Career Guidance and Counsellor Officer at Finn Church Aid (FCA)

Project Implementation Oversight:

• Lead outreach meetings in Kalobeyei/Kakuma to inform communities about training, upskilling, and complementary pathways.
• Facilitate the selection of targeted trainees for upskilling programs, adhering to inclusive criteria including academic qualifications, academic qualifications, technical skills, inclusivity, and career aspirations.
• Assist in the onboarding process for project participants ensuring they have access to necessary resources and information.
• Support trainers in the implementation both physical and virtual classesincluding setting up connections, speakers, microphones, etc.
• Conduct regular assessments and evaluations for both practical and written sessions to identify training gaps.
• Offer supportive supervision during entrepreneurship bootcamps and private sector engagements to maintain quality assurance standards.

Job Placement and Career Guidance:

• Engage with program participants to understand their career aspirations, skills, preferences and support with development of personal and professional goals
• Conduct job readiness assessments and provide personalized career coaching on employablility skills through CV reviews, mock interviews, social meadia branding
• Facilitate introductions, referrals, and applications for job opportunities leveraging the program's network.
• Assist participants in preparing job applications and navigating the recruitment process.
• Maintain an updated database of job opportunities, including internships and freelancing in the creative industries.
• Coordinate web design and digital marketing participants to develop a portifilo to showcase their work
• Facilitate entrepreneurship boot camps covering business planning, marketing, financial literacy and support youth in refining business models
• Provide support for language practice, document translation, medical exams, visa processing, and pre-departure preparation.

Networking and Partnership Development:

• Conduct a private sector mapping exercise to identify potential partners for internships and employment.
• Organize roundtable discussions and engagement sessions with private sector partners for labor market needs and opportunity mapping.
• Develop partnerships with local and international companies to create internship and apprenticeship opportunities, aligning with current market demands.
• Organize networking events, industry mixers, and portfolio showcases.
• Facilitate mentorship opportunities with established professionals in creative disciplines.
• Coordinate cross-border networking platforms (FCA Creatives Talent Community) to connect youth with global employers and mentors.

Data Management and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate records of participant progress, job placements, and networking activities.
• Generate reports on job placement metrics and industry sectors, contributing to program evaluation and improvement.

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in Social Science, Human Resources, Business Administration, Communications, Career Counseling, Project Management or related field (or equivalent work experience). Masters level highly preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years proven experience in job placement, career counseling, or related roles within the creative sector.
• Extensive network of contacts within the creative industry, including potential clients, employers, and collaborators.
• Strong networking and relationship-building skills, with a demonstrated ability to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders, forge meaningful connections, and cultivate partnerships within the creative ecosystem.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with a passion for supporting youth in the creative field.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Proficiency in MS Office suite and experience with online freelance platforms
• Experience with project management and reporting tools is a plus.
• Ability to work effectively in multicultural environments.
• Proficiency in data management and reporting.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken); knowledge of local languages is an asset.