Administration/Logistics Officer

Position Title:                   Administration/Logistics Officer - F2F Volunteer Support Officer

Program:                             Farmer-to-Farmer Program East Africa

Dept/Location:                 East Africa Regional Office (EARO)/ Kenya

Reports To:                         F2F Country Project Director

Position Reference #:    2013/18       

        

Note:  This position is not guaranteed, as it is dependent on a successful donor funding approval.

BACKGROUND: 

Agricultural development and farm livelihoods in East African countries are constrained by: lack of appropriate production, marketing, processing and support services technologies (inputs, management and production systems), poor or unsustainable management of environment and natural resources, limited rural and agricultural financial services and weak sector institutions (farmer coops, and associations, agribusinesses, research and extension services, etc.). The F2F East Africa Program is an US$8M USAID funded 5-year program that will assist in agriculture development, commodity value chain competitiveness and firm upgrading by providing technical assistance to introduce new technologies and innovation and development of local capacity for more productive, profitable, sustainable and equitable agriculture systems. The technical assistance will be provided by volunteers; US experts in agriculture, marketing, finance, value and supply chain development, quality assurance, quality control, trade, business plan development, etc. The F2F program objectives and strategic framework are in line with the USG assistance programs USG Global Hunger and Food Security Initiative/Feed the Future, USAID Agriculture Strategy/Linking Farmers to Markets and the US Farm Bill. In addition to these initiatives and strategies the F2F program will be concurrent with Country Investment Plan (CIP) and USAID country missions.

Job Summary:

The F2F Volunteer Support Officer will coordinate volunteer assignments, and will work with the Regional and country office to organize relevant logistics and orientation for volunteers. She/he will assist the F2F Program Country Director in managing the day to day activities of the project and will report to the F2F Program Country Director.

Job Responsibilities:

·         Manage and coordinate all in-country logistics for volunteer assignments, including airport pick-up and drop-off, all in-country travel arrangements and accommodations. Serve as the in-country contact for volunteers regarding in-country logistics.  Liaise with the host organizations to ensure the logistics for volunteers are in place and seamless.

·         Work directly with Baltimore-based F2F Volunteer Coordinator to coordinate international and in-country travel, and other volunteer needs or requests.  Responsible for all in-country problem-solving regarding in-country travel and accommodations.

·         Assist the F2F Program Country Director to manage relationships with volunteer hosts and in-country partner organizations.

·         Coordinate relationship building efforts including host visits and departments in the CRS office.

·         Coordinate the logistics for the development of media information gathering, promotional events and other activities related to the in-country role in CRS promotion of the F2F Program.

·         Accompany all volunteers to their host locations and travel to host sites as needed.

·         Assist volunteer in her/his reimbursement form processing at end of volunteer assignment

·         Maintain contact with the other three F2F CRS Country Program Offices when developing media information, promotional events and other activities related to CRS' promotion of the F2F Program.

Agency-wide Competencies:

These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.

·         Serves with Integrity

·         Models Stewardship

·         Cultivates Constructive Relationships

·         Promotes Learning

Key Working Relationships:

Internal: F2F Program Country Director, F2F Program Officer, F2F Program Manager 1-Program Coordinator, the other three F2F CP Volunteer Support Officers, F2F Program Deputy Director, Deputy Regional Director and Regional Technical Advisors.

External: Formal and informal in-country hosts and partner organizations, volunteers, travel and accommodations venders, expediters, etc. 

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

·         BA in Administration or related field

·         Three to five years’ experience in travel coordination and customer service.

·         Knowledge of Kenyan Immigration requirements

·         Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks, provide a high degree of professionalism and maintain a positive attitude when problem solving and interacting with internal and external contacts.

·         Strong organizational skills

·         Ability to work independently, think critically, and analyze/resolve problems proactively._

·         Excellent written, verbal, presentation and facilitation skills

·         Experience with Microsoft applications is essential.

·         Ability to work constructively with diverse stakeholders

·         Proven discretion with confidential and sensitive issues

·         Strong networking, negotiating and interpersonal skills

·         Ability to manage multiple priorities

·         Strong team-orientation and flexibility

·         Valid Kenyan driver’s license

Travel Requirement: The position requires ability and willingness for occasional domestic and possible international travel.

If you are interested in any of the above positions and meet these minimum qualifications, please submit your cover letter and resume to:

The Human Resources Manager

Catholic Relief Services – Kenya Program

E-mail: hr@ke.earo.crs.org

Note:

Please indicate the Reference Number of the position you are applying for on    the email subject.  Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.