Job Placement & Networking Associate at Finn Church Aid (FCA)

Primary purpose of the position

• FCA Kenya is implementing advanced digital skills training project building on the experiences gained in the Creative Industries program and the potential of young men and women who possess digital skills to engage in a broad range of economic activities in the sector with well-targeted support. The project is aimed at providing emerging creatives with the technical and entrepreneurship skills, knowledge, resources, and access to networks necessary to tap into economic opportunities in Kenya’s creative industry.

MAIN TASKS

Job Placement Assistance:

• Collaborate with program participants to understand their career goals, skills, and preferences.
• Conduct job readiness assessments and provide personalized career coaching and guidance.
• Provide personalized guidance and support to help participants explore career options and develop realistic and achievable goals.
• Coordinate job search skills training sessions and orientations.
• Identify, gather information and maintaintain an updated weekly database on job opportunities, including paid internships and freelancing, in the creative industries.
• Assist program participant identifying job opportunities, preparing job applications, and navigating the recruitment process within the creative industry.
• Facilitate introductions, referrals, and applications for job opportunities, leveraging the program's network and industry connections to maximize participants' chances of securing employment.
• Increase students’ awareness of their legal rights and employer obligations regarding pay, hours and fair treatment in the workplace.

Networking and Employer Engagement:

• Build and nurture relationships with potential employers including creative agencies, design studios, media companies, and other stakeholders within the Nairobi creative sector.
• Organize networking events, industry mixers, and portfolio showcases to connect program participants with key players in the creative industry.
• Actively participate in local creative industry events, conferences, and meetups to promote program participants and digital skills training programs.
• Facilitate mentorship opportunities and informational interviews with established professionals, thought leaders, and influencers in various creative disciplines.

Client Acquisition Support

• Offer guidance on strategies for attracting and retaining clients, including pricing strategies, pitching techniques, and project management skills.
• Provide support in negotiating contracts, setting rates, and managing client relationships to ensure successful collaborations.

Data Management and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate records of mentorship sessions, goals, action plans, and progress made by mentees.
• Maintain accurate records of participant progress, job placements, and networking activities.
• Generate reports on job placement metrics, including placement rates, employment types, and industry sectors.

Qualifications and Experience

• Diploma/degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Communications, Career Counseling, Project Management or related field (or equivalent work experience).
• Proven experience in job placement, career counseling, or related roles within the creative sector.
• Extensive network of contacts within the creative industry, including potential clients, employers, and collaborators.
• Strong networking and relationship-building skills, with a demonstrated ability to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders, forge meaningful connections, and cultivate partnerships within the Nairobi creative ecosystem.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with a passion for supporting youth in the creative field.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Proficiency in MS Office suite and experience with online freelance platforms
• Experience with project management and reporting tools is a plus.

Personal Attributes:

• High integrity, self-driven and able to set own work schedule with rigorous deadlines.
• Ability to initiate and complete assignments and to work under demanding circumstances with minimal supervision.
• Strong organization, supervisory, problem-solving, interpersonal, communication as well as team building and negotiation skills.
• Creative thinker with a solutions-oriented mindset.
• Empathetic and approachable, with a passion for building relationships.
• Perform any other duty as may be assigned from Time to Time by the supervisor

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to build and maintain a strong network of contacts within the creative industry, including entrepreneurs, industry professionals, and potential partners.
• Have strong attention to detail and possess strong written and spoken fluency in English or Swahili language
• Proficiency in managing multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously, with a focus on meeting deadlines and project objectives.
• Familiarity with relevant technology tools and platforms for communication, project management, and data analysis.
• Knowledge of marketing strategies and techniques to promote participant portifolios within the sector and broader industry.
• Capacity to adapt to changing project requirements and stakeholder expectations while maintaining a positive and proactive approach.