Job Description

STREET CHILD of SIERRA LEONE

Position: Business Support Manager

Reports To: Project Coordinator

Job Level: Tier 5

Country/Location: Sierra Leone: Bo; Freetown; Kenema; Kono; Makeni

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, secured 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 provision of microfinance options to improve the financial capacity of vulnerable families in Sierra Leone, and to support the enrolment of out of school children in education and the continuous education of children already in education. The aim of the project is to increase earnings and savings opportunities for 25,000 families through the provision of loans for business investment, in turn increasing the school retention and completion rates in Sierra Leone. In addition, we will provide business mentoring and light-touch social support to families to tackle stigma and barriers that may prevent children from accessing education.

Job Functions Summary:

The Business Development Officer shall, under the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator, work directly with their clients, their families, and community leaders to ensure the successful development of individual businesses, and the complete repayment of loans. The Business Support Manager is expected to support caregivers to develop and maintain sustainable businesses through adaptive mentoring and coaching skills. They will also seek to promote the importance of education, child rights issues and child protection within our communities of operation and support such families where possible.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Support the identification and application of clients for the business loans, as per client selection criteria
• Ensure the complete collection of loan repayments as per the terms of the loan contract
• Engaging with community stakeholders to support the repayment of loans in target communities
• Develop and maintain case files for all clients, collecting relevant data as is required
• Provide socio-educational support for families to tackle the stigma and barriers that may prevent children from attending / enrolling in education
• Adhere to SCoSL’s safeguarding and child protection policies, remain vigilant to safeguarding incidents and report concerns appropriately
• Provide business support for families including: business coaching; encouraging the development of individual business plans; and monitoring the progress of business development
• Monitor the enrolment and attendance status of client’s children in education
• Implementation of business training for families participating in the project

Note: the duties and responsibilities as set out above are not exhaustive and the role-holder may be required to perform additional duties within reasonableness of their level of skills and experience

Person specification

Experience / Knowledge

• Degree in Business, Entrepreneurship, Community Development, Social Work, or a related field.
• Additional training in business development, financial literacy, or community-based development is a benefit.
• Understanding of community-based microfinance schemes and their importance in economic empowerment.
• Experience working directly with vulnerable families or communities, particularly in rural or underprivileged areas.
• Experience working with data collection systems and tools, such as CommCare, KoboToolbox, or other mobile-based data collection software.
• Previous experience working with NGOs, particularly in projects focusing on livelihoods, financial inclusion, or child protection.

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to support beneficiaries in creating and maintaining business plans, improving financial literacy, and fostering sustainable economic growth.
• Strong skills in guiding and supporting caregivers and community members, particularly in challenging socio-economic environments.
• Ability to work collaboratively with community leaders, families, and other stakeholders to build trust and ensure project success.
• Competency in maintaining accurate records, managing case files, and collecting and analysing data for monitoring and evaluation.
• Ability to develop and deliver training programs for caregivers and community leaders, particularly related to business skills and financial management.

Attributes:

• Excellent written and spoken communications in English and Krio
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to identify challenges and implement practical solutions in low-resource settings.
• License and ability to ride a motorbike.
• 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.

Street Child’s Commitment to Safeguarding

Street Child is committed to safeguarding and protecting our communities, partners, and staff. Offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and background checks. Street Child participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme, which involves requesting information from previous employers regarding incidents of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment.