The MEL Specialist will lead the design and implementation of the program’s Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) system, ensuring rigorous tracking of results, delivery of the learning agenda, and timely donor and internal reporting. This role requires strong technical skills in MEL design and analysis, program coordination, and stakeholder engagement, as well as experience with private-sector-oriented development programs.
Key Responsibilities
MEL System Design & Implementation
- Lead the development, rollout, and continuous refinement of the MEL framework, tools, and processes.
- Define and track progress against key outcome indicators such as: Product quality improvements among MSMEs,Number of buyer agreements and letters of intent.
- MSMEs achieving financial readiness and investment plans.
- Ensure data collection is timely, accurate, and aligned with program and organizational standards.
Learning Agenda & Knowledge Management
- Drive the program’s learning agenda, focusing on: Effectiveness of training-of-trainers (TOT) delivery models,Impact of aggregation models on MSME competitiveness. Influence of buyer incentives on MSME quality improvements.
- Facilitate regular reflection sessions with program teams and partners to translate findings into program adaptation
- Produce knowledge products (case studies, briefs, dashboards) for internal and external dissemination.
Reporting & Compliance
- Coordinate and compile program reports for donors and internal stakeholders, ensuring compliance with requirements and deadlines.
- Maintain accurate, up-to-date data in internal systems, ensuring consistency between field records, databases, and reporting outputs.
- Liaise with program and operations teams to validate reported results and ensure alignment with contractual targets.
Program Coordination & Support
- Work closely with technical leads to integrate MEL findings into program delivery and strategy adjustments.
- Support partner capacity building on data collection, analysis, and utilization.
- Contribute to work planning, activity tracking, and cross-team communication.
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Statistics, Monitoring & Evaluation, International Development, or related field (Master’s degree preferred).
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in MEL roles, preferably in private sector development, agribusiness, or value chain programs.
- Proven skills in MEL system design, data management, and use of quantitative and qualitative research methods.
- Strong track record in donor reporting, preferably with multi-stakeholder or multi-sector programs.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to synthesize complex findings for diverse audiences.
- Proficiency in data analysis software (e.g., Excel, Power BI, STATA, SPSS) and mobile data collection tools.
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The Senior MSME Training Coordinator will play a pivotal role in the delivery of training and advisory services to Tier 1 and Tier 2 MSMEs within TechnoServe’s value chain programs. This position will be responsible for coordinating and facilitating group training sessions and one-on-one advisory support to help MSMEs build their capacity, develop clear and efficient business plans, and improve their overall business operations. The MSME Training Coordinator will work closely with MSMEs to monitor their progress, connect them to funding opportunities, and support the implementation of their business action plans. The MSME Training Coordinator will also facilitate MSMEs’ access to business opportunities and encourage the adoption of best practices that enhance business growth and sustainability.
Key Responsibilities:
Training Coordination and Delivery
- Coordinate and deliver group training sessions and one-on-one advisory sessions for both Tier 1 and Tier 2 MSMEs, focusing on areas such as business management, marketing, financial literacy, and production efficiency.
- Tailor training modules to address the specific needs of MSMEs, ensuring that training is relevant to their business goals and sector requirements.
- Provide continuous support to MSMEs throughout the training process, offering practical tools and advice to help them improve business operations.
Business Plan Development and Support
- Support MSMEs in developing clear, efficient, and actionable business plans that align with their growth objectives and address any operational challenges they face.
- Ensure that business plans are inclusive, with specific attention to the integration of youth and women entrepreneurs.
- Provide ongoing support in the implementation of business plans, including monitoring progress, offering guidance on adjustments, and troubleshooting challenges.
Monitoring and Evaluation
- Track the progress of MSMEs on a monthly basis, evaluating the evolution of their businesses in terms of productivity, profitability, and market access.
- Use diagnostic tools and regular follow-ups to assess training effectiveness and adapt support strategies as needed.
- Ensure the successful adoption of best practices and business strategies that contribute to the sustainable growth of MSMEs.
Linking MSMEs to Funding Opportunities
- Identify appropriate funding opportunities for MSMEs and provide guidance throughout the application and negotiation process.
- Support MSMEs in preparing for and engaging with potential funders, ensuring that they are well-positioned to secure financing.
- Facilitate discussions between MSMEs and financial institutions, helping to bridge the gap between businesses and funding opportunities.
