Business Mentor _ Mt Elgon region at Village Enterprise

Job Description:

Micro Enterprise Development:

• Develop micro-enterprises according to the Village funding cycle, start micro-enterprises in your region.
• Fill out proper Village forms for each micro enterprise as specified in the Business Mentor manual.
• Mobilize qualified groups to participate in Village Enterprise program
• Responsible for quality Village Enterprise Program implementation in entire sub-county

Training and disbursement:

• Properly train all new Village Enterprise business owners according to training process detailed in the Business Mentor Manual
• After pre-funding training sessions are complete, work with Village Enterprise staff to carry out grant disbursement for all business groups
• Conduct supplemental training sessions and evaluate micro-enterprise performance after grant disbursements

Mentoring:

• Provide mentoring on choosing and running a business using methods outlined in Mentoring Manual. Mentoring will require at least one visit to each business per month
• Provide advice and support in designing business-mentoring methodologies that are the most appropriate for the type pf enterprises supported.
• Prepare a monthly report detailing progress of business groups including successes and challenges, general observations and changes to business groups (industry, composition)
• Help Business owners in producing credible business and marketing plan including how to balance positive cash flow and maintain accounts.
• Connect enterprises up and down the value chain by identifying relevant stakeholders, suppliers etc. and creating sustainable commercial relationships between the parties.

Business Savings Groups (BSGs):

• Organize Business Savings Groups for each set of 10 businesses funded during a cycle
• Train business groups on BSG formation for self-directed savings and loans
• Attend Monthly Savings Group Meetings for the first nine months providing assistance as needed.
• Provide information and material, which may be of use to the business owners for marketing, value addition, business development, motivation and value chain maintenance.

Regional Exposure and Analysis:

• Assist Field Associate, Assistant Country Director, and Regional Manager to introduce Village’s program to local government agencies
• Work with Regional Manager or Assistant Country Director to help identify most viable businesses in your region
• Consult with other Business Mentors to determine best practices and share information
• Attend Business Mentor Training and participate in regional Business Mentor meetings, usually bi-weekly
• Organize business visits as requested by Country Office.
• Teach and show business owners how to conduct engaging presentations to visitors.
• Organize and facilitate peer to peer and lesson learning exchange events between the different enterprises supported in the program.

Reporting:

• Submit a Monthly report according to the Village Enterprise form in the BM training manual
• Submit Business Profiles once a quarter

Safeguarding

• Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility at VE, and it begins with me
• Continuously sensitize program participants on safeguarding.
• Ensure compliance with VE’s safeguarding policies
• Report any incident of safeguarding in program operations for appropriate action/follow up.
• This position will work closely with communities, particularly HHs that have children under the age of 5. To protect our project participants is key. A Covid-19 vaccination certificate is an added advantage.

Core Competencies:

• Dedicated and hardworking
• Highly self-motivated
• Easy to interact and engage with various community groups
• Confident and proactive in pursuing organization goals
• Physical Environment and Demands  
• Field based in a rural setup
• Full time field work
• Public transport including motorbike (bodaboda) will be the mode of transport
• Frequent interaction with communities and their local leaders

Requirements

Qualifications:

• A minimum certificate in community development, business management, education and or other related to rural development
• Experience with teaching, training, mentoring and/or community service
• Served in a comparable and relevant position for a minimum period of one (1) year
• Shown merit and ability in work performance and results
• Fluent in local Language, Kiswahili and English
• A valid Motorbike Driving License is an added advantage