The ideal candidates will combine expertise in livelihoods, economic inclusion, gender equality, and digital skills/programming within a Market Systems Development framework. They will provide strategic leadership for the project’s dual-pathway strategy: fostering the expansion of youth-led entrepreneurship initiatives—particularly through partnerships with Refugee-Led Organizations (Los), private sector entities, and digital outsourcing agencies—while simultaneously improving access to equitable, secure, and formal wage employment. The Senior Livelihoods and Economic Inclusion Officer will ensure that all livelihood interventions are gender-responsive, inclusive of marginalized populations, and compliant with both the Kenyan policy framework and Canadian market linkages to establish sustainable and dignified employment opportunities.
Overseeing a range of critical responsibilities, this role encompasses managing, coordinating, and executing key operational tasks to drive organizational success. Primary duties include leading cross-functional teams, optimizing workflows, and ensuring adherence to established policies and procedures. Additionally, the position involves analyzing performance metrics, identifying improvement opportunities, and implementing strategic initiatives to enhance efficiency and productivity. Collaborating with stakeholders at all levels, the role demands strong communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and a proactive approach to addressing challenges.
Our role involves providing technical leadership and implementing strategic initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives. You will oversee and guide technical teams, drive innovation, and execute technical strategies to enhance operational efficiency and business growth. Additionally, you will collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to identify emerging technologies, assess their potential impact, and integrate them into existing systems. Your responsibilities include mentoring team members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and ensuring adherence to industry best practices and compliance standards.
Develop and implement market-driven strategies aimed at enhancing access to technical, vocational, and digital employment opportunities for displaced and host-community youth in the designated placement area, whether Dadaab or Kakuna/Kalahari.
Oversee the implementation of a dual-pathway strategy that simultaneously advances youth-led entrepreneurship initiatives and broadens access to stable, fair, and formal employment opportunities.
Conduct comprehensive labor and market analyses to pinpoint high-growth sectors across Kenyan, Canadian, and global markets, ensuring training initiatives align with evolving workforce requirements while prioritizing the incorporation of digital competencies and programming expertise.
Entrepreneurship and the cultivation of digital ecosystems are essential components of this role, requiring a strategic mindset to drive innovation and sustainable growth. The position involves designing and implementing initiatives that foster collaboration among stakeholders, leveraging technology to create value-added solutions. Key responsibilities include identifying market opportunities, developing scalable business models, and building partnerships to enhance digital infrastructure. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are necessary to navigate complex challenges and optimize ecosystem performance. Familiarity with digital transformation trends and agile methodologies is advantageous, as is experience in ecosystem governance and stakeholder engagement.
Enhance the capabilities of local Los and Entrepreneurship Support Organizations (SOS) to deliver exceptional business incubation, acceleration, and financial linkage services.
Facilitate the creation of independent digital outsourcing firms that empower young professionals by linking them to international remote employment opportunities, thereby circumventing restrictive local employment regulations.
Engage collaboratively with global partners to evaluate inclusive business frameworks and connect youth-led enterprises with market requirements in Canada.
Policy advocacy and administrative facilitation are key responsibilities of this role, focusing on advancing legislative agendas and overcoming bureaucratic obstacles to ensure effective governance and policy implementation. The position requires a deep understanding of regulatory frameworks, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to collaborate with government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private sector stakeholders to drive meaningful change. Additionally, the successful candidate will be responsible for drafting policy briefs, coordinating stakeholder meetings, and monitoring compliance with enacted regulations, all while maintaining meticulous attention to detail and adherence to ethical standards.
Technical support will be extended to relevant duty-bearers, particularly the Department of Refugee Services (DRS), to enhance the efficiency of ID issuance, KRA PIN registration, and Class M work permit processing for refugees.
Operationalize national inclusion frameworks, including the Sharia Plan and the Refugees Act of 2021, to facilitate the transition of youth from informal incentive-based employment to formal, safeguarded labor markets.
Engage in structured discussions with representatives from governmental bodies and private enterprises to advance equitable recruitment standards and oversee the implementation of accessible apprenticeship programs.
Professional Rewriting:
The role emphasizes integrating gender responsiveness and social inclusion (DESI) principles into all project activities to ensure equitable participation and outcomes for diverse populations. It requires evaluating program designs, policies, and implementation strategies through a DESI lens to identify and address barriers faced by marginalized groups. Responsibilities include conducting gender and social analyses, developing inclusive frameworks, and fostering partnerships with community stakeholders to promote fairness and accessibility. Proficiency in DESI frameworks, strong analytical skills, and a commitment to equity are essential for success in this position.
Apply an intersectional approach to every program, with livelihoods, economic inclusion, and digital skills initiatives deliberately designed to eliminate obstacles faced by women and girls.
Implement practical solutions, such as childcare assistance and safe transportation, to tackle the challenges of time poverty and mobility limitations faced by young women in all interventions.
Mainstreaming disability and LGBTQ+ inclusion across all livelihoods programming is essential, with a focus on ensuring facilities are fully accessible, and outreach efforts are rights-based and confidential.
Collaborate with Women’s Rights Organizations (Pros) to confront detrimental social norms and gender-based occupational segregation, thereby restricting women’s participation in high-value technical and digital fields.
The role involves overseeing coordination efforts, ensuring accurate reporting, and maintaining rigorous quality assurance standards to uphold operational excellence and compliance. Responsibilities include managing cross-functional collaboration, verifying data integrity, and implementing systematic checks to detect and resolve discrepancies. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in organizational workflows, meticulous attention to detail, and a commitment to delivering consistent, high-quality results.
