Enterprise Finance Advisor at TechnoServe Kenya

TechnoServe Background:

Everyone deserves the opportunity to build a better future. This simple idea has been at the heart of TechnoServe’s work around the world for over 50 years. TechnoServe is a pioneer in leveraging the power of business and markets to create sustainable pathways out of poverty.

The low-income communities in which we work are full of enterprising people. Their small-scale farms and businesses are the keys to economic development. But they face many challenges: low literacy, lack of access to jobs and markets, unpredictable political dynamics and, increasingly, the effects of climate change. For many women and young people, the challenges are even more daunting. Working with TechnoServe staff, people around the world are lifting themselves out of poverty. The results are amazing...when incomes increase and living conditions for families get better, they are able to access health care and education previously out of reach. Communities and even whole countries are better off.

Program Description:

TechnoServe is implementing the 3-year program, which seeks to advance education through skills development aimed at technical, enterprise development, financial literacy, and soft skills that young people need to launch, operate and grow microenterprises in the “Blue Economy''. For the purpose of this project, the Blue Economy is the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and jobs while preserving the health of ocean ecosystems. Blue Biz will focus on the 5 coastal counties of Kwale, Kilifi, Tana River, Mombasa and Lamu counties in Kenya.

The Program is designed to sustainably respond to the key constraints that young women and men face in starting and growing microenterprises in Kenya’s Blue Economy by affecting change at the systems level through engaging and catalyzing local actors. Constraints addressed include skills development, access to financial solutions and appropriate technology, links to markets, and enhanced networks and leadership, with specific plans tailored to the local context, core issues, and solutions identified by youth leadership.

Position Description: The main purpose of this position is to provide support to the Partnerships Manager in engaging closely with subaward partners to strengthen their administrative, financial, and procurement structures, enabling them to absorb and manage project funding effectively and efficiently

 Key Roles and Responsibilities

Assessment and Diagnosis:

• Conduct thorough assessments of subgrantees' systems through walkthroughs and analysis.
• Diagnose gaps in financial, operational, and administrative processes.
• Provide strategic advice based on assessment outcomes.

Financial Auditing and Compliance:

• Review support documentation and processes to ensure alignment with approved donor budget and reporting requirements.
• Ensure compliance with donor-specific financial regulations and reporting guidelines.

Capacity Building Planning and Execution:

• Collaborate with Grants & Contracts Departments to develop and deliver training on donor-related requirements.
• Create a continuous learning plan for subgrantees to enhance their financial and operational capabilities.

Training, Coaching, and Workshops:

• Identify capacity gaps within subgrantees' teams.
• Design and facilitate coaching sessions, workshops, and training tailored to address identified gaps.

Financial System Improvement:

• Evaluate subgrantees' financial systems for efficiency and effectiveness.
• Recommend improvements and assist in implementing changes to enhance financial processes.

High-Touch Support and Mentorship:

• Offer personalized support and mentorship to subgrantees as needed.
• Be available for addressing challenges and providing guidance on financial and operational matters.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Guide subgrantees in adhering to donor policies, including Procurement, Vehicle Usage, and Conflict of Interest.
• Provide field staff with guidance on proper expense reporting procedures.

Audit Assistance and Compliance:

• Support subgrantees during audits and reviews by assisting in gathering required documents.
• Liaise with internal and external auditors to ensure smooth audit processes.

Stakeholder Engagement and Reporting:

• Collaborate with Senior Finance Manager and other stakeholders to ensure alignment with project goals and reporting requirements.
• Prepare regular reports on capacity-building activities and outcomes.

Ad Hoc Responsibilities:

• Undertake any additional duties assigned by the Senior Finance Manager to meet project needs.
• Proactively contribute to organizational improvement initiatives.

Required Skills & Experience 

• University degree (Bcom/Finance) and CPA II or
• CPA finalist and undertaking the degree course
• At least 3 years’ experience working in a busy accounts department
• Familiar with computerized accounting programs
• Have good analytical skills and pays attention to details
• Accurate, thorough, able to meet deadlines
• Must have good knowledge of Excel.
• Maintain high levels of confidentiality in relation to sensitive and confidential financial information and decisions.