Project Assistant – financial literacy, business coaching and mentoring (Open to Somali Nationals only) Full Time NEW

Action Against Hunger leads the global movement to end hunger. We innovate solutions, advocate for change, and reach 24 million people every year with proven hunger prevention and treatment programs. As a nonprofit that works across 50 countries, our 8,300 dedicated staff members partner with communities to address the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies. We strive to create a world free from hunger, for everyone, for good.

Action Against Hunger USA is part of the Action Against Hunger International network. As an independent NGO, Action Against Hunger USA currently manages operations in 8 countries: Kenya, South Sudan, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Zambia and Haiti. Action Against Hunger-USA has over $100 million in programs, and approximately 1,800 permanent staff based in New York City, Washington D.C, Nairobi, and country offices. Additional growth is anticipated.

I. Summary of Position

The Project Assistant will support the implementation of financial literacy programs and business coaching for women-owned micro-enterprises. This role involves delivering training sessions, providing one-on-one mentoring, and assisting in the development and monitoring of financial and business skills among beneficiaries.

Purposes: The Project Assistant for Financial Literacy, Business Coaching, and Mentoring is responsible for empowering women-owned micro-enterprises through comprehensive financial education and tailored business support. The primary goal of this role is to enhance the financial and business capabilities of beneficiaries, enabling them to effectively manage their enterprises, make informed financial 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:

• Offer ongoing mentorship to beneficiaries, addressing their specific business challenges and goals.
• Provide feedback and recommendations based on business performance and needs.
• Foster a supportive environment to encourage business development and resilience.

 Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Track and report on the progress and outcomes of training and coaching sessions.
• Assist in evaluating the effectiveness of financial literacy and business coaching programs.
• Gather feedback from beneficiaries to improve program delivery and content.

 Administrative Duties:

• Maintain accurate records of training sessions, coaching interactions, and beneficiary progress.
• Coordinate logistics for training sessions and mentoring meetings.
• Prepare and submit reports as required by project management.

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

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.

II. 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 race, color, religion, gender, ancestry, sexual orientation, national origin, age, handicap, disability, marital status, or status as a veteran. Action Against Hunger-USA complies with all applicable laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.

Tagged as: Action Against Hunger USA, Somalia