Project Assistant – Financial Inclusion
Summary of the role
DanChurchAid (DCA) seeks
highly talented and dynamic individuals for the position of Project Assistant – Financial
Inclusion. The position holder will be based in Kakuma and will
report to the Project Officer – Financial Inclusion (PO-FI). The overall objective
of the post holder is to support in the implementation of varied financial
inclusion services aimed at enhancing entrepreneurship for micro, small and
medium enterprises in Kakuma refugee camp, Kalobeyei Settlement, and the host
community. The position holder will primarily support micro, small, and medium
enterprises (MSME) to grow their businesses to sustainable and profitable
ventures.
Main Responsibilities
Project Management
Lead
in the identification, mobilization and formation of different community/youth
groups/enterprises and prepare them to access support through varied DCA led
initiatives.
Carry
out business assessments in collaboration with partner Financial Service
Providers (FSP) to identify entrepreneurs’/enterprises qualifying for DCA support
through among others Business Development Services (BDS) and internal financing
initiatives.
Regularly
visit and provide onsite support to onboarded businesses/ entrepreneurs.
Provide
informed, strategic, and realistic advice to help clients meet their objectives
for business growth.
Onboard
selected businesses and or entrepreneurs into the project, including conducting
information sessions on the requirements and process for participation.
In
collaboration with FSPs, ensure compliance with processes, procedures, and best
practices related to access to finance, including loan applications,
appraisals, and repayments for enterprises.
Maintain
up-to-date project participants business information in an accurate manner
using the applicable project management tools.
Support
the PO-FI in ensuring that minimum standards for project management and
accountability are met.
Financial Inclusion
Technical Assistance:
Provide
technical assistance to implementing teams in areas of financial inclusion,
working alongside other DCA supported project partners,
Support
the formation and strengthening of Village Savings and Loans Associations
(VSLA), including through training on financial literacy.
Support
in the running of development of youth enterprise revolving fund in conjunction
with the Financial Service Provider
Training & Capacity
development:
Identify
training needs of project participants and incentive workers and explore
options for meeting them.
Support
the PO-FI manage and carry out training for all recruited entrepreneurs
(refugees and host entrepreneurs) onboarded into the project.
Enhance
the capacity of incentive workers as the first line of engagement with
enterprises.
Participate
in all relevant trainings offered by the project.
Mentorship, Linkages, Collaboration
and Partnership
Advise
entrepreneurs on financing and investment opportunities/challenges within their
line of businesses.
Champion
and lead innovative and cost-effective approaches in line with project
participant’s business objectives.
Link
clients to opportunities that enhance their business growth within the project
area, including access to finance and market linkages.
Coordinate
with the Food Security & Livelihoods (FSL) as well as the Financial
Inclusion team for holistic approach to project participants needs.
Staff Management:
Directly
lead, manage, and motivate the Incentive Workers engaged in the project,
ensuring that they have clear objectives and receive regular supervision and
reviews.
Ensure
incentive workers attend and participate in weekly and monthly project
management meetings as per schedule.
Ensure
timely recruitment and replacement if the need arises of highly competent
incentive staffs in the project.
Monitor
and provide objective feedback related to incentive staff performance,
including objective-setting, probation & performance reviews to promote
professional growth and development.
Communicating &
Reporting
Prepare
and share project reports in a timely manner.
Continuously
collect data using varied approaches to inform timely project actions and
decisions.
Communicate
program details to host & refugee project participants.
Communicate
to DCA leadership about any gaps/challenges faced by clients during program
implementation.
Perform
any other duties as assigned.
Key Qualifications and
Experience
A
degree in social science, business management or related courses. A diploma
with relevant experience is also acceptable.
Proven
experience in working with youth targeted MSMEs on access to finance and
business development services.
First-hand
experience in developing and reviewing innovative financing and loan products
for entrepreneurs in a lending institution/micro-finance is preferred.
Experience
in supporting implementation of community-led savings schemes.
Solid
understanding of loan regulations in Kenya, including Sharia compliant business
financing.
Experience
in providing financial advice, financial education, business mentorship and
coaching to entrepreneurs.
Able
to assess customer financial status and advise on suitable products and limits.
Understanding
of challenges and opportunities for refugee led small and medium enterprises in
the refugee context.
Experience
working with refugee populations/enterprises or in a refugee context will be an
added advantage.
Excellent
relationship management skills in a multi-stakeholder context.
Good
interpersonal skills and a proven team player.
Self-driven
and results-oriented in challenging refugee/rural working environments.
How To Apply
