JOBS: How to Improve Your Skills At Work
A skill is an ability or a talent to act on something in order to perform or achieve a particular task. In most work environments, an individual might be required to use two of the skills that he/she has.
Leah Mukangai 
There are various types of skills that you need to know when getting employed. Some companies or organizations require that you use at least two of them and in most cases, to achieve the best results, it is best if you use more than one skill whether in one organization or in a different one.
The two common types of skills are:
- Hard skills
- Soft skills
1. Hard skills
Also referred to as technical skills.
These are skills that relate to a specific task or situation. Hard skills are learned through training, education, practice, and hands-on experience. Hard skills enable an individual to be able to handle specific duties and responsibilities.
When applying for a job, ensure that you get to list the number of skills that you have. This enables your recruiter to have an easy choice in selecting what he/she wants for the company.
Also note that when indicating your skills in a job application, ensure that you list the skills that are more related to the job that you are applying for.
2. Soft skills
Also, referred to as core skills.
Soft skills majorly entail the character traits that an individual possesses. It also involves the ability to relate well with the people in the work environment.
In most work environments, employees prefer an individual having a balance of both soft skills and hard skills. Such employees are more likely to be productive in a work environment.
Unlike hard skills, soft skills are hard to acquire through training. An example of good soft skills is the ability to communicate effectively, troubleshoot a problem, teamwork, etc.
Working on the above skills can save you a lot as you are able to work in different work environments and be productive. To maintain this/ improve on this, you need to learn how your skills can be of impact an organization.
Here are some ways that you can improve your skills in an organization:
1. Seeking feedback from the people around you
Nobody is perfect at all times but we try to work on the weaknesses that we have. Getting feedback from the people around you enables you to be able to know where you are doing your best and where you need to polish up. Feedback is very important and you need to be careful with those who only praise you as they are not helping you at some point.
2. Enrolling in online courses
As earlier stated, in order to improve the skills that you have, you need to get enrolled in various online programs where you can be going through different classes so as to improve on what you have.
Many of your credits may be transferable if you are advancing your career with a related program.
3. Take advantage of company training
Many businesses use independent training departments staffed by experts from various fields to train employees on specialized skill sets. Check-in with your boss to see what your company has to offer and which courses would be most beneficial to your professional development.
4. Job shadowing
Job shadowing is a type of on-the-job training that allows an interested employee to closely observe and follow another employee who is performing the role. This type of training is typically used to orient new employees to an organization or a new role.
Job shadowing can also be used as a learning opportunity for interns or students to gain an understanding of the role requirements and job tasks.
These are some of the ways that you get to improve the skills that you already have or learn new skills in different fields.
Here are some jobs in Kenya that you can apply for.
JOB 1: Office Assistant – VIYA Health Enterprises at Population Services International (PSI)
About Population Services International (PSI)
We have been measurably improving the health of Kenyans since 1989. Our approach harnesses the vitality of the private sector to improve health outcomes for "Sara” - our archetype that focuses our interventions. We address the most serious health challenges affecting resource-poor and vulnerable communities in Kenya, including HIV/AIDS, reproductive health and family planning, and the greatest threats to children under five including malaria, diarrhea, pneumonia, and malnutrition.
We are looking for a motivated and detail-oriented Office Assistant in Kenya to join our awesome team, who is passionate about understanding and meeting the needs of women! Reporting to the Business Development Lead, you will be responsible for the day-to-day tasks in the admin department.
What are we looking for?
Qualifications
- Experience as an office assistant or in a related field.
- Ability to write clearly and help with word processing when necessary.
- Warm personality with strong communication skills.
- Ability to work well under limited supervision.
- Great communication skills.
- Good organizational skills
Your contribution
- Cleaning in the office
- Preparing tea for the office
- Perform receptionist duties when needed
- Deliver and pick up letters from the post office
- Sort and distribute communications in a timely manner
- Organize office and assist associates in ways that optimize procedures
- Monitor the level of supplies and handle shortages
- Resolve office-related malfunctions and respond to requests or issues
Method of Application
Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest and current Curriculum Vitae by 30th November 2022 to hr@viya.health Subject: Office Assistant.
JOB 2: Finance Officer Somalia Program at American Friends Service Committee (AFSC)
About American Friends Service Committee (AFSC)
Summary of Responsibilities:
Under the supervision of the Regional Finance and Administration Officer, the Finance Officer Somalia Program is responsible for the DADOKI finance activities. The purpose of this position is to support Somalia Program DADOKI grant work by developing and upholding quality standards for financial control and supervision, building the capacity of staff and partners in the country on financial implementation, accounting, and monitoring and evaluation.
Essential Responsibilities and Duties:
- Support the development of financial systems at the regional/country office and partner level and ensure capacity development of staff in program and operations in the area of financial monitoring and adherence to AFSC policies and procedures.
- Provide financial oversight of the DADOKI Project by supervising, monitoring, and analyzing financial reports against approved budgets, and ensuring timely submission of financial reports (Income & Expenditure report variance reports) for program decision-making.
- Preparation of quarterly and bi-annual donor cash flow projections.
- Responsible for the BftW DADOKI grant. Ensure the funds flow in and give regular reports on the utilization of funds, available savings, undisbursed funds due to unsatisfactory financial reporting, unused funds, etc.
