Project Assistant – Financial Inclusion & Livelihoods – Maternity Cover At DanChurchAid

DanChurchAid (DCA) seeks highly talented and dynamic individuals for the position of Project Assistant – Financial Inclusion & Livelihoods – Maternity Cover. The position holder will be based in Lodwar and will report to the Programme Coordinator – Peaceful & Resilient Borderlands. The Financial Inclusion & Livelihoods Project Assistant will play a pivotal role in the planning, implementing, and monitoring of project initiatives aimed at enhancing financial inclusion and improving livelihoods in targeted communities. This role involves working closely with community members, financial institutions, national and county governments, and other partners to identify needs, develop strategies, and deliver effective financial inclusion and livelihood programs.

DanChurchAid (DCA) is dedicated to promoting financial inclusion and Livelihoods by ensuring that underserved and marginalized communities in Turkana County (Turkana North, Kibish, and Lokichoggio Sub Counties) have access to essential financial services. We work collaboratively with various stakeholders to create sustainable solutions that address the barriers to financial inclusion and Livelihoods.

The main responsibilities of the Project Assistant – Financial Inclusion & Livelihoods – Maternity Cover are:

Key Responsibilities:

1. Project Planning and Implementation:
   • Manage the day-to-day implementation of assigned DCA projects at the field level. This entails the development of detailed implementation plans, having a teaching and facilitative role, staff supervision as well as monitoring and evaluation of the project.
   • Assist in the design and development of financial inclusion initiatives.
   • Supervise the Financial Inclusion team to implement project activities per the project plan.
   • Coordinate with stakeholders to ensure project activities are aligned with community needs and organizational goals.
   • Support in the implementation of the project livelihoods initiatives.
2. Community Engagement:
   • Lead the FI & Livelihood team in conducting needs assessments to identify programming gaps within the community.
   • Facilitate community meetings, workshops, and focus groups to gather input and feedback.
   • Build and maintain relationships with community leaders, local organizations, and beneficiaries.
3. Training and Capacity Building:
   • Develop and deliver training programs on livelihoods, financial literacy, digital financial services, and other relevant topics.
   • Support community members in understanding and accessing financial products and services.
   • Provide ongoing support and mentorship to community members and local partners.
   • Facilitate/support collaboration and cross-learning among DCA & partner staff through information sharing, and exposure visits including active partner engagements.
4. Partnership Development:
   • Manage and facilitate DCA partnership-building initiatives relevant to DCA’s livelihoods & financial inclusion objectives at the field level in close consultation with the Programme Coordinator. This includes operational partnerships with other operational I/NGOs, SPREAD Consortia partners, UN Agencies, Local Government Agencies, and the Private Sector.
   • Identify and engage with potential partners, including financial institutions, NGOs, the private sector, and government agencies.
   • Foster collaborative relationships to enhance project impact and sustainability.
   • Represent the organization at meetings, conferences, and other events.
5. Monitoring and adaptive management:
   • Monitor project progress and ensure adherence to timelines and budgets.
   • Collect and analyze data to assess project outcomes and impact.
   • Prepare regular reports and updates for the Programme Coordinator and other stakeholders.
   • Identify and update the management on programming areas that require adaptive management.
6. Advocacy and Policy:
   • Advocate for policies and practices that support financial inclusion and livelihoods at local and national levels.
   • Stay informed about trends, best practices, and regulatory changes in the field of financial inclusion.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Economics, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of financial products, services, and digital financial technologies.
• Proven experience in community development work with at least 3 years’ experience in social entrepreneurship in general and financial inclusion in particular, preferably working with refugees and refugee-hosting communities.
• Proven technical skills and hands-on experience in digital learning contexts, teaching/facilitating adult learners, and financial and digital literacy skills development for youth.
• Hands-on experience in cash-based interventions will be an added advantage.
• A working knowledge of Turkana County or pastoral & agro-pastoralist settings is an added advantage.
• Proven project cycle management and monitoring & evaluation skills.
• Knowledge of the rights-based approach and the international standards for working with humanitarian response such as SPHERE, Code of Conduct & Core Humanitarian Standards (CHS) is an added advantage.
• Good interpersonal skills and a proven team player. Self-driven and results-orientated in challenging rural working environments.

The position is for 6 months (maternity cover), with a one-month probation period. DCA offers a competitive salary package (salary, insurance, and benefits) in accordance with experience and the DCA Kenya HR Manual.

About Us:

DanChurchAid (DCA) is working in Turkana, West Pokot, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nyandarua, Nakuru, Busia and Siaya counties with refugees and local communities to enhance peace, livelihoods, and resilience. DCA implements projects directly as well as through local partner organizations. For more information on DCA, please visit www.danchurchaid.org.