Job Title: Business Counsellor (2)
Program: IIGS
Reports to: Program Manager
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Grade: 3
About TechnoServe
At TechnoServe, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to build a better life. For over 50 years, we have given smallholder farmers and entrepreneurs the skills, connections, and confidence to lift themselves out of poverty. We leverage the power of markets and the private sector to create sustainable economic growth to benefit people and the planet. Our unique mix of business solutions, deep knowledge of local contexts, and data-driven insights is helping to fight poverty across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
TechnoServe staff are local–95% are from the countries in which they work. We put a high premium on collaboration and entrepreneurship. We hold ourselves and each other to the highest standards of integrity and transparency. And we focus on delivering lasting impact for our mission.
Program Description:
The Implementing Inclusive Growth Strategies for Gender-Diverse SME Food Processors (IIGS) program is a three-year initiative aimed at reducing poverty and increasing resilience in Sub-Saharan Africa by:
- Catalyzing inclusive growth for gender-diverse SME food processors.
- Enhancing access to resources and profitability for women-led businesses, driving women’s economic empowerment.
The program provides technical assistance and co-investment funding to 20+ SME food processors in Tanzania and Kenya, supporting them in:
- Strengthening smallholder farmer sourcing models through tailored Inclusive Business Plans.
- Expanding access to Base-of-the-Pyramid (BoP) markets through Inclusive Marketing Plans that benefit both businesses and consumers.
- Facilitating linkages between food processors, buyers, service providers, and key stakeholders through networking and Market linkage events.
As the program enters the final year, focus is on ongoing client engagement, grant management, and ensuring adherence to program procedures promptly.
Job Summary
The Business Counsellor will support the day-to-day implementation of the IIGS program in Kenya and Tanzania, ensuring program deliverables are met efficiently. This role involves client engagement, event coordination, grant management, administrative support, and communication.
Key Responsibilities:
- Client Engagement & Business Support ○ Assist in maintaining regular communication with SMEs, ensuring they receive the necessary support to meet program milestones. ○ Support in tracking business progress, following up on key deliverables, and identifying areas where additional guidance is needed. ○ Work alongside the technical team to provide basic business advisory support, including facilitating connections with financial institutions, suppliers, and ecosystem partners.
- Grant Management & Compliance
○ Help track SME grant utilization to ensure alignment with program guidelines and reporting requirements.
○ Assist SMEs in compiling necessary documentation and reports related to grant activities.
○ Maintain organized records to support grant tracking and reporting efforts under supervision.
○ Assist in identifying and addressing compliance gaps among SMEs.
- Market Linkages & Stakeholder Engagement
○ Assist in organizing workshops, networking events, and training sessions for SMEs.
○ Support logistical aspects, including sending invitations, managing registrations, and following up with participants.
○ Collect and organize event data to support reporting and stakeholder engagement efforts.
- Program Administration & Knowledge Management
○ Manage program calendars and schedules, ensuring efficient coordination of meetings, training sessions, and key activities.
○ Support procurement and expense reporting processes, ensuring adherence to financial and operational policies.
○ Assist in knowledge product development, including capturing key learnings, and success stories, and refining materials for diverse audiences.
○ Maintain an organized and secure documentation system for program-related data, reports, and shared resources.
- Monitoring, Reporting & Alumni Engagement
○ Assist in monitoring and evaluation activities, including surveys, data collection, and performance analysis.
○ Support the preparation of insightful reports on program progress, impact, and areas for improvement.
○ Assist in stakeholder mapping, database management, and the development of an alumni network to foster peer learning, mentorship, and collaborative initiatives for long-term business growth.
Basic Qualifications:
- Undergraduate degree in one of the disciplines relevant to the following areas: Commerce, Economics, Business Management, Communications, Entrepreneurship, Development Studies, or related course.
- 3-6 months of relevant experience. Willingness to work in a dynamic work environment to undertake program and administrative duties as assigned.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software applications such as Google Meet and zoom.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Detail-oriented with a high level of accuracy in work.
- Interest in enterprise development, business management, or related fields is preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural skills
- Time management and multi-tasking skills
- Organization skills
- Networking and community management
Supervisory Responsibilities: None