- Develop strong partnerships with DADOKI lead partner (LWF) on all finance matters.
- Prepare DEP financial reports.
- Verification of partners’ financial reports, accountability of partner advances, and timely transfer of funds.
- Review payment requests and grants-related outlines to ensure that all agreed outputs and account lines have been used in accordance with the partner MOUs.
- A thorough review of the Microsoft Dynamics 365 BC transactions before approval and posting for the Africa Regional Office.
- Review audit reports and follow up with partners on the implementation of the recommendations as per the management letter.
- Work hand in hand with the program officers to prepare proposals and budgets for donors by providing financial guidance.
- ARO staff and consultants advance accounts reconciliation. Follow up on accountability and banking of cash returned within 10 days of return from a trip.
- Verification of petty cash vouchers and monitoring petty cash and bank balances to ensure sufficient funds are always available depending on program needs.
- Prepare donor financial reports in line with donor reporting requirements together with program staff and for audit purposes.
- ARO payroll preparation in liaison with the Regional Finance and Administration Manager.
- Any other duties assigned by the supervisor from time to time.
Minimum Qualifications:
- A Bachelor's degree in Finance or any other business-related field
- Professional qualification of CPA(K) or ACCA
- At least three years of relevant experience
- Good writing, reporting and communication, and interpersonal skills
- High level of integrity and work ethics
- Ability to identify problems, determine and implement solutions
- Capacity to solve problems, self-driven
- Able to work with minimum supervision
- Must have understanding and respect for the principles, concerns, and considerations of AFSC in regard to issues of race, class, nationality, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and disability
Method of Application
Applications should reach AFSC by the close of business on 15th November 2022. Applications should be sent electronically to:
The Regional Finance and Administration Manager
P.O. Box 66448-00800
Nairobi, Kenya
Email: infoafrica@afsc.org
JOB 3: Senior Finance And Operations Manager at Integrity Action
About Integrity Action
The Senior Finance and Operations Manager will ensure the compliance and integrity of the financial, administrative, HR, and procurement functions of SMLP-2, in accordance with USAID and Integrity’s financial policies, procedures, and regulations, as well as Somalia and Kenya's accounting and taxation requirements. Reporting to the Chief of the Party, the SFO Manager will supervise the Bookkeeper and Security Operations Officer.
Terms of Reference
Finance
- Prepare and review all SMLP-2 financial documents for accuracy, and compliance with USAID and Integrity policies, and send end-of-month original financial reports and cash and bank reconciliations to the Integrity Global HQ Finance team.
- Maintain all SMLP-2 financial records and prepare funds requests for Integrity HQ, in coordination with the COP.
- Ensure financial records and backup documentation is ready and available for internal and external audits, as needed.
- Work closely with key personnel to implement, and maintain financial management policies, systems, structures, and procedures for the project.
- Monitor all project/field level expenses, together with the COP, according to Integrity’s SMLP-2 field office budget.
- Develop monthly cash projections for the project's financial needs for procurement, project activities, payroll, subcontracts, maintenance and repair services, staff travel, and cash needs.
- Ensure that all financial functions of the SMLP-2 office are carried out within the framework of Integrity’s and USAID’s policies and procedures.
- Safeguard Integrity’s assets under the SMLP-2 contract and maintain ethical conduct and fiscal transparency at all times.
- Any other finance-related tasks as assigned by the COP or HQ Finance Manager.
Human Resources
- Oversee human resources management in compliance with local laws and practices.
- Support project recruitment, hiring, and personnel management in accordance with Integrity policies, USAID regulations, local laws, and the SMLP-2 Personnel Manual.
- Supervise preparation and maintenance of employee files and leave tracking.
- Manage employee benefits administration.
Procurement and Logistics
- Ensure procurements are compliant with USAID rules and regulations (AIDAR & FAR) and that the SMLP-2 inventory list is regularly updated to confirm all property is well maintained and properly labeled.
- Review and verify Purchase Request Forms (PRFs) and Purchase Orders (POs), ensuring adequate funds, expense authorization, supporting documentation, the accuracy of amounts, and control over payments.
- Other project-related duties as required and requested by the Chief of Party.
Your Education and Experience
- Minimum of five (5) years of relevant work experience.
- Bachelor’s degree in administration, accounting, finance, or a relevant field is preferred.
- Proficient with Microsoft Excel and QuickBooks.
- Familiarity with FAR and USAID regulations.
- Previous experience working on USAID-funded projects is strongly preferred.
- Familiarity with local labor law preferred.
- Strong attention to detail, prioritization and organizational skills are required.
Required Interpersonal Skills
- Ability to effectively and efficiently handle multiple tasks simultaneously with precision and adapt to changes in responsibilities and workloads.
- Must be professional, possess a high degree of urgency and self-motivation, and have a strong work ethic.
- Results-oriented approach to problem-solving.
- Strong communication skills, including note-taking for meetings.
- High professional standards for evaluation data and reporting.
- Accustomed to teamwork and able to sustain positive and frequent communications for a remotely managed monitoring team in a challenging, high-risk environment.
- Ability to work independently where necessary.
- Works well in a diverse team.
Languages
- Written and oral fluency in English, with the ability to write clear and compelling narratives.
Closing date for applications: 21 November 2022.
