Senior Livelihoods and Economic Inclusion Officer

About the role

The World University Service of Canada is hiring two Senior Livelihoods and Economic Inclusion Officers for its STEP project in Kenya – one based in Dadaab and one in Kakuma. The officers will lead the design and implementation of market‑oriented livelihood strategies that create pathways to technical, vocational and digital employment for displaced and host‑community youth.

Key responsibilities

• Design and execute market‑oriented strategies that strengthen pathways to technical, vocational and digital employment for youth in the assigned region.
• Oversee a dual‑pathway approach that accelerates youth‑led entrepreneurship while expanding access to secure, equitable, formal wage‑earning opportunities.
• Conduct labour and market analyses to identify high‑potential sectors in Kenyan, Canadian and global markets, ensuring training programmes remain relevant.
• Strengthen local Refugee‑Led Organizations and Entrepreneurship Support Organizations to provide business incubation, acceleration and financial linkage services.
• Support the establishment of self‑sustaining digital outsourcing agencies that connect youth to global remote work.
• Provide technical assistance to duty‑bearers to streamline issuance of IDs, tax identification numbers and work permits for refugees.

Required profile

• Extensive experience in livelihoods, economic inclusion and market systems development.
• Demonstrated expertise in gender‑responsive programming and inclusion of marginalized groups.
• Proven ability to work with youth‑led enterprises, refugee‑led organizations and private‑sector partners.
• Strong understanding of Kenyan policy frameworks and international market linkages.

Required skills

• Programming and digital skills (as required for digital outsourcing initiatives).