Position Summary

The Program Associate supports all Shamiri program development, execution, and implementation. They will take lead in the program-related material development (both clinical and non-clinical related work) while generally ensuring all programs are working towards the mission of Shamiri. They will be working with all stakeholders (within and without the organization) to ensure the young people we work with have an opportunity to Thrive.

About Shamiri Institute

Shamiri means “thrive” in Kiswahili. We are a data-driven public benefit organization that combines cutting-edge social science research with a deep contextual knowledge of the communities that we serve to build a future where young people can thrive.

Based in Nairobi, Kenya, Shamiri was founded in 2018 at Harvard University by award-winning Kenyan entrepreneur and community–mobilizer Tom Osborn and rising global mental health research Katherine Venturo-Conerly.

Since our founding in 2018, we have worked with more than 7,500 youths in secondary schools across Kenya. Through our work, young people have experienced a 40% improvement in mental health and wellbeing, a 14% improvement in social relations, and a 3% improvement in academic grades. Our goal is to bring Shamiri to 100,000 youths by the end of 2023.

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Take lead in the program-related materials development for different projects as well as writing final reports for the same.
• Take part in the overall implementation of programs in line with the Organization’s strategic plan.
• Support in the logistics, communication, and feedback evaluation from the fellows and supervisors while in the field.
• The Program Associate will work closely with the Supervisors during training and at designated school partner sites to identify any gaps in the program-related materials. This will entail scrutiny of the existing materials as well as supervision of the teams, in collaboration with the Programs Manager.
• Work closely with the Programs Manager and other programs Associates in the recruitment and training of Shamiri’s supervisors and fellows.
• Take part in initiating extra activities and other management interventions wherever gaps in the programs are identified or issues arise.
• Work closely with the Programs Manager to ensure the delivery of new products or services from projects to the appropriate level of quality, on time and within budget, in accordance with the program plan and program governance arrangements.
• Take part in the recruitment of program staff/new team members to the programs team/department.
• Work closely with the Programs Manager to ensure adherence to internal policies and program management standards.
• Work closely with the Programs Manager to develop a budget, operation plan, and Gantt charts for the programs department in consultation with other relevant departments.
• Take part in learning facilitation within and across the programs department, including training material development.
• Participate in the weekly programs team meetings.
• Take part in fundraising activities if needed/asked to.
• Collaborate with the research team in team-wide meetings in the conceptualization of their specific projects.

Minimum Requirements & Competencies

• At least 2 years experience in Program/Project Management in a non-profit organization.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Counseling, or related Social Sciences field.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Excellent communication and writing skills.
• Proactive and shows initiative in problem-solving.
• Excellent organizational skills.