Finn Church Aid (FCA) is the largest Finnish international aid organization. We operate in over 13 countries, where the needs are most dire. We work with the poorest people, regardless of their religious beliefs, ethnic background, or political convictions. Our work is based on rights, which means that our operations are guided by equality, non-discrimination, and responsibility.
We contribute to positive change by supporting people in the most vulnerable situations within fragile and disaster-affected areas. We consider three thematic areas as central to sustainable change: the right to peace (R2P), livelihood (R2L) and quality education (R2QE).
Finn Church Aid Kenya is looking for a Regional Program Officer, Digital & Creative Economies (Africa).
Availability: Immediately
Primary purpose of the position
The Regional Program Officer will play a critical role in supporting programmatic innovation, operationalizing innovative strategies, fostering ecosystem development, building partnerships, and supporting business development within FCA’s programmatic work in Digital & Creative Economies across Africa. This position will ensure the cross-regional identification, scaling and integration of cutting-edge practices, nurture relationships with key stakeholders, and enhance FCA’s visibility in the region, with a particular focus on advancing initiatives in the digital and creative economies, working closely with the Head of DICE Program. The position is local with a regional scope in Eastern and Horn of Africa, based in FCA Kenya Country Office.
Tasks and Responsibilities
Programmatic Innovation
- Support the development of innovative program models aligned with FCA’s strategic priorities.
- Support the piloting and scale up of projects that introduce new methodologies, digital solutions, or creative approaches to FCA’s programmatic work.
- Identify and leverage emerging trends in the region to ensure the Digital & Creative Economies (DICE) Program remains relevant and impactful.
- Provide project/field-support to country project teams implementing projects related to the Digital & Creative Economies (DICE) Program.
Ecosystem Development
- Help in building and maintaining relationships with relevant ecosystem actors, including private sector, government, NGOs, accelerators, and academic institutions.
- Foster ecosystem-building initiatives that connect entrepreneurs, youth, and communities with opportunities for learning, earning, and growth.
- Facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration within FCA and with partners and stakeholders across the region.
Partnership Development
- Help identify and cultivate strategic partnerships with international and regional organizations to expand the Digital & Creative Economies (DICE) program portfolio and impact.
- Contribute to negotiations and help manage relationships with donors, technology providers, and other stakeholders to secure resources for program expansion.
- Represent FCA in relevant regional forums to advocate for creative economy, digital inclusion, and youth employment.
Communications & Business Development
- Collaborate with the communications team to increase visibility of FCA’s work in the Digital & Creative Economies (DICE) across the region through success stories, social media, and publications.
- Support business development efforts by identifying funding opportunities, contributing to proposal writing, and engaging with donors.
- Develop and maintain a database of regional partnerships and business opportunities to support program expansion.
Participation in the DICE Coordination Group
- Serve as the Vice Chair of FCA’s Digital & Creative Economy (DICE) Coordination Group.
- Help to provide strategic guidance within the DICE Coordination Group, facilitating collaboration among stakeholders and contributing to decision-making on key digital and creative economy initiatives.
- Ensure alignment between regional program activities and the goals of the DICE Coordination Group, with a focus on fostering innovation and advancing employment and entrepreneurship opportunities in the digital and creative sectors.
Monitoring and Reporting
- Help generate periodic internal portfolio-wide progress updates and reports on FCA’s work in the Digital & Creative Economies (DICE).
- Support the development of annual work plans and budgets for regional activities.
Qualifications, Experience & Skills
- Bachelor’s degree in international development, business, social sciences, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
- Strong understanding of digital and creative economies, particularly as they relate to youth employment, livelihoods, or education.
- At least 5 years of experience working in program development, partnerships, or ecosystem-building roles in Africa, preferably within the NGO or development sector.
- Proven ability to manage complex multi-stakeholder partnerships and initiatives.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
- Experience in business development, proposal writing, and managing donor relationships.
- Ability to work in a multicultural and fast-paced environment, with strong leadership and problem-solving skills.
How to apply
All qualified and interested candidates are encouraged to send a completed Application Letter and Curriculum Vitae to: https://fca.rekrytointi.com/paikat/?o=A_A&jid=804 stating the vacancy job title in the subject line.
Deadline for receiving applications is 9th February, 2025
FCA will only contact short- listed applicants.
FCA is an equal opportunity employer, Qualified and interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, religion or ethnic affiliation are encouraged to apply for the vacancy.
FCA practices zero tolerance against child abuse. FCA’s Child Safeguarding Policy applies to all FCA staff. FCA has zero tolerance concerning aid diversion and illegal actions and may screen applicants against international lists to ensure due diligence and compliance with Anti-money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism requirements.
FCA is certified against the Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality and Accountability (CHS).