About Malengo
Malengo is a non-profit organization (US: 501(c)(3); Germany: gGmbH) that facilitates international educational migration. The organization provides mentoring and financial support to students from low-income countries who want to complete a Bachelor’s degree in a high-income country. Malengo aims to give millions of students the opportunity to pursue the education they want, and to lift themselves and their families out of poverty in the process. We believe that this is one of the most effective poverty reduction strategies in per-dollar terms that is available.
Malengo currently recruits low-income, high-ability students in Uganda and Kenya, and supports them in applying for and completing a Bachelor’s degree in Germany. By 2030, we aim to support students from most low-income and lower-middle income countries, and facilitate undergraduate studies in more than a dozen destination countries. This program is sustainable by combining a strong network of volunteer mentors with a financial model in which students support future generations of scholars once they have a high enough income (income share agreements, ISAs).
Details on the role:
The Program Coordinator will be the first point of contact for Malengo refugee scholars in Kenya. The role holder will manage communication, organize information events, review applications, coordinate logistics for language training, assist students with documentation, build relationships with partners, and support scholars’ overall progress and well-being. The position requires a strong background in humanitarian work, especially in refugee contexts, and involves significant responsibility for student welfare and program success.
Contract Duration: 1 year
Responsibilities include:
Student Support and Engagement
- Serve as the first point of contact for Malengo refugee scholars, responding to inquiries and guiding them through the application and admission process
- Organize and facilitate information sessions for potential and current applicants, providing detailed information about the program and addressing any questions
- Review and evaluate applications, providing feedback, ensuring all required documents are submitted and maintaining detailed records of the review process
- Support students in gathering necessary documents for various stages of their program, including vocational training applications and visa appointments
- Follow up with unresponsive students to ensure all program activities are completed promptly
- Support students during their onboarding and throughout their participation in the program, including organizing additional training sessions as needed
Logistical Coordination and Partner Liaison
- Identify and coordinate accommodation for students during their German language training, ensuring all logistical needs are met
- Work closely with tutors to ensure students attend classes and have the necessary resources to succeed in their training and final tests
- Serve as the primary liaison with partners, including UNHCR and the GA German Institute, ensuring effective communication and coordination
- Coordinate the acquisition of travel documents and visa requirements with UNHCR and other relevant bodies
- Coordinate with UNHCR and other partners to obtain travel documents and fulfill visa interview requirements for students
- Provide logistical support during workshops and training sessions, including ensuring all technological and stationery needs are met and preparing necessary presentations
Data Management and Reporting
- Update and maintain student tracking sheets on Salesforce, providing regular updates during weekly meetings with the Malengo team and senior leadership
- Monitor and report on the day-to-day progress of scholars, including their whereabouts, academic achievements, and mental well-being
- Document and share comprehensive progress reports with the relevant team members, highlighting any issues requiring intervention
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of the student journey as Malengo scales its operations, gathering feedback from students and implementing enhancements
Knowledge, Skills, And Experience
- A Bachelor’s degree in Education, Social Sciences, or a related field
- At least 2 years of experience working, with experience working in a humanitarian space with refugees in Kenya
- Experience in event organization and facilitating information sessions
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the demonstrated ability to engage effectively with clients, partners, and stakeholders
- Excellent organizational skills, adaptable, and capable of managing multiple tasks efficiently
- Fluency and excellent communication and writing skills with a mastery of English and (if applicable) at least one other appropriate language for the office in which they will be based
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively.
- An empathetic and proactive approach to problem-solving
- Knowledge of refugee support processes and partnerships in Kenya is an advantage
- German language proficiency is an added advantage and increases your chances
The role holders will be in Mombasa, Kenya but can travel back to Nairobi occasionally
Anticipated start date: as soon as possible. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
