Reporting to the Project Coordinator, this position involves providing administrative support and ensuring smooth project operations. Key responsibilities include organizing project documentation, scheduling meetings, and maintaining communication channels among team members. The ideal candidate must possess strong organizational skills, proficiency in project management software, and the ability to multitask effectively. Additionally, excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential to facilitate clear and concise information exchange. Prior experience in a similar role, familiarity with industry-specific tools, and a proactive approach to problem-solving are highly valued.
Accomplishes duties with no direct reports or subordinates, ensuring all responsibilities are executed independently.
Country Summary
Swiss contact Kenya operates as the regional headquarters for the CESAR region and serves as a central program hub across Kenya. With over two decades of experience, Swiss contact has been instrumental in equipping young individuals with entrepreneurial skills, enhancing financial inclusion, providing market-oriented vocational training, and advancing sustainable development initiatives. At present, the organization is executing a broad range of projects in key sectors such as Agribusiness, Eye Healthcare, Digital Skills, Green Skills, and E-Mobility entrepreneurship. Among these initiatives is Propel, which prioritizes youth development by focusing on skill acquisition, employment opportunities, and entrepreneurship in specialized trades, including electrical work, plumbing, and lift mechanics.
General Position Summary
The Project Officer will play a key role in the successful execution of the Future Fit Project, facilitating the delivery of high-caliber initiatives in digital skills, green skills (emphasizing mobility), youth entrepreneurship, and employment. This position will deliver operational, coordination, and technical assistance to guarantee that project deliverables are completed punctually, remain within defined parameters, and align with donor, partner, and organizational standards.
This role demands a forward-thinking, analytical professional with an entrepreneurial mindset and strong attention to detail. The successful applicant must adeptly manage project support alongside various administrative responsibilities.
This position is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, with an expected travel commitment of up to 30% to various field locations.
Essential responsibilities for this position encompass a range of key duties integral to the role’s success. The role demands expertise in managing complex projects, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards. Collaboration with cross-functional teams is required to align objectives and drive efficient execution. Additionally, the position involves analyzing data to inform decision-making, identifying trends, and implementing strategic improvements. Strong communication skills are necessary to liaise with stakeholders, convey expectations, and provide updates. Proficiency in industry-specific tools and methodologies is expected to optimize performance and achieve organizational goals.
We are seeking a skilled professional to oversee the seamless execution of project implementation, ensuring all objectives and deliverables are met within the specified timeline and budget. The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record in managing complex projects, with expertise in coordinating cross-functional teams, mitigating risks, and maintaining clear communication throughout the process. Responsibilities include developing detailed project plans, allocating resources efficiently, monitoring progress against milestones, and addressing any deviations promptly. Strong problem-solving abilities, leadership skills, and familiarity with industry best practices are essential to drive successful project outcomes. Proficiency in project management tools and methodologies, along with a background in the relevant field, is required.
Facilitate the seamless execution of project initiatives within the domains of digital skills and green/e-mobility skills, ensuring full alignment with overarching strategic goals.
Collaborate in organizing project initiatives alongside Technical and Vocational Education and Training (VET) institutions, private sector collaborators, and financial organizations to ensure alignment and efficiency.
Assist with the planning, scheduling, and coordination of various training initiatives, 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 formulating project concepts, designing intervention strategies, and preparing reports.
Implement sustainability and market systems development principles consistently throughout all project activities to ensure cohesive integration.
Collaborate with partners to develop operational strategies, ensure adherence to quality standards, and evaluate program efficacy.
We oversee the systematic tracking and assessment of project performance to ensure alignment with objectives and standards. This role involves collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to evaluate outcomes, identify trends, and measure impact. Responsibilities include developing monitoring frameworks, designing evaluation methodologies, and producing reports that highlight key findings and recommendations. Proficiency in data analysis tools, strong analytical skills, and attention to detail are essential. Experience in designing and implementing M&E systems is preferred.
Partner with the MEL Specialist to design monitoring tools and measure impact results efficiently.
