Regional Project Officer

About ChildFund and Global Interagency Security Forum (GISF)

ChildFund is a child-focused international development organization that works in 23 countries to connect children with the people, resources and institutions they need to grow up healthy, educated, skilled and safe, no matter where they are.

The Global Interagency Security Form (GISF) is an independent NGO peer-support network established in 2006 to provide a platform for global security focal points to share experiences, knowledge, and learning. GISF is dedicated to improving the protection of aid workers and operations to achieve sustainable access to populations in need. GISF strengthens NGO safety and security practices worldwide, boasting over 130 member INGOs, and has offices in London and Washington, D.C. GISF’s member-led structure positions it as a trusted platform for collaboration, a driver of innovation in security risk management (SRM), and a repository of best practices.

ChildFund is the prime recipient of a Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance award and employs staff for its GISF project. ChildFund also provides a sub-award to GISF CIC headquartered in the UK.

ChildFund’s Values

ChildFund is creating a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible environment where everyone is welcomed and celebrated equally. In our culture of connection, you will have ample opportunity to grow, learn, and lead while contributing your talents and innovations to our inspiring mission.

ChildFund’s Commitment

ChildFund International has a zero-tolerance policy regarding sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment and all other forms of harm by its staff, partners, and other representatives in the delivery of its mission and services for children. ChildFund is committed to creating a safe environment in the workplace as well as in the communities where it delivers programs and services. ChildFund expects every staff member, partner, and representative to adhere to this commitment and to ensure all organizational policies and standards are followed. This position is subject to a range of vetting checks, including a criminal records check and/or disclosure to ensure program participants are safeguarded.

About this role

This is a full-time, fixed-term position through December 31, 2026. This position requires some on-site work and is located in Nairobi, Kenya.

Remote candidates will not be considered. To be eligible, candidates must have current residence and work authorization in Kenya. Some regional travel may be required.

The GISF Regional Project Officer coordinates day-to-day implementation and administrative support for project activities in Kenya. The Officer also supports the global project team with administration and online events. Finally, the Officer helps GISF strengthen its member base in East Africa by serving as the point of contact for members and other stakeholders in the region and facilitating timely, professional communication among external stakeholders and the project team.

Required experience and education

• University degree in a relevant field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least 4 years of experience in non-governmental organizations or other international organizations; experience in security management is preferred, but not required.
• Previous experience in program coordination or program management.

Primary responsibilities

• Maintain a database of security risk management (SRM) focal points in East Africa.
• In collaboration with GISF project staff, conduct outreach to regional NGOs and interest groups. Track activity outcomes and contribute to increased participation with GISF resources and services.
• Support GISF’s annual survey of regional NGOs.
• Support trainings and workshops in East Africa.
• Facilitate communication between GISF and the East Africa Regional Safety and Security Group (RSSG).
  • Provide information to RSSG about GISF’s resources and coordinate briefings, trainings, workshops, etc.
• Support GISF project staff to plan events, including: logistics (venue bookings, travel, accommodations, meals); participant registration; procurement; and payments.
• Coordinate GISF events, including participant registration, logistics, facilitating meetings, and note taking.
• Track event registrations and participant data in GISF’s database.
• Remain alert and responsive to any safeguarding risks; acquire relevant knowledge and skills to enable you to understand the safeguarding policy and procedures; promote strong safeguarding practices; perform your duty and responsibility to safeguard, report violations, and promote appropriate behavior; and conduct yourself in a manner consistent with the organization’s policies and values.

Required competencies

• Teamwork: the ability to work effectively and collaborate with others; values and respects individual differences.
• Communication: demonstrates empathy and tact when communicating with others and uses a storytelling approach when appropriate.
• Results orientation: gets things done; takes proactive steps to achieve organizational goals and quality standards.
• Decision making: uses good judgement, critical thinking, and non-traditional ways to evaluate problems and opportunities; reflects and innovates to improve decisions and outcomes.
• Resilience: thrives and grows in rapidly changing, demanding, and complex environments.
• Digital literacy: adopts and champions new technology to relevant contexts, stays aware of technological trends and embraces technological solutions to business challenges.

Other required competencies

• The ability to speak, read, and write fluently in English.
• Outstanding customer service orientation, with a track record of responsive, proactive communication with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proficiency with MS 365 applications (Word, PowerPoint, Teams).
• Excellent organization skills; highly detail oriented.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage priorities and deadlines in a hybrid, international work environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment, with sensitivity to people’s diverse experiences and identities.
• Familiarity with humanitarian coordination networks is beneficial.
• Familiarity with NGO security risk management is preferred.