Youth Serving Organization is looking for a Part-time Coordinator

In today’s rapidly evolving world, the youth are the future torchbearers of change and progress. Recognizing the significance of their role, various youth-serving organizations have emerged to empower and guide young individuals towards becoming active and responsible citizens. The Part-time Youth Serving Organization’s Coordinator plays a pivotal role in ensuring the effective functioning of such organizations, connecting them to the youth, and driving their mission forward.

About YSO (Youth Serving Organizations)

The YSO Consortium stands as a beacon of hope, a network uniting major youth-serving organizations operating at both the national and county levels in Kenya. The consortium is a collaborative effort of esteemed organizations such as Siasa Place, Youth Alive! Kenya, Amnesty International, and CEFA. These organizations share a common vision of nurturing the youth in various aspects of life, from education to governance.

The YSO Consortium focuses on several key areas, including Research, Capacity Development, Civic Education, Governance, Networking, Strategic Partnerships, Countering Violent Extremism, Sexual Reproductive and Health Rights, Legal Aid, Youth Empowerment, Livelihoods, and Policy Influencing on human rights and youth engagement. Over the years, the consortium’s members have played a vital role in developing interventions that empower and engage Kenya’s youth, achieving significant successes along the way.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Strategy

1. Defining the Vision: The Part-time Youth Serving Organization’s Coordinator takes a leading role in defining the consortium’s vision and long-term strategic plan. This collaborative effort involves close coordination with conveners and other key stakeholders.
2. Execution and Reporting: The coordinator assumes responsibility for executing and reporting on the consortium’s strategic objectives. This ensures that the organization stays on course toward achieving its mission.
3. Annual Operating Plan: Collaborating with conveners and relevant committees, the coordinator helps create and implement an annual operating plan. This plan includes setting Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) aligned with the consortium’s strategic vision.

Leadership

4. Management and Leadership: One of the crucial roles of the coordinator is to provide management and leadership to the consortium’s volunteers. This fosters a positive environment that encourages youth volunteerism and nurtures positive employee relations.
5. Effective Communication: Effective communication is vital. The coordinator fosters communication among committees, volunteers, member organizations, and conveners. This ensures that everyone is aligned with the organization’s goals and objectives.
6. Recruitment and Selection: The coordinator takes the lead in recruiting and selecting staff for the consortium, ensuring that the team is well-equipped to carry out their responsibilities.

Operations

7. Building Connections: Establishing and maintaining connections with stakeholders, both in Kenya and internationally, is a fundamental aspect of the coordinator’s role. These connections facilitate the exchange of knowledge and resources.
8. Learning Needs: The coordinator identifies emerging learning needs among members and coordinates and supports the delivery of responses to these needs. This keeps the organization dynamic and responsive to changing circumstances.
9. External Engagement: Identifying opportunities for external influence and public engagement is crucial. The coordinator coordinates and supports members in responding to these opportunities, expanding the organization’s reach and impact.
10. Multi-Stakeholder Projects: The development of multi-stakeholder projects and initiatives falls within the purview of the coordinator, promoting collaboration and synergy among different parties.

Governance

11. Compliance: Collaborating with conveners, the coordinator upholds and ensures compliance with the consortium’s governance code and other legal requirements, such as data protection.
12. Meeting Management: The coordinator works closely with volunteers, members, and conveners to set meeting agendas and steer meetings for their smooth and effective operation.

Finance and Funding

13. Asset Management: Managing consortium assets, including the preparation of operating budgets, is another critical responsibility. Financial stewardship ensures the organization’s sustainability.
14. Reporting and Fundraising: Collaborating with relevant stakeholders, the coordinator prepares financial returns and reports to members and funders. Seeking additional funding and fundraising opportunities is also part of the role.
15. Promotion: Actively promoting the consortium’s work through various platforms and with diverse stakeholders enhances visibility and support for its mission.

Behavioral Competencies Needed for this Role

• Leading: The Part-time Youth Serving Organization’s Coordinator inspires and leads others to achieve the consortium’s goals, setting an example for all stakeholders.
• Communicating: Effective communication, both internally and externally, is crucial for conveying the organization’s mission and impact.
• Collaborating: Maintaining positive collaborative relationships within and outside the consortium fosters a culture of teamwork and synergy.
• Stewardship of Resources: Ensuring transparent, sustainable, and integrity-driven use of the consortium’s resources is vital for long-term success.
• Delivering Results: Achieving high-quality outcomes through effective performance, planning, and decision-making is at the core of the coordinator’s responsibilities.
• Continual Improvement & Learning: Actively seeking opportunities for self and consortium member development ensures the organization remains adaptable and innovative.
• Flexibility & Change: Adapting positively to change and different approaches while managing or participating in change processes is essential for the organization’s evolving role.

In conclusion, the Part-time Youth Serving Organization’s Coordinator plays a multifaceted role in steering youth-serving organizations towards their goals. Their leadership, strategic acumen, and commitment to youth empowerment are essential in shaping the future of Kenya’s youth. By fostering collaboration, effective governance, and responsible resource management, these coordinators ensure that youth-serving organizations continue to make a positive impact on society.

FAQs

1. What qualifications are typically required for a Part-time Youth Serving Organization’s Coordinator?
   • Qualifications may vary, but typically, a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and experience in youth-related initiatives are preferred.
2. How can I get involved with youth-serving organizations in Kenya?
   • You can start by volunteering with local organizations or reaching out to national-level consortiums like YSO for opportunities.
3. What is the impact of youth-serving organizations on Kenya’s youth population?
   • These organizations have a significant impact by empowering youth through education, advocacy, and community engagement, ultimately shaping responsible citizens.
4. Are there any specific challenges that Part-time Youth Serving Organization’s Coordinators face in their roles?
   • Coordinators may encounter challenges related to resource mobilization, youth engagement, and adapting to changing social and political landscapes.
5. How can I support the YSO Consortium’s work in Kenya?
   • You can support the consortium by staying informed about their initiatives, participating in their programs, or contributing to their fundraising efforts.

Please send your CV to youthserving254@gmail.com deadline COB: 29th September 2023