Girls Empowered by Microfranchise (GEM) Program Coordinator

The International Rescue Committee has been active in Kenya since 1992, providing essential services to refugees and the communities who host them. The IRC started working directly with urban refugees in 2006 with the majority of programs running in the Eastleigh division of Nairobi. There are currently an estimated 46,000 registered refugees in Nairobi, with an equal number estimated to live in the city without documentation. The IRC provides referral systems for refugees, advocacy for refugee rights, adult literacy classes, support to women groups, capacity-building services for local government official sand service providers, and manages a resource center for refugees. In 2011, the IRC received funding from the Nike Foundation to implement the Girls Empowered by Microfranchise (GEM) Project in three districts in Nairobi: Eastleigh, Huruma, and Mathare. Using a phased approach, and working in partnership with a variety of community-based organizations, private sector actors and research organizations, the project will support the development of individual microfranchise businesses for 2,400 girls, providing them with training, mentoring support and access to capital needed to start their business. These businesses will be based off existing successful business models in addition to well known products and services. This project will provide the girls with both a successful business idea and the existing businesses a way to expand their customer reach.

SCOPE OF WORK: The GEM Project Coordinator will be based in Eastleigh and report directly into the Urban Program Coordinator. The position will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Nike Foundation funded GEM project, including planning, coordination, and monitoring functions as well as partner oversight. The GEM Project Coordinator will supervise two GEM Project Officers as well as a GEM Project Assistant and oversee 4 partner organizations.

RESPONSIBILITIES: • Manage day to day implementation and coordination of all GEM project activities. • Coordinate and provide capacity building support to all GEM partners including local organizations, private sector businesses and consulting firms and research organizations. • Responsible for overseeing the project budget in line with agreed indicators and grant requirements. • Directly manage program staff (3 in total), providing regular feedback, conducting evaluations, and tracking team objectives. • Represent the GEM program at internal IRC meetings as well as external meetings with key stakeholders and donors. • Responsible for coordinating data collection, analysis and writing for project reports. • Responsible for working with IRC headquarters to ensure project implementation and design is technically sound. • Promote project achievements through publication development and speaking engagements.

REQUIREMENTS: • Bachelors Degree in relevant subject, master’s degree or relevant certificates a plus. • 5 years experience working in either youth or girl focused programming or economic development. • Knowledge and experience of urban programming, refugee populations, and gender-based violence programming a plus. • Minimum 3 years experience directly managing projects and staff. • Good public speaking and writing abilities • Experience working in Eastleigh, Huruma, or Mathare preferred.

All interested candidates are requested to submit a cover letter and an updated CV (Do Not attach Certificates) to the following email address: HRKenya@rescue.org by 30th September, 2011. IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability.