Essential Job Details

• Position Title: Program Officer
• Location: Marsabit, Kenya
• Employment Type: Full-Time, On-site
• Number of Vacancies: 1 (Requisition Number: PROGR006110)
• Salary: Not disclosed
• Category/Department: Programming
• Reporting To: County Coordinator
• Application Deadline: Rolling basis

Introduction

The Program Officer role in Marsabit presents an exciting career opportunity for a dedicated professional passionate about driving sustainable development in Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL). This position offers a unique chance to contribute to the Resilient Approaches in Natural Rangeland Ecosystems (RANGE) program, focusing on natural resource management, livestock market systems, and community resilience. Ideal for individuals committed to creating lasting impact, this role involves collaborating with diverse stakeholders to strengthen economic and social systems in Marsabit. By joining this initiative, you will play a pivotal role in empowering communities to thrive amidst challenges like climate change and resource scarcity, making it a rewarding opportunity for Kenyan professionals seeking meaningful fieldwork.

About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is a globally recognized organization dedicated to transforming lives by addressing adversity and fostering resilient communities. Operating in over 40 countries, the organization partners with local stakeholders to deliver bold, sustainable solutions. In Kenya, since 2008, Mercy Corps has implemented diverse programs to tackle poverty, climate change, conflict, and resource scarcity. Their work spans integrated initiatives that strengthen market systems, promote peace, and enhance resilience, particularly for youth, women, and marginalized groups. The RANGE program, active in northern Kenya, exemplifies their commitment to sustainable economic and social development through innovative approaches to natural resource management and livestock market engagement.

Key Responsibilities

The Program Officer will support the implementation of the RANGE program in Marsabit, working closely with the County Coordinator, consortium partners, and local stakeholders. Key responsibilities include:

• Support the County Coordinator in executing all aspects of RANGE program activities to achieve program goals and outcomes.
• Facilitate market actor mapping to identify key players and implement a market system development strategy for sustainable impact.
• Provide regular updates and analysis on developments in targeted thematic areas or geographies.
• Identify program needs and opportunities, sharing insights to enhance activity development and implementation.
• Collaborate with other Mercy Corps programs in Marsabit to ensure synergy and alignment of objectives.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including faith organizations, youth groups, women’s organizations, CBOs, NGOs, and local government officials.
• Assist in monitoring and evaluation by tracking partner activities and ensuring quality data collection using program M&E templates.
• Document lessons learned from project activities and incorporate them into the activity development cycle.
• Prepare and submit detailed reports on events, field trips, and meetings attended to the program team.
• Contribute to improving monitoring and evaluation formats by providing constructive feedback.
• Promote safeguarding principles, ensuring respect and dignity for all participants and team members.
• Encourage open communication within the team and support reporting mechanisms like the Integrity Hotline.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the supervisor to support program objectives.

Qualifications and Skills

To excel as a Program Officer in Marsabit, candidates must meet the following qualifications and skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in livestock market systems, natural resource management, community development, social sciences, or a related field.
• Minimum 3 years of professional experience implementing natural resource management, livestock market systems, or related projects.
• Strong facilitation skills in market systems development, with experience engaging diverse stakeholders.
• Proven experience in project monitoring and evaluation, including data collection and analysis.
• Excellent analytical skills for assessing program progress and identifying improvement opportunities.
• Strong report writing skills to produce clear, concise, and actionable reports.
• Ability to interact effectively with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, private sector actors, and community members.
• Previous experience working in Kenya’s ASAL counties, with an understanding of local challenges and dynamics.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access).
• Fluency in Swahili and other relevant local languages; English proficiency required.
• Preferred: Experience with tools like KoboToolbox or similar data collection platforms.
• Preferred: Knowledge of governance, advocacy, or adaptive learning in development programs.

Company Culture and Values

The organization fosters a collaborative and inclusive work environment, prioritizing accountability, learning, and respect. Team members are encouraged to take initiative, work in cross-functional teams, and contribute to innovative solutions for sustainable development. The culture emphasizes empowering individuals to reach their full potential while upholding principles of dignity, equity, and transparency. With a strong commitment to safeguarding, the organization ensures all interactions with communities and team members are respectful and ethical. Continuous learning is supported, with 5% of work time dedicated to personal and professional growth, ensuring staff remain effective and relevant in their roles.

How to Apply

Apply now for the Program Officer position in Marsabit. To submit your application:

• Prepare your CV and a cover letter clearly stating the job title and requisition number (PROGR006110) in the subject line.
• Submit your application via the online portal: Apply for Program Officer – Marsabit.
• Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• Note: The employer is an equal opportunity organization and does not charge any fees during the recruitment process. If you experience or witness any form of misconduct during the recruitment process, report it to the Integrity Hotline at integrityhotline@mercycorps.org.

