Cowater International Education & Blue Economy Technical Specialist Jobs in Kenya
Summary of the Project
The Field Support Services Project (FSSP) is a two-year initiative (November 2023 to October 2025) funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and implemented by Cowater International. It offers administrative, financial, procurement, and logistical support, along with technical expertise, to GAC’s development programs in Kenya, Somalia, and South Africa.
The project assists GAC in procuring and managing local development initiatives in Kenya (and its accredited countries which include Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi), South Africa (and its accredited countries) and Somalia.
Background
Canada’s vision for international assistance is rooted in its Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP) that seeks to eradicate poverty and build a more peaceful, more inclusive and more prosperous world by promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls. Canada focuses on gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in a manner that is both targeted and crosscutting.
A targeted approach to gender equality includes a focus on initiatives that fight poverty and inequality by supporting gender equality and defending the rights of women and girls, particularly their sexual health and reproductive rights. A simultaneous crosscutting approach to gender equality means that all of Canada’s international assistance initiatives, across all action areas, are developed and implemented in ways that improve gender equality and empower women and girls.
Summary of the Position
Cowater International is supporting the Canadian High Commission to recruit Education and Blue Economy Specialist to play a crucial role in ensuring the successful implementation of Canadian-funded projects in Kenya, as well as Uganda, Somalia, Burundi and Rwanda, when required.
On education, this position requires a deep understanding of national educational frameworks, curriculum development, and capacity-building strategies. The Specialist will collaborate with project teams, government agencies, and local communities to promote effective and inclusive educational practices.
On the blue economy, the Specialist requires expertise in overall blue economy issues such as marine resource management, conservation, and sustainable development practices. The specialist will collaborate with project teams, government agencies, and local organizations, as well as communities to promote environmentally responsible and economically viable blue economy initiatives.
The specialist will provide field level advice, technical support and policy input related to both education and blue economy, with the overall objective to support and strengthen the delivery of Canada’s international assistance programming in the countries that fall under the Canadian High Commission in Kenya’s purview.
Responsibilities
Program Coordination:
Collaborate with project stakeholders, local communities, and government agencies to address mutual challenges.
Provide guidance on synergies and opportunities for further efficiencies in education, and the blue economy (combining traditional sectors such as fisheries, aquaculture, and tourism). With emerging sectors such as renewable energy and marine biotechnology).
Provide subject matter expertise to support on program and project planning and design.
Work alongside the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs and provide support to the Blue Economy working group.
Coordinate and provide secretariat support to working groups as required.
Stakeholder Engagement:
Engage with key stakeholders, partners, donors, civil society organizations, academia, private sector etc. and keep apprised of their sector-specific engagement on education and the blue economy.
Organize sector specific learning and networking events for key stakeholders.
Establish and maintain a list of contacts within relevant ministries, development partners, private sector, civil society actors, and other key stakeholders to support advancement of GAC objectives.
Participate in and guide consultations and engagement sessions on sector-specific matters.
Support to Canada’s engagement with relevant stakeholders.
Identify capacity gaps and opportunities for government and partner agencies’ engagement.
Capacity Building:
Provide training and support to project staff, partners, and local communities on topics related to education and the blue economy as well as best practices.
Stay informed about sector-specific emerging trends and disseminate relevant information to GAC.
Research and propose innovative solutions to link education, skills development and the employment opportunities in the blue economy.
Provide assistance and capacity building support to government and partner organizations on national policies, strategies and frameworks related to education and the blue economy.
Reporting and Documentation
Review and provided comments on project documents including proposals, performance frameworks, reports, etc.
Prepare and submit preparatory reports for working group committees as required.
Review and analyze current news, events, trends that impact sector specific GAC programming and interests on a weekly basis.
Identify opportunities to showcase and leverage Canada-funded education and blue economy activities, through the production of monthly impact stories on results and innovations (rotating monthly by sector).
Engage with partners and highlight a monthly impact story.
Monitoring and Evaluation
Implement systems for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of GAC programs in the education and blue economy sector.
Prepare and submit regular reports on performance and compliance concerning projects and programs.
Monitor trends and emerging issues and provide expert advice.
Identify capacity gaps and opportunities for government and partner agencies’ engagement.
Undertake field monitoring visits to assess and conduct technical reviews as required.
Job Requirements
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in education, international development, or a related field; a master’s degree is preferred.
Minimum Experience:
Minimum of 5 years of experience in designing and implementing education programs, preferably in international development projects.
Minimum of 2 years of experience in working on the blue economy sector.
Qualifications:
Thorough understanding of Kenyan and Canadian frameworks and standards in the education and blue economy sector.
Knowledge of global education commitments and funding frameworks.
Knowledge of global blue economy commitments and funding frameworks.
Strong critical thinking, data analysis and reporting skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills.
Superior writing and editing skills.
Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and multidisciplinary team.
Certification in education or related field is an advantage.
Knowledge of the local culture and educational context in Kenya is necessary.
Proficiency in English is required; knowledge of Swahili or other local languages is an advantage.
Ability to build positive relationships with stakeholders and local communities.
Problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively in challenging and multicultural environments.
The following skills and experience will be an asset:
Ability to provide policy advice and technical guidance and support to GAC target countries in the implementation of blue economy and education strategies.
Language Requirements: Excellent English language skills, as most of the reporting will be written in English.
How to Apply
For more information and job application details, see; Cowater International Education & Blue Economy Technical Specialist Jobs in Kenya
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