The Scholarship Officer will be responsible for supporting the implementation and management of Ol Pejeta’s scholarship programs. This role involves coordinating financial disbursements, monitoring student progress, facilitating mentorship and career development programs, and ensuring effective engagement with donors, schools, parents, and the community. The successful candidate will contribute to the Conservancy’s broader goal of transforming conservation into a source of empowerment and opportunity for the surrounding communities.
Key Responsibilities
The Scholarship Officer’s duties will encompass a broad range of programmatic, administrative, and stakeholder engagement responsibilities. These include:
1. Monitoring Student Academic Performance and Well-being
The Officer will maintain close communication with scholarship beneficiaries and their schools to ensure continuous monitoring of academic progress. Regular visits, communication with teachers, and review of academic reports will be key to identifying and addressing any challenges that may affect student performance or well-being. This role demands a proactive approach in providing emotional, social, and academic support where needed.
2. Facilitating Scholarship Disbursement and Financial Management
The Officer will oversee the timely and accurate processing of scholarship disbursements, including school fees and related expenses. They will maintain detailed financial records for each beneficiary, ensuring transparency and accountability in all transactions. Effective coordination with the finance team will be crucial to ensure that all financial aid is disbursed within the set timelines and in compliance with donor and organizational policies.
3. Organizing Mentorship and Career Development Programs
The position involves planning and implementing mentorship activities designed to equip students with essential life skills, leadership capabilities, and career guidance. The Officer will coordinate with mentors, alumni, and professionals from various fields to deliver impactful mentorship sessions, career talks, and skills-building workshops. These engagements will help students envision career paths and prepare for life after graduation.
4. Engaging Donors and Providing Regular Updates
A vital aspect of the role is donor relations. The Officer will prepare periodic updates, reports, and success stories that highlight the impact of the scholarship programs. This includes documenting student achievements, sharing progress metrics, and producing visual and written reports that strengthen transparency and accountability. The Officer will also support fundraising and proposal development initiatives where needed, contributing to the sustainability of the scholarship fund.
5. Planning and Executing Scholarship-related Events
The Scholarship Officer will coordinate key program events such as award ceremonies, mentorship days, and student networking forums. These events provide opportunities for interaction among students, alumni, parents, and donors, fostering a sense of community and belonging within the program. The Officer will ensure that such events are well-organized, inclusive, and impactful in promoting the objectives of the scholarship initiative.
6. Maintaining Accurate Records of Scholarship Beneficiaries
Accurate data management is central to this position. The Officer will manage and continuously update a digital and physical database containing details of each scholarship recipient, including academic progress, disbursement history, and mentorship participation. This information will serve as a key resource for monitoring, reporting, and evaluation purposes.
7. Fostering Relationships with Schools, Parents, and Community Stakeholders
The Officer will maintain open lines of communication with head teachers, school administrators, parents, and community representatives. By establishing strong relationships, the Officer will ensure that the needs of scholarship beneficiaries are addressed effectively and that all stakeholders are well-informed about the program’s objectives, progress, and outcomes. Collaboration with local authorities and educational partners will also be vital to ensure transparency and credibility in program implementation.
8. Supporting Alumni Engagement and Post-Graduation Tracking
The Officer will develop and maintain a database of scholarship alumni, tracking their academic achievements, career progression, and contributions to their communities. By engaging alumni through networking events and professional development opportunities, the Officer will help strengthen the long-term impact and reputation of the scholarship program.
9. Preparing Reports and Contributing to Program Evaluation
The Officer will compile periodic and annual reports detailing scholarship activities, financial performance, and student progress. These reports will serve as critical tools for internal learning, donor communication, and strategic planning. The Officer will also participate in program reviews and evaluations, providing insights and recommendations to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the scholarship initiative.
10. Coordinating the Selection and Onboarding of Scholarship Beneficiaries
Working closely with the Senior Officer – Education and community leaders, the Officer will ensure a transparent, fair, and inclusive process for selecting scholarship recipients. This involves reviewing applications, verifying eligibility, and facilitating interviews and home visits where necessary. The Officer will also manage the onboarding of new beneficiaries, ensuring they are well-oriented on program expectations and responsibilities.
11. Performing Additional Duties as Assigned
The Officer may be required to undertake additional responsibilities in line with the evolving needs of the Community Development Programs Department or the broader organizational mission. This may include assisting in other community education initiatives, supporting policy formulation, or representing the organization in education sector forums.
Qualifications and Skills
- Bachelor’s degree in Education, Social Sciences, or a related field.
- Specialized training in conservation education or community engagement will be an added advantage.
Experience
- Minimum of three (3) years of experience in scholarship or education program management, preferably within a non-profit or community development setting.
Core Skills and Attributes
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and mentorship abilities.
- High proficiency in report writing and data management.
- Ability to communicate effectively with donors, partners, and diverse community stakeholders.
- A commitment to education, youth empowerment, and conservation-based community development.
Application Process
Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit their CV and application letter only to [email protected] with the subject line “SCHOLARSHIP OFFICER” no later than 27th October 2025.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified individuals, regardless of background or identity, are encouraged to apply. The organization values diversity, inclusion, and equal access to opportunities.
Shortlisting will be conducted on a rolling basis, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
Job Category: Scholarship Officer
