in supporting and strengthening government/county nutritional M&E system and clear understanding of government devolution structures.
Fluency in written and oral English. Must be able to read and interpret documents,

and communicate with others as necessary to perform job duties effectively. more

Program / Department Summary 

With funding from USAID's Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), Mercy Corps’ Nawiri Program is leading a consortium of Kenyan and international partners on a Eight-year journey to sustainably reduce persistent acute malnutrition in Turkana and Samburu Counties of Kenya. Through a phased approach that emphasizes evidence gap analysis, as well as partnership,... learning, and co-creation, the program takes a robust county-centered design with government leadership, active engagement from communities, the private sector, and civil society. Mercy Corps’ consortium brings together the global leadership, research capacity, technical expertise, and implementation experience necessary to partner with local institutions to test, adapt, and scale evidence-based solutions. Together we will sustainably reduce persistent acute malnutrition for vulnerable populations in Turkana and Samburu Counties.

General Position Summary


The Assistant Livelihoods Officer (ALO) will be a member of the USAID Nawiri Resilient Livelihoods Team and directly responsible for implementing nutrition-sensitive resilient livelihood interventions at sub-county (prioritized wards) level. These include Climate Smart Agriculture (crop and fodder) production, market systems linkages, private sector and financial inclusion support. Assistant Livelihoods Officer will work alongside other USAID Nawiri team members in layering interventions for collective impact at household and community level
Specifically, the Assistant Livelihoods Officer will be supporting small scale irrigated crops & fodder production for diversified household access to nutrient-dense foods, private sector engagement for access to farm inputs & finance, markets linkages, households economic strengthening that aims at increasing sustained access to incomes (financial inclusion), Climate smart agriculture technologies and improved ecological practices that support Natural resources management. Assistant Livelihoods Officer will work closely with relevant county officials, CSOs and private sector players involved in livelihoods and food security & nutrition within their areas of operation.


Essential Job Responsibilities

Program Management


Coordinate with the ward/ subcounty level of County Government to mobilize actions and ensure effective communication channels.
Facilitate community visioning process for resilient livelihoods using community participatory appraisal tools
Coordinate with community leadership to facilitate activity integration and targeting of participants / groups within selected irrigation schemes. 
Coordinate with County government to build capacity for poor HHs on appropriate crop production systems and relevant climate smart agriculture approaches and technologies 
Facilitate business to business linkages for targeted small scale irrigation schemes / farmers associations / groups that include poor and ultra-poor for increased access to farm inputs, finance and markets.
Facilitate Increased access for poor and ultra-poor HH to productivity enhancement inputs, climate smart agriculture and post-harvest technologies
Support small-scale vegetable production gardens utilizing home garden techniques (permaculture) to promote nutrition dense vegetables for enhanced household consumption and income generation targeting poor households
Participate in monitoring and evaluation of project activities 
Coordinate with the livelihoods officer to develop activities workplans and reporting
Coordinate with public and private service providers (crop husbandry, inputs suppliers, aggregators, local financial institutions etc) to reach USAID Nawiri participants.
Collaborate with Nawiri health and nutrition staff to integrate nutrition messaging into crop and livestock production training curriculum.


Community and County Engagement


Mobilize sub-county and ward level meetings with relevant stakeholders.
Lead community engagement and mobilization activities within the Ward(s) of operation 
Support the facilitation of planning meetings and workshops with government, NGO, private sector, and community partners to revise and customize implementation plans.
Conduct community mobilization and sensitization meetings with ward and community-level leaders to enhance investment in crop production. 


Influence& Representation


Assist livelihoods and food security officer in activity coordination with local government and other implementers at the Subcounty level.
Participate in planning meetings and workshops with government, NGO, private sector, and community partners to develop and deliver capacity building of farmers 
Conduct themselves both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission


Safeguarding


Actively learns about safeguarding and integrates it into their work, including safeguarding risks and mitigations related to their area of work
Practices the values of Mercy Corps including respecting the dignity and well-being of participants and fellow team members
Encourages openness and communication in their team; encourages team members to submit reports if they have any concerns using reporting mechanisms e.g., Integrity Hotline and other options


OtherS


Promote and adhere to the principle and objectives of the project and Mercy Corps.
Participate in other USAID Nawiri livelihoods program activities (NRM, Alternative livelihoods)
Any other duties as may be assigned.


Accountability to Beneficiaries


Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically
to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.
Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.


Supervisory Responsibility


None


Accountability

Reports directly to: Livelihoods and food security officer

Works directly with: Water resources officer, Livelihoods officers, alternative livelihoods officers, financial inclusion, REAP for nutrition officers, Household economy officers, and Sub-office M&E officers.

Knowledge and Experience:


Degree/ Diploma in Agriculture related field (i.e., Agronomy, Agro-ecology, Horticulture, Dry land agriculture, Agricultural Economics, Agriculture Education & Extension).
Advanced technical certificate holders from reputable institutions plus proven experience of over 3 years will be considered.  
Minimum 1-2 years of direct implementation of agriculture development activities.  Experience working directly with small scale irrigation is an added advantage. 
Good spoken and written English required.
Must be able to work independently once in the field and show initiative.
Experience in farmers needs assessment and report writing.
Demonstrable experience in farmers training and community mobilization
Experience in community participatory appraisal tools
Practical experience in partnership building and collaboration with government and other partners
Good Computer and basic administrative and organizational skills
Willingness to travel extensively throughout the project area.
Good understanding of the local context including the local language more

Consultant Activities


Review key program documents, including reports, presentations, and study plans.
Assist in the synthesis of data and analysis related to ongoing or completed program activities.
Work with the ASAL Adapts team to identify key messaging and learning themes to include in the learning brief, and work with the team to collect additional information needed to support the... briefs.
Draft two learning briefs (as detailed below) on two key aspects of ASAL Adapts work.


Consultant Deliverables

Rangeland Management and climate information services:


Develop a learning brief (approximately 6 pages) focusing on the work that ASAL Adapts has done on rangeland management, processes, lessons journey, challenges, and opportunities
Linkage of climate information services to rangeland management including climate information services are required for different decision-making levels.
Effectiveness and scalability of the feedback loop system, particularly using digital tools.


Geographical Information Systems (GIS):


Develop a learning brief (approximately 6 pages) focusing on the work that ASAL Adapts (and predecessor programs) has done on strengthening GIS services at county level.
Document the journey and milestones achieved in the utilization of Geospatial data and technology to support evidence-based governance in Garissa and Wajir County –
Challenges, Opportunities and Lessons learned including recommendations in the GIS implementation approaches used and opportunities and sustainable approaches for scaling institutionalization of GIS for evidence-based governance and rangeland management)
Garissa University’s role in enhancing the sustainability of GIS adoption in Garissa and Wajir Counties through capacity, research and innovation


Projected timeframe / Schedule:


The research should be completed and all task delivered on 28th February 2025
The consultant should submit the detailed breakdown of the task and timetable as part of the proposal.


The Consultant will report to:


The task will be managed by the Program Manager with support from Program Director, TraQ Team and other senior leadership.


The Consultant will work closely with:


Mercy Corps teams such as the Program Director, GIS Advisor, NRM Advisor and other Mercy Corps resource person


Required Experience & Skills:


Demonstrated experience in developing similar works including high quality learning brief
Experience in working with international organizations
Ability to produce high quality work under tight timeframes.
Excellent communication, drafting, presentation and reporting skills. more

Program / Department Summary

The Operations Department is committed to implementing and maintaining the highest standards of efficiency and integrity in the operations functions. The overriding objective for all administration and logistics operations is the prompt and effective provision of support services to Mercy Corps’ beneficiary populations in compliance with donor... specifications.

General Position Summary

The Admin Officer will oversee admin support functions for the Mercy Corps Nairobi office. This will include Nairobi office administration, coordination travel/accommodation arrangements for Kenya Programs team members, assisting the Admin Coordinator in making arrangements to all Nairobi based training, workshops, meeting and general day to day administration in terms of compound and equipment maintenance and repairs.

Essential Job Responsibilities

ADMINISTRATION


Ensure that all Mercy Corps contracts and business transactions/relationships are transparent and in compliance with Kenya Law and Mercy Corps donor policies
Organize accommodation and logistics for national staff (all Kenya Programs)
Facilitate domestic flight reservation for national staff Kenya programs, verify and certify page 2 of travel approval forms.
Monitor performance of preferred hotels (for national staff) and travel agents in Nairobi.
Monitoring and processing of hotel (national staff) and travel agent payments.
Quarterly reconciliation of MSA statements of accounts to ensure that MC is upto date with payments including field office MSAs.
Identify and ensure the provision of necessary administrative guidance to national staff;
Liase with Admin Coordinator to assist Mercy Corps team members regarding the relations with local authorities; liaise with government offices, UN agencies, NGOs, as required
Process payments to vendors for all Nairobi office invoice for example but not limited to office internet, Hygiene bin providers, Telkom bills in liaison with the Admin Coordinator and Operations team
Raising Purchase requests in liaison with the Procurement team
Managing petty cash
Manage the usage of MCK Nairobi office parking space in close collaboration with the Logistics Coordinator and the premises management. 
Managing biometric system in liaison with Admin Coordinator, P&C and IT Officer


SAFEGUARDING RESPONSIBILITIES


Actively learns about safeguarding and integrates it into their work, including safeguarding risks and mitigations related to their area of work.
Practices the values of Mercy Corps including respecting the dignity and well-being of participants and fellow team members.
Encourages openness and communication in their team, encourages team members to submit reports if they have any concerns using reporting mechanisms e.g. Integrity Hotline and other options


ORGANIZATIONAL LEARNING 


As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve, we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.


ACCOUNTABILITY TO BENEFICIARIES


Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field
Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country


Supervisory Responsibility: None

Accountability


Reports Directly To: Administration Coordinator
Works Directly With: The Program team, Operation teams, Finance team, and entire MC Team Members


Knowledge and Experience


BA/BS degree in a relevant field
Minimum of 3-5 years field experience in administrative or operational support functions, including procurement, logistics and human resources management, with a humanitarian non-governmental organization, including two years in a field emergency/relief setting
Experience in setting up and managing administration and logistics management systems
Demonstrated understanding of complex emergencies, related security concerns, and appropriate responses to such emergencies
Excellent negotiation, representation skills and the ability to work comfortably with an ethnically diverse staff
Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures and meet deadlines
Demonstrated ability to live, work and solve problems independently and effectively in extremely remote locations
Demonstrated ability to effectively manage multiple teams in different locations in a high pressure environment
Strong computer skills in Microsoft Office applications required more