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Job: Director of Operations

  • AReL
  • Jobs

Location: Kenya/Kakuma Refugee Camp
Organization: Action for Refugee Life (AReL)
Position: Full-Time

 

About AReL:

Action for Refugee Life (AReL) is a refugee-led social impact organization striving to build a path to a sustainable and self-reliant future for the refugee community in Kakuma Refugee Camp. Our mission is to empower refugees by creating a viable, profitable, sustainable, and fair living that will position them as contributors to developing more equitable and healthier pathways for refugees in the camp. 

 

Job Summary:

AReL seeks a dynamic and experienced Director of Operations (COO) to oversee our organization's operations and procedures. The COO will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) as a vital senior management team member. This position will significantly affect the organization's overall strategic planning and direction. The COO will ensure that AReL's operations are efficient, effective, and aligned with our mission, vision, and values. Core responsibilities include implementing business strategies, plans, and procedures, setting performance goals, establishing operating routines and governance, and overseeing daily operations.


The ideal candidate:

  • Someone with operations-specific experience capable of building out our department from the ground up
  • Candidates located around Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya will be highly preferred. Candidates living in neighboring Nairobi are also considered. More broadly, we are open to considering any candidates within Africa and the role can be remote for the right candidate.


Core Responsibilities:

  • Oversee the organization's day-to-day operations, including program delivery, fundraising, human resources, etc.
  • Develop operations plans and procedures while implementing processes and systems to ensure operational efficiency and efficacy.
  • Work closely with the management team and the Board to create and implement business plans and strategies.
  • Identify and address operational bottlenecks, guaranteeing high internal communication and collaboration.
  • Monitor and manage operational costs, seeking ways to reduce costs without affecting productivity or service quality.
  • Set performance goals for the organization.
  • Establish operating routines and governance.

 

Additional Responsibilities:

  • Develop and implement effective infrastructure strategies for delivering essential resources such as power and water to classrooms consistently and reliably in collaboration with local partners and service providers.
  • Spearheaded the procurement process, ensuring that all required resources, such as laptops and software tools, are adequately provided. This includes helping establish relationships with SaaS companies for potential donations or partnerships in line with their CSR or social impact initiatives.
  • Design and enforce protocols for instructors to document and report any operational challenges encountered during classes, such as power outages, to the leadership team for effective resolution and preventive measures.
  • Oversee strategies and implementation of technological systems to improve connectivity and reach throughout the large refugee camp, thus ensuring effective communication and delivery of services across the entire community.
  • Directly supervise the Operations Assistant, delegating tasks and projects as necessary while providing guidance and performance feedback.
  • Foster professional development and growth of the Operations Assistant, ensuring proper training and opportunities for skill improvement.
  • Act as a mentor to the Operations Assistant, offering insights, advice, and feedback to support their ongoing learning and professional development.
  • Work alongside the CEO to develop operational plans incorporating goals and objectives contributing to AReL's strategic direction.
  • Coordinate the efforts of different teams to implement strategic plans and improve processes.
  • Work closely with the leadership team to enhance and develop staff skills through training and development opportunities.
  • Establish and maintain relationships with partners, stakeholders, and community leaders.
  • Oversee operational reporting, providing detailed and comprehensive reports to the CEO and Board.
  • Ensure compliance with local and national laws and regulations.
  • Lead efforts to mitigate risk, ensure operational and financial security, and maintain AReL's reputation and integrity.
  • Promote a high-performance culture, continuous improvement, and a commitment to quality amongst staff.

 

Preferred Skills:

  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think quickly and adeptly about solutions to logistical challenges.
  • Proven experience in procurement and developing resource distribution strategies.
  • Comfortable working in challenging conditions, such as areas with limited infrastructure or regional instability, and ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
  • Familiarity with SaaS platforms and a working knowledge of leveraging technology to enhance organizational efficiency.
  • Proficiency with productivity and reporting tools like Excel/Sheets, BI systems, and other analytics and reporting tools.
  • A strong track record of developing and implementing operational systems and strategies.
  • Multi-language proficiency (including English) is a plus, as we serve a diverse refugee population.

 

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in business administration or related field; Master's degree preferred. Demonstrable and proven work experience (without a degree) is also well received.
  • Proven experience as Director of Operations or relevant role.
  • Strong understanding of business functions such as HR, Finance, marketing, etc.
  • Demonstrable competency in strategic planning and business development.
  • Working knowledge of data analysis and performance/operation metrics.
  • Experience in fundraising will be a plus.
  • Proven negotiation skills.
  • Ability to effectively communicate with staff, volunteers, and stakeholders.

 

What we offer:

  • The opportunity to significantly impact an organization, making a meaningful difference in the lives of refugees.
  • A platform to drive significant social change.
  • A dynamic and ambitious working environment.

 

How to Apply:

Interested candidates who meet the criteria above are encouraged to send their application letters and detailed CVs to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The subject of the email should be 'Director of Operations.' Applications will be considered until the position is filled.

