Project Assistant - Financial Literacy, Business Coaching, and Mentoring

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Position Title: Project Assistant - Financial Literacy, Business Coaching, and Mentoring
Location: Somalia
Country: Somalia
Deadline Date: February 15, 2025

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
Action Against Hunger-USA is part of the Action Against Hunger International network, which provides humanitarian relief in over 40 countries worldwide in the sectors of nutrition, health, water/sanitation, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. Established as an independent NGO, Action Against Hunger-USA currently manages operations in 8 countries: Kenya, South Sudan, Cambodia, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Haiti, and Somalia. The organization has over $75 million in programs and approximately 2000 staff based in various country offices, with its headquarters in New York City and an operational center in Nairobi. The organization is committed to addressing hunger and malnutrition, and it anticipates additional growth in its operations.

Job Overview:
The Project Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of financial literacy programs, business coaching, and Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA) activities specifically aimed at women-owned micro-enterprises. This position involves delivering training sessions, providing one-on-one mentoring, assisting with the establishment and growth of VSLAs, and enhancing financial and business management skills among women entrepreneurs. The overarching goal is to empower these women for sustainable growth and economic resilience, enabling them to effectively manage their enterprises and make informed financial decisions. The Project Assistant will be responsible for delivering targeted financial literacy training, conducting business coaching sessions, and providing ongoing mentorship to strengthen the economic independence and entrepreneurial skills of women entrepreneurs, thereby contributing to their overall success and resilience in the market.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Assistant will have a variety of specific duties and responsibilities, including:

• Financial Literacy Training: Assist in developing and delivering financial literacy training programs for beneficiaries, covering essential topics such as budgeting, saving, financial planning, and debt management. Facilitate group training sessions and provide support materials to enhance learning outcomes.
• Business Coaching: Conduct individual and group coaching sessions focused on business management, planning, and growth strategies. Provide guidance on business operations, marketing, and cost management, helping beneficiaries to develop and refine their business plans and strategies.
• Mentoring Support to VSLA Groups: Mobilize community members to form and strengthen VSLAs, providing training on savings, loans, and group management. Monitor and guide VSLA activities, ensuring proper record-keeping and financial practices, and facilitate connections between VSLAs and formal financial institutions to enhance access to credit and financial services.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Track and report on the progress and outcomes of financial literacy training, coaching initiatives, and VSLA activities. Assist in evaluating the effectiveness of program activities and their impact on beneficiaries, gathering feedback to improve program delivery and content.
• Administrative Duties: Maintain accurate records of all training sessions, coaching engagements, VSLA activities, and beneficiary progress. Coordinate logistical aspects for training sessions, VSLA meetings, and mentoring engagements, and prepare timely reports for project management as required.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field. Additional certifications in financial literacy, coaching, or mentoring are beneficial. Candidates should have a minimum of 3+ years of experience in direct implementation of agriculture extension and working with subsistence farmers, as well as knowledge of the working environment. Experience in the development and oversight of small-scale rural agriculture projects is essential, along with experience in financial literacy training, business coaching, or related fields. Strong knowledge of financial management, business planning, and coaching methodologies is required, along with excellent communication and interpersonal skills. The ability to work effectively with diverse groups, including women entrepreneurs, is crucial, as is proficiency in relevant software and tools for training and reporting.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field. Additional certifications in financial literacy, coaching, or mentoring can enhance a candidate's profile and are considered beneficial for this role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3+ years of relevant experience, particularly in direct implementation of agriculture extension programs and working with subsistence farmers. Candidates should have a solid background in financial literacy training, business coaching, or related fields, demonstrating strong knowledge of financial management and business planning.

Languages:
Proficiency in written and spoken English is mandatory, while understanding the local language is essential for effective communication with beneficiaries. This bilingual capability will enhance the Project Assistant's ability to engage with the community and deliver training effectively.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and requires regular attendance at least five days per week. The Project Assistant must be available to work outside normal office hours or on weekends as required and should be willing to travel for standard domestic and international official matters. The role may involve exposure to precarious settings under high security risks and various weather conditions, as well as potential exposure to infectious diseases. Action Against Hunger-USA is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and complies with all applicable laws governing non-discrimination in employment.