Responsible directly to the Project Coordinator, this role is accountable for ensuring all project deliverables are completed accurately and on schedule. Key duties include collaborating with cross-functional teams to gather and verify project data, monitoring progress against established milestones, and promptly escalating any risks or deviations to the Project Coordinator. The position requires strong organizational abilities, meticulous attention to detail, and the capacity to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Proficiency in project management tools and exceptional communication skills are essential to facilitate seamless coordination and maintain alignment with project objectives.
Subordinates: None
Country Summary
Swiss contact Kenya operates as the regional headquarters for the CESAR region and the central hub for program implementation across Kenya. For the past 20 years, the organization has been instrumental in empowering young individuals through initiatives encompassing entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, market-oriented skills training, and sustainable development programs. Currently, Swiss contact manages a wide array of projects in key sectors such as Agribusiness, Eye Healthcare, Digital Skills, Green Skills, and E-Mobility entrepreneurship, including the Propel initiative, which is dedicated to enhancing youth skills development, employment opportunities, and entrepreneurship in the electrical, plumbing, and lift mechanics trades.
General Position Summary
The Project Officer will play a pivotal role in advancing the Future Fit Project by facilitating the successful execution of key initiatives focused on digital skills, green skills (particularly mobility), youth entrepreneurship, and job creation. This position will deliver operational, coordination, and technical assistance to guarantee that project deliverables are completed punctually, within defined parameters, and in full alignment with the expectations of donors, partners, and the organization.
This role demands an individual who demonstrates proactive problem-solving, entrepreneurial drive, and meticulous attention to detail. The successful candidate will skillfully manage competing priorities between project support and administrative responsibilities.
This position is located in Nairobi, Kenya, with travel to field sites required for up to 30% of the duration.
Oversee the critical functions of this role, which encompass a broad range of duties essential to maintaining operational excellence. Lead strategic initiatives to enhance productivity, ensuring adherence to established policies and procedures while fostering a culture of accountability. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to streamline workflows, identify areas for improvement, and implement solutions that drive sustainable growth. Monitor key performance indicators to assess progress, providing actionable insights and recommendations to senior leadership to support data-driven decision-making. Serve as a mentor to junior staff, offering guidance and support to cultivate talent and align individual goals with organizational objectives. Maintain compliance with industry regulations and internal standards, mitigating risks and upholding the highest ethical and professional conduct.
Overseeing the execution of project deliverables from inception to completion, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and stakeholder expectations, is a key responsibility of this role. Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, the position requires meticulous planning, resource allocation, and progress tracking to mitigate risks and maintain timelines. Strong problem-solving skills are essential to address challenges promptly, while effective communication ensures seamless coordination across departments. Proficiency in project management methodologies and tools, along with a results-driven mindset, is critical for driving successful outcomes. The ideal candidate will possess prior experience in project implementation, a track record of meeting deadlines, and the ability to adapt to evolving project demands.
Provide assistance in executing project activities daily within the domains of digital skills and green/e-mobility skills, maintaining alignment with strategic goals.
Collaborate with Technical and Vocational Education and Training (VET) institutions, private sector stakeholders, and financial partners to synchronize project initiatives.
Provide support in the coordination, scheduling, and arrangement of training programs, workshops, apprenticeships, curriculum development sessions, and stakeholder engagements.
Ensure that all action points generated during meetings and field activities are addressed promptly and efficiently.
Assist in the formulation and advancement of project concepts, intervention strategies, and reporting mechanisms.
Integrate sustainability and market systems development principles comprehensively into all aspects of project activities.
Assist collaborators with strategic operational planning, ensuring adherence to quality assurance standards and conducting thorough impact evaluations.
Responsible for overseeing and assessing project performance, the Monitoring & Evaluation role involves systematically tracking progress, collecting data, and analyzing results to ensure alignment with objectives. This position requires proficiency in data management tools and methodologies to accurately measure outcomes and identify trends. Key duties include designing evaluation frameworks, conducting impact assessments, and preparing comprehensive reports to inform decision-making. Strong analytical skills and attention to detail are essential, along with the ability to interpret complex data and present findings clearly to stakeholders. Experience in developing performance indicators and managing evaluation cycles is highly valued.
