Background information about the job or company (e.g., role context, company overview)

The DREEM project provides technical assistance to Mastercard Foundation and its partners on the inclusion of refugees and displaced young people (RDP1). As part of WUSC’s established approach and the wider localization agenda, the DREEM project is set to partner with Refugee-led Organizations (RLOs) in several African countries to strengthen their capacity to operate sustainably and efficiently. Strengthening refugee-led initiatives and RLOs is an important part of fostering RDP-led solutions and ensuring sustainability. The initiative will directly enable over 5,000 RDP and host community youth across Africa, 70% of whom will be women and 10% youth with disabilities, to access dignified and fulfilling work.

In order to improve the provision of quality gender-responsive services that can attract and improve access to future revenue streams, WUSC believes that RLOs need capacity strengthening support and direct funding for their work to lead to positive structural changes in the supporting environment for RDP youth. By facilitating RLO sustained, long-term funding and capacity, WUSC hopes to ultimately increase their participation, influence and decision-making power.

Responsibilities or duties

Grant Cycle Administration Support

• Assist in the dissemination of open and transparent calls for proposals to RLOs in both English and French.
• Organize and maintain a database of applicant RLOs and support the coordination of selection panels.
• Support the RLO Opportunity Fund Manager in the day-to-day operations of the project in Malawi and any other geographies assigned;
• Help process and track documentation for the rigorous due diligence of RLO partners, including screening and reviewing organizational policies.
• Coordinate the scheduling of regular monitoring visits and reflection meetings between the Fund team and RLO partners.
• Provide general administrative support, including handling communication, scheduling meetings, preparing reports, and maintaining project documentation.

Capacity Building and Logistical Coordination

• Provide logistical support for the delivery of the Opportunity Fund’s core curriculum on institutional support (e.g., financial management, safeguarding, and operational policies).
• Assist in organizing workshops, training sessions, and mentorship programs for RLO staff.
• Support RLOs in the development of mentorship programs that pair refugee youth with experienced mentors and industry professionals.

Monitoring and Reporting

• Assist in the collection of data and reports from RLO grantees to track progress toward youth employment and education targets.
• Support the finance team in tracking fund disbursements and ensuring RLOs meet reporting deadlines.
• Help maintain a library of “best practices” and learning products developed from the Fund’s activities.
• Help track and monitor the implementation of training sessions and mentorship programs.
• Assist in the collection and analysis of data related to program outcomes, including employment placements, business creation, and skills development
• Help in the preparation of project reports, presentations, and other materials for stakeholders and donors.

Qualifications or requirements (e.g., education, skills)

• Minimum of a Diploma in International Development, Social Sciences, Business Administration, Project Management, or a related field. A bachelor’s degree will be an added advantage
• 3–4 years of experience in administrative support, grant assistance, or project coordination within an NGO environment.
• Lived experience as a displaced person or a strong background working directly with RDP communities and RLOs is highly valued.
• Fluency in English is required; professional proficiency in French is highly desirable to support partners in Francophone Africa.
• Strong organizational skills, proficiency in Google Workspace, and experience with database management.
• Ability to support RLO programing in other countries remotely is highly valued
• A deep commitment to WUSC’s values of inclusivity, gender responsiveness, and supporting locally-led solutions.
• Commitment to WUSC’s mission of building a better world for all young people, particularly displaced and refugee youth.

Any other provided details (e.g., benefits, work environment, team info, or additional notes)

• The headquarters of this initiative is located in Nairobi, Kenya; the Project Assistant is expected to be based in Malawi, and must already possess the relevant work authorizations;
• The role will require frequent travel across the continent, and occasional international travel for conferences, workshops and meetings;
• Ability to work a flexible schedule.

• Assist in the dissemination of open and transparent calls for proposals to RLOs in both English and French.
• Organize and maintain a database of applicant RLOs and support the coordination of selection panels.
• Support the RLO Opportunity Fund Manager in the day-to-day operations of the project in Malawi and any other geographies assigned;
• Help process and track documentation for the rigorous due diligence of RLO partners, including screening and reviewing organizational policies.
• Coordinate the scheduling of regular monitoring visits and reflection meetings between the Fund team and RLO partners.
• Provide general administrative support, including handling communication, scheduling meetings, preparing reports, and maintaining project documentation.
• Provide logistical support for the delivery of the Opportunity Fund’s core curriculum on institutional support (e.g., financial management, safeguarding, and operational policies).
• Assist in organizing workshops, training sessions, and mentorship programs for RLO staff.
• Support RLOs in the development of mentorship programs that pair refugee youth with experienced mentors and industry professionals.
• Assist in the collection of data and reports from RLO grantees to track progress toward youth employment and education targets.
• Support the finance team in tracking fund disbursements and ensuring RLOs meet reporting deadlines.
• Help maintain a library of “best practices” and learning products developed from the Fund’s activities.
• Help track and monitor the implementation of training sessions and mentorship programs.
• Assist in the collection and analysis of data related to program outcomes, including employment placements, business creation, and skills development
• Help in the preparation of project reports, presentations, and other materials for stakeholders and donors.

• Fund management
• Financial compliance
• Grant administration
• RLO engagement
• Organizational skills
• Proficiency in Google Workspace
• Database management
• Fluency in English
• Professional proficiency in French (desirable)

• Minimum of a Diploma in International Development, Social Sciences, Business Administration, Project Management, or a related field. A bachelor’s degree will be an added advantage
• 3–4 years of experience in administrative support, grant assistance, or project coordination within an NGO environment.
• Lived experience as a displaced person or a strong background working directly with RDP communities and RLOs is highly valued.
• Fluency in English is required; professional proficiency in French is highly desirable to support partners in Francophone Africa.
• Strong organizational skills, proficiency in Google Workspace, and experience with database management.
• Ability to support RLO programing in other countries remotely is highly valued
• A deep commitment to WUSC’s values of inclusivity, gender responsiveness, and supporting locally-led solutions.
• Commitment to WUSC’s mission of building a better world for all young people, particularly displaced and refugee youth.