Project Officer Mentor - NYOTA Refugee Business Development Services

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 is dedicated to improving the protective environment for refugees and host communities, implementing various programs such as 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 Mentor is integral to the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project, which is supported 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. The DRC is seeking qualified candidates for this position in anticipation of being shortlisted for a full proposal submission. The BDS Mentor will provide structured mentorship to refugee youth entrepreneurs, utilizing practical business experience to enhance their decision-making, resilience, and capacity to develop viable and sustainable enterprises. The mentor will offer ongoing advice, support participants in overcoming business challenges, and help strengthen market linkages to achieve their entrepreneurial goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Project Officer Mentor include providing structured mentorship through regular one-on-one and small-group sessions with refugee youth entrepreneurs. This involves scheduled check-ins and progress reviews, reinforcing BDS training content, troubleshooting business challenges, refining business plans, and ensuring accountability to agreed business goals. The mentor will also provide business guidance in areas such as strategic planning, financial management, marketing, and operations, while facilitating linkages to local entrepreneurs, business groups, and other relevant services. Additionally, the mentor will contribute to community business forums and peer-learning spaces to enhance market access and social cohesion. The role requires acting as a supportive listener, providing a respectful environment for mentees to discuss their challenges, and offering encouragement and emotional support to help them remain motivated. 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.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess extensive practical experience in the business world, including successful experience 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, with the ability to provide practical guidance and constructive support. Candidates should be capable of conducting regular progress reviews and assisting entrepreneurs in adjusting their plans to stay on track with their goals. Knowledge of the realities of doing business in refugee or displacement-affected settings is highly relevant. The mentor cohort should include demonstrated competence in supporting entrepreneurs with disabilities and meaningful representation of female mentors, hence applications from women and candidates with relevant disability-inclusion experience are particularly welcomed.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is secondary school education or equivalent. A certificate, diploma, or other vocational/professional training in business, entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, management, or a related field is advantageous. Practical business and mentoring experience is central to the role, emphasizing the importance of hands-on experience in the business sector.

Experience:
Candidates are expected to have a significant level of experience in the business sector, particularly in roles that involve mentoring or guiding entrepreneurs. This experience should include a proven track record of successfully running a business and providing mentorship to others, ideally in contexts similar to those faced by refugee youth.

Languages:
The ability to mentor participants in relevant languages used in refugee settings is crucial. Proficiency in Somali is highly desirable, especially for work with refugee communities in Dadaab, as it enhances communication and understanding between the mentor and mentees.

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 should include a letter of application and a CV, without any written recommendations. The deadline for application submission is 1st October 202

• DRC is committed to achieving gender parity in staffing and encourages female candidates and those from minority groups to apply. As an equal opportunity employer, DRC values diversity and is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment based on mutual respect. The organization emphasizes the importance of ethical and professional conduct in relation to its values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment.