JOB DEVELOPMENT & PLACEMENT SPECIALIST

Finn Church Aid (FCA) is the largest Finnish international aid organization. We operate in 13 countries, where the needs are most dire. We work with the poorest people, regardless of their religious beliefs, ethnic background, or political convictions. Our work is based on rights, which means that our operations are guided by equality, non-discrimination, and responsibility.

We contribute to positive change by supporting people in the most vulnerable situations within fragile and disaster-affected areas. We consider three thematic areas as central to sustainable change: the right to peace (R2P), livelihood (R2L) and quality education (R2QE).

Background information on FCA Country Office requesting the services.

In Kenya, FCA has been working since 2014 in all three thematic areas, supporting local communities and governments to resolve and prevent conflicts in five counties of northern Kenya; providing access to primary education in Turkana, Garissa, Marsabit, West Pokot and Samburu, Kenya’s poorest counties; and improving access to quality education for children, youth, and their families with holistic support mechanisms. FCA also provides emergency cash assistance to drought-affected families in Garissa.

FCA runs a Digital Competencies and Creative Industries program in Eastlands Nairobi, targeting youth from Dandora, Korogocho, Jericho, Umoja, Kayole, and other nearby areas. The aim of the project is to prepare youth for the jobs of the future to equip them in the target areas with digital skills to enable them to create jobs for themselves, earn a livelihood and create employment opportunities through a mentorship model.

Description of the requested services

FCA Kenya is seeking a highly motivated and dedicated individual to fill the role of Job Development & Placement Specialist for the Creative Industries (CI) Program. The Specialist will play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between learning and earning for emerging and growing creatives participating in the CI Hub, an extension for the recently ended Enhanced Digital Skills for Livelihood Opportunities in Creative Economy project. This role will involve designing, implementing, and overseeing job placements and market linkages to ensure that project participants have access to meaningful and sustainable income-generating opportunities.

Objectives & Deliverables

1. Program Development

• Collaborate with the program team to develop strategies and initiatives that facilitate the transition of emerging and growing creatives from learning to earning within the creative industries.

2. Job Placement and Market Linkages

• Identify, establish, and maintain strategic partnerships with relevant industry stakeholders, businesses, organizations, and employers to create opportunities for job placements and market linkages for program participants.
• Work closely with local and international creative industry partners to match participants’ skills and aspirations with available/potential job opportunities.
• Develop and implement a robust participatory system for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of job placements and market linkages, making necessary adjustments to ensure participant success.

3. Career Guidance and Mentorship

• Provide career counselling, guidance, and mentorship to program participants to help them make informed decisions regarding their career paths within the creative industries.
• Facilitate workshops and training sessions on entrepreneurship, marketing, financial literacy, and other relevant topics to enhance participants’ business acumen.

4. Networking and Outreach

• Attend relevant industry events, conferences, and workshops to build and strengthen relationships with potential employers, collaborators, and partners including the government.
• Act as a liaison between participants and industry professionals to foster networking opportunities and exposure to industry trends.

5. Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of participant progress, job placements, and market linkages, providing regular updates to the program team and management.
• Generate comprehensive reports on program outcomes, showcasing success stories, lessons learnt, challenges, and recommendations for continuous improvement.

Skills and qualifications required

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (business, arts management, social sciences, etc.); master’s degree preferred.
• Proven experience (4+ years) in job placement, talent development, career counselling, or related roles, preferably within the creative industries sector.
• Experience working with women and youth.
• Strong understanding of the global creative industries landscape, including trends, challenges, and opportunities.
• Exceptional networking and relationship-building skills with the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, for effective interaction with participants, partners, and team members.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools for tracking program outcomes.
• Passion for empowering individuals within underserved communities and promoting economic growth through creativity. Minimum Administrative Compliance.

Desirable Assets

• High Integrity, Self-driven and Able to Set Own Work Schedule with Rigorous Deadlines.
• Ability to Initiate and Complete Assignments and to Work Under Demanding Circumstances with Minimal Supervision.
• Strong Organization, Supervisory, Problem-solving, Interpersonal, Communication as Well as Team Building and Negotiation Skills.
• Uphold and Protect the Trainees from Any Form of Abuse/ Violation of Rights.
• Ensure Discipline of the Students in and Outside the Hub
• Prepare a Conducive mentoring/coaching Environment for the participants.
• Conduct regular counselling and guidance of the Trainees and make referrals where need be.