Technical expert – Entrepreneurship and Business Development (Ethical and Sustainable Fashion) at Comitato Internazionale per lo Sviluppo dei Popoli (CISP)

Job Purpose

• The Technical expert in micro-enterprise management will provide specialised technical expertise for WINGS beneficiaries, with a primary focus on helping trained artisans and designers establish, manage and develop viable microenterprises and sustainable self-employment opportunities.
• The Expert will provide practical business tutoring, mentoring and technical assistance in commercial proposal development, costing and pricing, financial and operational management, marketing and sales, market linkages, business formalisation and business growth. The Expert will also provide technical input to the implementation and monitoring of the Designer grants and Artisan startup kits as part of the entrepreneurship component of the project, including the business/commercial dimension of collection development.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess business readiness, existing business status and enterprise-development needs of selected program participants.
• Support program participants to developining/refine business proposals,support simple business plans, budgets, cash-flow projections and implementation plans.
• Provide individual and group business coaching/mentorship and monthly tutoring.
• Identify business challenges and provide corrective support or referrals.
• Track enterprise progress and recommend further support.
• Support designers to identify buyers, retailers, brands and other commercial opportunities.
• Contribute to the two fashion shows as opportunities for visibility, networking and connection with potential buyers.
• Facilitate linkages with private-sector businesses, buyers, retailers and other stakeholders, including
• linkages with digital and e-commerce platforms and support beneficiaries to use them for sales and networking.
• Provide practical guidance on the benefits and basic steps of formalising a business.
• Link beneficiaries with relevant government and business support services.
• Follow up on registration/formalisation progress.
• Provide business/self-employment guidance to interns or apprentices considering self-employment.
• Contribute to job-placement and self-employment mentorship as requested by the project team.
• Support identification of enterprise pathways for beneficiaries who may not transition directly into wage employment.
• Maintain tools to monitor enterprise development and support provided.
• Prepare regular technical updates and inputs to project reports.
• Contribute to learning, case studies, and documentation of good practices.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, Commerce, Economics, Business Management, Marketing, Development Studies, sustainable fashion or another relevant field.

Professional Experience

• At least 5 years of relevant experience in microenterprise development, entrepreneurship, SME development, or business development, in particular in the sustainable fashion sector
• Demonstrated experience in business coaching, mentoring or technical assistance to microentrepreneurs or small businesses.
• Experience in business planning, costing, pricing, basic financial management, marketing, sales and market development.
• Experience supporting start-ups or self-employment initiatives.
• Experience in fashion, textiles, creative industries or production-oriented sectors is an advantage.
• Knowledge of the Kenyan microenterprise and small-business environment.

Core Competencies

• Strong interpersonal, communication and facilitation skills.
• Excellent coaching and mentoring skills.
• Analytical and problem-solving ability.
• Strong organisation and follow-up skills.
• Ability to build relationships with private-sector and business stakeholders.
• Strong reporting and documentation skills.
• Commitment to inclusion, equality and ethical conduct.
• Willingness and ability to travel to project locations.

Safeguarding and Professional Conduct

• Comply with CISP safeguarding, protection, confidentiality and professional-conduct requirements.
• Promote an inclusive and non-discriminatory approach, including consideration of persons with disabilities and LGBTQ+.
• Report safeguarding concerns through established CISP mechanisms.
• Maintain confidentiality and responsible handling of beneficiary and business information.