AMSCO Job Vacancy : Skills Development Officer

Background to the Skills Development Component

It is undisputed that the development of skills through education and training is essential for tackling the problem of unemployment and for achieving sustainable economic growth and development. Large numbers of young boys and girls grow up lacking basic skills; young people trained in the formal and non-formal system of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) often do not meet the requirements of the labour market, and there is a significant (and persistent) gap between skills acquired and needs of the labour market. As a result, many are unable to take advantage of opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship and re-entering education.

The project takes both a direct and a systemic approach to addressing barriers to skills development. Building on the success of short course delivery during the project’s inception phase, a series of labour market training and job information centres will be established in partnership with local youth-serving institutions. These centres will provide training in core business and life skills; career guidance and counselling and labour marker information; and they will set up a platform to link young jobseekers to opportunities in the labour market.

 

 

Responsibilities

 

 

The Skills Development Officer will:

 

Support implementation of a number of skills development interventions, following a systemic change approach which emphasises ownership by Mombasa-based players, indirect service provision and long term sustainability.

Proactively manage a wide range of stakeholder relationships including key government departments; universities; skills providers (including polytechnics, technical training institutes etc.); a range of NGOs, CBOs, and CSOs; private sector companies; and others as required. Serve as the liaison between these players, and between these players and the project team.

Working with the skills development team, support creation and effective operation of the proposed Labour Market Information and Training Centres (LMITCs), ensuring they are set up to operate in a sustainable way.

Continually monitor and assess the needs of the target group of marginalised young people in Mombasa, liaising closely with the project M&E Manager to ensure the skills development component contributes effectively to the M&E system.

Support capacity building initiatives across a range of partner groups.

Assist in conducting training needs analyses.

Develop and maintain a strong, up-to-date understanding of Mombasa’s labour market and employment opportunities.

Arrange workshops, meetings and events.