The Dotted i
(Technical & Advisory Consultant) – Nairobi, Kenya – The Dotted i – 2024
- Position: Technical & Advisory Consultant
- Company: The Dotted i
- Location: Nairobi, Kenya
- Type of Job: Part-Time
- Workspace: Hybrid
- Application Deadline: 30 November 2024
Introduction
The Dotted i invites skilled professionals with a passion for advocacy, communications, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), entrepreneurship, and gender and social inclusion to join our team. Our goal is to empower marginalized communities, support the development of NGOs, INGOs, start-ups, and MSMEs, and drive positive social impact across Kenya. Working closely with various stakeholders—including policymakers, donors, entrepreneurs, and development agencies—The Dotted i aims to create sustainable, community-driven projects. This role offers an exciting blend of flexibility, professional growth, and the opportunity to work in both onsite and remote environments.
Key Responsibilities
As a Technical & Advisory Consultant with The Dotted i, you will provide technical expertise across a variety of domains. Your responsibilities will include:
- Advocacy and Communications: Leading and implementing advocacy initiatives to raise awareness and drive social impact in Kenya.
- Budget Development and Realignment: Providing financial guidance and support for accurate and strategic budgeting.
- Business Systems Support: Enhancing organizational processes and improving efficiency within the client’s operational systems.
- Data Analysis and Dashboard Creation: Analyzing data, preparing reports, and creating interactive dashboards for real-time insights.
- Entrepreneurship and MSMEs Business Development: Advising and mentoring micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises to foster sustainable growth.
- Gender, Youth, and Social Inclusion: Implementing programs focused on inclusivity and support for marginalized communities.
- Human Resources: Providing advisory services on HR practices and compliance, including talent acquisition and retention.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Establishing M&E frameworks to measure program effectiveness and inform decision-making.
- Qualitative and Quantitative Research: Conducting rigorous research and evaluation for project planning and assessment.
- Translation Services: Offering multilingual support for cross-cultural communication, especially in donor-funded projects.
Qualifications and Skills
Candidates should possess a strong foundation in their area of expertise, demonstrated by education, experience, and results-driven achievements.
- Educational Background: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in relevant disciplines, such as Communications, M&E, Business Administration, Gender Studies, or related fields.
- Experience: A minimum of three years of progressive experience in your specific area of expertise, with evidence of successful project delivery.
- Technical Expertise: Proficiency in advocacy, M&E systems, MSMEs development, or gender-sensitive program design.
- Communication Skills: Excellent command of English, with strong communication abilities suited for diverse audiences.
- Donor Experience: Familiarity with donor requirements, especially with international organizations such as USAID, EU, and UN, is a plus.
- Nationality: Kenyan nationals are encouraged to apply, as this role aims to build local capacity and impact.
Company Culture and Values
At The Dotted i, our culture is one of inclusivity, collaboration, and dedication to sustainable development. Our team is committed to fostering growth and providing a platform for talent to thrive. We believe in empowering communities and supporting innovation to drive lasting change. Our values are rooted in respect, transparency, and excellence. We are an equal-opportunity employer and are committed to attracting and retaining the best talent from all backgrounds.
Expert Tips to Be a Successful Applicant for the Technical & Advisory Consultant Role
With over 30 years of recruiting expertise, here are detailed strategies tailored specifically for applying to the Technical & Advisory Consultant position with The Dotted i. These tips are designed to maximize your application’s impact, both for human readers and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
1. Customize Your CV to Reflect Technical Expertise and Sector-Specific Accomplishments
To stand out, tailor your CV to emphasize relevant expertise in areas like advocacy, M&E, or gender inclusion.
- Example: Instead of listing generic achievements, highlight a project where you developed and implemented an advocacy campaign that engaged over 50,000 community members or improved policy awareness by 30%. Show the specific impact you had within your specialty.
- ATS Tip: Use keywords from the job description, like “data analysis,” “gender inclusion,” “advocacy,” and “M&E systems” to align your experience with the role requirements.
2. Prioritize Keywords in Your Resume and Cover Letter for Maximum SEO Impact
Incorporating strategic keywords can improve ATS compatibility and demonstrate your alignment with the job’s core responsibilities.
- Example: Mention “budget development and realignment experience” if you’ve handled financial planning for non-profits. Similarly, include “business systems support” if you’ve optimized internal operations within an organization.
