Governance Officer Role

Job Description

Job Title: Governance Officer

Organization: Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO)
Department: SUN
Location: Kenya
Reports to: Governance Lead
Posted: 26 January 2026
Closing Date: 6 February 2026

Job Purpose

The Governance Officer will support SHOFCO’s governance, advocacy, and youth leadership initiatives by strengthening citizen participation, coordinating community engagement activities, and overseeing the effective implementation of the SHOFCO Youth Advisory Council (YAC). The role aims to ensure meaningful youth inclusion in governance and decision-making processes at community and institutional levels.

Key Responsibilities

Governance & Programme Support

• Support the planning, coordination, and implementation of governance and civic engagement programmes.
• Coordinate public participation forums, community dialogues, trainings, and stakeholder meetings.
• Track governance activities and ensure timely follow-up on action points.

Youth Advisory Council (YAC) Implementation

• Coordinate and oversee day-to-day implementation of YAC activities.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and capacity building of YAC members.
• Facilitate YAC meetings and engagements with SHOFCO leadership and external stakeholders.
• Document youth recommendations and ensure their integration into SHOFCO programmes and advocacy.
• Monitor YAC action plans and support youth-led initiatives aligned with SHOFCO’s mission.

Monitoring, Reporting & Engagement

• Maintain accurate records of meetings, attendance, and reports.
• Support data collection, analysis, reporting, and MEL activities.
• Engage community members, youth groups, CSOs, local leaders, and government officials.
• Mobilize communities for governance, accountability, and leadership initiatives.
• Capture success stories, youth impact narratives, and lessons learned.
• Promote awareness of civic rights, responsibilities, and youth participation in governance.

Qualifications & Experience

• Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Governance, Political Science, Public Administration, Development Studies, Youth Studies, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in governance, youth leadership, or community development (3+ years preferred).
• Strong understanding of youth participation, governance structures, and Kenya’s devolved system.
• Experience working with youth groups or advisory councils is an added advantage.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong coordination, facilitation, and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and report-writing abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks.
• Strong interpersonal skills and professionalism.
• High standards of integrity, accountability, and confidentiality.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a detailed CV and application letter to recruitment@shininghopeforcommunities.org.
Please clearly indicate “Governance Officer” in the email subject line.

Deadline: 6 February 2026
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.