Job Opportunities at Ongoza

• Develop and execute on a robust outreach strategy to source the right entrepreneurs from Nairobi, Nakuru, Bungoma, Migori, and other regions in Kenya as we continue to grow.
• Develop and host Ongoza sourcing events and consulting open-days to spread awareness of Ongoza’s services, as well as attract and engage new entrepreneurs.
• Continuously build and manage Ongoza’s pipeline of potential applicants – recruit and sign approximately 50 new entrepreneurs a year.
• Foster pipeline partnerships with government authorities, private sector development and financial institutions, civil society organizations, and others in the SME development space.
• Draft company profiles to analyze financials and growth potential of prospective applicants.
• Execute contracts, track relevant data, and on-board selected entrepreneurs with other staff.

• Keep up-to-date with Ongoza’s service offering and contribute to its evolution in response to needs identified through repeat interactions with potential applicants.
• Work with the Ongoza marketing team to improve Ongoza’s brand and develop relevant and impactful marketing materials and social media messaging.
• Represent Ongoza in public forums, including panels, conferences and other networking opportunities.
• Enhance Ongoza’s reputation through regular and proactive outreach across Kenya.
• Support Ongoza’s business advisors on sales and marketing for Ongoza’s entrepreneurs

• Relevant Bachelors Degree or higher in business administration, sales, commerce or marketing.
• 3-5 years of work experience with a proven track record of sales, marketing, business development, partnership development, network management or customer acquisition.
• Worked in a start-up or small business environment, and/or have direct experience supporting start-ups – willing to wear many hats and help out wherever needed.
• Have passion for and excellent understanding of the Kenyan entrepreneurship ecosystem.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Docs, and CRM Software.

1. You love people and building relationships. You are personable, outgoing and draw energy from networking and getting to know new people. Customer service and helping others solve challenges are important to you.
2. You have strong business knowledge and judgment. You are able to make quick judgments about the viability of a business (and the potential success of an entrepreneur) with limited information, and you know how to look for information you don’t have. You have a clear understanding of the challenges that SME’s face to their growth.
3. You thrive in an entrepreneurial environment. You are an independent self-starter who flourishes in a changing environment and can manage yourself. You will be called upon to build structures for your team as Ongoza continues to grow.
4. You make things happen. You have a proven track record of meeting targets on time and within budget. You are creative, solutions-oriented, and willing to put in the time it takes to do a great job. You follow through.
5. You sweat the small stuff. No task is too small for you, no detail too insignificant. You care about everything down to the set-up of a room and the color of an event invitation.
6. You are able to travel. This position will require up to 50% travel outside of Nairobi to Ongoza’s other areas of operation to host events and build pipeline there.
7. Most of all, you believe in our vision and mission – the power of youth-led social businesses to transform Kenya.

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• Work closely with clients to articulate a business plan that demonstrates impact, growth, and long-term financial sustainability.
• Provide practical, strategic advisory and assistance to help clients harness opportunities, structure their business more effectively, and drive growth.
• Advise and assist clients in product development, sales and marketing strategy, and customer acquisition. Connect clients to market opportunities.
• Advise clients on investment needs and connect them to financial services, including via our exclusive partnership with Key Partners, Ltd.
• Facilitate trainings, workshops, and other events for Ongoza clients and the wider community as needed.
• Liaise with the rest of the network of Business Development Advisors on a regular basis to learn and share best practices.

• Provide and implement recommendations that can improve the effectiveness of you and your colleagues on the business advisory team

• Maintain client files and collect data as needed for Ongoza’s learning team
• Maintain appropriate expense reporting, comply with administrative policies and procedures, and conduct logistical arrangements as needed 

1. 5+ years of experience in SME development, financial services, consulting, business operations or marketing, with relevant university or graduate degree. Work with entrepreneurs and small businesses highly preferred.
2. Demonstrated excellent understanding of strategies for how to help businesses grow, with expertise in one or more of the following areas: business finance, business planning and strategy, sales and marketing, product development, or human resource management.
3. Ability to produce financial reports/projections for clients highly preferred.
4. Deep understanding of go-to-market and growth strategies for businesses in the area of consumer goods, professional services, retail, and manufacturing.
5. Worked in a start-up or small business environment, and/or have direct experience supporting start-ups – willing to wear many hats and help out wherever needed.
6. Have passion for and excellent understanding of the Kenyan entrepreneurship ecosystem.
7. Previous coaching, teaching, training, or facilitation experience preferred.

• You have excellent business knowledge and judgment. You are able to quickly analyze the gaps and opportunities within a business and sketch the best way forward. You know what you don’t know, and how to look for that information.
• You thrive in an entrepreneurial environment. You are an independent self-starter who flourishes in a changing environment and can manage yourself. You have excellent collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• You are a systems builder and/or optimizer. You are process-oriented and always, looking for ways to improve systems to not solve the same problem twice. You will be called upon to build structures for your team as Ongoza continues to grow.
• You make things happen. You have a proven track record of meeting targets on time and within budget. You are creative, solutions-oriented, and willing to put in the time it takes to do a great job. You follow through.
• Most of all, you believe in our vision and mission – the power of youth-led social businesses to transform Kenya