Organisational Context
Operational Context
Jesuit Refugee service Kenya works with urban refugees in Nairobi supporting them in accessing quality education to live independent lives. JRS Kenya and Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is pioneering an innovative program to deliver more than a high-quality university education to some of the world’s refugees living in Nairobi and most disadvantaged Kenyans in Nairobi.JRS Kenya is therefore seeking the services of a suitable candidate to coordinate the online Associate (AA) and Bachelor’s (BA) degree programme at the Nairobi site. The DLSC reports to the JRS country director, and liaises directly and frequently with international SNHU and JRS staff on student and program progress and issues. The DLSC oversees the Degree Academic Fellows liaising with them for student data and reports.
Overall Position Description
The Digital Learning Site Coordinator (DLSC) is responsible for overseeing the staff and students involved in the Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) AA/BA Program. The SNHU AA/BA program is to be launched in Nairobi in November 2019, inviting 30 students study in SNHU’s Associate of Arts then Bachelor of Arts.
Students in the SNHU AA/BA program are required to complete internships in established organizations and complete capstone projects to demonstrate their learned skills. The DLSC plays a significant role in the students’ internship and capstone initiatives. The DLSC serves as a key interlocutor between students and potential employers, and provides students with necessary trainings and opportunities to secure internships in established organizations.
The DLSC ensures the provision of internship proposals and feedback to the JRS education team.
In the capstone process, the DLSC serves as the initial sounding board for students to discuss potential ideas, and then as a liaison between the students’ and capstone incubation services. It is the DLSC responsibility to collate student feedback during the capstone project, and coordinate the student Capstone Exhibition and Graduation Ceremony.In the future, this position will oversee other BA programs offered through JRS in Nairobi.
Responsibilities
General oversight of the program, students and staff:
Being present at Nairobi’s JRS’s Learning Center from 8:30-5:30 Monday-Friday, except when working out of office on internship and employment acquisition and advocacy
Supervising the Academic fellows and providing guidance and feedback on their work and programs with the students
Running weekly meetings with the students, and leading mini-workshops, check-ins, and team building activities Securing internship and employment opportunities for students and advocating for refugee work permits:
Tracking student progress and ensuring timely acquisition of internships
Tracking student internship experience with students and employers
Networking with companies and businesses to secure internships
Providing students with professional development workshops and opportunities to help ensure they are internship and employment-ready
Researching employment restrictions for refugees in Kenya
Creating and carrying out an advocacy strategy to encourage the Government of Kenya to allow work permits for graduates
Onboarding new students and tracking student progress:
Providing guidance to students in the AA and BA admissions process and liaising with SNHU and JRS Kenya on requirements and submissions
Tracking student progress on the Power BI system
Flagging students falling below minimum scholarship requirements and developing action plans with these students
Downloading course content and liaising with the IT department to distribute course content to students
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Education, Business, Social Work, Project Management or related field, BBIT degree preferred
Must be highly proactive in communicating locally and internationally with students, on-site members, supervisors, faculty, and JRS staff
Must have high expectations of quality and be very detail-oriented
Strong problem-solving skills and a mind for innovation
Highly proactive management and coordination skills, ensuring effective and efficient workflow
Must have excellent computer skills and be fluent with a variety of online educational resources
Ability to work in a multi-cultural/global office across different departments
Excellent interpersonal, leadership, and management skills
Proficiency with MS Office, Google Calendar, and other relevant Google apps
Familiarity with online work tools and project management software is preferred
Critical and contextual thinking skills
Strong time management and self-direction skills set
Ability to work in an open office environment
Flexibility, resilience to stress and ability to work under high pressure
Excellent organizational skills and event planning experience
Experience in teaching or conducting workshops
Experience in advocacy and networking
Conditions
Applications will be appraised on a rollover basis.
The successful candidate will be offered a contract of 12 months with a possible extension, subject to availability of funds.
JRS Kenya is an equal opportunity employer, irrespective of gender, race or religious affiliation.
JRS is a Child Safeguarding organization.
