Job Listing: Career Counsellor (2 Positions)
Application Deadline: 12th September 2024
Job Title: Career Counsellor
Organization: Finn Church Aid (FCA)
Duty Station: Rwamwanja or Kyaka, Uganda
Reports To: Project Officer
About Finn Church Aid (FCA):
Finn Church Aid (FCA) is the largest Finnish international aid organization, operating in 12 countries where the needs are most dire. FCA works with the poorest people, regardless of their religious beliefs, ethnic background, or political convictions. The organization is committed to promoting human dignity, fundamental human rights, and freedom, guided by principles of equality, non-discrimination, and responsibility.
About the RETI Project:
FCA is a consortium partner in the Refugee and Host Community Youth Empowerment and Transformation Initiative (RETI) program in Uganda, supported by the Mastercard Foundation. RETI aims to address unemployment challenges among youth aged 15-35 in 15 refugee-hosting districts in Uganda, focusing on skills development, Youth Savings and Loan Associations (YSLAs), and business development support, particularly for young women.
Job Summary:
The Career Counsellors will be responsible for guiding young people in identifying and pursuing career paths aligned with their skills and interests, facilitating employment opportunities, and supporting business growth. The role involves working with skilled job seekers, businesses, and stakeholders to promote sustainable employment and business development initiatives that meet current labor market demands.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
- Career Counseling:
- Provide guidance on educational and vocational training options aligned with labor market demands.
- Conduct one-on-one career counseling sessions to help young people understand their strengths, interests, and career aspirations.
- 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.
- Job Mediation:
- Engage with employers, industry associations, and training providers to facilitate job placements for skilled participants.
- Support job seekers in developing employability skills, including business planning, job interview preparation, and start-up support.
- Monitor and evaluate the outcomes of job placements, providing continuous support as needed.
- Business Mediation:
- Assist in the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) among skilled youth, providing access to grants, market information, training, and business mentorship.
- Facilitate connections between businesses and financial institutions, suppliers, and other relevant stakeholders to support business growth and sustainability.
- Organize training sessions and networking events to enhance financial literacy, business knowledge, and opportunities for young people.
- Youth Engagement:
- Facilitate youth engagement activities such as mentorship, soft skills development, and knowledge-sharing forums.
- Support the formation and management of Youth Savings and Loan Associations (YSLAs).
- Stakeholder Engagement:
- Build and maintain strong relationships with private sector actors, NGOs, and community-based organizations to support employment and business development initiatives for young people.
- Monitoring and Reporting:
- Prepare and submit regular reports on program progress, challenges, and achievements to the supervisor.
- Capacity Building:
- Provide technical support and capacity building to skilled youth and local artisans in areas such as job creation, entrepreneurship, and business management.
- Facilitate knowledge sharing and learning among stakeholders to enhance the effectiveness of employment and business mediation efforts.
Qualifications, Skills, and Experience:
- Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, Development Studies, or a related field.
- Experience:
- 3-5 years of experience in employment mediation, business development, or a related field within the humanitarian or development sector.
- Proven track record in facilitating employment and business opportunities, particularly for youth.
- Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including private sector partners, government agencies, and NGOs.
- Skills and Competencies:
- Strong understanding of the local labor market and economic development trends in Uganda.
- Excellent mediation and negotiation skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with strong initiative and problem-solving skills.
- Strong communication skills in both written and oral English, as well as local languages.
How to Apply:
Interested applicants should send a cover letter and a CV (not more than 5 pages) with at least three referees and a daytime telephone contact, along with copies of academic papers, addressed to:
The Human Resource and Administration Manager
Finn Church Aid, Uganda Country Office
P.O. Box 21826 Kampala, Tank Hill Rd, Roche Close, Plot 1495 Muyenga, Uganda.
Email: ugaco.hr@kua.fi
Email applications should be in one file attachment (Ms Word or PDF), mentioning the position title in the subject.
Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Finn Church Aid is committed to protecting children and ensuring their safety across all levels of its program operations. Employment is subject to the organization’s child protection policies.