About the Organization
Action for Refugee Life (AReL), is a refugee-led social impact organization founded in 2022 in Kakuma refugee camp striving to build a path to a sustainable and self-reliant future for the refugee community.
AReL provides the necessary tools, resources, and support to refugees at the individual, household, and community levels, with the aim of capacitating them to achieve economic and social self-sufficiency. This will enable them to meet essential needs in a sustainable and dignified manner.
Action for Refugee Life (AReL) offers a range of on-campus digital training courses that focus on skill enhancement, job market readiness, mentorship, postgraduation support, and entrepreneurship assistance. The organization’s comprehensive program guides students from enrollment to job placement. This includes diverse digital and technical courses tailored to market demands, thorough orientation, practical training enriched by a global industry-focused professional network, and simulated real-world scenarios. The organization supports graduates transitioning into the workplace, offering assistance through designated ambassadors. Moreover, AReL fosters self-sufficiency by promoting entrepreneurial endeavors within the refugee community.
About Kakuma
Kakuma Camp was established in Turkana County, one of the poorest counties in Kenya, in 1992. The camp is located in a semi-arid region in northwest Kenya.
The host community in the area is largely made up of Turkana residents who are pastoralists and lead semi-nomadic lifestyles. These residents live in small villages without access to basic amenities such as running water or electricity. As of December 30th, 2022, the Kakuma camp and the nearby Kalobeyei settlement have a combined population of 248,929 refugees.
The majority of the refugees in the camp are from South Sudan, Sudan, Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Ethiopia, and Uganda. These individuals fled their home countries due to ongoing conflicts that have lasted for decades.
Living Conditions
The Kakuma refugee operation hosts over 283,000 refugees and asylum-seekers from 22 nationalities, primarily from South Sudan, Somalia, Burundi, and the DRC, with 70% being children and youth. Staff should be aware of challenging living conditions, with high temperatures averaging 35°C (95°F) and peaking at 38°C (100.4°F) in January-March. The area experiences short rains in November-December and long rains from mid-March to June, causing flooding and limited movement. Hazards include dust storms, heat exhaustion, insects, snakes, scorpions, and a high malaria risk. Medical facilities are basic, with referrals primarily to Nairobi. The compound, offering basic amenities, internet, a cafeteria, and a gym, is a non-family duty station where family visits are not allowed. The increasing refugee population and limited livelihood prospects present challenges to social cohesion and resource competition, requiring resilience and commitment from staff.
Job Description
The Learning and Development Manager/ Program Coordinator will oversee the instructors and ensure our training programs produce job-market-ready graduates. This role involves capacity building, providing strategic direction to the instructional team, and managing the operations of the skills training center. Reporting to the Director of Learning and Development, the Manager will ensure issues are identified and addressed promptly. The ideal candidate will bring creativity, tech-savvy solutions, and a proactive approach to thrive in a fast-paced, social impact-driven environment.
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Key Responsibilities
1. Team Management:
Lead, mentor, and manage a team of instructors to achieve high-quality learning outcomes.
Facilitate regular team meetings to align on goals, performance metrics, and teaching strategies.
2. Learning and Development:
Curate and oversee the development of cutting-edge training modules to meet the demands of the tech job market.
Implement innovative capacity-building programs for instructors and students.
Ensure training curricula are aligned with industry standards and best practices.
3. Operational Oversight:
Manage day-to-day operations at the training center, ensuring all resources are effectively utilized.
Identify and address operational challenges, ensuring minimal disruption to training activities.
Coordinate with the Local Management Team to escalate and resolve significant issues.
4. Performance Monitoring and Reporting:
Develop and maintain monitoring systems to evaluate the effectiveness of training programs and operations.
Prepare and present timely reports on key performance metrics, challenges, and improvement opportunities.
5. Strategic Direction:
Proactively propose and implement tech-driven solutions to enhance training delivery and center operations.
Contribute to organizational strategy through innovative ideas and leadership.
6 . Job Placement Support:
Coordinate with employers and industry partners to identify job opportunities for graduates.
Assist students in developing professional resumes, portfolios, and interview skills.
Organize job fairs, networking events, and employer engagement activities to enhance placement opportunities.
Track and report on graduate placement outcomes to measure program impact and success.
Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field.
- At least 5 years of experience in a similar role, preferably within a social impact or start-up organization.
- Proven experience managing a team and leading learning and development initiatives.
- Demonstrated ability to curate high-quality training content tailored to the tech industry.
- Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to challenges.
- Exceptional organizational and communication skills.
- Experience working in a fast-paced environment, with an ability to adapt to changing priorities.
Key Competencies
- Creativity and innovation in training design and delivery.
- Strong leadership and team management abilities.
- Technical expertise in Computer Science and tech solutions.
- Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
- High-level organizational and time-management skills.
AReL is an equal-opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals passionate about empowering refugee communities through education and technology.