Reporting to the Project Coordinator, the incumbent will be responsible for providing administrative and operational support to ensure project objectives are achieved efficiently. This role involves coordinating meetings, managing documentation, and maintaining communication channels between stakeholders. Additionally, the incumbent will assist in tracking project progress, preparing reports, and resolving any administrative issues that may arise. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment are essential for success in this position. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and prior experience in project coordination or a related field are required.
Subordinates: None
Country Summary
For more than twenty years, Swiss contact Kenya has functioned as the regional headquarters for the CESAR region and the central operational hub for projects throughout Kenya. The organization has consistently championed youth empowerment through entrepreneurship, enhanced financial inclusion, competency-based skills training aligned with market demands, and sustainable development initiatives. Presently, Swiss contact is executing an extensive and varied project portfolio encompassing Agribusiness, Eye Healthcare, Digital Skills, Green Skills, and E-Mobility entrepreneurship, including Propel—a flagship initiative dedicated to advancing youth skills development, employment opportunities, and entrepreneurship within the electrical, plumbing, and lift mechanics trades.
The position provides a broad overview of responsibilities and duties, requiring a comprehensive understanding of the role’s core functions and objectives. It entails managing key tasks and ensuring alignment with organizational goals while maintaining high standards of performance. The role demands proficiency in relevant skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with team members to achieve desired outcomes. Additionally, it involves adhering to company policies, meeting deadlines, and contributing to the overall success of the department.
The Project Officer will play a key role in advancing the Future Fit Project by facilitating the successful execution of high-quality initiatives in digital skills, green skills (particularly in e-mobility), youth entrepreneurship, and employment. This position will deliver operational, coordination, and technical assistance to guarantee the timely and accurate completion of project deliverables, strictly adhering to the specifications set by the donor, partners, and the organization.
This role demands an individual who exhibits proactive problem-solving skills, a strategic mindset, and meticulous attention to detail. The successful applicant must adeptly manage project-based responsibilities alongside general administrative duties.
This position is situated in Nairobi, Kenya, with an expected requirement to travel to field locations for up to 30% of the duration.
Oversee and execute core job duties with a focus on delivering high-quality results through meticulous planning and execution. Account for key performance indicators, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives while maintaining strict adherence to established protocols and standards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to streamline workflows, enhance productivity, and drive continuous improvement across all assigned responsibilities. Demonstrate proficiency in relevant tools, technologies, and methodologies to optimize efficiency and achieve measurable outcomes. Uphold accountability for meeting deadlines, managing resources effectively, and contributing to the strategic goals of the department or organization.
The project will be executed through structured phases, including initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closure, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and stakeholder expectations. You will oversee resource allocation, risk management, and stakeholder communication to maintain project momentum and address challenges proactively. Proficiency in project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall) and tools (e.g., MS Project, JIRA) is required, along with the ability to lead cross-functional teams and deliver within defined timelines and budgets. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and leadership skills are essential to navigate complexities and drive successful project outcomes.
Facilitate the seamless execution of daily project operations within the domains of digital skills and green/e-mobility skills initiatives, ensuring full alignment with established strategic goals.
Collaborate with Technical and Vocational Education and Training (VET) institutions, private sector partners, and financial institutions to facilitate the seamless coordination of project activities.
Support the coordination and arrangement of trainings, workshops, apprenticeships, curriculum development sessions, and stakeholder meetings, including planning, scheduling, and organization.
Ensure prompt action on all action items generated during meetings and field activities.
Assist in the formulation of project concepts, intervention strategies, and reporting mechanisms to ensure comprehensive project development and documentation.
Integrate sustainability and market systems development principles comprehensively into all project activities to ensure alignment with overarching goals.
Collaborate with partners to develop operational strategies, uphold quality standards, and evaluate impact outcomes.
Develop and implement comprehensive systems to track, analyze, and report on program performance, ensuring data accuracy and integrity. Oversee the collection, validation, and management of performance metrics to assess progress toward established objectives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to interpret findings, identify trends, and recommend data-driven improvements. Prepare and present clear, actionable reports to stakeholders, highlighting key achievements, challenges, and areas for strategic enhancement. Ensure adherence to monitoring and evaluation frameworks, compliance standards, and best practices to maintain high-quality data and reporting standards.
