SME Business Advisor at GrowthAfrica

Your responsibilities will include:

• Attracting high-potential and growth-oriented early stage ventures for our programmes
• Screening and selection of business applicants, putting together an exciting cohort, including collection of relevant information and data
• Co-facilitate business development workshops ensuring the successful adoption and use of the GrowthAfrica methodology and tools
• Individualized follow-up with the businesses: During implementation of plans made during the workshops, further assist in the proper adoption and use of the GrowthAfrica methodology and tools.
• Ensure that the businesses arrive well-prepared for the business development workshops
• Look for and approach appropriate mentors for "your businesses"
• Liaise with the Director of Programmes and Lead Facilitator on the progress of the businesses, including writing periodic progress reports
• Liaise with the Financial Modeller in regard to the development of financial models and assist in the collection of information and data relevant to the pre-diligence work done by the Finance Modellers
• Reporting and documentation for funders, mentors, investors and other stakeholders
• Assist in the development of investor presentations for the businesses
• Planning and execution of workshop and event logistics

Who we are looking for:

• You have 5-8 years’ experience in developing businesses, e.g. as senior consultant or business analyst, senior investment analyst, senior investment associate, financial modeller 
• You can diagnose business needs and understand how to read and interpret business’ financials and generally understand numbers
• You have strong analytical skills and the ability to conceptualise and concretise ideas and hypotheses
• You are a people person – you love interacting with new people and guiding them on a journey
• You are informed and knowledgeable on general topics and have diverse interests
• You are a natural relationships builder who doesn’t shy away from initiating conversations
• You are curious and naturally driven to learn new things
• Natural problem-solver: You have proven results with minimal supervision
• You are not shy to approach big executives as mentors for our business clients nor to critique entrepreneurs even when they disagree
• You are inspired by entrepreneurship and may have start-up ambitions (or have run a start up before!)
• You have your finger on the pulse of the country
• You keep yourself up to date and tuned into business, socio-economics and politics in the region
• You have at least an undergraduate degree, preferably in business-related studies
• You might have an additional graduate-level courses, or pursuing a graduate degree, e.g. MBA
• Past experience across several sectors is an added advantage