PROJECT ASSOCIATE

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Program Coordination & Implementation • Support planning, coordination, and implementation of project and program activities • Coordinate day-to-day execution of assigned project tasks and timelines • Ensure timely follow-up and completion of action points from meetings and field activities • Support implementation of workshops, training, boot-camps, outreach activities and community engagements • Assist in coordinating field visits and program implementation activities in Mwanza and other assigned locations 2. Stakeholder Engagement & Communication • Support communication and coordination with startups, MSMEs, beneficiaries, partners, service providers and ecosystem stakeholders • Assist in stakeholder mapping, participant mobilization and beneficiary engagement activities • Support preparation of presentations, briefs, activity updates and communication materials • Maintain professional relationships with project stakeholders and support effective information flow. 3. Documentation, Reporting & MEL Support • Collect program data and maintain accurate project records and databases • Prepare weekly, monthly and activity reports as required • Support documentation of lessons learned, success stories, beneficiary feedback and program impact • Maintain accurate attendance lists, photos, meeting minutes, beneficiary records and activity documentation • Support Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) activities including data collection, indicator tracking and reporting 4. Logistics & Operational Support • Support logistical arrangements for meetings, training, workshops and field activities. • Assist in tracking project expenditures and maintaining supporting documentation where required • Ensure proper filing and organization of project documents and operational records • Support procurement and coordination of materials required for program activities 5. Research & Continuous Improvement • Conduct basic research and data collection to support project implementation and reporting • Identify operational gaps and recommend practical improvements to project implementation processes • Contribute to strengthening documentation, reporting systems and program coordination practices 6. Other Responsibilities Perform any other duties assigned by the Project Manager or management Requirements QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS: • Bachelor’s degree in Project Management, Community Development, Business Administration, Development Studies, Entrepreneurship or a related field • At least 2-3 years of relevant experience in project coordination, program implementation, community engagement, or related work is an added advantage • Experience working with NGOs, innovation hubs, entrepreneurship programs, MSMEs, startups or community development initiatives is an added advantage • Strong organizational, coordination and administrative skills • Good report writing, documentation and communication skills • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). • Experience with data collection and reporting tools is an added advantage • Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines • Willingness to travel and participate in field activities where required • Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. KEY COMPETENCIES: • Project coordination and follow-through • Communication and interpersonal skills • Stakeholder engagement and relationship management • Time management and organization • Documentation and reporting • Problem-solving and adaptability • Teamwork and collaboration • Accountability and ownership • Professionalism and integrity • Attention to detail • Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs) Performance for this role shall be assessed based on: • Timely completion of assigned project activities • Quality and timeliness of reports and documentation • Effectiveness of stakeholder and beneficiary coordination • Accuracy and completeness of project records • Contribution to successful implementation of program activities • Responsiveness and follow-up on assigned action points • Compliance with organizational and donor requirements • Contribution to Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) processes WORKING RELATIONSHIPS Internal • Project Manager • Project Team • Hub Manager • Marketing Team • Finance & Administration Team • Management Team External • Startups and SMEs • Community beneficiaries • Partners and donors • Service providers • Ecosystem stakeholders WORK ENVIRONMENT The role involves both office-based and field-based work and may require travel within Mwanza and other project locations. The Project Associate should be comfortable working in dynamic environments with multiple ongoing priorities and tight deadlines.