Partner with the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Specialist to design monitoring tools and systematically measure impact outcomes.
Support the ongoing monitoring of project activities, outputs, and indicators in accordance with the established Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) framework.
Contribute to the acquisition, structuring, and verification of both quantitative and qualitative data provided by partners, service providers, and beneficiaries.
Compile data and information necessary for compiling project reports, including monthly, quarterly, and annual submissions.
Facilitate the compilation and maintenance of documentation capturing learning outcomes, success narratives, and best practice methodologies derived from project execution.
We excel in fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring their needs and expectations are met through proactive communication and collaboration. This role requires the ability to influence without authority, negotiate effectively, and maintain transparency across all interactions. Responsibilities include identifying critical stakeholders, assessing their interests, and tailoring engagement strategies to align with organizational goals. A proven track record in stakeholder engagement, coupled with exceptional interpersonal and strategic thinking skills, is essential for success in this position.
Facilitate productive collaboration with VET institutions, engaging both trainers and administrators to advance curriculum modernization and blended learning strategies.
Collaborate with private sector stakeholders—including e-mobility companies, technology firms, and financial institutions—to enhance apprenticeship programs, test innovative training frameworks, and develop pathways for youth employment.
Collaborate with key ecosystem stakeholders, including industry associations and innovation partners, to ensure seamless coordination and alignment across initiatives.
Develop and nurture collaborative partnerships with key stakeholders across government agencies, private sector entities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and local community groups to ensure alignment and mutual support throughout project phases.
Facilitate seamless communication and foster collaboration among project partners.
Explore potential avenues for collaboration and innovative initiatives within the Future Fit project.
Minimum educational and professional prerequisites include a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, supplemented by at least five years of hands-on experience in a similar role. Proficiency in industry-specific software and tools is essential, along with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Candidates must demonstrate excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively interact with stakeholders at all levels. Familiarity with regulatory requirements and compliance standards is also necessary. Prior to project management experience, including oversight of budgets and timelines, is highly desirable.
A Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies, Project Management, Education, Economics, Business, Engineering, ICT, or a related discipline is required.
Proficiency in implementing donor funded initiatives and adopting results based project management methodologies is required.
A minimum of two to three years of hands-on professional experience is required in roles involving the support of development projects, non-governmental organizations, or private sector initiatives, with a focus on youth employment, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (VET), digital skills, green skills, or entrepreneurship programs.
Proven ability to analyze data, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple projects simultaneously with efficiency and precision.
Preferred candidates will have prior engagement with Technical and Vocational Education and Training (VET) institutions, private sector collaborators, or youth-targeted programs.
Professional certification in project management or monitoring and evaluation would be advantageous.
Demonstrates proficiency in key competencies and possesses the necessary skills required for the role. Exhibits strong analytical abilities, effective communication skills, and a capacity for problem-solving. Maintains adaptability in dynamic environments and shows commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Requires expertise in [specific software/tools, if applicable] and a solid understanding of [relevant industry standards or methodologies]. Prior experience in [specific tasks or projects] is essential, along with the ability to collaborate seamlessly within cross-functional teams.
Proven ability to effectively coordinate projects and maintain exceptional organizational capabilities.
Possesses a solid grasp of youth employability strategies, skills enhancement methodologies, and training frameworks aligned with market demands.
Demonstrates exceptional interpersonal abilities, enabling productive collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders such as young individuals, instructors, corporate partners, and banking institutions.
Proficient in monitoring operations, compiling accurate reports, and effectively managing data to ensure organizational efficiency and compliance.
Proficient in both written and spoken English, with a strong command of presentation skills (Swahili fluency is an additional asset).
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications is required, with experience using digital learning platforms considered an asset.
Maintains a high degree of integrity, professionalism, and meticulous attention to detail in all responsibilities and interactions.
Proficient in managing tasks autonomously and thriving in high-pressure environments, consistently delivering results within specified deadlines while balancing competing priorities.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
2 - 3 years
