Project Officer – Financial Inclusion

DanChurchAid (DCA) seeks highly talented and dynamic individual for the position of Project Officer – Financial Inclusion. The position holder will be based in Kakuma and will report to the Programme Coordinator – Refugee & Host Community Programming. The Financial Inclusion Project Officer will play a pivotal role in designing, planning, implementing, and monitoring projects aimed at enhancing financial inclusion in targeted communities. This role involves working closely with community members, financial institutions, national and county government, and other partners to identify needs, develop strategies, and deliver effective financial inclusion programs.

DanChurchAid (DCA) is dedicated to promoting financial inclusion by ensuring that underserved and marginalized communities in Turkana County (Refugees & Host community) have access to essential financial services. We work collaboratively with various stakeholders to create sustainable solutions that address the barriers to financial inclusion.

The main responsibilities of the Project Officer – Financial Inclusion are:

Key Responsibilities:

1. Project Planning and Implementation:
   • Manage the day-to-day implementation of assigned DCA projects at the field level. This entails 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 projects.
   • Supervise the Financial Inclusion team implement project activities in accordance with the projects plan.
   • Coordinate with stakeholders to ensure project activities are aligned with community needs and organizational goals.
   • Support and drive innovation in the sector of financial inclusion and cash-based interventions including relevant digitization.
   • Facilitate and support cash-based interventions in DCA projects.
2. Community Engagement:
   • Lead the FI team in conducting needs assessments to identify financial inclusion 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 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 & partners staff through information sharing, exposure visits including active partner engagements.
4. Partnership Development:
   • Manage and facilitate DCA partnership building initiatives relevant to DCA’s financial inclusion objectives at field level in close consultation with the Programme Coordinator. This includes operational partnerships with other operational I/NGOs, UN Agencies, Local Government Agencies and the Private Sector.
   • Identify and engage with potential partners, including financial institutions, NGOs, 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 at local and national levels.
   • Participate in the Kenya Cash Working Group meetings
   • Contribute to policy briefs, research reports, and other advocacy materials.
   • 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. A Master’s degree is preferred.
• Strong understanding of financial products, services, and digital financial technologies.
• Proven experience in community development work with at least 5 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 24 months (renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds), with a three-month probation period. DCA offers a competitive salary package (salary, insurance, and benefits) in accordance to experience and DCA Kenya HR Manual.

About Us:

About DCA: DanChurchAid (DCA) is working in Turkana, West Pokot, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nyandarua, Nakuru and Nairobi 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