Power-Up Programme Officer Job Opportunity at Light for the World

Position Title: Power-Up Programme Officer

About Light for the World

Light for the World is a global development organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities and enhancing eye health services in low-income countries. With a legacy spanning three decades, we have successfully improved health systems, facilitated inclusive education, and amplified the voices of people with disabilities.

Our strategic programs encompass:

• Eye Health: Preventing blindness and advocating eye health for all.
• Inclusive Education: Ensuring children with disabilities receive quality, inclusive education.
• Inclusive Economic Empowerment: Eliminating barriers for individuals with disabilities to access decent work and business opportunities.

In Kenya, our country strategy for 2021-2025 centers on Inclusive Economic Empowerment and disability inclusion. Our approach involves capacity-building for persons with disabilities and system strengthening to remove barriers hindering employment and entrepreneurship.

Power-Up Programme Officer Role Profile:

Reporting Structure:

• Supervisor: InBusiness (Inclusive Business) Programme Manager
• Commencement Date: January 2024

Key Responsibilities

1. Coordinating Programme Activities

• Develop program work plans and budgets.
• Lead the mobilization, selection, and onboarding of entrepreneurs.
• Ensure timely and quality delivery of business skills training.
• Conduct coaching and follow-ups for micro-entrepreneurs.
• Collaborate with BDS providers to develop inclusive training plans.

2. Establishing Market Linkage Opportunities

• Conduct landscape mapping to identify potential clients in focus counties.
• Facilitate connections between entrepreneurs and buyers, suppliers, and other partners.
• Provide support for local associations and networks established by the project.

3. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

• Align program indicators with the M&E plan.
• Track program progress using monitoring tools.
• Provide M&E information for various reports.

4. People Management

• Support BDS providers’ development through coaching and mentoring.
• Implement growth plans and improvement recommendations.
• Conduct relevant training sessions.

5. Organizational Responsibilities

• Actively engage as a consortium member in liaison with the Inclusive Business Programme Manager.
• Serve as an ambassador for the program in relevant forums, networking with key institutions.

Expertise and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social science or business; entrepreneurship or business development (desirable).
• Knowledge of the SME sector in Kenya.
• Minimum 3 years of relevant work experience in SMEs.
• Experience working with small and micro enterprises, preferably those with disabilities.
• Project planning, management, and implementation skills.
• Business linkages experience.
• Practical understanding of economic models.
• Proficiency in English and Swahili languages (both verbal and written).
• Ability to guide and facilitate meetings.
• Affinity with the use of social media platforms.
• Experience as a trainer or learning facilitator.

How to Apply

What We Offer: An outstanding opportunity to drive change through an international development organization with strong expertise, a growing profile, and a dedicated team. Join a culture of openness to ideas, collaborative work, continuous learning, and celebration of milestones. Benefit from supportive management that invests in your personal development and growth, along with a competitive, market-based salary.

Submit your application by November 24, 2023, through this link. Include a comprehensive CV and a letter of motivation detailing why you wish to join our team and why you consider yourself suitable for this role.

Light for the World is an equal opportunity employer. We actively encourage people with disabilities to apply. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

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EXPERT Tips To Be A Successful Applicant

1. Tailor Your Application:

• Align your skills and experiences with the specific requirements of the Power-Up Programme Officer role. Use examples to highlight your suitability.

2. Showcase Impact:

• Illustrate how your past experiences have made a positive impact, emphasizing measurable results and achievements.

3. Demonstrate Passion:

• Express your passion for inclusive economic empowerment and disability inclusion, showcasing a genuine commitment to our mission.

4. Highlight Language Proficiency:

• Emphasize your proficiency in English and Swahili, crucial for effective communication and collaboration.

5. Social Media Savvy:

• Briefly mention your familiarity with social media platforms, underscoring its relevance to the role.

6. Training Experience:

• If applicable, share your experience as a trainer or learning facilitator, demonstrating your ability to impart knowledge effectively.

7. Address Market Linkage:

• Provide insights into your experience with business linkages, showcasing your ability to connect entrepreneurs with key market players.

8. Emphasize Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Highlight your skills in monitoring, evaluation, and reporting, underlining your capacity to track program progress effectively.

9. People Management Skills:

• Showcase your experience in supporting the development of Business Development Service providers through coaching, mentoring, and relevant training.

10. Consortium Engagement:

• If applicable, mention any experience as a consortium member, showcasing your ability to actively engage with the team.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the application deadline?

• The application deadline is November 24, 2023. Ensure your application is submitted before this date through the provided link.

2. How will I be notified if I am shortlisted?

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. If you do not receive communication by a specified date, consider your application unsuccessful.

3. Is proficiency in both English and Swahili mandatory?

• Yes, proficiency in both languages, both verbal and written, is a requirement for effective communication in the role.

4. Can I apply if I don’t have experience with social media platforms?

• While social media familiarity is beneficial, it is not a mandatory requirement. Highlight any related skills or express your willingness to learn.

5. What is the start date for the Power-Up Programme Officer position?

• The position is set to commence in January 2024.

6. Are individuals with disabilities encouraged to apply?

• Absolutely, we strongly encourage individuals with disabilities to apply. Light for the World is an equal opportunity employer.

7. Can I submit a hard copy of my application?

• No, applications are only accepted through the online portal. Ensure all required documents are submitted through the provided link.

8. What is the format for the letter of motivation?

• The letter of motivation should provide insights into why you want to join our team and why you consider yourself suitable for the Power-Up Programme Officer position.

9. Are there opportunities for personal development within the organization?

• Yes, we actively invest in the personal development and growth of our team members.

10. Will unsuccessful applicants receive feedback on their applications?

• Due to the volume of applications, we regret that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. Feedback for unsuccessful applicants may not be provided.

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