Partner with the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Specialist to create monitoring tools and measure impact outcomes.
Provide ongoing oversight of project operations, deliverables, and measurable indicators in strict accordance with the established Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) framework.
Provide support in gathering, structuring, and verifying quantitative and qualitative data obtained from partners, service providers, and beneficiaries.
Compile data and information necessary for the production of project reports, including monthly, quarterly, and annual deliverables.
Facilitate the documentation of educational materials, success narratives, and effective implementation practices.
Skilled in cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders is essential, ensuring alignment on objectives and facilitating smooth project execution. This role involves engaging with key individuals to gather insights, address concerns, and secure necessary support. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, negotiate priorities, and manage expectations across diverse groups is required. Responsibilities include identifying stakeholder needs, resolving conflicts, and ensuring transparency throughout the process.
Collaborate closely with VET institutions, engaging trainers and administrators, to drive advancements in curriculum modernization and the implementation of blended learning strategies.
Collaborate closely with private sector stakeholders, including e-mobility companies, digital technology firms, and financial institutions, to enhance apprenticeship programs, develop and test innovative training frameworks, and create sustainable pathways for youth employment.
Collaborate with ecosystem stakeholders, including industry associations and innovation partners, to ensure smooth operational alignment and effective collaboration.
Develop and sustain robust relationships with key project stakeholders, such as governmental entities, private sector collaborators, non-governmental organizations, and community-based associations.
Facilitate effective communication and collaboration among project partners to ensure alignment and shared understanding throughout the project lifecycle.
Explore potential partnerships and innovative initiatives within the Future Fit project to drive collaborative growth and advancement.
Minimum Qualifications & Experience
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field, along with a minimum of five years of progressive experience in financial analysis, reporting, or auditing. Proficiency in advanced Excel, ERP systems, and data visualization tools is required, along with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Additionally, candidates should possess excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. Familiarity with regulatory compliance and risk management frameworks is highly desirable.
A Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies, Project Management, Education, Economics, Business, Engineering, ICT, or a cognate discipline is required.
Demonstrated experience with donor-funded initiatives and proficiency in results-based project management methodologies is essential.
A minimum of two to three years of hands-on experience in advancing development initiatives, including roles within NGOs, private sector ventures, or youth-focused projects that emphasize employment, technical and vocational education and training (VET), digital competencies, green skills, or entrepreneurship programs.
Demonstrated ability to analyze complex information, manage multiple priorities efficiently, and maintain meticulous organization to ensure seamless project execution.
Preferred candidates will have prior experience collaborating with Technical and Vocational Education and Training (VET) institutions, private sector partners, or youth-focused initiatives.
Professional certification in project management or monitoring and evaluation is highly beneficial.
Demonstrated expertise in critical competencies and specialized skills is essential for success in this role. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical abilities, exceptional problem-solving capabilities, and a keen attention to detail. Proficiency in relevant technical tools, software, or methodologies is required, along with effective communication and collaboration skills. Prior experience in a similar position is preferred, as is the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently while maintaining high standards of accuracy. Additionally, adaptability to evolving priorities and a commitment to continuous learning are highly valued attributes.
Proven ability to effectively coordinate projects and maintain meticulous organizational standards.
Proficient knowledge of youth employability, skills development, and market-linked training methodologies is essential.
Proven ability to collaborate seamlessly with a wide range of stakeholders—such as young individuals, trainers, corporate partners, and banking institutions—while maintaining strong interpersonal relationships.
Proven proficiency in monitoring systems, generating detailed reports, and effectively managing data assets is required.
Proficient in both written and spoken English, with a demonstrated aptitude for clear and compelling presentations; fluency in Swahili is considered a valuable asset.
Proficient in utilizing MS Office applications; familiarity with digital learning platforms is advantageous.
Maintains a high standard of integrity, professionalism, and meticulous attention to detail in all responsibilities.
Capable of performing tasks autonomously and thriving in high-pressure environments, you will consistently meet deadlines while effectively managing competing priorities.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
2 - 3 years
