Job Title: Career Counsellor
Organisation: Finn Church Aid (FCA)
Duty Station: West Nile, Uganda
Reports to: ITEME Project Coordinator
About Organisation:
Finn Church Aid (FCA) is the largest Finnish development cooperation organization and the second largest provider of humanitarian aid. FCA operates in over 12 countries, with dire need. FCA works with the poorest people, regardless of their religious beliefs, ethnic background or political affiliations. FCA work is based on promotion of human dignity and fundamental human rights and freedom implying that FCA operations are guided by equality, non-discrimination and responsibility.
FCA’s work in Uganda focuses on promoting sustainable livelihoods, Education in emergency, development education and peace. The Uganda country program compliments Finland’s traditional concern for the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people and marginalized groups. FCA has a proven track record in supporting the very poor and vulnerable groups in Uganda since the 90s through our implementing partners. Reduction of poverty to decrease vulnerability and increase opportunity for the most marginalized and extremely vulnerable individuals is the overarching objective of the FCA Uganda country program.
About the Project:
Launched in 2004 as Orphans of Rwanda, Kepler initially supported genocide survivors and economically vulnerable youth in pursuing higher education in Rwanda. In 2013, Kepler expanded its focus to provide access to US-accredited Bachelor’s degree programs in business management, healthcare management, and communications for vulnerable populations across East Africa. In 2015, Kepler established a satellite campus in the Kiziba Refugee Camp, pioneering access to university degrees in a remote refugee camp. In 2022, Kepler College emerged, offering nationally accredited bachelor’s degree programs in management and technology, with a specialization in project management and business analytics. Kepler identifies crucial transitional moments for African youth on the path to employment and has developed programs like preparatory support, wrap-around services, and post-graduate career training. The Iteme preparation program for secondary school graduates from vulnerable communities began in 2018, and the Graduate Employment Program (GEP) launched in 2020, enhancing soft skills for recent graduates in partnership with public polytechnic colleges. Iteme and GEP now operate in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and Rwanda.
Job Summary: As a Career Counselor you will play a crucial role in empowering young people, both from refugee and host communities, by providing them with guidance and support to make informed career choices and develop the necessary skills to enter the labor market. You will work closely with young people to assess their aspirations and abilities, and then provide them with relevant information and resources to help them achieve their career goals.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Career Counseling:
- Conduct one-on-one career counseling sessions with young people to identify their career aspirations, skills, and areas of interest.
- Provide information and guidance on educational and vocational training opportunities.
Skills Assessment:
- Assess the skills, competencies, and qualifications of young people to match them with relevant training and employment opportunities.
- Administer career assessment tools and tests to identify strengths and areas for development.
Career Development Planning:
- Collaborate with young people to create personalized career development plans.
- Assist in setting clear, achievable goals and timelines for skill development and job placement.
Education and Training Support:
- Provide information on educational institutions and vocational training centers.
- Assist in identifying scholarships, financial aid, and other resources for further education.
Job Placement and Internships:
- Connect young people with job placement opportunities, internships, and apprenticeships.
- Liaise with potential employers to create pathways for young people into the labor market.
Mentorship and Soft Skills:
- Arrange mentorship opportunities and offer guidance on developing soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
- Facilitate workshops and training sessions on job readiness.
Psychosocial Support:
- Provide emotional support and counseling to address any trauma or psychological challenges young people may face.
- Promote resilience and well-being through psychosocial interventions.
Monitoring and Reporting:
- Maintain records of career counseling sessions and individual progress.
- Contribute to program monitoring and reporting by documenting outcomes and success stories.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
- A bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Counseling, Psychology, Social Work).
- At least 3 years of experience of experience in career counseling, youth development, or related fields.
- Strong understanding of the challenges faced by young people in accessing education and employment.
- Knowledge of educational and vocational training opportunities in Uganda.
- Good understanding of refugee context in Uganda
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Sensitivity to the needs and experiences of young people, particularly those from refugee backgrounds.
- Experience in conducting assessments and providing psychosocial support is a plus.
At FCA we take a strong stand against sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, and any form of child abuse. Our Safeguarding Policy applies to all our staff, ensuring a safe environment for everyone involved. We also have a zero-tolerance policy for fraudulent and corrupt behaviour, as well as aid diversion. To uphold our commitment to integrity, we may screen applicants against international lists to ensure compliance with Anti-money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism requirements.
FCA is certified against the Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality and Accountability (CHS), reflecting our dedication to maintaining the highest standards of ethics and accountability.
How to Apply:
All suitably qualified and interested candidates are encouraged to apply online at the link below.
Deadline: 28th June 2024.
NB: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Finn Church Aid is committed to keeping children safe at all levels of its program operations, so our selection process reflects our commitment to the protection of children from all forms of abuses. Employment is subject to our Child protection standards, adherence to Child Safeguarding Policy including background checks”.
NOTE: FCA does not charge any fee at whichever stage of the recruitment process and does not act through recruitment agents.
Related Jobs