Scholarship Officer – Kenya – Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Scholarship Officer – Kenya – Ol Pejeta Conservancy

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• Position: Scholarship Officer
• Company: Ol Pejeta Conservancy
• Location: Kenya
• Type of Job: Non-Unionisable
• Reporting to: Senior Officer, Education
• Application Deadline: Friday, 1st November 2024

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Introduction

Ol Pejeta Conservancy (OPC) is a globally recognized leader in wildlife conservation, with a unique focus on protecting the critically endangered eastern black rhino and housing the last two northern white rhinos in the world. Situated in Kenya, Ol Pejeta Conservancy is the only place in the country where chimpanzees can be seen, thanks to a sanctuary established to rehabilitate animals rescued from illegal trade. With one of the highest predator densities in Kenya, Ol Pejeta manages a successful livestock program and is dedicated to uplifting surrounding communities by improving access to education, healthcare, and infrastructure. OPC seeks a qualified and passionate Scholarship Officer to join the Community Development Programs (CDP) education team and make a meaningful impact in community development through education support and mentorship.

As Scholarship Officer, you will work closely with scholarship students from selection through to their education journey, encompassing mentorship and welfare. You will also play a crucial role in donor relations and data management, ensuring timely reporting and maintaining accurate records. This position is ideal for a candidate who is organized, dedicated, and eager to positively impact the lives of students and the broader community.

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Key Responsibilities

1. Scholarship Student Welfare Management
   • Oversee the welfare of all scholarship students, ensuring they stay in school and receive necessary educational and personal support.
2. Event Organization
   • Plan and execute all events involving scholarship students and their families, including community and conservancy-hosted events such as scholarship and mentorship days.
3. Scholarship Selection Form Updates
   • Regularly review and update the scholarship selection form to align with current selection criteria.
4. Data Management in Salesforce
   • Maintain accurate and updated records on scholarship students’ fees, school performance, personal and community data, and donor information in the Salesforce database.
5. Monthly Reporting
   • Provide the Senior Officer, Education with accurate, timely, and comprehensive monthly reports, including data on scholarship students segmented by gender, community, and performance.
6. Media Creation and Content Management
   • Capture, edit, and upload photos and videos from events and cultural exchange activities to support the PA-MOJA website and OPC’s social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
7. Organizing Scholarship Selection Meetings
   • Facilitate fair and transparent selection meetings, ensuring gender balance and inclusion of minority or disadvantaged groups in the scholarship selection process.
8. Bursary Beneficiary Selection Coordination
   • Work with community leaders to implement a fair bursary selection process that upholds transparency and community involvement.
9. Alumnae Program Coordination
   • Engage with scholarship alumni, track their progress, connect them with Ol Pejeta projects, and include them in mentorship programs.
10. Annual Scholarship Calendar Development
    • Create an annual calendar outlining scholarship-related events, projected fees, and key dates for payment and data collection.

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Qualifications and Skills

1. Educational Qualification
   • Bachelor’s Degree in Education or a related field.
2. Experience
   • At least five years of relevant experience in education or scholarship program management.
3. Technical Skills
   • Proficiency in computer applications and data management systems, with experience in Salesforce being an advantage.
4. Core Competencies
   • Strong organizational and critical-thinking skills, with an ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
   • Proactive, motivated, and ambitious with a positive “can-do” attitude.
   • Adaptable to changing priorities and able to adjust initiatives accordingly.
   • Excellent interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills.

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Company Culture and Values

Ol Pejeta Conservancy is dedicated to creating a harmonious balance between wildlife conservation and community development. The organization values dedication, collaboration, and resilience, encouraging each employee to contribute meaningfully to its mission of conservation and community upliftment. As part of Ol Pejeta, you will be joining a forward-thinking team committed to making lasting, positive changes for both the environment and the people who live around the conservancy.

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Apply Now for the Scholarship Officer Role

To apply, send your CV and application letter to jobs@olpejetaconservancy.org, including “SCHOLARSHIP OFFICER” in the subject line. Applications must be received no later than Friday, 1st November 2024. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted as shortlisting is conducted on a rolling basis.

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Expert Tips to Become a Successful Applicant for the Scholarship Officer Position

Certainly! Here are 10 expert tips crafted to help applicants for the Scholarship Officer position at Ol Pejeta Conservancy make their application stand out. Each tip is designed with insights from years in recruiting, focusing on what hiring managers look for and what could increase the chances of making it through an ATS (Applicant Tracking System).

