Project Assistant financial literacy, business coaching and mentoring

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 food security. Action Against Hunger-USA, an independent NGO, currently manages operations in 8 countries: Kenya, South Sudan, Cambodia, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Haiti and Somalia. Action Against Hunger-USA has over $75 million in programs, and approximately 2000 staff based in in the various country offices, Head Quarter in New York City and Operational Centre in Nairobi. Additional growth is anticipated.

I.  Summary of Position

The Project Assistant will support the implementation of financial literacy programs, business coaching, and Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA) activities for women-owned micro-enterprises. This role includes delivering training, providing one-on-one mentoring, assisting with VSLA establishment and growth, and helping strengthen financial and business management skills to empower women entrepreneurs for sustainable growth and economic resilience.  

Purposes

The Project Assistant for Financial Literacy, Business Coaching, and Mentoring plays a pivotal role in empowering women-owned micro-enterprises by providing comprehensive financial education, tailored business support, and strengthening Village Saving and Loans Associations (VSLAs). The primary objective is to enhance beneficiaries' financial and business management capabilities, enabling them to effectively run their enterprises, make informed decisions, and achieve sustainable growth.

By delivering targeted financial literacy training, providing one-on-one business coaching, and offering ongoing mentorship, the Project Assistant aims to strengthen the economic independence and entrepreneurial skills of women entrepreneurs. This support will contribute to their overall success, resilience and ability to thrive in their respective markets

Engagement

• Represent ACF in community meetings, food security or emergency response meetings in coordination with FSL team. 

II.  Specific Duties

 Financial Literacy Training:

• Assist in the development and delivery of financial literacy training programs for beneficiaries.
• Cover topics such as budgeting, saving, financial planning, and managing debt.
• Facilitate group training sessions and provide support materials to enhance learning.

 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.
• Help beneficiaries develop and refine their business plans and strategies.

 Mentoring Support to (VSLA) groups

• Mobilize community members to form and strengthen VSLAs.
• Provide training to VSLA members on savings, loans, and group management.
• Monitor and guide the activities of VSLAs, ensuring proper record-keeping and financial practices.
• Facilitate linkages 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.
• Gather feedback from beneficiaries to improve program delivery and content.

 Administrative Duties:

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all training sessions, coaching engagements, VSLA activities, and beneficiary progress.
• Coordinate logistical aspects for training sessions, VSLA meetings, and mentoring engagements.
• Prepare and submit timely reports to project management as required.

III. Supervisory Responsibilities

None

IV. Gender Equality Commitments  

• Ensure that targeting of FSL beneficiaries is done in a transparent and gender sensitive and conflict sensitive way.

Fiscal Responsibility

NIL

V. Physical demands

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit for long periods and to concentrate on work, including typing, and turn out heavy volumes of work accurately, within short time frames under stressful situations in the context of a moderately noisy office with many interruptions. Must be able to proofread own work accurately so that only minor corrections are needed on an infrequent basis.
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

VI. Working Conditions, Travel and Environment

• The duties of the job require regular job attendance at least five days per week. Must be available to work outside normal office hours or on the weekends as required.
• Must be able to travel as required for standard domestic and international official matters. While performing the duties of this job in the field, the employee may be exposed to precarious settings under high security risks and outside weather conditions, as well as infectious diseases

VII. Gender Equality Commitments & Zero Tolerance to Abuse

• Foster an environment that reinforces values of women and men, and equal access to information.
• Provide a work environment where women and men must be evaluated and promoted based on their skills and performance.
• Promote a safe, secure, and respectful environment for all stakeholders, particularly for children, beneficiaries, and members of staff.
• Help to prevent any type of abuse including workplace harassment and sexual abuse and exploitation.
• Respect beneficiaries’ women, men, children (boys and girls) regardless of gender, sex orientation, disability, religion, race, color, ancestry, national origin, age, or marital status.
• Value and respect all cultures.

Requirements

VIII. Required Qualifications and Professional Experience

• Bachelor in Finance, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field. Additional certifications in financial literacy, coaching, or mentoring can be beneficial.
• Minimum of 3+ years of experience in direct implementation of agriculture extension and working with subsistence farmers, knowledge of working environment. Development and oversight of small-scale rural agriculture projects.
• Experience in financial literacy training, business coaching, or related fields.
• Strong knowledge of financial management, business planning, and coaching methodologies.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse groups, including women entrepreneurs.
• Proficiency in relevant software and tools for training and reporting.

IX.  Required Skills & Competencies

• Extensive experience in community participation and consultative-implementation methods.
• Flexibility to adjust to new implementation practices and new strategic guidance as per the changing political environment.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision  and be initiative
• Good facilitation, analytical, planning and report writing skills
• Experience in community and farmer group mobilization
• Good supervisory and organizational  skills, good interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of  agricultural issues and techniques
• Good knowledge of implementing projects
• Self-motivated and reliable
• Experience and knowledge of working with NGOs in agriculture programs in Somalia
• Knowledge of written and spoken English, Understanding of the local language is a must
• Proficient in MS Excel, MS Word and Outlook
• Willing to extensively travel throughout the project area.

Benefits

We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees & qualified applicants for employment without regard to gender, age, disability, marital status. Action Against Hunger-USA complies with all applicable laws governing non discrimination in employment.

Application Process.

Interested? Then apply for this position by clicking on the apply button. All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated resume and both must be in the same language as this vacancy note. Closing date for applications: February 22, 2025.