Enterprise Finance Advisor at TechnoServe Kenya

Position Description:

• The Enterprise Finance Advisor will be responsible for five main tasks:
• Work with the Subawards and Enterprise Fund Manager in the selection, review and award process for potential local organisations (sub-awards) for funding including developing and improving the grants manual, selection criteria, reviewing business proposals and preparing grants budgets.
• Monitoring performance of local organisations including reporting and compliance.
• Provide capacity building, training, mentorship and coaching to support local organisations including community-based organisations, self-help groups, associations specifically in compliance and financial management.
• Managing the relationships between TechnoServe and local partner organisations, and in culturing relationships with other key stakeholders in Kenya’s Coastal Blue Economy.
• Develop criteria, processes and manage program’s Enterprise Fund. The Enterprise Fund is designed to provide financial support to young men and women in the blue economy sector in the Coastal region.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

• Subaward Management
• Conduct thorough assessments of subgrantees' systems through walkthroughs and analysis identifying gaps in financial, operational, and administrative processes.
• Provide strategic advice based on assessment outcomes.
• Review support documentation and processes to ensure alignment with approved donor budget , reporting requirements and donor-specific regulations and reporting guidelines.
• Collaborate with Grants & Contracts Departments to develop and deliver training on donor-related requirements and develop continuous learning plans for subgrantees.
• Conduct regular partner assessments to identify capacity gaps and system gaps within subgrantees' teams and provide capacity building through designing and facilitating coaching sessions, workshops, and training tailored to address identified gaps.
• Recommend improvements and assist in implementing changes to enhance partner financial processes.
• Guide subgrantees in adhering to donor policies, including Procurement, Vehicle Usage, and Conflict of Interest.
• Support subgrantees during audits and reviews by assisting in gathering required documents.
• Liaise with internal and external auditors to ensure smooth audit processes.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment with project goals and reporting requirements.
• Prepare regular reports on capacity-building activities and outcomes.
• Enterprise Fund Management
• Provide oversight throughout the Enterprise Fund from inception to conclusion.
• Assist in the development and refinement of the Enterprise Fund guidelines, criteria and Assessment toolkits, pitch decks, scoring templates and related material.
• Support entrepreneurs and enterprises in proposal development providing appropriate contracts for proposal narratives and budgeting.
• Assess the suitability of grant proposals (fit-for-purpose) to ensure alignment with TechnoServe objectives and funding criteria.
• Participate in the selection and screening of entrepreneurs, utilizing established and or improved scoring matrices to ensure objective evaluation and make recommendations for funding to the funding committee.
• Conduct due diligence activities including physical visits to existing or potential grantees, to verify information and assess feasibility.
• Maintain proactive communication with applicants offering guidance and support throughout the application process to enhance understanding and compliance.
• Oversee the pitching process and provide post-pitching support to entrepreneurs, collaborating with enterprise development advisors to address identified gaps and challenges.
• Support in the award and contracting process for selected entrepreneurs, ensuring transparency and fairness in the selection process.
• Monitor and track the progress of funded entrepreneurs following up to ensure milestones are met.
• Collect and analyze data to evaluate the success of the grant program, preparing comprehensive reports on grant performance for internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage documentation, records, and correspondence related to the enterprise fund maintaining accurate and up-to-date records for audit and reporting purposes.
• Ad Hoc Responsibilities:
• Undertake any additional duties assigned to meet project needs.
• Proactively contribute to organizational improvement initiatives.

Required Skills & Experience

• Master’s degree with 2 years experience or Bachelor’s degree in (Bcom/Finance) with 4 years experience in similar position and at least a finance management certification.
• Demonstrated abilities to provide business advisory services are desired.
• Experience in grant evaluation, oversight, and management preferably in a development or nonprofit setting.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess proposals and data objectively.
• Ability to examine business financial records and provide detailed recommendations for improvement or funding potential
• Demonstrated familiarity with not-for-profit reporting in addition to reporting for commercial enterprises is a must.
• Familiar with computerised accounting programs
• Detail-oriented approach with strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Above-average proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Maintain high levels of confidentiality about sensitive and confidential financial information and decisions.
• Ability to travel for site visits and meetings as required.