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1. Highlight Your Commitment to Education and Community Development

• Example: Begin your cover letter by briefly sharing a story or specific instance where you made a difference in a community or educational setting. For example, “During my time as a program coordinator at XYZ Foundation, I managed a scholarship program that helped over 50 underprivileged students complete their secondary education.”
• ATS Tip: Use specific keywords from the job description, like “scholarship management,” “community engagement,” or “educational support,” to ensure the system flags your application as relevant.

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2. Showcase Relevant Experience with Data-Driven Results

• Quantifiable achievements stand out. When detailing your experience, mention specific results such as “Increased scholarship retention by 20% through regular check-ins and mentorship” or “Implemented a tracking system for over 100 students, improving reporting efficiency by 30%.”
• ATS Tip: Use action verbs and quantifiable metrics to support phrases like “routine management of scholarship needs” and “updating Salesforce database.” These keywords align well with ATS requirements.

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3. Demonstrate Proficiency in Using Relevant Software Tools

• Familiarity with databases, especially Salesforce, will give you an edge. If you have experience with similar platforms, mention that explicitly, e.g., “Led data entry and analytics for scholarship tracking in Salesforce, generating monthly reports for stakeholders.”
• Example: Even if you’re new to Salesforce, mention any experience with other databases or record-keeping software, emphasizing your ability to adapt and learn quickly.

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4. Emphasize Strong Communication Skills with Specific Examples

• Highlight examples where you engaged with diverse groups—students, parents, donors, or community leaders. Communication is crucial in this role, so mention experiences such as “Facilitated over 10 scholarship orientation sessions and conducted community outreach presentations.”
• ATS Tip: Use terms like “stakeholder communication,” “parent and student engagement,” and “reporting” to align with the job’s language.

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5. Illustrate Adaptability and Proactivity in Fast-Paced Settings

• Scholarship Officers need to handle unexpected changes or urgent needs. Mention instances where you adjusted plans swiftly to accommodate a shift in circumstances. For example, “Adapted our scholarship program to virtual platforms within a week when COVID-19 restricted in-person interactions.”
• ATS Tip: Use terms like “adaptable,” “responsive,” and “fast-paced environment” to resonate with keywords the ATS might prioritize.

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6. Showcase Your Event Organization Skills

• Since the role involves coordinating events, share experiences of managing logistics for events, large or small, especially where you addressed community needs. Example: “Planned and organized a scholarship mentorship event that brought together over 50 students and 10 mentors, enhancing student support networks.”
• ATS Tip: Emphasize phrases like “event planning,” “coordinating logistics,” and “community events.”

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7. Highlight Your Ability to Foster Inclusive Environments

• Diversity and inclusion are core to Ol Pejeta’s mission. Share any experience you have in promoting inclusivity, such as, “Implemented a selection strategy that prioritized underrepresented groups, increasing participation by 15% from minority communities.”
• ATS Tip: Use terms like “equity,” “inclusivity,” “community engagement,” and “minority support” to match with potential ATS settings.

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8. Mention Experience in Photography, Videography, and Social Media

• If you’ve documented events or have experience managing social media, mention it. For example, “Captured and shared stories of scholarship recipients through social media platforms, increasing visibility and engagement by 25%.”
• Example: Even if your experience is informal, detail any relevant background, such as creating visual content for an organization’s page. Use phrases like “event documentation” or “social media engagement.”

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9. Tailor Your Application to Show Genuine Interest in Wildlife Conservation

• Connect your passion for education with a commitment to conservation. For instance, “I am passionate about conservation and believe education plays a critical role in fostering a love for wildlife and environmental stewardship.”
• ATS Tip: Include terms like “conservation,” “environmental stewardship,” and “wildlife support” to fit with Ol Pejeta’s mission-focused keywords.

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10. Write a Strong, Customized Cover Letter with a Clear Call to Action

• Write a concise yet powerful cover letter tailored to the Scholarship Officer role at Ol Pejeta. Mention a personal connection to their mission, such as, “Ol Pejeta’s commitment to wildlife conservation and community development strongly aligns with my own values.”
• End with a clear call to action: “I am excited to bring my skills in scholarship management and community outreach to Ol Pejeta Conservancy and look forward to discussing how I can contribute to your important mission.”

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Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all backgrounds. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.