Assistant Project Officer at Micro Enterprises Support Programme Trust (MESPT)

Job Purpose

The successful candidate will be tasked with planning project management activities, analyzing financial information to keep projects on track, and collaborating with different teams to ensure all parties understand where a project is in the development process.

Key Responsibilities

Develop Training Programs:

• Design and develop comprehensive enterprise development training programs tailored to the specific needs and challenges of Agri enterprises.
• Create training modules covering key business development areas such as market research and analysis: Business Planning and Strategy: Financial modelling and forecasting: Sales and Marketing, Innovation and Product Development: Negotiation and Communication Skills: Customer Service Excellence: Digital Marketing and Online Presence:
• Incorporate innovative methodologies and approaches to maximize the learning outcomes of participants.

Facilitate Training Sessions:

• Deliver training sessions to Agri entrepreneurs and business owners, ensuring the effective transfer of knowledge and skills.
• Utilize interactive and participatory training techniques to engage participants actively and foster an inclusive learning environment.
• Monitor and evaluate the training sessions' impact, making necessary adjustments to improve the training program's effectiveness.

Provide Technical Assistance:

• Map agri entrepreneurs along the select value chains.
• Offer personalized coaching and technical assistance to agri enterprises to address specific challenges and opportunities.
• Support start-ups and business owners in developing business plans, marketing strategies, and financial projections to strengthen their business operations.
• Conduct regular follow-ups with participants to track progress and provide ongoing support.

Strengthen Partnerships:

• Collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, financial institutions, and private sector partners, to leverage resources and expertise for enterprise development.
• Establish and maintain strong partnerships to enhance the access of agri enterprises to markets, finance, and value chain opportunities.

Market Linkages:

• Identify potential markets and market opportunities for agri enterprises to improve their market access and sales.
• Assist in linking agribusinesses with potential buyers, processors, and value-added industries to create sustainable market connections.

Monitor and Evaluate Impact:

• Establish a monitoring and evaluation framework to assess the impact of the enterprise development training programs.
• Regularly collect data and conduct impact assessments to measure the success and effectiveness of the training initiatives.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate records of training activities, participant feedback, and outcomes.
• Prepare regular reports on the progress, achievements, and challenges of the enterprise development training programs.

Any other duties as assigned by the Supervisor from time to time.

Key Relationships

• Internal: Programme Managers, Programme Officers, Programme Assistants
• External: Partner organizations & County Government Officials. Stakeholders including farmer groups, co-operatives, donors, and private companies.

Knowledge, Experience and Skills

• At least 3 years of experience in designing and implementing business development training programs, preferably in the agriculture sector.
• Good analytical and critical thinking skills; Problem-solving, judgment, and decision-making skills.
• A proven capability to provide gainful insight and practical and pragmatic solutions to programme challenges with a bias towards action and resolving issues quickly.
• Prior training experience in a relevant field
• Proficient with computer technology and Microsoft Office applications
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Excellent negotiation and problem-solving skills
• Professional and pleasant demeanor to meet with programme stakeholders.

Qualifications/Other Requirements:

• Diploma in agriculture, Agribusiness, Business Administration, or a related field. A Bachelor’s degree is a plus.
• Strong understanding of agribusiness operations, value chains, and market dynamics.
• Excellent facilitation and presentation skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated experience in providing technical assistance and coaching to entrepreneurs and small businesses.
• Knowledge of financial management, market analysis, and business planning for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
• Familiarity with monitoring and evaluation methodologies and tools for assessing training program impact.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective partnerships.

Behaviour

• Holds self-accountable to deliver on their responsibilities.
• Sets ambitious and challenging goals for themselves.
• Future orientated, thinks strategically.
• Develops new and innovative solutions.
• Willing to take disciplined risks.
• Has integrity.
• Builds and maintains effective relationships, with their team, colleagues, external partners, and stakeholders.