The Program Officer will lead initiatives aimed at expanding the use of various platforms in facilitating youth participation in governance through creativity. The officer will mentor and support local, county-based youth initiatives that focus on advocating for good governance, accountability and improving service delivery. This role requires a dynamic, innovative, and resourceful individual with a passion for empowering youth and fostering active participation in governance processes.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead Youth Engagement in Governance:
Support the county partners to develop and implement strategies that encourage youth involvement in governance, with an emphasis on service delivery, accountability, and active participation.
Support youth initiatives to facilitate online and offline creative campaigns and projects that engage youth in advocacy for improved service delivery in their communities.
Create opportunities for peer learning,and collaborative interaction between youth and stakeholders including other organizations and local government
Mentorship of Local Youth Initiatives:
Provide guidance, mentorship, and technical support to county-based youth groups and initiatives, emphasis on using arts eg. poetry, illustration, music.
Help local youth initiatives build capacity in advocacy, governance, leadership, and accountability utilising innovative mechanisms.
Work with youth leaders to develop and implement community-based projects focused on governance and accountability
Capacity Building and Training:
Organize need based training sessions on governance issues, leadership skills, civic responsibility and advocacy.
Work closely with local stakeholders, including community organizations, government entities, and youth groups, to assess training needs and design relevant programs.
Support youth in developing creative solutions for improving service delivery and addressing governance challenges in their local counties.
Monitoring and Evaluation:
Support the MEAL team in design and implement monitoring tools to track the progress and impact of youth-led governance initiatives.
Help facilitate data collection and feedback from youth groups, local government officials, and community members to assess program effectiveness.
Prepare regular reports on program activities, outcomes, and challenges for internal and external stakeholders.
Networking and Partnership Development:
Build and maintain partnerships with relevant stakeholders, including local governments, NGOs, youth networks, and other community-based organizations.
Position the program at all levels of governance to promote their involvement and participation
Advocacy and Policy Influence:
Support youth initiatives in advocating for policy changes and improved service delivery at the county and national levels.
Develop advocacy materials, campaigns, and other tools to raise awareness of youth participation in governance.
Engage in advocacy efforts to ensure that youth voices are heard and considered in decision-making processes.
Key Qualifications:
Have three years experience to lead youth development, governance, advocacy, or a related field.
Proven experience in using art for advocacy and public participation
Proven experience in working with local youth organizations and networks or supporting local youth-led initiatives.
Familiarity with local governance structures and processes is a significant advantage.
Strong understanding of youth development, governance, and accountability issues.
Excellent communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
Creative thinking and the ability to design innovative programs to engage youth.
Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, local organizations, and youth leaders.
Have basic computer skills including but not limited to MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and other relevant software.
A Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences, Public Administration, Political Science, International Relations, or a related field.