Launch Pad Program Manager

Work Location: Nyandarua, Kenya

Reports to: Reports to Director of Operations & Administration.

About the Company

Our client is an NGO school located in Njambini (Nyandarua)

Roles and Responsibilities

1. Responsible for identifying and managing student placements and scholarships in secondary school and beyond, including vocational training, internships, and job opportunities.

2. Responsible for on-site management and supervision of accommodations for beneficiary housing, including establishing and enforcing rules and norms to support a path to self-sufficiency.

3. Responsible for all aspects of curriculum design, scheduling, and delivery of skill-building and other workshops during identified term breaks, including engagement of expert partner facilitators.

4. Act as primary organizational liaison with schools in respect of student progress, documentation, and issues.

5. Oversee relevant finances and budget for each fiscal year, seeking and pursuing strategic partnerships and other strategies to decrease costs while increasing impact of program.

6. Develop proposals and pursue key partnerships that support scholarship funding, vocational training, mental health strategies (in partnership with Social Work Services Department, including drug and alcohol sensitization), coaching, and skill development goals.

7. Increase organizational visibility with schools and TVET-focused organizations (such as SHOFCO) by identifying opportunities for alignment, collaboration, and mission-centric partnerships.

8. Serve as the primary conduit to Leadership on student progress, issues of concern, and obstacles to success.

9. Maintain accurate monitoring tools and records; and prepare timely reports that effectively track progress and demonstrate desired outcomes.

10. Oversee and execute special projects in service of the mission of the organization, including projects related to other Kenya-based programs. Beneficiary-Centric Responsibilities

11. Directly monitor and support student academic, livelihood, and program performance, ensuring clear, frequent communication and ongoing assessment of student satisfaction and needs

12. Ensure clear communication and alignment with the Department of Social Work Services on strategies and services in support of physical and mental health for each beneficiary.

13. Develop and implement individualized plans that ensure effective transitions, provide achievable academic and skill development goals, promote social confidence, and help maintain a growth mindset.

14. Ensure secondary graduates have a transition plan/program in place prior to graduation, including job opportunities, interim skill development courses, vocational school or university placements.

15. Develop, monitor and consistently provide high quality mentoring, coaching, and support services in collaboration with Social Work Services Department and other identified resources.

16. Serve as the primary organizational point-of-contact with all program students, mitigating and resolving issues, maintaining professionalism, and serving as a role model at all times. Departmental Collaboration Requirements

17. Collaborate with Chief Operating Officer on the design and delivery of skill-building workshops, including engagement and assessment of partnerships with expert organizations.

18. Collaborate with Social Work Services Department to identify and address all physical and mental health issues, including management of medical and other appointments.

19. Collaborate with Finance Department on resource requisitions, budgeting and cost management, including establishment and compliance of policies regarding student stipends, loans, and the issuance of technology and other resources.

20. Collaborate with Director of Operations on management of accommodations, including resource needs and assurance of all safety considerations.

Academic and Professional Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Program Management, Education, or Social Work; advanced degree preferred.
• 5+ years management-level NGO experience, preferably in the area of TVET or life skills for young adults.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills in English and Kiswahili.
• Advanced proficiency in use of technology, including in word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations.
• Well-developed and mature professional interpersonal skills; ability to interact effectively with teenagers, young adults, partners and colleagues at all organizational levels.
• Excellent organizational, time management, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Substantive knowledge about the secondary and tertiary education system in Kenya, including TVET.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with appropriate discretion.
• Ability to respond quickly and maintain composure during situations that impact the safety and security of children and young adults.