Network Coordinator

Job Description

NETWORK COORDINATOR (Part-Time) FOR THE END FGM/C NETWORK, AFRICA.

Project Name

Foundation for a Just Society International (FJSI)

Project Period

One (1) year with the possibility of an extension

Position Title

Coordinating Officer

Closing Date

31st May 2024.

We will be reviewing the applications on a rolling basis.

Applications will close once a suitable candidate is identified.

We therefore encourage interested candidates to submit their applications

at the earliest possible

No. of positions

One (1).

Location

Nairobi, Kenya

Salary

$18,227 Per Annum, Pro rata

Reporting to

The Interim Secretariat through the Policy & Advocacy Manager

with a dotted line to the co-hosts of the End FGM/C Network, Africa.

Work Schedule

3.5 days a week

The END FGM/C Network Africa referred to as the African Network is a non-religious, non-political, and not-for-profit network, which comprises of Africa-based civil society organizations (CSOs); most of whom are grassroots organizations, based and working for the elimination of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) across Africa.

In October 2023, local grassroots organisations and partners across Africa supported by Orchid Project launched “The End FGM/C Africa Network, Africa” at the 2^nd International African Union (AU) Conference on FGM in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania. Orchid Project sits as the Interim Secretariat for the Network that is steered by two co-hosting organisations: Covenant Foundation for Girls, Liberia and the Kenya Council of Imams and Ulamaa, Kenya

The End FGM/C Network, Africa seeks to coordinate advocacy and awareness for the elimination of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), and it is for this purpose that the Interim Secretariat and the Network’s co-hosting organisations are seeking to recruit a Network Coordinator to help support the set-up of the African Network structures; and oversee the management and implementation of the network’s activities on a day-to-day basis.

The Network Coordinator will be required to enhance the efficiency in the network’s programs, the execution of its project activities in alignment with the existing grant(s) requirements, reporting, and financial accountability, in keeping the Network’s mission and vision.

The overall scope of work for the Network Co-ordinator will be, but is not limited to:

a) An efficient set-up and coordination of the African Network.

b) An effective communication and coordination amongst Network membership.

c) The smooth day-to-day running of activities and operations within the African Network.

d) An efficient grant(s) management and utilisation of the network funding.

e) project management of the network’s activities.

f) Engaging stakeholders and co-ordination of meetings.

g) Expansion of the membership of the Network, ensuring there is an effective plan for the Network expansion from Francophone Africa.

h) Representing the network in virtual and in-person meetings.

i) Preparing the network membership needs assessment schedules across the various regional blocs.

j) Preparing the network’s monitoring, evaluation, and learning schedules

k) Undertaking any other work relating to the network as assigned by the interim secretariat.

The Network Co-ordinator’s duties and responsibilities shall include, but not limited to.

a. Network Establishment & Set-up

1. Overseeing the organisational set up of the network and supporting the establishment of a governance structure, processes, and network strategy.

2. Lead in expansion of the network’s membership (include civil society organisations, activists, advocates, and researchers working on FGM/C in the African continent) ensuring effective engagement of Francophone countries, support the network leadership, and undertake due diligence of the network membership.

3. Support the network in the establishment of country and regional reference groups.

4. Support the interim secretariat to create a database of the network membership.

5. Support the network’s capacity needs assessment.

b. Advocacy, Campaigning and Policy Influencing

1. Contribute to the advancement of the regional policy and advocacy priorities of the End FGM/C Network, Africa.

2. Support the network to engage in joint evidence-based advocacy initiatives across Africa.

3. Engage in the planning of advocacy activities and support the delivery of events during key global advocacy convenings on behalf of the network.

4. Participating in the development of national, sub-regional, and regional advocacy strategies and campaigns for the Network.

5. Support the network’s co-hosts engagement with key policy instruments relating to FGM/C at sub-regional and regional level, and policy initiatives across gender equality and gender-based violence.

6. Act as the designated focal person for any collaborative advocacy ventures with other partners and stakeholders for the purposes of networking, co-creating partnerships and supporting movement-building for the African Network.

c. Project Management

1. Lead in the development of detailed project work plans, timelines, and deliverables in collaboration with the network membership for effective delivery of network’s activities.

2. Oversee proper project management and implementation, including ensuring appropriate monitoring, evaluation, and reporting that is consistent with the established project standards and requirements.

