Project Officer
Recruit Finds
Nairobi, Kenya
Job summary
Project Officer - NYOTA Refugee Business Development Services Mentor at Danish Refugee Council
About this role
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BDS Mentor
Overall Purpose of the Role
DRC is preparing for a potential role in the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project, supported by the World Bank and implemented by the Government of Kenya through the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA). The project seeks to increase employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for vulnerable young people.
The BDS Mentor will support refugee youth entrepreneurs through practical and structured mentorship. The mentor will help participants strengthen their business decision-making, resilience and ability to build sustainable enterprises. The position will involve providing guidance on business challenges, encouraging progress towards agreed goals, and helping entrepreneurs access useful markets, networks and business services.
Please note that any appointment under this role will depend on DRC progressing to the proposal stage and being awarded the assignment.
Key Responsibilities
Structured Mentorship
Conduct regular one-on-one or small-group mentoring sessions with refugee youth entrepreneurs.
Hold scheduled follow-ups and progress reviews to monitor participants’ development.
Help mentees apply knowledge gained through BDS training to their businesses.
Support entrepreneurs in identifying and resolving business challenges.
Assist participants in refining their business plans and remaining accountable to agreed objectives.
Share practical business experiences, lessons and advice to help mentees avoid common entrepreneurial mistakes.
Business Guidance and Market Linkages
Provide practical advice on strategic planning, financial management, marketing, business operations and daily decision-making.
Connect mentees with relevant entrepreneurs, business networks, markets, financial opportunities and other business development services where appropriate.
Participate in business forums, peer-learning activities and networking events designed to improve market access and strengthen social cohesion.
Help entrepreneurs identify opportunities that can contribute to the growth and sustainability of their businesses.
Motivation, Inclusion and Safe Support
Create a respectful and supportive environment where mentees can openly discuss their ideas, challenges and progress.
Listen actively to participants and provide constructive guidance.
Encourage entrepreneurs to remain focused, motivated and resilient when facing business difficulties.
Provide appropriate emotional encouragement while maintaining professional boundaries and following established referral procedures.
Promote inclusive mentoring approaches that respond to the needs of women and persons with disabilities.
Demonstrate cultural awareness and sensitivity when working with refugee and displacement-affected communities.
Documentation and Coordination
Keep accurate records of mentorship sessions, participant progress and topics discussed using the required project formats.
Support verification of mentorship activities and sessions conducted.
Work closely with the Team Leader, BDS Delivery Specialists and DRC project staff to identify follow-up requirements.
Make appropriate referrals where participants require additional support or services.
Take part in mentor training, supervision sessions and project reporting activities.
Experience and Technical Competence
Demonstrated practical experience in business, including successful experience operating or managing a business.
Strong understanding of key business functions such as strategic planning, financial management, marketing and operations.
Excellent listening, coaching and interpersonal abilities.
Ability to provide practical, constructive and relevant business guidance.
Experience conducting progress assessments and helping entrepreneurs modify their plans when necessary.
Understanding of business operations within refugee camps, displacement-affected communities or similar environments is highly relevant.
The mentor team should demonstrate the ability to support entrepreneurs with disabilities and include meaningful representation of female mentors.
Women and candidates with relevant experience in disability inclusion are particularly encouraged to apply.
Education Requirements
Minimum secondary school education or an equivalent qualification.
Training in business, entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, management or a related area through a certificate, diploma or vocational/professional programme is an added advantage.
Practical business experience and mentoring capability are considered central to this position.
Language Requirements
Ability to communicate and mentor participants in languages commonly used within the relevant refugee communities.
Fluency in Somali is highly desirable, particularly for assignments supporting refugee communities in Dadaab.