Omega Foundation Economic Empowerment Officer

Economic Empowerment Officer
 

Reports To: Program Manager
 

Location: Head Office (Kisumu)
 

Closing Date: 9th January, 2013

Omega Foundation is seeking to recruit an Economic Empowerment Officer to perform the functions outlined below;

Main Purpose and Scope
 

The incumbent is responsible for providing technical support and guidance to the affiliates and their constituent groups where this is applicable, to ensure vibrant and sound enterprises exist and grow to meet market demands and increase household incomes.
 

She/he will support the affiliates to facilitate, promote and ensure that the activities of the groups are linked to other locally available services within the government and other civil society organizations.
 

She/he will provide close supportive supervision and spot-checks to beneficiary and service delivery points (Schools, OF Service centres, communities etc).

Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinate, appraise and mentor Staff, CBOs and individuals in  pursuit of economic freedom,
• Assist OF, affiliates and individuals in the identification of economic opportunities in various value-chains
• Facilitate entrepreneurship skills transfer for program staff, partners, affiliates and stakeholders through trainings and other necessary means.
• Provide technical support to staff of affiliates to ensure quality and timely implementation of all program activities;
• Initiate linkage to micro-finance and other lending institutions for enterprise sustainability
• Work closely with advocacy department at OF to mount lobby and advocacy initiatives targeting microfinance and other lending institutions for friendlier loaning services to CBOs, Support groups and individual enterprises.
• Preparation of timely monthly, quarterly and end of year reports for the program; develop work plans, project briefs, case stories and other documentation that will result into quality reporting, profiling and lessons sharing for enhancing the program strategy.
• Facilitate the development, preparation and review of entrepreneurship training materials as appropriate (hand outs, exercises, presentations etc)
• Through regular needs assessment targeting OF supported schools and other OVC institutions, identify potential IGA opportunities for funding to ensure program sustainability.
• Commission and coordinate surveys, appraisals, reviews and operation research activities towards learning and showcasing best practice in OF economic empowerment programming,
• Establish business and market linkages for OF, affiliates and individuals producing goods or offering services to increase productivity and incomes
• Provide support to CBO focal persons to ensure effective implementation of project activities, follow up, and mentor project beneficiaries to enhance success of new and  ongoing enterprises
• Conduct routine field visits to affiliates and business visits for project beneficiaries to offer technical assistance to support implementation and monitor achievement of project outcomes.

Critical Competencies
 

The incumbent must have strong analytical skills; have excellent interpersonal communication skills; strong results orientation; as well as impeccable organizational, creative and multitasking ability.

Proficiency in Project cycle management; aptitude for report writing and willingness to work under pressure and within tight deadlines will be added advantage.

Job Requirement (Knowledge / Skills Competencies)
 

Qualifications

• Bachelors’ degree or Diploma level education in Business Management /Entrepreneurship studies, Social work and or community development.
• At least 2 years of experience in community development work preferably in the field of enterprise development
• Knowledge and experience with NGO operations and community-based programming
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, especially with community-based groups.
• Knowledge and Use of computer (Ms Office)
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and as part of a team is essential
• Must demonstrate sound training expertise and skills in a cross-cultural setting

Skills required

• Mature and professional composure
• Highest level of honesty and integrity
• Desire to develop personally/professionally, willingness to learn, develop new skills, and take on more responsibilities.
• Openness to working in a flexible work environment with fast evolving systems and Procedures
• High level of initiative in improving the organization’s working environment
• Results oriented to the point that the person is willing to engage hands-on with duties of all variety

Terms & Conditions
 

Applicants MUST quote current and expected salary.
 

One year contract – renewable depending on performance and availability of funds.

To Apply:
Interested candidates should submit application with CV and testimonials to:

The Human Resources Office,
Omega Foundation,
P.O. Box 3246-40100,
Kisumu, Kenya.

Deadline: 9th January, 2013.
 

E-mail applications should be addressed to info@omegafoundation.or.ke and copy to omegafoundation384@gmail.com