3. Undertaking timely preparation of activity and donor reports, and documenting project outcomes and impact.

d. Fundraising, Partnerships, and Stakeholder Relations

1. Identifying funding opportunities for the network’s activities and supporting the co-hosts and the Orchid Project team in fundraising on behalf of the network.

2. Overseeing joint network advocacy activities with relevant stakeholders and partners.

3. Collaborating and building strategic partnerships on behalf of the network with donors, UN agencies, government entities, relevant stakeholders and partners.

4. Establish partnerships between the African Network and like-minded networks working to end FGM/C in countries across Africa and other regions, including religious and cultural leaders, associations for medical professionals, and INGOs

e. Knowledge Management and Research

1. Support the network and the interim secretariat to map and establish a research reference group to advance research collaboration and create a pool of research partners.

2. Support the interim secretariat research team to monitor and disseminate emerging research findings on FGM/C on behalf of the network.

3. Undertaking desktop research to identify and support the African Network’s advocacy initiatives across the various regions of Africa.

Other Tasks

1. Facilitate coordination and collaboration among the African Network membership.

2. Undertake internal comms, including the production and dissemination of newsletters on behalf of the network.

3. Contribute to ensuring that there is an effective and clear communication flow between the interim secretariat and the network leadership.

4. Scheduling and presiding over weekly network meetings with the co-hosts and bi-weekly briefing meetings with the interim secretariat.

5. Facilitating communication and collaboration among project partners, including the network members, Orchid Project, and other stakeholders.

6. Monitoring and documenting project progress, success stories, and challenges for improvement of the project or future interventions.

7. Identifying risks, and implementing mitigation strategies.

8. Representing the network in project-related meetings, workshops, and events, where necessary.

9. Liaise with the Network leadership on the progress of the project and running of the network.

The ideal candidate for this role shall possess the following qualifications and experience.

● Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations/Development, Project Management, Law, Public Policy and/or Governance, Community Development or any related Social Sciences field.

● Demonstrable experience in project coordination or management, preferably in the development world or human rights with not less than 5 years’ work experience in the same or similar field.

● Demonstrable experience, expertise, and understanding of the global end FGM/C movement including sub-regional, regional, and/or country nuances.

● Demonstrable experience and expertise of influencing and engagement with national, sub-regional, and regional advocacy spaces.

● Possess experience in working with and managing networks.

● Possess strong financial management skills, including budget planning, monitoring, and reporting.

● Demonstrable experience in organising and delivering virtual meetings, forums, and workshops.

● Experience in reporting for internal and external audiences.

● Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders and partners.

● Possess the ability to work independently and under pressure.

● Experience in data collection, analysis, and reporting.

● Fluency in English is required for this role and a working knowledge of French is an advantage.

Duration and Location

This role will be a full-time role within a fixed-term; for the duration of the project, with a possibility of extension based on funding availability and performance. The Network Coordinator will be based in Kenya, Nairobi, the current seat of the END FGM/C Network Africa, with occasional travel within Africa as required by the project activities.

Interested candidates who meet the requirements outlined above are encouraged to submit an expression of interest including.

1. A cover letter,

2. An updated curriculum vitae (CV) clearly demonstrating qualifications and experience (include hyperlinks where applicable) with at least three (3) references.

3. A copy of the candidate’s National ID card.

The applicants are informed that the selection criteria will be evaluated based on the following criteria;

1. Relevance of qualifications and experience desirable for the role.

2. Demonstrated project management skills and experience.

3. Financial management experience and ability to oversee budgets.

4. Communication and interpersonal skills.

5. Demonstrable working experience and understanding of FGM/C and familiarity with the thematic area.

6. Commitment to the mission and vision of the End FGM/C Network, Africa.

Expressions of interest should be sent to HR@orchidproject.org and indicate “NETWORK COORDINATOR APPLICATION” in the subject line.

About the Organization

The Orchid Project is a non-profit organization dedicated to ending female genital cutting (FGC) worldwide. We work with local communities, governments, and organizations to raise awareness about the harmful effects of FGC and provide support to those affected by it. Our mission is to create a world where no girl or woman is subjected to this harmful practice. Through research, advocacy, and community-based programs, we strive to empower communities to abandon FGC and promote the rights and well-being of girls and women. Visit our website to learn more about our work and how you can support our mission.