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Tags

Program Officer, Marsabit jobs, natural resource management, livestock market systems, ASAL Kenya careers

Detailed Role Overview

The Program Officer role in Marsabit is a cornerstone of the RANGE program, designed to address critical challenges in Kenya’s ASAL regions. By focusing on natural resource management and livestock market systems, the role directly contributes to sustainable economic growth and community resilience. This position is ideal for professionals with a passion for fieldwork and a commitment to driving impactful change in underserved areas.

Why This Role Matters

The Program Officer will work at the forefront of transformative development, engaging with communities, government officials, and private sector actors to create sustainable systems. In Marsabit, where environmental and economic challenges are significant, this role offers the opportunity to make a tangible difference. By facilitating market systems development and supporting resilience-building activities, the Program Officer will help communities adapt to climate change and resource scarcity while fostering economic opportunities.

Program Context: RANGE in Marsabit

The Resilient Approaches in Natural Rangeland Ecosystems (RANGE) program operates in northern Kenya, targeting ASAL regions like Marsabit. The program integrates natural resource management, livestock market engagement, governance, advocacy, and adaptive learning to promote sustainable development. By strengthening community resilience, the program addresses systemic challenges such as climate-related shocks and resource scarcity, ensuring long-term economic and social stability.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

As a Program Officer, your daily work will involve a mix of fieldwork, stakeholder engagement, and data-driven decision-making. You will:

• Engage with local market actors to map and strengthen livestock market systems.
• Coordinate with consortium partners to ensure alignment with program goals.
• Monitor field activities, ensuring data accuracy and consistency.
• Analyze program progress, identifying successes and areas for improvement.
• Report on field activities, providing actionable insights to the program team.
• Support community engagement initiatives, fostering trust and collaboration.

Skills Development Opportunities

This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth. As a Program Officer, you will:

• Enhance your expertise in market systems development and natural resource management.
• Develop advanced skills in monitoring, evaluation, and adaptive learning.
• Build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, from government officials to community leaders.
• Gain experience in data analysis and reporting using tools like MS Excel and KoboToolbox.
• Strengthen your ability to navigate complex, multicultural environments in ASAL regions.

Working in Marsabit

Marsabit, a vibrant yet challenging region, is characterized by its arid landscapes and resilient communities. The Program Officer will be based in Marsabit, with up to 40% travel to program sites, some of which may be insecure or have limited amenities. Despite these challenges, the role offers access to individual housing and quality medical services, ensuring a comfortable living situation. The opportunity to work closely with local communities and contribute to their resilience makes this role deeply rewarding.

Career Growth Potential

The Program Officer position is a stepping stone for career advancement in development and humanitarian work. By working with a globally recognized organization, you will gain exposure to cutting-edge approaches in resilience programming and market systems development. The role also offers opportunities to lead initiatives, mentor program assistants, and contribute to strategic program decisions, paving the way for future leadership roles.

Commitment to Safeguarding

The organization places a strong emphasis on safeguarding, ensuring all team members and program participants are treated with respect and dignity. As a Program Officer, you will actively integrate safeguarding principles into your work, promoting a safe and inclusive environment. This includes encouraging open communication, reporting concerns via the Integrity Hotline, and adhering to the organization’s Code of Conduct.

Who Should Apply

This Program Officer role is suited for professionals with a strong background in development work, particularly in ASAL regions. If you have a passion for community-driven solutions, experience in natural resource management or livestock market systems, and a commitment to ethical practices, this position offers a unique opportunity to grow your career while making a meaningful impact.

How to Stand Out as an Applicant

To increase your chances of being shortlisted for the Program Officer role:

• Highlight your experience in ASAL regions and market systems development in your cover letter.
• Demonstrate proficiency in data collection and analysis tools like KoboToolbox or MS Excel.
• Showcase your ability to engage with diverse stakeholders, including community groups and government officials.
• Emphasize your commitment to safeguarding and ethical practices in development work.

Application Tips

When applying for the Program Officer position:

• Tailor your CV to highlight relevant experience in natural resource management, livestock markets, or community development.
• Write a concise cover letter addressing how your skills align with the RANGE program’s objectives.
• Submit your application early, as reviews are conducted on a rolling basis.
• Ensure all required documents are complete and correctly formatted before submission.

Why Work in Development in Marsabit

Marsabit offers a unique opportunity to work in a dynamic, challenging environment where your contributions can drive real change. As a Program Officer, you will be part of a team dedicated to empowering communities, strengthening market systems, and building resilience against climate challenges. This role is not just a job—it’s a chance to leave a lasting legacy in one of Kenya’s most critical regions.

Additional Information

The employer is committed to equal opportunity and does not discriminate based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, or other characteristics. The recruitment process is free, and candidates should report any misconduct to the Integrity Hotline. For more details on the role or application process, refer to the official application portal.

Conclusion

The Program Officer role in Marsabit is a transformative opportunity for professionals eager to contribute to sustainable development in Kenya’s ASAL regions. By joining the RANGE program, you will work on innovative solutions to complex challenges, collaborate with diverse stakeholders, and grow your career in a supportive, mission-driven environment. Apply today to take the next step in your development career and make a lasting impact in Marsabit.