Project Enterprise Officer

Starting October March 2024, WHCU will roll out implementation of the Bridges to Work project a 18 months pilot project in Mayuge and Jinja district, Busoga region whose broader goal is to lead youths into gainful employment through skills development initiatives. The project aims to support 1800 youth aged 18- 35 years, 70% girls/ young women and 30%

Job Summary: 

The Project Enterprise Officer will be responsible for implementation, monitoring and evaluation of youth entrepreneurial, business startup and growth activities aimed at enhancing the employability and entrepreneurship skills of young people in Jinja and Mayuge. She/he will assist the project team in identifying potential growth sectors & opportunities, developing, and implementing strategies to strengthen youth business knowledge, ignite youth to start IGAs and expand partnerships with technical and vocational trainers, business mentors, employers, financial service providers, local government etc.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

The Project Enterprise Officer reports to the Project Skills Development Manager and shall perform the following duties;

• Develop project operational plans, budgets and detailed strategies for the effective implementation of youth business startup, mentorship and growth activities.
• Facilitate establishment of Bridges to Work groups.
• Conduct market research to identify potential growth sectors, business opportunities, and relevant work based learning opportunities, support mentorship and employment.
• Participate in participant selection recruitment, screening, and selection, ensuring inclusivity and diversity.
• Identify and engage with youth participants, assessing their needs and aspirations and jointly design strategies to help them realize their entrepreneurial aspirations dreams.
• Design and deliver training programs on relevant skills such as entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and other soft skills.
• Liaise with local businesses, employers, and industries to create job placement opportunities, internships, and apprenticeships for trained youth.
• Collaborate with the project team to identify innovative approaches to expand the project’s reach and impact.
• Identify and engage with potential partners, including private sector companies, NGOs, government agencies, vocational training, and educational institutions, to establish strategic alliances and secure support,
• Provide coaching and technical support to Enterprise on entrepreneurship, business skills, income generation and livelihood activities.     
• Provide advisory and mentoring support to existing / established enterprises on business planning, budgeting and record keeping.    
• Train established Enterprises on governance and leadership, rapid appraisal of income generating activities and other capacity building trainings in order to enhance knowledge and skills to manage themselves independently.·      
• Track progress of set up Enterprise and keep updated records·      
• Consolidate and compile monthly, quarterly and annual reports, inclusive of success stories and lessons learnt
• Prepare periodic case studies  

Note: This job description summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• The applicant must hold a Bachelor’s degree in business administration, economics, development studies or a related field. (Master’s degree preferred)
• At least five years of experience preferably in youth empowerment and youth skilling.
• Strong understanding of the youth development landscape, challenges, and opportunities in Busoga region of Uganda.
• Experience in designing and delivering training programs for youth, preferably in vocational skills, entrepreneurship, or related areas.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare reports.
• Proactive mindset with the ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.

How to Apply:

All interested and qualifying candidates should submit their application letter along with an up to date CV and certified academic document no later than 25^th February 2024

Youths and Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply