JOBS: How to Know a Fake Job Offer
Many people have fallen trap to job scammers either locally or internationally. When looking for a job, there are several things you should know in order to determine whether the job is legitimate or not.
Leah Mukangai 
Several cases are on the rise, and junior positions are frequently targeted because they are sought after by a large number of job scammers.
Here are several ways you can spot a job scam
1. Unrealistic salaries offered.
Various job positions have a different range of salaries that as a job seeker you expect to get. As a job seeker before applying for a job, you need to do thorough research on the job that you are applying for. That also includes the salary ranges that you should expect.
Most job scammers will use abnormal salary ranges to capture the attention of the job seekers that are applying for the job.
One thing you need to know is that various positions have different salary amounts. At times, the higher the job position, the more the tasks and probably the higher the payment, depending on the size of the organization.
A job with a very high salary while the job description has very few responsibilities should be the first red flag.
Internships may be part of such positions. While some companies do pay for internships, few pay such high wages.
The majority of people who advertise for these fake jobs are not even qualified Human Resource officers, so their job descriptions will make no sense or even match the job they are hiring for.
2. You are asked to pay a fee for the job position
If you receive a job alert and are asked to pay money before being called in for an interview, your red flags should go up.
Do not be misled into believing that this is how recruitment firms operate. Most job seekers are unaware that in most cases, it is the companies that pay recruitment firms.
3. Suspicious email addresses
Official email addresses are usually provided by well-known businesses. For example, you would not expect a UN job to provide a Gmail address for applications.
The best way to determine whether the provided link is genuine or not is to click on it and carefully examine the site to which it directs you.
Most hiring companies will use their company emails for job applications, but scammers will typically use Gmail and Yahoo accounts. Do not apply for such a job if you come across it.
The source of the job should also aid in determining whether it is legitimate or a scam. Such sources include recognized sources such as local dailies and online job sites, but getting a job advertised on a billboard or a telephone post raises a lot of questions.
4. Suspicious company/ organizations names
Make Google your friend as a cautious job seeker. If you are unsure, simply Google the hiring company's name, and if they have a website, you will be able to see the job advertisement on the website as well. If the company in question has never advertised for a job before, reconsider before applying.
5. Communication channel with the job post
When applying for a job, there are professional communication channel links that are used when passing through any information.
An example is when you come across an anonymous text message in your inbox requesting you to fill out a form. Immediately after you fill out the form, you get a response within seconds. This also raises concerns since when applying for a job, there must be several processes to go through.
You, later on, receive a message directing you to visit a certain room on a specific date carrying along with a laptop or some other valuables that you might think are not necessary when looking for a job.
In such instances, you need to be very careful, especially with the environment where you're going to apply for the job.
What to do when you fall a victim to a fake job
Contact the company and request a refund. Inform the company of your intention to notify the appropriate government or business authorities about your experience.
If you suspect that your identity has been stolen for illegal purposes, contact the police immediately and provide copies of all correspondence, contact information for the bogus organization, and bank or credit card statements.
Close all accounts at the bank where the scam took place. You should think about switching banks in case the criminals try to extract your new account information using your previous particulars and details.
Keep an eye on your credit card reports for any unusual activity.
Victims should report the name of the scam organization, the job advertisement, and all contact information to the job board.
To all job seekers, not everything that glitters is gold; tread carefully when looking for work, and be vigilant; there are many people out there who want to profit from your misery.
Here are job samples in Nairobi you can apply for.
JOB 1: Chief of Section, Finance, P5 at United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON)
About United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON)
Responsibilities
Leading the activities of the Section which include:
- Managing procedures and practices for expenditure control and financial reporting of the regular budget and extra-budgetary funds of UNON and the clients;
- Maintaining proper accounting records and reports, including analysis of financial accounts to ensure that decision-makers receive timely and accurate financial information, coordinating the preparation of financial statements of UNEP and UN-Habitat and donor reports for the clients, and ensuring the observance of reporting deadlines;
- Reviewing and coordinating financial systems and procedures of UNON and the client offices and ensuring uniformity of systems among offices;
- Discharging, as required, approving officer's or certifying officer’s responsibilities for all financial obligations pertaining to UNON and the clients;
- Coordinating and finalizing responses to external and internal auditors’ observations on matters relating to the Section;
- Managing professional and general service staff of the Section, inculcating in them UN values and principles, setting jointly with their objectives and standards, managing the performance appraisal system in the Section, and facilitating a harmonious working environment of open communication, high productivity, and teamwork.
Ensuring consistent application and observance of the UN Financial Regulations and Rules and Instructions by:
- Analyzing the financial reporting requirements and coordinating the preparation of financial statements based on International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS);
- Interpreting the Financial Regulations and Rules in the administration of the UN regular and extra-budgetary funds and reviewing accounting policies and practices, as appropriate;
- Implementing financial decisions of the governing bodies, financial instructions from UNHQ, and audit recommendations; Managing and reviewing delegated financial authority within the Section.
Providing strategic advice and guidance on financial management issues by:
- Analyzing complex financial issues and making appropriate recommendations through the Chief, Budget and Financial Management System (BFMS);
- Maintaining liaison with the Department of Operational Support (DOS) and Department of Management Policy Strategic and Compliance (DMSPC) on financial services, accounting, and payroll matters;
- Coordinating and reviewing medium-term plans, cost estimates, and budget proposals, in terms of staff and non-staff requirements from the other Services and ensuring compliance with the medium-term plan and other legislative mandates;
- Coordinating inputs in the preparation of budget submission and reports for presentation to intergovernmental bodies such as the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budget Questions, and other policy-making organs, as appropriate;
- Coordinating inputs for the reporting to intergovernmental bodies on budget/program performance, as appropriate, particularly those presented in biannual and/or annual reports;
- Maintaining close contacts with counterparts in other UN organizations to discuss issues of common concern, encourage consensus, and negotiate support for UNON and the clients’ position on issues of financial accounting.
Competencies
- PROFESSIONALISM: Demonstrate professional competence in and in-depth knowledge of accounting principles, procedures, and standards. Ability to apply conceptual, analytical, and evaluative skills in accounting operations and provide technical advice to managers. Ability to prepare reports or rationale with respect to key accounting decisions, including formulating new strategies and approaches in financial operations. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines, and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
- COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style, and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
- CLIENT ORIENTATION: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be "clients" and seeks to see things from clients' point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients' environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to the client.
- LEADERSHIP: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow; empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvement; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands.
Education
- An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Accounting, Finance, or related area is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Accountant (CA), or equivalent is desirable.
Work Experience
- A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in accounting, finance, or related area is required.
- Working experience with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and financial statement preparation is required.
- Working experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and financial systems such as Oracle or SAP is required.
- Working experience in a supervisory capacity with proof of performance management is required.
- Working experience in trust fund accounting is desirable.
Languages
- English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English is required. Good working knowledge of French or another UN official language is desirable.
Method of Application
The United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the world's environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the environment.
The Education, Youth, and Advocacy Unit oversee the education outreach and a series of youth projects for UNEP at its headquarters in Nairobi. This includes everything from engaging Universities through the Youth and Education Alliance to engaging with partners in the gaming industry and youth movements.
Reporting: The consultant will report to the Chief of the Youth, Education, and Advocacy Unit. The consultant will be located in UNEP / Ecosystems Division, Youth, Education & Advocacy Unit and the incumbent will report the Chief, Youth, Education, and Advocacy Unit.
Tasks and Responsibilities:
- Under the supervision of the Chief, Youth, Education & Advocacy Unit, the part-time consultant's duties will include:
- Building out the work of UNEP’s Youth & Education Alliance (75% of the time):
- Supporting members: Working with YEA members on a bilateral basis supports the setting of commitments, the follow-up, and offering support along the way.
- YEA summit: Working with the unit and the YEA members organize an impactful and successful internal YEA meeting at the YEA summit in June 2022.
- Expanding: The consultant would work with the unit and the YEA members to expand the Alliance and bring in new networks, as well as work with the new networks to set their priorities and commitments as part of YEA.
- COP27: Work with YEA members to identify an opportunity for higher ed and the Alliance at COP27.