Provide ongoing oversight of project operations, deliverables, and performance metrics in strict alignment with the established Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) framework.
Assist with the gathering, structuring, and verification of both quantitative and qualitative information obtained from partners, service providers, and beneficiaries.
Compile data and information required for compiling project reports, including monthly, quarterly, and annual submissions.
The role involves compiling and maintaining documentation of learning outcomes, success narratives, and best practices derived from implementation efforts.
You will be responsible for cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring their needs and expectations are met while aligning their interests with organizational objectives. This role requires the ability to effectively communicate complex information, negotiate agreements, and resolve conflicts to foster productive partnerships. You will identify and engage with internal and external stakeholders, assess their influence and interests, and develop tailored strategies to engage them appropriately. Additionally, you will monitor stakeholder sentiment, track feedback, and provide regular updates to senior leadership to inform decision-making processes. Strong interpersonal skills, strategic thinking, and a proactive approach are essential for success in this position.
Collaborate with VET institutions, instructors, and administrative staff to advance curriculum modernization and implement blended learning strategies.
Collaborate with private sector stakeholders, including e-mobility companies, technology firms, and financial institutions, to facilitate apprenticeships, implement pilot training programs, and develop pathways for youth employment.
Collaborate with key ecosystem stakeholders, including industry associations and innovation partners, to ensure seamless coordination and alignment of efforts.
Develop and nurture productive partnerships with key project stakeholders, such as government entities, private sector collaborators, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and local community groups.
Facilitate effective communication and collaboration among project partners to ensure cohesive and productive working relationships.
Explore potential collaborations and innovative initiatives in alignment with the Future Fit project to drive forward-thinking solutions and strategic alliances.
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and a minimum of three years of hands-on experience in a comparable role are essential. Proficiency in industry-standard software and tools is required, along with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, are necessary to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. Candidates must demonstrate a proven track record of delivering measurable results and adapting to evolving project demands. Familiarity with compliance standards and regulatory requirements in the field is also expected.
A relevant undergraduate degree in Development Studies, Project Management, Education, Economics, Business, Engineering, ICT, or a closely related discipline is required.
Possesses a strong understanding of donor-funded initiatives and results-based project management methodologies.
A minimum of two to three years of hands-on professional experience is required in facilitating development projects, collaborating with NGOs, or contributing to private sector initiatives focused on youth employment, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (VET), digital skills, green skills, or entrepreneurship programs.
Required are exceptional analytical, organizational, and multitasking capabilities to effectively manage diverse project demands.
Proficiency in collaborating with Technical and Vocational Education and Training (VET) institutions, private sector stakeholders, or youth-focused programs is strongly preferred.
Professional certification in project management or monitoring and evaluation is advantageous.
A strong proficiency in relevant competencies and essential skills is required for this role. Candidates must demonstrate expertise in specified areas, including technical proficiencies, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication. The ideal applicant will possess advanced analytical skills, adaptability to changing environments, and a commitment to continuous learning. Familiarity with industry-standard tools and methodologies, as well as compliance with professional standards, is expected. Collaborative teamwork, leadership potential, and a results-driven mindset are highly desirable attributes.
Demonstrated expertise in managing projects efficiently and maintaining meticulous organizational systems.
Proficient in youth employability strategies, skills enhancement methodologies, and market-driven training frameworks.
Proven ability to collaborate seamlessly with a wide range of stakeholders, such as young individuals, educators, corporate partners, and banking institutions, demonstrating strong interpersonal proficiency.
Proficient in monitoring systems, preparing reports, and managing data effectively are essential skills.
Proficient in both written and spoken English, with advanced presentation skills; fluency in Swahili is considered an additional benefit.
Proficiency in MS Office applications, along with prior experience utilizing digital learning platforms, is highly advantageous.
Exhibits exceptional integrity, professionalism, and meticulous attention to detail in all responsibilities.
Demonstrates exceptional capacity to operate autonomously and thrive under tight deadlines, effectively managing competing priorities without compromising performance or quality.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
2 - 3 years
