Business Advisor at TechnoServe Kenya

The Business Advisor will be responsible for recruitment, training and engagement with program participants. S/he will achieve this by working closely with the Business Counselors in Nairobi and Kisumu. The Business Advisor will also develop local partnerships and relationships with diverse stakeholders and partners and with organizations working with persons with disability. The Business Advisor will also supervise, coach and support the Business Counselors in implementing their work.

Program Overview: 

Since 2023, TechnoServe has supported women micro-retailers with disabilities within Coca-Cola Beverages Africa’s (CCBA) retail distribution chain as a consortium partner under the Global Labor Program – Inclusive Futures program. TechnoServe has received funding to continue implementation of components of this activity. The program will provide business management skills training, and coaching, and facilitate strategic linkages with CCBA for women with disabilities in Kisumu, Nairobi and neighboring counties. 

REsilience for Women with disAbilities through micro-Retail Development Support (REWARDS) is a targeted initiative designed to build upon TechnoServe's successful work supporting women micro-retailers with disabilities. The program will empower participants through business skills training, financial inclusion, digital adoption, and peer network development to create sustainable enterprises capable of withstanding economic challenges. REWARDS will expand lessons learned integrating retailers into the CCBA value chain into additional revenue earning opportunities in complementary value chains.

REWARDS is designed to create lasting change by addressing the barriers faced by women entrepreneurs with disabilities through an integrated approach that builds skills, expands access to financial services, leverages digital solutions, and fosters supportive communities.

Through the formation and establishment of business groups, the program will foster greater connectivity among these entrepreneurs, enhancing their ability to share knowledge, access markets, and advocate for their needs. Additionally, the initiative will expand its reach to new cohorts of women with disabilities across diverse sectors, including the food industry and agribusiness - broadening economic opportunities and deepening impact through strategic partnerships. 

Roles and Responsibilities

Participant Recruitment and Engagement

• Identify, screen, and recruit eligible program participants in collaboration with local partners and community stakeholders.
• Ensure inclusive outreach efforts targeting persons with disabilities.
• Engage regularly with participants to monitor progress and address challenges.
• Ensure the program provides the necessary support to the program participants.
• Support and capacity build business groups through membership recruitment and  registration.

Training and Capacity Building

• Plan, coordinate, and deliver business training sessions tailored to the needs of PWD entrepreneurs and small business owners.
• Support the development and implementation of individualized business growth plans.
• Facilitate access to tools, resources, and services that promote business growth and sustainability.

Supervision and Support of Business Counselors

• Provide day-to-day oversight, mentorship, and performance management of Business Counselors.
• Conduct regular field visits and joint sessions to support Business Counselors in participant engagement.
• Ensure quality and consistency in service delivery across all program locations.

Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships

• Develop and maintain strong partnerships with local government, DPOs (Disabled Persons Organizations), NGOs, financial institutions, and other community-based organizations.
• Represent the program at local meetings, events, and networks.

Monitoring, Reporting, and Learning

• Support data collection and contribute to program reporting, learning, and continuous improvement.
• Track the progress and outcomes of participants, providing feedback to inform program strategy.
• Ensure effective and efficient documentation of all projects activities and maintaining vital stakeholder’s information and records.
• Ensure timely submission of reports and updates to the Program Manager. 
• Work closely with the MEL team to collect, collate, validate and submit the specified project data and reports within stipulated time lines.

Program Implementation 

• Review the program work plan and  ensure alignment with field activities and overall program goals.
• Regularly review project activities in the field and work with the team to identify and mitigate risks that may affect effective implementation.
• Ensure coordinated execution of tasks and efficient use of resources to meet program timelines.
• Understand, uphold, and promote TechnoServe’s values, mission, and strategy in all program activities. Perform any other duties as delegated by the Program Manager

Required skills and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Entrepreneurship, Marketing or a related field
• Minimum 2 years of experience in business advisory services, enterprise development, or inclusive livelihood programs and working with Micro-enterprises   
• Conversant with recent trends in the retail industry in Kenya
• Experience working with persons with disability desirable
• Experience working with communities living on less than $2 a day and willing to travel frequently in the informal settlements
• Strong and demonstrable report writing skills
• Track record of building strong client and stakeholder relationships with; government ministries, private sector companies, financial institutions, business associations.
• Strong interpersonal, facilitation, oral and written communication a must
• Proficiency in MS Office especially Excel and PowerPoint
• Ability to generate innovative solutions in work situations and work with minimum supervision