Job Purpose
To support the Future Education Department by developing relationships with universities and scholarship organizations within Kenya and abroad, preparing students and parents for life after secondary school (i.e. via the gap year program) and guiding them through the admissions process (both KUCCPS, HELB, and international applications). Assist with the secondary school scholarship program, providing support to SHOFCO graduates as they attend secondary school – specifically focusing on scholarship opportunities through partnerships and aiding in the application process. As students continue in their post-secondary school journey, prepare them for success in the job market (i.e. assist with internship placement). As the Future Education office, assist with project management tasks such as budgeting, workplans, reporting, etc.
Rank – Officer
Location –Kibera and Mathare
Department –Girls Leadership & Education
Sub Program – Primary Education
Reports – Head of Future Education
Working Hours – Monday – Friday | 8.00 AM – 5.00PM
Key Responsibilities and Job Dimensions
Secondary School Support
- Guide SHOFCO Grade 9 students in completion of scholarship applications
- Maintain existing relationships with partner scholarship organizations as well as monitor the landscape for new opportunities
- Ensure SHOFCO graduates and parents understand the university admissions and higher education in Kenya and are prepared for the transition
- Work with program coordinators to exposure students to university (i.e. tours of local universities) and leadership opportunities (i.e. ALA camps)
- Stay up to date on the changes in the education sector within Kenya in order to support students properly (i.e. CBC, changes to TVET process, financing model, etc).
Gap Year Program
- Support students and families to navigate the university/TVET application process, including guiding students on course/institution selection
- Manage relationships with KUCCPS, HELB, HEF, and other key stakeholders in higher education
- Guide students to submit quality applications for external scholarship, both for university, gap year programs, and professional fellowships (i.e. check documents, review essays, etc.)
- Write recommendations for students to include in their university/internship applications
- Develop a Gap year program for secondary school graduates to participate in ahead of joining university; inclusive of financial literacy, computer literacy, mental health, and advanced SRH training, maximizing on internal SHOFCO partnerships with other departments
- Ensure students report to school on time
Post-Secondary School Support
- Proactively research scholarship opportunities and aim to develop relationships with universities in Kenya and abroad by sharing the SHOFCO story with the goal of securing placements for graduates
- Organize and implement yearly annual workshop, focusing on career opportunities and jobs of the future
- Develop relationship with students and track their academic performance and social well-being
- Guide students to form an alumni program, to do things such as mentor younger SHOFCO students
- Encourage students to find mentors
Job Market Support
- Proactively look for job and training opportunities and share with graduates
- Assist students in creating job portfolios for academic internships and transitioning to job market
- Organize workshops on CV building, interview skills, and how to search / apply for jobs
Project Management / Officer related tasks
- Represent SHOFCO and the Future Education Department at various conferences/meetings; proactively seeking opportunities that will benefit the organization and following-through on such
- Work to find measures to track progress of SHOFCO graduates and impact of SHOFCO on their lives and that of their family (metrics and evaluations)
- Work with the finance, procurement, and inventory team to ensure smooth running of the Future Education department
- Work with head of department on yearly work plan and budget
- Ensure compliance with finance/procurement department guidelines
Support Future Education / SHOFCO colleagues
- Aid in the development of a socio-emotional/leadership curriculum to be delivered to SHOFCO graduates during secondary school breaks
- Assist the team when called upon during the holiday programs
- Build strong relationship with SHOFCO primary schools and partner to support students
- Build strong relationships with other SHOFCO departments and stay up to date on their programs so as to connect students, parents, and team members to benefit
Job Competencies (Knowledge, Experience and Attributes / Skills).
Academic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in any related field
Other requirements (unique/job specific)
- At Least 5 years’ experience in a similar role
- Key knowledge of post-secondary school transition process (i.e. KUCCPS, HELB, HEF, TVET, etc.)
- At Least 5 years’ experience in a similar role
- College and career counselling
- Project management (i.e. work plans, budgets)
- Microsoft and Google Suite (word, excel, PowerPoint, zoom, Google Meets)
- Strong writing skills (i.e. emails, reports)
Functional Skills
- Adopting practical approaches
- Providing insights
- Managing tasks
- Upholding standards
Behavioural Competencies/Attributes
- Team working
- Convincing people
- Empowering individuals
- Directing people
How to Apply
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our organization, all interested applicants should send their applications together with a detailed Cover letter and CV to [email protected] with a clear subject line “Future Education Officer”. Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applications should reach us no later than 28th January 2024. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
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