- Ad hoc support for UNEP’s higher ed agenda (25% of the time): The consultant would support the higher ed team in its efforts around other higher education-related projects on an as-need basis (could include developing a higher ed impact report and supporting work around the green jobs agenda, Race tZero, building out case studies for the Sustainable University Framework, etc.)
Qualifications/special skills
- Skills: Higher Education Sector: Experience working in the higher education sector and more specifically experience working in a higher education sustainability network for at least 5 years and with insight as to work with such entities around the tasks described in the job (Essential).
- Project management: Able to deliver highly complex projects of a global nature efficiently and effectively. (Essential)
- Innovation: The ability to think creatively about how tevolve pre-existing programs have maximum impact. (Essential)
- Communications: Able to bring a diverse group of individuals and partners together to act on a common agenda and able to write high-quality texts and proposals as required. (Essential)
- Project design: A strong track record of designing projects that secure buy-in and generate results. (Desirable)
- Writing: Strong writer of stories and proposals that support the work (Desirable)
- Academic Qualifications: Master’s degree in the area of communications, international relations, political science, sustainable development, environmental science, or related field required. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
- Experience: A minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience is required in the field of higher education/ sustainability field.
- Language: English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in oral and written English is required
Closing: 18 June 2022
Method of Application
JOB 3: Research Officer - Livestock Genetics at International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)
About International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)
The position will take the lead in planning, coordination, and implementation of research activities aimed at increasing livestock productivity within low- and middle-income countries. Specific initial projects include on-station trials of dairy cattle performance in Kenya; on-farm participatory research relating to breed improvement and artificial insemination of pigs and beef cattle in East Africa and Vietnam.
Key Responsibilities
- Defining research questions and approaches
- Leading the development of participatory research (survey) tools than are quantitative, and input into those that are qualitative
- Leading the development of data collection tools (usually ODK-based, but also API)
- Leading survey implementation/data collection, including training and supervision of field staff, and insurance of data quality
- Data management and undertaking advanced data analysis using varied statistical approaches, as well as synthesis and reporting
- Development of recommendations from evidence bases/findings
- Lead the writing of project reports, briefs, journals papers, and other outputs
- Lead development of capacity-building material suitable for different audiences and communication means
- Capacity development of internal and external stakeholders
- Supervision of field staff, students, and consultants
- Partnership establishment and maintenance, both internally and externally
- Facilitating project implementation through ensuring research compliance, work-planning, procurement, and management of financial and physical resources
- Development of new ideas, methodological approaches, tools, practices, and procedures, for use within projects
- Making recommendations on new or improved procedures or policies to facilitate research
Requirements
- MSc in a topic related to livestock production, animal breeding, agricultural and/or rural development, agricultural development economics, agricultural value chains, or similar.
- At least 5 years of relevant work experience resulting in the demonstration of the skills listed below
- Good general knowledge of livestock production systems in developing countries, and R4D approaches to strengthen these. Knowledge of pig and beef cattle production systems in developing countries an advantage, particularly knowledge related to breeding and artificial insemination.
- Demonstrated experience in the analysis of data relevant to quantifying livestock production (yield) or productivity, and/or economics related to livestock systems in developing countries.
- Demonstrated experience in leading the design and implementation of participatory surveys, with livestock keepers and other livestock value chain actors, that are quantitative, preference also for qualitative.
- Demonstrated experience in leading the analysis, synthesis, and reporting of data collected from quantitative participatory surveys or other livestock-related experiments, preference also for qualitative.
- Demonstrated strong statistical analysis skills, including the use of R or other similar statistical analysis software.
- Preferred experience in developing (coding) tools for data capture, such as in ODK.
- Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality written material in English, such as project reports, briefs, and journal papers, targeting different audiences.
- Demonstrated ability to make own decisions within the project scope.
- Demonstrated ability to work both independently and within a team.
- Strong problem-solving ability, including the ability to consider multiple variables and potential consequences of different actions.
- Excellent communication skills with internal and external stakeholders, including the ability to communicate specialist knowledge.
- Ability to establish, and maintain, relationships with key stakeholders, both internal and external.
