Project Coordinator

Job Title: Project Coordinator
Reports to: Project Manager
Organization: Street Child of Sierra Leone
Line Manages: Business Development Officer
Project: Earning for Learning
Job Level: Tier 4
Location: Western Area, Sierra Leone

Organization Background

Street Child of Sierra Leone (SCoSL) is a local Non-Governmental Organization promoting the right to education and child protection for children in the most remote communities in Sierra Leone.

We believe that every child deserves the right to live in a safe place, secure home and above all, have the chance to receive a quality education. As an organization, our key focus is helping children into schools-and ensuring that they stay there. For those that have no access to education, we work towards creating access in some of the most remote parts of the country, ensuring that no child is left behind.

Project Summary:

The project focuses on the structural development of community-based, self-managed savings groups (Osusu) for small business start-ups in Western Area, Sierra Leone. The aim of the project is to increase the financial capacity of 2,000 caregivers and improve the economic security of school education for their children. In addition, we will provide social support to families to tackle stigma and barriers that may prevent children from accessing education.

Job Functions Summary:

The Project Coordinator will oversee the work of a team of Business Development Officers during the operation of a new project that focuses on increasing educational enrolment of children by increasing the financial capacity of caregivers. This will be achieved by the provision of start-up funding, individual business support and mentoring, and the participation in an Osusu savings group.

Key tasks and Responsibilities:

• Leads on the implementation of this project in two of the identified communities
• Supervise and manage a team of Business Development Officers to ensure effective and efficient delivery of the project outreach goals
• Support the identification and mapping of communities that meet the project selection criteria
• Have overall responsibility for the completion of all internal reports, ensuring that these are timely, of high quality, and are in line with the activities outlined in the work plan
• Ensure the Business Development Officers are receiving effective and regular performance management.
• Collaborate closely with colleagues (particularly the other Project Coordinators) to proactively share information and coordinate to ensure harmonized engagement, initiatives, outputs, and outcomes at community level
• Contribute to the development and review of project tools
• Will represent SCoSL in key forums, as well as identify/monitor opportunities to participate in relevant regional events/meetings on behalf of SCoSL.
• Note: The duties and responsibilities as set out above are not exhaustive and the role holder may be required to carry out additional duties within reasonableness of their level of skills and experience.

Person Specification:

Experience / Knowledge:

• Degree in Project Management, Community Development, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• Experience in coordinating field-based projects and manage community outreach, preferably in livelihoods, financial inclusion, or community development.
• Experience supervising and managing a team, with a focus on supporting and developing field staff.
• Prior experience with an NGO, preferrable on projects related to building financial capacity, or in the education sector.
• Familiarity with the Osusu model and understanding of community-based financial initiatives.
• Awareness of child protection and safeguarding best practices, especially within the Sierra Leonean context.
• Awareness of the socio-economic challenges in Sierra Leone, particularly those impacting education and financial security.

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong ability to coordinate multiple project activities, supervise field staff, and ensure that project milestones are achieved on schedule.
• Experience in performance management and supporting the professional growth of team members.
• Strong skills in compiling, reviewing, and submitting timely, high-quality reports to reflect project progress and outcomes.
• Excellent communication skills to engage with communities, partners, and stakeholders.
• Ability to respond to challenges with practical solutions and adjust project plans as needed.

Attributes:

• Excellent written and spoken communications in English and Krio.
• Commitment to Street Child of Sierra Leone’s mission, particularly in supporting vulnerable children to remain safe, in school, and learning.
• Commitment to SCoSL’s safeguarding and child protection policies.
• Ability to work under pressure, adapt to changing circumstances, and remain committed to project objectives.
• Willingness to travel to project sites within the Western Area as needed.