About Company
Empowering communities through sustainable initiatives is at the core of our mission at Career.zycto. We are a dynamic organization dedicated to fostering positive social change and enhancing the well-being of underserved populations in Kakamega and beyond. For a passionate Community Development Officer, Career.zycto offers a unique platform to translate vision into tangible impact. Here, your dedication to local engagement and capacity building will find fertile ground, supported by a collaborative team and a commitment to innovation. Join us to co-create a future where every community thrives.
Job Description
Are you a driven and compassionate individual with a passion for community empowerment and sustainable development? Career.zycto is seeking an enthusiastic and skilled Community Development Officer to join our dedicated team in Kakamega, Kakamega County. This immediate-start, full-time position offers a unique opportunity to make a profound impact on the lives of individuals and families within local communities. As a Community Development Officer, you will be at the forefront of designing, implementing, and evaluating community-led initiatives that address pressing social, economic, and environmental challenges. Your work will involve extensive community engagement, fostering strong relationships with local leaders, stakeholders, and residents to identify needs, mobilize resources, and build local capacity. This role is critical in bridging the gap between community aspirations and actionable projects, ensuring that development efforts are truly reflective of local priorities and cultural contexts.
We are looking for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment, possesses excellent interpersonal skills, and is committed to fostering participatory approaches to development. You will be instrumental in facilitating workshops, training sessions, and community meetings, promoting active participation and knowledge sharing among community members. A key aspect of this role involves developing comprehensive project proposals, securing funding opportunities, and meticulously monitoring project progress against established indicators. You will also be responsible for preparing detailed reports for internal and external stakeholders, showcasing the tangible outcomes and impact of our interventions. This role demands a proactive individual who can work autonomously while also being a strong team player, capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously, adapting to evolving community needs, and resolving challenges creatively.
Furthermore, the Community Development Officer will play a vital role in advocating for community rights and needs at various levels, collaborating with government agencies, NGOs, and other partners to amplify impact. Your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, both orally and in writing, will be essential in building consensus and fostering partnerships. If you are ready to champion community voices, drive positive change, and contribute to a resilient and prosperous Kakamega, we encourage you to apply. This role is more than just a job; it’s a calling to serve, inspire, and build stronger, more self-reliant communities from the ground up, ensuring sustainable well-being for all.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct comprehensive community needs assessments and participatory rural appraisals.
- Design, plan, and implement community development projects focusing on areas like health, education, livelihoods, and sanitation.
- Mobilize and engage community members, local leaders, and stakeholders in project activities.
- Facilitate workshops, training sessions, and capacity-building programs for community groups.
- Develop detailed project proposals, budgets, and secure funding from various donors and partners.
- Monitor project progress, collect data, and conduct regular field visits to ensure effective implementation.
- Prepare timely and accurate narrative and financial reports for internal and external stakeholders.
- Establish and maintain strong working relationships with government agencies, NGOs, and other community-based organizations.
- Advocate for community rights and needs, representing Career.zycto at relevant forums and meetings.
- Identify and mitigate potential risks and challenges in project implementation.
- Promote gender equality, inclusivity, and environmental sustainability in all development initiatives.
Required Skills
- Bachelor's degree in Community Development, Social Sciences, Rural Development, or a related field.
- Minimum of 3 years of demonstrated experience in community development, project management, or social work.
- Proven experience in participatory approaches, community mobilization, and engagement.
- Strong project management skills, including planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Kiswahili.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse team.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Valid driving license and ability to travel extensively within Kakamega County.
- Demonstrated cultural sensitivity and ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in a relevant field.
- Experience in proposal writing and fundraising.
- Knowledge of local socio-economic and political context in Kakamega County.
- Familiarity with M&E frameworks and data collection tools.
- Proficiency in additional local languages spoken in Kakamega County.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Opportunity to make a tangible difference in local communities.
- Professional development and training opportunities.
- Supportive and collaborative work environment.
- Generous paid time off and public holidays.
- Health insurance benefits.
- Contribution to a pension scheme.
How to Apply
Please click on the application link below to submit your resume and cover letter. We look forward to reviewing your application.
