Associate Livelihoods Officer at RefuSHE

Position Summary

The primary responsibility of the Livelihoods Associate is to support in implementing revolving fund and micro-enterprise development programs in Nairobi. The key role for this position will be monitoring and mentoring supported Women Ambassador Groups (WAGs) and Micro-enterprise Participants. These programs are part of RefuSHE’s empowerment services for young girls and women and the successful candidate will work closely with other staff in the coordination of holistic assistance.

Key Responsibilities

Project implementation and monitoring:

• Participate in regular monitoring of the supported WAGs and Micro-enterprise participants, update their progress and emerging issues through planned field visits.
• Work closely with all clients receiving business loans to help them establish and run their businesses profitably; provide business advice and constructive coaching to clients.
• Conduct mentorship to loaned clients to enhance success of their businesses.
• Work closely with incentive workers and provide monthly reports on their businesses
• Maintain comprehensive, clear client records in the database and/or in clients' files.
• Assist in compiling of all monitoring information on a regular basis and documentation of lessons learned from field visits and success stories.
• Assist in developing appropriate tools for use in monitoring and reporting on clients' progress.
• Update loan repayment tracker and always ensure it is correct on monthly basis

Direct service provision:

• Facilitate formalization and registration of WAGs and help them in opening bank accounts.
• Support WAG members & MEP participants to develop practical small business plans, review business plans, and support disbursement of grant funds.
• Facilitate training of groups on different thematic areas as need arises, such as group dynamics, conflict resolution, saving and loaning concepts as well as basic business skills such as book-keeping, marketing and savings.
• Follow up on disbursed loans to ensure receipt and proper utilization of loans by clients through telephone calls or field visits.
• Attend monthly group meeting sessions with all WAGs.
• Collect money paid back by WAGs, issue payee with official receipts, and bank the funds in organization’s bank accounts.

Collaboration:

• Help clients access new markets through market linkage opportunities.
• Actively participate in graduation sessions for clients in collaboration with Case Worker.
• Maintain established relationships with external partners.
• Any other lawful duties as assigned by your supervisor or management team.

Qualifications

• Degree in Business Administration, Economics, Entrepreneurship, or other related studies.
• At least two years’ experience with urban livelihoods or with vulnerable populations implementing loaning and saving concept with women groups.
• Experience in the use of computer and office software packages (MS Word, MS Excel etc.) and knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages.
• Ability to provide continuous input to the organizations' processes, implementation of new systems, etc.
• Strong business and analytical skills.
• Strong command of English, both oral and written.

Additional Desired Qualifications:

• Excellent command of the most common methodologies to identify, assess, and monitor income generating activities with a proven record of achievements.
• Experience working with refugees.
• Ability to remain flexible in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to work well in a team and promote teamwork.