Project Officer - NYOTA Refugee Business Development Services Mentor

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a humanitarian, non-governmental and non-profit organization founded in 195

• It operates in more than 35 countries worldwide and is one of the largest protection actors in Kenya. DRC focuses on improving the protective environment for refugees and host communities, implementing programs in Protection monitoring, Child Protection, and GBV prevention and response. The organization aims to address protection issues faced by displaced and non-displaced at-risk groups and individuals, while also facilitating durable solutions and humanitarian disarmament and peace-building activities to respond to the needs of communities affected by acute crises and protracted displacement situations.

Job Overview:
The role of the Project Officer - NYOTA Refugee Business Development Services Mentor is crucial as it supports the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project, which is backed by the World Bank and implemented by the Government of Kenya through the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA). This project aims to expand employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for vulnerable youth, particularly refugees. The mentor will provide structured mentorship to refugee youth entrepreneurs, leveraging practical business experience to enhance their decision-making, resilience, and capacity to develop sustainable enterprises. The mentor will offer ongoing advice, support participants in overcoming business challenges, and help them strengthen market linkages to achieve their entrepreneurial goals. This position is contingent upon DRC being shortlisted and awarded the project after submitting a full proposal.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Project Officer include providing structured mentorship through regular one-on-one and small-group sessions with refugee youth entrepreneurs, conducting scheduled check-ins and progress reviews, reinforcing business development services (BDS) training content, troubleshooting business challenges, and helping participants refine their business plans. The mentor will also advise on strategic planning, financial management, marketing, and operations, while facilitating linkages to local entrepreneurs, business groups, and markets. Additionally, the mentor will contribute to community business forums and peer-learning spaces to enhance market access and social cohesion. The role requires the mentor to act as a supportive listener, providing a respectful environment for mentees to discuss their challenges and ideas, while also offering encouragement and emotional support. Documentation of mentorship contacts and progress is essential, as is coordination with the Team Leader and other project staff to identify follow-up needs and referrals. Participation in mentor training and supervision is also part of the responsibilities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess extensive practical experience in the business sector, including a successful track record of running a business. Strong knowledge in core business areas such as strategic planning, financial management, marketing, and operations is essential. The role requires strong listening, coaching, and interpersonal skills, enabling the mentor to provide practical guidance and constructive support. The ability to conduct regular progress reviews and assist entrepreneurs in adjusting their plans is critical. Knowledge of the realities of doing business in refugee or displacement-affected settings is highly relevant, and the mentor cohort should include individuals with demonstrated competence in supporting entrepreneurs with disabilities, as well as a meaningful representation of female mentors. DRC particularly encourages applications from women and candidates with relevant disability-inclusion experience.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is secondary school education or its equivalent. Candidates with a certificate, diploma, or vocational/professional training in business, entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, management, or a related field will have an advantage. Practical business and mentoring experience is central to the role, emphasizing the importance of hands-on knowledge in the field.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a significant level of experience in the business world, particularly in running a business successfully. This experience should encompass a strong understanding of various business functions and the ability to mentor others effectively. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of providing guidance and support to entrepreneurs, particularly in challenging environments such as refugee settings.

Languages:
Proficiency in relevant languages used in refugee settings is essential for this role. Specifically, proficiency in Somali is highly desirable, especially for work with refugee communities in Dadaab, as it facilitates effective communication and mentorship.

Additional Notes:
The position is offered as a one-year contract with the possibility of extension. Salary and other conditions will be in accordance with DRC’s Terms of Employment. The duty station is roving within various DRC duty stations, including Kakuma/Kalobeyei (Turkana) and Dadaab (Garissa). Applications must be submitted in English, and only motivated applications that address the stipulated duties and meet the required qualifications will be considered. DRC is committed to achieving gender parity in staffing and encourages female candidates and those from minority groups to apply. The organization values diversity and is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment based on mutual respect. DRC conducts thorough background checks as part of the recruitment process to ensure the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct.