The BOMA Project is a pioneering organization dedicated to eradicating extreme poverty in the drylands of Africa. By 2028, BOMA aims to uplift three million people from conditions of extreme poverty. Through innovative, community-led economic inclusion programs, BOMA enables women, youth, and refugees in Africa’s remote regions to withstand and adapt to multiple systemic and environmental challenges.
Since its inception over 15 years ago, BOMA has transformed the lives of more than 704,000 individuals—primarily women—through its flagship initiatives. BOMA stands out for its commitment to last-mile populations, its tech-enabled and data-driven approach, and its community-based model that fosters sustainable economic transformation. The organization boasts a 99% locally based team, underscoring its deep connection to the communities it serves.
BOMA is now hiring for the position of Mentor Reliever under its LIFT Northern Kenya Programme. This is a four-month contract based in Kapese, Turkana, and offers an opportunity for professionals passionate about grassroots development and climate-resilient livelihoods to make a significant impact.
About the Programme
The Mentor Reliever position is part of the newly launched Livelihoods and Inclusion for Transformation (LIFT) Northern Kenya project. This initiative is a climate-resilient adaptation of BOMA’s proven Rural Entrepreneur Access Project (REAP), which is designed to provide market-driven solutions for economic empowerment.
LIFT Northern Kenya focuses on the development of green enterprises among vulnerable populations—women, youth, and refugees—within the forest ecosystems of Marsabit, Samburu, and Turkana counties, as well as the Kakuma and Kalobeyei refugee settlements. The project spans a three-year period and is implemented in partnership with Danish Church Aid (DCA) and Smart Regional Consultants (SRC), with BOMA serving as the lead organization.
The LIFT program integrates principles of green entrepreneurship and environmental sustainability into the traditional REAP model. It emphasizes the use of climate-smart technologies and strategies to foster adaptation to the ongoing climate crisis. The Mentor Reliever will play a pivotal role in ensuring that participants receive hands-on mentorship and guidance as they build profitable, environmentally responsible businesses.
Job Title: Mentor Reliever – LIFT NK Programme
Location: Kapese, Turkana
Duration: Four Months
Reporting to: Field Officer – LIFT
Supervision: This position does not have supervisory responsibilities
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The Mentor Reliever will be responsible for supporting the implementation of the LIFT REAP model in their assigned area. They will directly mentor and train business groups and savings groups in line with BOMA’s criteria and program objectives.
Specific responsibilities include:
- Programme Management: Implement the LIFT REAP initiative in the assigned area. This includes facilitating the launch and growth of small enterprises aimed at uplifting livelihoods and promoting environmental conservation among participants.
- Business Mentorship: Offer consistent and structured mentorship to an agreed number of small business enterprises. These businesses are led by vulnerable groups including women and youth in marginalized communities.
- Targeting Participants: Work closely with local communities and BOMA Location Committees to identify and enroll eligible women into the program using Participatory Wealth Ranking and Participatory Rural Appraisal tools.
- Business Group Support: Meet with established Business Groups (BGs) regularly. Assist them in making informed business decisions and offer ongoing mentorship and guidance.
- Training Delivery: Conduct practical training sessions on business and savings skills. This includes financial management training tailored to the needs of community-based enterprises and savings groups.
- Green Enterprise Promotion: Provide specialized training in green entrepreneurship. Guide business groups on integrating climate-smart technologies and environmental adaptation practices into their operations.
- Mentor Support: Assist existing mentors to strengthen their support to entrepreneurs. Focus areas include production techniques, trade facilitation, and value addition within green enterprise sectors.
- Routine Monitoring: Carry out a minimum number of business and savings group visits per week. These field visits are critical for assessing progress, identifying challenges, and offering timely solutions.
- Data Collection and Analysis: Collect and manage data related to business group performance, individual entrepreneur progress, savings group participation, and overall community transformation. Particular attention should be paid to indicators such as climate adaptation practices and changes in living standards.
- Technology Use: Upload data using BOMA’s Taroworks system. Ensure data accuracy, completeness, and timeliness in all uploads.
- Performance Reporting: Provide regular and detailed reports to the Field Officer on all aspects of program performance, including enterprise development and group dynamics.
- Community Representation: Act as BOMA’s local representative in Kapese, Turkana. Participate in community development committees and foster strong relationships with local stakeholders.
Minimum Qualifications and Experience
- A minimum of a diploma in Community Development, Social Work, or any related field.
- At least two years of experience in a similar role, ideally involving grassroots economic empowerment, community mentorship, or group-based business development.
- Prior experience with data collection and mentorship is considered an added advantage.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build rapport with program participants, community members, and field officers.
- A proactive, self-driven individual capable of working independently in remote settings with minimal supervision.
- Applicants must be residents of Kapese or the surrounding areas and should be fluent in English, Kiswahili, and the local language.
- Possession of a valid motorcycle license and proven ability to ride is highly desirable. At minimum, candidates should be willing to acquire and present a license within the first three months of employment.
Application Details
This is a full-time contract position based in Kapese, Turkana. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply to promote gender balance in field-level program implementation.
Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit their applications via BOMA’s official recruitment portal on FlairHR.
Applicants must ensure that they specify their exact location in the application form. This is essential for program alignment and logistical planning.
The deadline for applications is 8th July 2025. Please note that late applications will not be considered under any circumstances.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps in the recruitment process.
Conclusion
Joining BOMA as a Mentor Reliever under the LIFT NK Programme offers a unique opportunity to contribute to one of the most impactful economic empowerment initiatives in Africa’s drylands. As a mentor, you will work on the frontlines of change, supporting marginalized communities in adapting to climate change, building sustainable enterprises, and breaking the cycle of poverty. Your efforts will not only support economic transformation but also promote environmental stewardship and social inclusion.
This position demands commitment, empathy, and a results-oriented mindset. If you are passionate about community development, green enterprise, and capacity-building, and if you meet the required qualifications, we encourage you to apply for this meaningful opportunity.
Apply Now via the BOMA recruitment portal on FlairHR before the application deadline.