 

Job: Fundraising Associate (Virtual Volunteer)

  • AReL
  • Jobs
Job Title: Fundraising Associate (Virtual Volunteer)

Role Details
Role Type: Part-time (3–4 hours per week)
Location / Format: Remote / Online (Virtual Volunteer)
Remuneration: Unpaid Volunteer (Opportunity for progression into a Leadership role based on performance)
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Role Description
Action For Refugee Life (AReL) is seeking a dedicated and proactive Fundraising Associate to strengthen our financial sustainability and expand our community impact. In this virtual role, you will play a critical part in managing donor relationships, researching grant opportunities, and building corporate partnerships. This is an ideal position for a motivated self-starter looking to lead key fundraising initiatives with a clear pathway to a future leadership role within our organization.

Key Responsibilities
Donor Management & Stewardship: Develop and maintain AReL’s donor database, build positive relationships with supporters, and help convert one-time donors into regular givers.
Grant & Trust Fundraising: Research prospective foundations and grant-making trusts, gather project impact data and budgets, and assist in drafting compelling funding applications.
Corporate Partnerships: Identify potential corporate sponsors and assist in preparing sponsorship proposals and presentations.

Qualifications & Requirements
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Interest or experience in non-profit fundraising, grant writing, or donor relations.
Ability to commit 3–4 hours per week remotely.
Self-motivated, organized, and aligned with AReL's mission to empower refugee communities.

Apply Now

Job: Data & Analytics Instructor (Full Time Position)

Data & Analytics Instructor (Full Time Position)  

Job Title: Data & Analytics Instructor
Location: Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya
Reports to: Learning and Development Manager
Application Deadline: 6th January 2025

About Us

Action for Refugee Life (AReL) is a community-based organization dedicated to empowering refugee youth in Kakuma through technology education. Our programs provide vital skills to enhance employability and foster self-reliance. We are seeking a dynamic and proactive Data Analytics Instructor to elevate our training programs and ensure the smooth operation of our skills center.

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Job Purpose

To develop and deliver a robust data analytics curriculum tailored to empower refugee youth in Kakuma with market-relevant technical and analytical skills. This role focuses on equipping students with competencies in data analytics tools and methods, fostering their readiness for employment in the tech industry.

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Living Conditions

The Kakuma refugee operation hosts over 283,000 refugees and asylum-seekers from 22 nationalities, primarily from South Sudan, Somalia, Burundi, and the DRC, with 70% being children and youth. Staff should be aware of challenging living conditions, with high temperatures averaging 35°C (95°F) and peaking at 38°C (100.4°F) in January-March. The area experiences short rains in November-December and long rains from mid-March to June, causing flooding and limited movement. Hazards include dust storms, heat exhaustion, insects, snakes, scorpions, and a high malaria risk. Medical facilities are basic, with referrals primarily to Nairobi. The compound, offering basic amenities, internet, a cafeteria, and a gym, is a non-family duty station where family visits are not allowed. The increasing refugee population and limited livelihood prospects present challenges to social cohesion and resource competition, requiring resilience and commitment from staff.

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Key Responsibilities

1. Curriculum Design and Development:

  • Create and implement a comprehensive data analytics curriculum, including modules on Python, Excel, SQL, and data visualization tools like Tableau and Power BI.
  • Develop engaging lesson plans and project-based learning experiences that emphasize practical applications of data analytics.
  • Integrate emerging technologies such as generative AI and machine learning into the curriculum to ensure alignment with industry trends.
  • Customize teaching materials to be inclusive and culturally relevant to the diverse learner population.


2. Instruction and Facilitation:

  • Deliver high-quality instruction on foundational and advanced data analytics concepts.
  • Facilitate hands-on labs, group projects, and individual assignments to reinforce learning outcomes.
  • Provide mentorship and guidance to learners, addressing their unique learning needs and career aspirations.

3. Assessment and Monitoring:

  • Design and administer assessments to evaluate learner progress and program effectiveness.
  • Maintain accurate and detailed records of attendance, performance, and feedback.
  • Regularly review and update teaching approaches and content based on feedback and best practices.

4. Collaboration and Reporting:

  • Work closely with the Learning and Development Manager to align training programs with AReL's strategic goals.
  • Collaborate with colleagues to integrate cross-disciplinary knowledge into the program.
  • Prepare and submit regular progress reports to the Learning and Development Manager.

5. Community Engagement:

  • Foster a supportive learning environment that encourages collaboration among students.
  • Engage with the Kakuma community to identify local opportunities and challenges in implementing data analytics solutions.

 

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Key Qualifications

1. Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Data Analytics, Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related discipline.

2 . Professional Skills:
Proficiency in Python, SQL, Excel, and data visualization platforms such as Tableau or Power BI.
Experience with data wrangling, statistical analysis, and basic machine learning techniques.
Strong instructional skills with the ability to explain complex concepts effectively.

3. Personal Competencies:
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Cultural sensitivity and an empathetic approach to teaching diverse groups.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

4. Experience:
Minimum of 2 years of teaching or industry experience in data analytics or a related field.
Previous experience working in resource-constrained or refugee contexts is an added advantage.

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Application Process

Interested candidates should send their CV and a cover letter detailing their suitability for the role by 6th January 2025. Kindly include your expected salary in the cover letter. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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AReL is an equal-opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals passionate about empowering refugee communities through education and technology.

 

Apply Now

 

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