- ATS Tip: Place key phrases naturally throughout your resume, especially in the skills section, bullet points, and any headline or summary statement. This can help your application rank higher in the ATS search.
3. Illustrate Your Experience Working with Donor Requirements and Reporting Standards
Since familiarity with donor requirements (e.g., USAID, EU) is preferred, highlight experiences where you adhered to specific compliance standards.
- Example: Mention any project you handled under USAID or UN standards. Describe how you ensured compliance, met specific reporting requirements, and aligned the project’s goals with donor expectations.
- ATS Tip: Use terms like “donor compliance,” “reporting standards,” and “international funding” to reflect experience with recognized global standards.
4. Demonstrate Multilingual Skills and Cultural Sensitivity
The role may involve working across diverse communities, so highlight any language proficiency or cultural adaptability.
- Example: If you are fluent in Swahili or another regional language, mention it. Share examples of how you used multilingual abilities to facilitate meetings or communicate with non-English speaking community members.
- ATS Tip: Include “bilingual” or “multilingual” in your skills section, with specific languages if relevant.
5. Showcase Results-Driven Project Management in Advocacy and M&E
Quantifying results demonstrates your ability to deliver impactful outcomes, which is critical in roles like advocacy and M&E.
- Example: State something specific like, “Developed an M&E framework for a gender-based program that resulted in a 40% increase in measurable impact across targeted communities within the first year.”
- ATS Tip: Use numbers and metrics. Phrases like “resulted in,” “increased by [percentage],” and “achieved [specific outcome]” emphasize your value and expertise.
6. Emphasize Your Ability to Develop Interactive Data Dashboards and Analytical Tools
The role involves data analysis, so describe your proficiency in creating dashboards or visual tools for real-time insights.
- Example: Detail how you designed a dashboard for monitoring project KPIs, which allowed stakeholders to access real-time updates and make faster, data-driven decisions. Include any software tools you used, like Power BI or Tableau.
- ATS Tip: Keywords like “dashboard creation,” “real-time data analysis,” and “data visualization” will strengthen your application, especially if listed in skills or experience.
7. Highlight Familiarity with Kenya’s Social and Economic Context for Localized Impact
Local knowledge is invaluable for this role, so showcase your understanding of Kenya’s landscape, community challenges, and policy frameworks.
- Example: If you have experience in regions within Kenya, mention projects that reflect your understanding of local issues, such as youth unemployment, social inclusion, or economic empowerment in marginalized areas.
- ATS Tip: Use location-based keywords like “Kenya,” “Nairobi,” or even specific counties if relevant to your experience.
8. Demonstrate Adaptability and Comfort with Hybrid Work Environments
As this role is hybrid, show how you thrive in both remote and on-site settings.
- Example: Highlight past roles where you seamlessly balanced remote collaboration with in-person fieldwork. Mention how you used digital tools (like Slack or Zoom) for effective communication and project management.
- ATS Tip: Include phrases such as “hybrid work,” “remote collaboration,” and “digital communication tools” to reflect your readiness for a flexible work environment.
9. Provide Role-Specific, Quantifiable Results That Reflect Your Problem-Solving Skills
Highlight achievements that demonstrate a clear, measurable impact, particularly in sectors like MSME development or gender inclusivity.
- Example: “Developed a training program for MSMEs that increased client revenue by 25% in the first six months by improving business practices and customer engagement.”
- ATS Tip: Use terms like “increased revenue,” “enhanced client retention,” and “achieved a [percentage] improvement” to communicate impact and skill.
10. Optimize Your Resume and Cover Letter for ATS Compatibility
To pass ATS screening, use standard, readable formats and avoid overly complex layouts.
- Example: Stick to bullet points, avoid graphics, and use straightforward headers like “Professional Experience” and “Technical Skills.”
- ATS Tip: Avoid unusual fonts or text boxes, and ensure your keywords appear in recognizable sections like “Experience” or “Skills.” This improves your ATS ranking and enhances readability for recruiters.
SAMPLE COVER LETTER -Application for Technical & Advisory Consultant Role
Apply Now for the Technical & Advisory Consultant Position:
If you are passionate about making a difference in advocacy, M&E, entrepreneurship, or social inclusion, we invite you to join our mission. Please submit your CV and cover letter by 30 November 2024 to be considered. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
To apply for this job please visit www.thedottedi.org.
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