Project Officer

Project Officer – Kenyan Nationals Only Position Title: Project Officer Duty Station: Makueni County , Nairobi Type of Appointment: Fixed term, one year with possibility of extension Start Date: 23/02/2026 The Organisation: CEFA – The European Committee for Training and Agriculture is an Italian Non-Governmental Organization founded in 1972, active in several countries across Africa, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. CEFA promotes sustainable and inclusive development through long-term initiatives in agriculture, environment, education, gender equality, and human rights, implemented in partnership with local communities and institutions. Its work is guided by the values of participation, equality, and social justice, aiming to empower people, especially women and youth, and strengthen their capacity for self-reliance. Project Summary: CEFA will coordinate the implementation of the project “Educational and Work Inclusion for Young Students with Disabilities,” co-funded by AICS and carried out in the counties of Nairobi, Murang’a, and Makueni, Kenya. The overall objective of the project is to improve the rights and inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWD) in Kenya by promoting their access to vocational education and employment opportunities. Specifically, the project aims to: (a) enhance the participation of PWD and their representative organizations (OPDs) in decision-making processes on inclusive education; (b) strengthen the inclusiveness and accessibility of public Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) through infrastructural improvements, teacher training, and the provision of adaptive materials and assistive technologies; and (c) facilitate the transition from training to employment through career guidance services, internships, entrepreneurship support, and engagement with the private sector. Under the supervision of the Project Manager and in close coordination with the Consortium Activities Coordinator, the Project Officer will be responsible for coordinating, implementing, and monitoring project activities in Makueni County, with a strong focus on TVET systems and inclusive vocational training. The Project Officer will provide technical assistance to partners and Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) and ensure effective collaboration with institutional stakeholders such as County Government of Makueni, TVETA, NCPWD, Ministry of Labour, and other relevant local actors. The Project Officer will ensure compliance with donor regulations and CEFA’s internal procedures. General Objectives and Responsibilities: Under the overall supervision of the Project Manager and the Consortium Activity Coordinator, the Project Officer is responsible for ensuring the effective implementation of project activities in Makueni County, in line with the project objectives, work plan and donor requirements. He/she leads the planning, coordination, and monitoring of activities at county level, ensuring timely delivery, quality results, coordination with partners and strong alignment with the local TVET ecosystem and county priorities. The duty station will be Makueni County. Main Duties Support the Project Manager and Activity Coordinator in the overall planning and scheduling of project activities through the preparation and submission of weekly work plans. Coordinate day-to-day field activities under the supervision of the Activity Coordinator, including regular communication with project partners, local authorities, and other relevant local stakeholders on the ground. Provide technical and operational support to the three selected Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) in the implementation, monitoring, and reporting of project activities, ensuring compliance with approved work plans and project objectives. Support and organize the implementation of activities in line with approved work plans, and consult with the Project Manager and Activity Coordinator on any required adjustments to activity design or implementation. Manage logistics and operational aspects of field activities, including missions involving regional support staff. Provide on-the-ground support to project consultants during the implementation of their assignments. Participate in weekly internal coordination meetings with regional support staff and field teams to plan upcoming activities, discuss challenges and achievements, and share lessons learned. Submit monthly requests for funds related to field activities to the Activity Coordinator. Compile and submit all supporting documentation for expenses incurred during the previous month to the Project Accountant. Prepare and submit monthly project reports to the Activity Coordinator in a timely manner. Ensure the continuous collection, quality, and timely transmission of project data, including assessing data accuracy, flagging discrepancies to the project team, and ensuring appropriate follow-up. Carry out specific operational and oversight tasks related to project activities, including conducting monitoring and evaluation field visits when required. Conduct data collection, prepare reports, and regularly update project monitoring and activity-tracking tools. Represent CEFA in meetings with local authorities and other relevant stakeholders, as delegated. Participate in conferences, roundtables, and other project-related forums and events. Promote and ensure effective synergies among all project stakeholders, including project partners, government institutions, and local communities in Makueni County. Perform any other tasks within the project scope as requested by the Activity Coordinator or Project Manager. Requirements Minimum of three (3) years of proven experience in field-based positions, preferably within education, TVET, or development projects within Makueni County. Diploma in Community Development, Social Work or a related field. Bachelor and/or Master Degree in the same fields are a strong asset; Demonstrated ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams. Good command of spoken and written English and Kiswahili. Strong knowledge of the social, economic, and institutional context of Makueni County, with specific reference to the education and TVET sector. Good computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications and Internet use. Experience working with local authorities, VTCs, and community stakeholders is considered an asset. Able to ride a motorbike and possess a valid motorcycle driving license (CLASS A)

How to apply Interested and qualified persons, with the required experience are invited to submit their application to [email protected], by 29/01/2026. Email Subject: Project Officer -Makueni- TVET The application shall include all of the following: - CV, including 3 reference contacts (only official work email will be accepted) – at least one of your latest jobs. - Cover letter (1 page maximum) - Valid motorcycle driving license (CLASS A) The applications received will be revised on a rolling basis and the Management can close the vacancy before the indicated deadline as soon as the suitable candidate is identified. Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. CEFA is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment and welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, or disability.