Monitor the quality and effectiveness of livelihood interventions, with a focus on ensuring data is categorized by sex, age, and disability to facilitate adaptive management strategies.
Act as a liaison for the project within livelihoods-focused working groups, cultivating and sustaining robust partnerships with UNHCR, county authorities, and private sector employers.
Document and share impactful narratives and key insights arising from refugee economic inclusion endeavors to shape and enhance wider policy frameworks and operational approaches.
Seeking a candidate with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, complemented by relevant certifications. Minimum of three years of experience in software development, system architecture, or IT project management is required. Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Java, or C++ is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, excellent communication skills, and the capacity to work both independently and collaboratively are necessary. Familiarity with Agile methodologies and cloud platforms like AWS or Azure is advantageous. Responsibilities include designing, developing, and maintaining software solutions, leading technical projects, and ensuring system performance and security.
A Master’s degree in International Development, Economics, Business Administration, Social Sciences, Gender Studies, Computer Science, or a related discipline—along with an equivalent blend of academic and professional experience—is required.
With a minimum of five to seven years of progressive expertise in designing and implementing livelihoods, economic inclusion, or market-driven development programs—ideally within an international NGO or development agency—candidates are expected to demonstrate a proven track record in these fields.
Demonstrates a strong intersectional expertise and a successful history of integrating skills in livelihoods, economic inclusion, gender equality, and digital skills/programming.
Proven expertise in delivering services within refugee, displacement-affected, or fragile settings—particularly in the Kakuna/Kalahari and Dadaab regions—while integrating conflict-sensitive and context-responsive strategies.
Accomplished professionals with a strong track record in Results-Based Management (RBM) are sought, possessing the expertise to develop and oversee intricate livelihoods initiatives alongside conducting thorough labor market assessments.
Proficiency in entrepreneurship support mechanisms—including incubation, acceleration, and financial linkages—as well as expertise in wage employment pathways such as VET alignment, apprenticeships, and private sector collaboration.
Proven understanding of the digital livelihoods’ ecosystem, encompassing digital outsourcing firms, remote employment platforms, and the incorporation of digital and AI competencies into training initiatives.
Possesses a comprehensive grasp of Kenya’s legal framework governing refugees, with particular expertise in the Refugees Act (2021), the Sharia Plan, and the procedural requirements for securing national identification documents, KRA PINs, and Class M work permits.
Proven expertise in integrating Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (DESI) principles, with a strong commitment to promoting accessibility and participation for persons with disabilities and LGBTQ+ youth.
Professional candidates must demonstrate advanced proficiency in both written and spoken English and Kiswahili. For the Dada ab-based role, fluency in Somali is an essential requirement, while the Kakuna-based position strictly necessitates fluency in either Turkey or Karamojong.
In keeping with our dedication to gender equality and the advancement of women in leadership roles, preference will be given to female applicants for these positions.
We seek a candidate with a strong foundation in core competencies, including exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, and a proactive approach to overcoming challenges. The ideal applicant will demonstrate adaptability in dynamic environments, a commitment to continuous learning, and a thorough understanding of industry best practices. Additionally, proficiency in collaborative teamwork, time management, and organizational skills is essential. Experience in [specific industry or role, if applicable] is highly valued, along with a track record of delivering measurable results. Proficiency in relevant tools or technologies, such as [mention tools, e.g., Microsoft Office, CRM systems, etc.], is required, and familiarity with [specific methodologies, frameworks, or standards] is a plus.
Translate strategic objectives into actionable implementation guidance, provide field support, and ensure accountable follow-through.
A strong aptitude for facilitating collaboration, managing relationships, and driving influence is essential, along with the capacity to engage effectively across diverse teams, communities, institutions, and sectors.
Demonstrates sound judgment, exercises discretion judiciously, and addresses sensitive matters with unwavering ethical integrity and professionalism.
Required is a demonstrated capacity for cultural humility, deep respect for diverse perspectives, adaptability in dynamic environments, and an unwavering dedication to inclusive and participatory approaches in all professional engagements.
Capable of effectively balancing competing priorities, operating autonomously, and consistently producing high-caliber results under tight deadlines and dynamic conditions.
Here’s some of what you can expect working with us:
The position requires a full-time commitment of 40 hours per week, with occasional flexibility in scheduling and the option for a hybrid work model.
Enjoy a generous annual leave entitlement of 21 days per year, providing ample opportunity for rest, relaxation, and personal pursuits outside professional commitments.
Comprehensive health insurance benefits are provided, encompassing medical, dental, and vision care for employees and their dependents. Eligibility for enrollment commences on the first day of employment, with enrollment occurring during the designated open enrollment period or within 30 days of a qualifying life event. The plan includes coverage for preventive care, emergency services, prescription medications, and specialist consultations, ensuring robust support for overall well-being. Employees are responsible for selecting from available plan options and adhering to the associated contribution requirements.
Complimentary enrollment in a comprehensive e-learning platform featuring over 350 courses spanning diverse subjects.
Engage in meaningful interactions with individuals from diverse global backgrounds, fostering cross-cultural exchanges and building connections that transcend geographical boundaries.
Join our collaborative, supportive, and energetic team committed to fostering a positive and inclusive work environment where enthusiasm and care drive collective success.
To apply, please submit your application through the designated application method. Ensure all required documentation is included to expedite the review process. Be advised that only complete applications will be considered for further evaluation.
To submit your application, kindly utilize the provided link(s) on the company’s official website.
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
5 - 7 years