Facilitating Business Opportunities and Market Linkages
- Assist MSMEs in identifying and accessing new business opportunities, both within their local markets and beyond.
- Facilitate market linkages by connecting MSMEs with potential buyers, suppliers, and business partners.
- Support MSMEs in building long-term business relationships that contribute to their growth and market presence.
Ensuring Inclusivity and Gender Equity
- Ensure that all training and support activities are inclusive, specifically addressing the challenges faced by youth and women entrepreneurs.
- Design training programs that are accessible to marginalized groups and encourage their active participation in the MSME development process.
- Monitor the inclusion of women and youth in all MSME-related activities, ensuring they are provided with the tools and opportunities to succeed.
Collaboration and Reporting
- Collaborate closely with the Program Manager and other team members to ensure the seamless delivery of training services and alignment with overall program goals.
- Provide regular progress reports on the training activities, including feedback on the effectiveness of the training, the progress of MSMEs, and any adjustments needed.
- Support the program’s monitoring and evaluation efforts by contributing to data collection, analysis, and reporting on training outcomes.
Required Qualifications and Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration,Agribusiness,Economics,Education or a related field.
- Minimum 2 years of experience in delivering business training, capacity building, or advisory services to MSMEs, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, leather, or essential oils.
- Experience in designing and delivering training programs tailored to the needs of small businesses, with a strong focus on practical, actionable content.
- Demonstrated ability to work with youth and women entrepreneurs, with a proven track record of fostering inclusion and supporting underrepresented groups.
- Strong communication and facilitation skills, with experience in conducting group training sessions and one-on-one advisory support.
- Proficiency in project management, monitoring, and reporting tools.
- Fluency in English; Swahili proficiency is an asset.
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Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Planning and Technical Leadership
- Lead the development of sector-specific strategies for the leather and essential oils value chains, addressing key challenges such as product quality, processing efficiency, and market access.
- C ollaborate with the Program Manager to ensure interventions align with the program’s overall goals, ensuring responsiveness to the expressed needs of MSMEs and industry studies.
- Support the design and implementation of value chain diagnostics, ensuring a focus on improving productivity, market linkages, and financial readiness across both value chains.
Implementation and Coordination
- Coordinate the delivery of technical assistance to anchor firms and MSMEs, including supporting the integration of smallholder farmers, facilitating certification pathways, and improving production processes.
- Facilitate the development and scaling of inclusive sourcing models, such as outgrower and aggregator structures, to strengthen supply chain consistency in both sectors.
- Collaborate with key sector actors to design and execute buyer engagement strategies, B2B matchmaking, and trade forums, ensuring increased market linkages and new business opportunities for MSMEs.
Capacity Building and Stakeholder Engagement
- Lead the development and delivery of targeted training programs for MSMEs on quality control, production efficiency, business management, and financial readiness.
- Support ecosystem MSMEs in adopting improved production techniques, such as advanced tanning in leather or improved extraction methods in essential oils, through hands-on training and field demonstrations.
- Foster partnerships with anchor firms, government departments, financial institutions, and other stakeholders to drive systemic change and promote inclusive growth within the value chains.
Monitoring, Learning, and Reporting
- Collaborate with the M&E team to develop value chain-specific performance indicators, track progress, and assess the effectiveness of interventions.
- Support the Program Manager in preparing progress reports, ensuring the documentation of key milestones, success stories, and lessons learned.
- Assist in refining the intervention strategy based on ongoing field insights, market trends, and the evolving needs of MSMEs.
Compliance and Risk Management
- Ensure that all activities adhere to donor requirements, TechnoServe policies, and ethical standards, maintaining robust records of performance and partnerships.
- Monitor sector-specific risks, such as market fluctuations, climate change impacts, and policy shifts, and propose mitigation strategies in collaboration with the Program Manager.
Required Qualifications and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Business Administration, Rural Development, or a related field.
- Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in value chain development, market systems, or MSME support, with a focus on sectors like leather, essential oils, or agriculture.
- Experience in providing technical assistance and capacity building to MSMEs, including training on production practices, business management, and financial readiness.
- Proven track record in facilitating market linkages, B2B matchmaking, and buyer-supplier relationship building.
- Strong understanding of inclusive business models, with experience in integrating marginalized groups, including women and youth, into value chains.
- Proficiency in project management tools, reporting, and field coordination.
- Fluency in English; Swahili proficiency is an asset.
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